Model advice needed for snow

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,366]

Don't get enough snow here to have any experience with using a WH to remove it, but I would think a hydro would be your best option for the reasons mentioned above, much of the same reasons I liked (and now miss) my hydro in my 1277 for mowing. I love my 8-speed for the heavy jobs, but the hydro made mowing so much faster and nicer, and I can imagine snow removal would be the same. That being said, I would find an older C series with a Kohler, parts are still easily obtained, and they are simple to repair and maintain. The Onan engines are one that you either love them or hate them, they are great engines but much more finicky to get them running right than a Kohler, and parts are much more expensive. I've got an old 79 model Miller welder with an Onan on it that still runs like a champ, but the Onan on my generator in my RV I spend more time working on than I do using it. A lot of guys here will say 8 or 10 HP is more than enough to plow snow, maybe so but personally I prefer at least a 12. I've always been the type to buy bigger than what I need, cause you never know when that extra power will come in handy. Good luck in your search and 

[Sarge 3,464]

For a beginner in the WH brand - I'd recommend the C series over the others. A lot simpler to work on/learn, tough as nails rear axle/hydro and very easy to put attachments on/off the machine. Simple, high-torque single cylinder Kohler. Once you own and use any Kohler single above 12hp - you'll be hooked on that unbeatable torque curve. Even with a single stage blower that 14hp Kohler would be hard to knock off of it's governed rpm setting - the 16hp K341 is a favorite around here for that same reason. The only thing in my opinion that is better with something like the 520 is that model's 1" front axle spindle size. Be aware of the 520 and their wiring issues - well documented here and with some reading/help they are easy enough to fix. The Onan can develop some valve seat problems that are not only expensive to repair, but a tedious job to boot. The cast iron Kohler single cylinder engine is highly sought for a reason - dead simple and insanely reliable as well as easily rebuilt. 

 

As others have mentioned - some of the late '60s up through early '70s models had a 10-pinion limited slip rear differential. Those models are very simple and about as tough as they get - the traction level from them is just a bonus. Don't limit yourself to just the models that are available right now - you can hunt around a little and you'll find WH tractors hidden away all over the place. Sort of like some of the little known automotive examples - once you own one, you'll notice others you never saw before. The older model tractors also look a lot more like farm tractors and have the least amount of wiring and safety switches that can fail - which also leads to less downtime or problems for a beginner.

 

I'd also recommend a hydro before anything else, mostly for the ease of the forward/reverse changes but also for lifting heavy implements. The infinite ground speed gives you a lot more finesse in using implements and general maneuvers, too. Most implements, like the blades, for example, can have lift links that have a slot for a certain amount of float while retaining the ability to have down pressure. If you ever ran across a deal on a snow blower - you'll appreciate that hydraulic lift in a hurry. Except for the smallest of mowing decks - none of the WH implements are exactly lightweight, they are all quite heavy for what they are.

 

Sarge

[DG1776 20]

I really appreciate all of the info from everyone that posted.  I'm slowing down a little and want to make sure that I get what is right for me.  I really appreciate the info Sarge.  I think that I will go with a hydro.  My old wheel horse did not have that and I learned very quickly how nice it would have been.  For just plowing it wasn't an issue but I was running a snow blower too.  So with that said the hydro will happen this time around.