First tractor for small 2 acre property

[FANY 8]

Hi,

I have been going through this forum with great information to be had. I was hoping I could get some first hand information on choosing a Wheel Horse.

 

I just moved to a small 2 acre wooded property with a three horse barn. I realize that I need some muscle power to keep it going. Basically I foresee the following (knowing that there is much I can't envisage):

 

1. Mowing about an acre.

2. Big asphalt driveway that will need snow clearing.

3. A bucket to move hay and probably load manure to a small container.

4. Clearing and transporting fallen trees and branches.

5. clearing a semi-hilly path to the back of the property.

6. The leaf vacuum attachment seems cool. I don't know if a blower is more efficient.

 

I have rebuilt vehicles from 1923 till 1989 (computers I stay away from) and I should be comfortable with most repairs.

I have seen that PTOs and 3 point hitches are desirable. It's alway good to have the potential for use but I don't know if I'll ever need them.

Most people seem to prefer (correct me if I am wrong) in ascending order based on power, C160, C175, 520 H, D160 (at least these are the ones I am focusing on).

Most C160s I see for sale have had plenty of use. I love to restore but I think I need something ready to go with occasional maintenance and repairs.

There is a D160 for sale in great condition but most seem to agree that parts are difficult to source. This one has most attachments I would want though. 

I see plenty of the 520s. Prices really jump around.

Concerned with maneuverability going around narrow paths. 

 

Am I missing something? It seems that most people who have had the models above will say the same thing for all of them "love it, the best I've had, does everything I want".

Thanks in advance for taking the time.

 

 

[IthacaJeff 151]

Welcome, FANY. I see you are way out on Long Island, You will get many suggestions, but here is the first.

1. You will likely get more than one machine eventually. Not necessarily multiple WHs, but a zero turn mower, snowblower, etc.Yes, one WH can take care of it all.

2. 1 ac mowing requires at least a 48" deck. I would plan on at least 14hp. C-series of 14, 16, 17 hp are available, but you should probably stick to something a bit newer because these machines do wear out. Spindles get sloppy, Steering loosens, etc.You did not mention 300 or 400 series, which may be your best bet. I suggest a 414, 416, 418, 518, 520. Hydro or 8 speed, your call. All will do the work. The biggest difference is that over the years the engines went from Kohler K-series to Kohler Magnums to Onans (416, all 500-series). Some of the very newest 300 series came with Kohler Commands. The safest bet IMHO (read on for other opinions) are the Magnums and Commands, but if you want the 520 you will get an Onan. Not a big deal. If it were me I would get a 414 or 418 or 418 (rare in my area) magnum. The 400 series have heavier duty rear axles than the 300 series, but there are some 300 series models I believe that have heavier spindles (some 314s or 315s with Kohler Commands). Others will correct me, I am sure.

3. Get a plow blade for snow and dirt dozing. You may want a snow blower for it, both of which are readily found on CL or here on RS.

4. Opinions will differ a lot here, but nix the 3 pt hitch and bucket idea for the WH. Only a few WH models came with 3 Pt Hitches, and they are expensive and vary in usefulness. A clevis hitch (Brinley style) is common and useful. The bucket is not the best idea, even a "Johnny Bucket" because of the need to switch implements back and forth. Not as easy as one would hope.

5. Not sure what the trail clearing involves.Perhaps rent a brush cutter or walk behind brush hog? The WH can then maintain it by mowing.

6. To conclude. . . A 416 with Kohler Magnum (late 1980s to early 1990s), dozer blade or snowblower or both, heavy duty garden trailer. Use the dozer blade to push around leaves and manure, but they won't pick them up.

 

Did not talk about the newest Toro/WH models, like the LXs, but this will do everything you need, save the snow removal:

 

 

And yes, my WHs have done everything I need, most of what I want. Never failed to be impressed, and I beat the living daylights out of mine. (But just went last year to a Zero turn as I upped my mowing acreage.)

Edited August 13, 2021 by nylyon
CL links removed

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

Don't get me wrong.I love my Wheel Horse tractors,but if you're looking for something with a front end loader,3 point hitch  and rear PTO,I'd look around for a  4 wheel drive compact farm tractor.probably with  a diesel engine.While powerful and dependable plus fairly easy to work on,These Horses DO have their limitations.I don't want to offend anyone here.Just my 2 cents worth.Like I said......I still love my Wheel Horse tractors and use the heck out of them.

 

[Skipper 1,788]

Hi there

 

My  is that you need some hp for both a snowthrower and a 48" deck, for it to work efficiently, if that's what you plan using. Yes you can get by with smaller hp machines, but why? You can often find yourself in a situation where you go, damn, I wish I had more power, but I have newer heard someone say, Oh no, I got too much power. Just saying  and often the price difference between models aren't big, so why not aim high.

 

Also, if you want a loader on it, I would go for something with 1" front spindles.

 

The D's are bigger and stronger machines, but suffer a bit from a wider turning radius, and the looks can be an acquired taste.

Edited August 13, 2021 by Skipper

[WHX?? 48,828]

 Fany ! 

 

BTW @IthacaJeff with good reason....

 

No Links to Craig's List or Ebay Ads - Finding your way around in RedSquare - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

Edited August 13, 2021 by WHX??

[kpinnc 12,088]

I'm gonna agree with Pete. We love these machines, and they are rugged. Bucket loaders and three points can be had, but are rare and expensive. Wheel Horses can do most anything, but need attachments to do it. Since the most common implements were mower decks and dozer blades- that is what you find still to this day.

 

If you need a daily use loader and three point (and it sounds like a bush hog), you're far better off with a subcompact diesel 4x4.

[pfrederi 17,741]

Manure can be very heavy depending ob you r bedding.  Maneuvering in and out of stalls is work.  I have D200 with FEL and it works well but it is bear to steer with a full bucket.  in tight spaces on a regular basis it would be to much work.  My 3 big tractors with out power steering steer easier than the D200 with a load.  D had a pretty big turning radius.  If the area around you stalls is frequently muddy you would really want the 4wd of a subcompact.

[clueless 3,004]

3 hours ago, Pollack Pete said:

Don't get me wrong.I love my Wheel Horse tractors,but if you're looking for something with a front end loader,3 point hitch  and rear PTO,I'd look around for a  4 wheel drive compact farm tractor.probably with  a diesel engine.While powerful and dependable plus fairly easy to work on,These Horses DO have their limitations.I don't want to offend anyone here.Just my 2 cents worth.Like I said......I still love my Wheel Horse tractors and use the heck out of them.

 

[WheelHorse520H 708]

I did not really see what everyone else has said but I’d like to offer my 2 cents worth. I agree with @IthacaJeff though, the 300, 400 &500 series do very well. I have a 520-H and for what you need I have seen quite a few with front end loaders. They are powerful enough to get anything you will need done but they aren’t as big as (not sure which one) but one of the D series with the 4 cylinder. IMHO the 520 is a great machine and the Onans give plenty of power, the hydraulic lift is also a nice feature. If you find a repowered 520 that’s good too, parts will be a little cheaper but the majority of the machine is still there. Again just my 

[tom2p 2,394]

Wheel Horse with a Kohler single performs well and is as durable as an anvil 

312-8 ... 314-8 ... 314-H ...  (or similar) with a 42" mower deck would be sufficient for the yard - and possibly the driveway in the winter also (?)

 

a small subcompact tractor could / would be ideal for many other items on your list 

 

Edited August 13, 2021 by tom2p

[pacer 3,173]

I agree with several other posts in that in your case a 4wd SCUT with front loader is probably a better choice.

 

I dearly love my horses - I have 3 of the Big D's, and one has the PTO and 3 pt. I've never used the PTO, attachments for it are scarce as hens teeth. The 3 point is handy, but here again attachments are a bit scarce.

 

I have 5 acres and - try too! - keep up 2-2 1/2 of them. I had REALLY wanted a FEL 4wd diesel smaller tractor for some time, so I start prowling CL and after a few months I found a Mitsubishi that met my wants, ugly as hell, but ran and operated very nicely for $4200. I LOVE that thing!! The FEL is one the best things!! I'm constantly finding something to use it.

 

You mentioned there was a D160 near you, If it has the Kohler 16hp and 3 point with a 48" deck, then that is a nice one and while parts are getting scarce (but ALL the horse parts are getting scarce!) are out there, that Kohler 16hp has good parts coverage. The hyd drive is/can be a weak point.

[FANY 8]

Well thanks everyone for such quick replies. For some reason the website did not notifie me so I had to come in to check.

 

You are right about the 400s. I see a few of those around and I should have added them to the list.

I did considered a newer machine but it would seem that a vintage tractor adds more pride to the job. Kill two hobbies with one stone. Not that it will make things easier or anything.

 

The D160 has an Onan. It comes with a snow blower, plow, leaf vacuum, 3 Point Rear, side discharge mower deck. Is here in the forums for sale.

 

 These is also a Toro 520H with a loader that has down pressure. Estimated at 500-600 lbs. A horse average manure is about 30 lbs a day. Only a few buckets a week. It can also be helpful carrying logs back and forth. It just seems tiny for such big bucket.

Not every barn has a tractor. Wheelbarrows is very much the norm and that may also be a compromise.

there are some 414-8 and 416-8 available with attachments as well. 
There are things around. Just have to be careful with their condition.

i mentioned the 3 point and PTO because many posts list them as valuable. Because it is my first tractor I don’t know first experience if I’ll ever need them.

 

i guess I can either spend the money on a 4x4 as recommended or zero in on the usefulness of the WH. Snow removal, grass and pushing dirt. A trailer would be nice.

some questions:

Do D160s become even more difficult with a trailer behind?
Would most Dozer Blades fit the D160?

what would be the biggest advantage of the PTO in your opinion?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pacer 3,173]

3 hours ago, FANY said:

Do D160s become even more difficult with a trailer behind?
Would most Dozer Blades fit the D160?

what would be the biggest advantage of the PTO in your opinion?

 

Pulling with a D is one of the areas that it really shines (actually most of the WH's do) Cutting trees and towing/pulling the limbs/logs will amaze you what they can do. The Onan engine is a fantastic engine -- when they are in good condition - if parts are needed, while pretty available, they can be very expensive and can be finiky to tune sometimes (ask me how I know!) I have a 16hp and I really enjoy it, they have a sound when up on the throttle that is music!

 

Living in the South, I'm not familiar with the front blades, but, yes on the rear (I have a rear blade for my D's)... but this brings up something that hasnt been mentioned and you may not be aware of re the 3pt. 3 pts come in 'categories' (cat-0, cat-1, cat-2, etc) The WH's have the cat 0 - the smallest - and that can be/is a factor in getting attachments - they are not as plentiful as say the cat 1

 

PTO, here again availability is the issue. A tiller is probably the most -- coveted? - of attachments and are scarce/expensive, but there is quite a selection of ... farming/gardening pieces? - plows etc. There are a good handful of attachments for the 'Garden tractor' (Cubs/JD/MF, etc) but crossover is a problem -- the drive shafts are different for instance. 

 

So, that brings us back to the next step up in tractors, they have a cat 1 pto (or 2) of which MANY attachments are readily available and therefore can be relatively inexpensive.

Edited August 14, 2021 by pacer

[WheelHorse520H 708]

21 minutes ago, pacer said:

 

Pulling with a D is one of the areas that it really shines (actually most of the WH's do) Cutting trees and towing/pulling the limbs/logs will amaze you what they can do. The Onan engine is a fantastic engine -- when they are in good condition - if parts are needed, while pretty available, they can be very expensive and can be finiky to tune sometimes (ask me how I know!) I have a 16hp and I really enjoy it, they have a sound when up on the throttle that is music!

I believe @pacer made some very good points about these tractors. All the WHs do really well pulling and towing, my 520 came with a trailer, I have it but it has a flat tire so it is out of service for now. And my 607 has a beefy trailer hitch that I am really liking. The Onans are not difficult to get parts for but they do get pricey, there are 2 websites I get them from but they are available. As with anything, if you keep up with maintenance it will last. Again just my 

[FANY 8]

Yes. I also read that the PTO runs at 2000 RPMs? As supposed to other categories that run at around 500 RPM. That may make it difficult to match. But it seems that either the 520 or the D160 would be good. 

[biged77 113]

Don't rule out the 414 and 416 with Magnum engines.  They are simple electrically, reliable and with plenty of power for mowing or other attachments. 

 

As for decks I like the 48" because it has an additional plate for the spindles that the 42" deck doesn't have.  The 42" decks are more susceptible to warping and spider cracking (I've had both issues).

 

I agree with the others on the need for a compact tractor (with FEL) also.  I lived without one on 5 acres (half trees, half grass) too long.

[FANY 8]

It seems like I should look into a newer Kubota or Ford. There are some out there that can be had for decent money with

4x4, PTO 540, 3 Point, loader, etc.

 

Is the suggestion to have both?

The 416 I see available near me seem to be on the bit up side.

[c-series don 8,722]

I agree with mostly everything the guys said. One thing that wasn’t mentioned is the fact that once you put a loader on a Wheel Horse that’s basically it, you now have a dedicated loader tractor. It’s not something that you just take off quick and put on another attachment. Not to discourage you from buying a Wheel Horse but it sounds like you’d be better off with a subcompact 4x4 tractor. There was an old Wheel Horse dealer in Huntington as of a few years ago but I’m not sure if he’s still there, heck of a nice guy. I traded him a D-series dozer blade for me two stage snowblower. Or you could go my route and get a tractor for each attachment!! 

[biged77 113]

Having both would be optimum based on your list above.  You may have to wait awhile to find a good buy on a WH but they are out there.  The condition of the tractor and deck means everything,

[WheelHorse520H 708]

2 minutes ago, biged77 said:

Having both would be optimum based on your list above.  You may have to wait awhile to find a good buy on a WH but they are out there.  The condition of the tractor and deck means everything,

Fact. 
 

I would post photos of the tractors you are thinking about buying and let these guys tell you if it’s a good deal. That’s what I did.

Edited August 14, 2021 by WheelHorse520H
Improper punctuation

[FANY 8]

That is quite a collection there. I see the loader on what model?

 

i think I’ll look into the D160 being offered. It’s clean, low hours, many attachments.

i can always have a loader on a 4x4

[FANY 8]

This is the one offered

[pacer 3,173]

WOW!! thats impressive!! If you can get that at a reasonable price....... 

 

Bit high on hrs, but based on what I see the owner/s have taken care of it in which case (if so) then the hrs dont mean so much. SO MANY of the horses we find are a mess of being outside, parts missing, cobbled wiring, etc, and that one looks pretty 'undisturbed?'

[WheelHorse520H 708]

7 minutes ago, pacer said:

Bit high on hrs,

184.6 hours is high for that thing?

Edited August 14, 2021 by WheelHorse520H

[clueless 3,004]

So the guy selling it said if he didn't get his asking price he would leave it in the garage, then he dropped the price $500 dollars. It looks like about a 450 mile round trip for you so offer him $3100 for it, that seem like a fair price for it with everything that comes with it especially if it really has less the 200 hr on it.

Edited August 14, 2021 by clueless