520H. Is it any good

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

I’m looking at a 1993 Wheel Horse 520-H. It’s a 73501 model and serial is 3900845.   Is this a good model?  I’ve heard that some of the earlier hydros had bad transmissions.  Any input is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  

[Pullstart 62,648]

That model has the most modern hydro trans Wheel Horse used.  As long as it was taken care of, you’ll be all set!  The rear cylinder is known for getting too hot if not services and cleaned out.  As long as grass clippings are non-existent around the engine, you’ll likely be good there too.

[ebinmaine 67,082]

46 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

I’ve heard that some of the earlier hydros had bad transmissions

I'd be curious to know where that info came from. 

The Eaton 1100 is the transmission that's been in the 520 and several other Wheelhorse models since the early to mid 80s (?). 

 

Given proper care they've always been a reliable and heavy duty piece. 

 

Perhaps the transmission you've heard about is the Eaton 700. Those were much lighter duty. 

 

Are you speaking of the 520H specifically or the whole brand?

 

The "earlier hydros" you refer to as a Wheelhorse brand would have started appearing around 1965. 

[peter lena 8,560]

@WheelHorse314-8  I  do not have a 520  or onan power , but here are some very good belt guard aeration holes to help keep that engine cooler  ,   makes sense , pete

 

[Handy Don 12,049]

37 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

The rear cylinder is known for getting too hot if not services and cleaned out.

Rear engine cylinder. You'll find lots of commentary on this but scant comprehensive analysis and a wide range of home-brew "solutions". I've seen only one carefully controlled test of head temperature measurements on the Onan P series twins and it concluded that standard cooling ventilation in the WH was adequate. It did caution to be sure the rubber gasket around the oil filter was in place (these are still readily available for about $5).

 

Totally agree that if it hasn't been abused it will do well for you.

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

My 520 is a 93 and it is one of the best built classic horses IMO. It has gear reduction steering, HD spindles/bearings and the Eaton 1100. They are the most refined of the classic designed horses too.

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

Thanks for the input. Glad to hear it’s a good one.  Is $500 a good deal?  

[Thor27 767]

YES! If in decent condition

[ebinmaine 67,082]

3 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

Thanks for the input. Glad to hear it’s a good one.  Is $500 a good deal?  

Depends totally on condition. 

 

Can you get any pics or information?

 

Here's a thread that shows a checklist of things to look at for different levels of tractor purchase, repairs and maintenance.  

 

Check out the first bit for things to look at before a purchase.  

 

 

 

 

[Handy Don 12,049]

8 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

Thanks for the input. Glad to hear it’s a good one.  Is $500 a good deal?  

All day long practically anywhere if in good shape. Yes.

All the better if it includes a deck that in good condition (you want to look for rust thru holes anywhere and if at all possible, a look UNDER the deck). Good luck

Edited November 27, 2021 by Handy Don

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

Here’s the pictures

[ebinmaine 67,082]

If that runs and drives you should already be RUNNING to go get it. 

 

[sparkie333 265]

3 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

If that runs and drives you should already be RUNNING to go get it. 

 

 

3 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

If that runs and drives you should already be RUNNING to go get it. 

 

 

i agree 100 %

[SylvanLakeWH 25,420]

27 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

Thanks for the input. Glad to hear it’s a good one.  Is $500 a good deal?  

If it runs and moves… yes.

 

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

Do the Plastic fans on the hydro trans suppose to have a guard on them?  Cause this one does not

[lynnmor 7,294]

1 minute ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

Do the Plastic fans on the hydro trans suppose to have a guard on them?  Cause this one does not

No, they are not protected.  I have had little issue with the fan, one had some cracks beginning and one came loose and was slipping.

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

No that is a terribly over priced tractor, nothin but problems! Do not buy that!!! BTW where is it?😉

[kpinnc 11,825]

46 minutes ago, WheelhorseBob said:

No that is a terribly over priced tractor, nothin but problems! Do not buy that!!! BTW where is it?😉

 

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

I forgot to mention.  I noticed in the fuse box there is a soda can tab in one of the fuse locations (i guess to bypass the fuse). Owner told me it’s been that way since he owned it.  Should i be concerned?  

[ebinmaine 67,082]

2 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

I forgot to mention.  I noticed in the fuse box there is a soda can tab in one of the fuse locations (i guess to bypass the fuse). Owner told me it’s been that way since he owned it.  Should i be concerned?  

Not if it's been there awhile. 

If you buy it you can address that. 

 

[Jeff-C175 7,199]

@WheelHorse314-8

 

While you have been asking questions several of the other members have been figuring out where it is and are on their way to buy it now!

 

Quit wasting time and go get it! 

 

[lynnmor 7,294]

With the fuse holder being knackered and the air cleaner top turned 180 degrees, it would best be left for a professional to buy, me for example.

[WheelHorse314-8 58]

I purchased it.  Thanks for the input!

Edited November 27, 2021 by WheelHorse314-8

[ebinmaine 67,082]

23 minutes ago, WheelHorse314-8 said:

I purchased it.  Thanks for the input!

AWESOME. 

Now of course we'll need more pics!!!

[WheelHorse314-8 58]