What was the best wheel horse, in your opinion?

[lynnmor 7,306]

I like the ones with the real large tie rod ends and the real front wheel bearings. 

[Ed Kennell 38,174]

All the Hydros

[rmaynard 15,459]

For many years I said that the B-100 8-Speed was the best looking and best performing tractor in the Wheel Horse fleet. Though I still think it's the best looking (along with all the 1976/77 B&C series), I have to agree with Ed. Now that I have gotten older, the hydros appeal to me more and more, and my 416-H is probably the most capable tractor I own.

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

My favorites are the 1994 520H, and the 1984 Work Horse GT-1600 ( currently under a refresh job ), because those are the two I have so far.

[D_Mac 8,618]

I have had a number of different models in the past. The one that I keep wishing I kept was my 416-8. Yes I know it is not a hydro, and I have grown to love the hydros. In fact at the time I had the 416-8 I also had a C-161. The C-161 is also a great machine. If you force me to choose from the ones I have owned ... 416-8 then 1075, then the C-161

 

 

Edited December 24, 2021 by D_Mac

[pfrederi 17,739]

Several people here have mentioned WHs that they no longer own....How in heck does that happen???

[D_Mac 8,618]

27 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

Several people here have mentioned WHs that they no longer own....How in heck does that happen???

limited garage space

[Ed Kennell 38,174]

50 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

WHs that they no longer own

 

I wish I had kept better records.    I'm guessing around 50 horses have slept in my barn during the past 30 years. 

  I refused to let any sleep outside...so most moved on to greener pastures.

[pfrederi 17,739]

31 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

 

I wish I had kept better records.    I'm guessing around 50 horses have slept in my barn during the past 30 years. 

  I refused to let any sleep outside...so most moved on to greener pastures.

 Obviously you need a bigger barn

[Ifixoldjunk 778]

Yeah I agree, I refuse to let any tractors stay outside unless they’re parked under the porch for a snowstorm. I’m surprised how many people here recommended hydrostatic wheel horses. I’ve never really given them a try. 
 

Ive heard that hydros don’t really like wheel weights, would they still stand up too pulling firewood and plowing? 

[Ifixoldjunk 778]

4 hours ago, Horse Newbie said:

My favorites are the 1994 520H, and the 1984 Work Horse GT-1600 ( currently under a refresh job ), because those are the two I have so far.

how well does the 520-H live up to hits hype? I’ve never really given them much consideration because I’ve never liked onans. 

4 hours ago, Horse Newbie said:

 

[Ed Kennell 38,174]

19 minutes ago, Ifixoldjunk said:

hydros don’t really like wheel weights,

My 312 Hydro  luvs weight.

 

 

 

Edited December 24, 2021 by Ed Kennell

[ebinmaine 67,496]

32 minutes ago, Ifixoldjunk said:

Ive heard that hydros don’t really like wheel weights, would they still stand up too pulling firewood and plowing

I've only been around Horses 4 years or so but around garden tractors of several makes for decades. 

 

I've never ever heard any mention of hydros not liking weights. 

I'd be curious to know who indicated that and what the thought process was behind the statement. 

 

Hydros are likely less tolerant to abuse/lack of maintenance than a gear drive. 

 

Given even marginally proper maintenance the Sundstrands used by Wheelhorse are very good transmissions. 

Of the 2 Eaton transmissions the 1100 is just as well thought of as a Sundstrand. 

 

[pfrederi 17,739]

52 minutes ago, Ifixoldjunk said:

Yeah I agree, I refuse to let any tractors stay outside unless they’re parked under the porch for a snowstorm. I’m surprised how many people here recommended hydrostatic wheel horses. I’ve never really given them a try. 
 

Ive heard that hydros don’t really like wheel weights, would they still stand up too pulling firewood and plowing? 

 

My 52 year old Charger carries 69 lbs on each rear wheel, about 125 in the rear and 60 on the front.  Never heard anything about hydros and wheel weights...

 

[Ifixoldjunk 778]

I work at a small engine shop and my boss always recommended against weights and hydros.  I guess that only really applies to modern dollar store tractors😅

 

After hearing all this I guess I have to add a hydro to the family😄

 

thanks everyone for your opinion.

[ebinmaine 67,496]

8 minutes ago, Ifixoldjunk said:

applies to modern dollar store tractors

Lotsa interesting stuff applies to those. .... Mowers.  

[kpinnc 12,028]

Favorites...

 

701

867

All 300/400/500 series

All C series

Raiders, Chargers, Electros, Broncos

 

Maybe a shorter list of the ones I haven't had yet? 

[ebinmaine 67,496]

5 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

Maybe a shorter list of the ones I haven't had yet? 

Well yeah ya nailed most things from 68 up there...

[Crazy_Carl 254]

mid 70s C series are my favorite

-great styling

-simple, strong and easy to work on

-attach-o-matic

-can be had for cheap

-i’m am 8 speed lover

[Chrishar 544]

The best two are the 33R and the 701 wheel horse too me 

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

2 hours ago, Ifixoldjunk said:

how well does the 520-H live up to hits hype? I’ve never really given them much consideration because I’ve never liked onans. 

Well I love them. You can hang a front end loader on one without worrying about the strength of the front end. They steer super easy and the 1100 Eaton has the reputation for being super strong. They feel bigger than other classics. Most likely due to the tower and console. Gauges are nice. The Onans have more power than you really would ever need and they sound fantastic. 

[kpinnc 12,028]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Well yeah ya nailed most things from 68 up there...

 

With the exception of the 701, I should've said everything post 1965?

 

Heck I'll just say I like them all!

[Lee1977 6,659]

10 hours ago, lynnmor said:

I like the ones with the real large tie rod ends and the real front wheel bearings. 

You would love my C-120/180.

 

I know what you meant, but you left out reduction gear steering, so I slipped one in on you.

Edited December 25, 2021 by Lee1977

[pfrederi 17,739]

2 hours ago, WheelhorseBob said:

Well I love them. You can hang a front end loader on one without worrying about the strength of the front end. They steer super easy and the 1100 Eaton has the reputation for being super strong. They feel bigger than other classics. Most likely due to the tower and console. Gauges are nice. The Onans have more power than you really would ever need and they sound fantastic. 

 

 

Interesting how we each weigh things differently.  To paraphrase the guys in Treasure of Sierra Madre (We don't need no stinking gauges) or any of the other electrical complexities of a 520. Don't really care about sound.. more concerned with reliability and repairabiltiy at a reasonable price...  Don't have one, doubt i ever will.  But hey we each like what we like.. Guess that is why there is vanilla and chocolate...

[AHS 1,440]

23 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I'd vote for the mid 70s C series. 

Trina would want another mid 60s little square hood. 

 

 

Yes, my Fathers C101, I’ve got many hours on that! I guess I’ve got many “seconds” 73 14/hydro, the 414-8 or the 76 B80!