520-8

[TJ5208 1,824]

What do you guys think of the 520-8 Wheel Horse with the Onan i have a chance to get one this year after i save up. Price 700 in great condition I'll get pics on here soon.

[ebinmaine 67,593]

If it's in decent shape I'd get one. 

They were a rare model.  

[TJ5208 1,824]

@ebinmaine Just don't know much about the tractor do you own one 

[TJ5208 1,824]

My dad said Onan was trouble so just wanted to ask how good they are?

[ebinmaine 67,593]

I don't own any Onans. 

 

The only Onan that seems to have consistent issues is the 20 HP. 

From what I've read it's due to previous owners not keeping them clean so they heat up. 

 

IIFF the tractor you're looking at is in good shape and fairly clean it could be a good one. 

 

 

[TJ5208 1,824]

The picture shows the engine running and lights working is there any pics of the gauges on the tractor 

[TJ5208 1,824]

The owner said it was used to push snow at the school were he works. He said it was well maintained and still is. he just don't have the space for it. He lets it run for 5 minutes every nice day we get. Still has the blade. What he has used it for is to move his trailer around. And there's the back ground. 

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

Sounds like a good deal to me. 520's go for around €2000/$2300 here. 

 

Onan's are a bit harder to get parts for, But easier then Teckys (around here anyway) 

 

Don't own an onan, but they sound great and have great torque. Any idea how many hours on it?

Edited January 15, 2022 by Maxwell-8

[TJ5208 1,824]

@Maxwell-8 I'll have to ask how many hours are on it.

[Achto 27,601]

It's hard to beat a good running Onan. They have a lot of torque. They can be a bit expensive to repair if need be and do your research before you decide to make a repair as they are not real forgiving. I have a 520-H and it is a beast, all the power you could want in a garden tractor. I would like a 520-8 just because I like gear jammers better. The hydro one I have now will not be leaving me though.

 

7 Benny's is a great price for a good running/ driving 520.

[TJ5208 1,824]

Thanks for the info Dan @Achto

[kpinnc 12,083]

Supposedly only 225 of the 520-8 were built. I have one, and it was left out to rot in a field for years. Barely salvageable, to say the least.

 

If the one you're looking at is a runner, 700 bucks is a good deal. I say get it, take the engine shroud off and make sure the cooling fins are clean, change the fluids and filter, and enjoy it!

 

Most powerful 8 speed model made by Wheel Horse. Be sure to post pics!

[TJ5208 1,824]

Here it is

Edited January 16, 2022 by TJ Salyers

[kpinnc 12,083]

2 hours ago, TJ Salyers said:

Here it is

 

I know exactly where it would be if I were closer...

 

Right beside my 520-H. 

[lynnmor 7,307]

I would like a manual transmission in one tractor for some ground engaging work, so I would buy it.  The photo does show that it spent way too much time basking in the sunshine so look for any weather damage and corrosion. Since you will need to do engine work like removing engine tins, exhaust and valve adjustments, use penetrating oil on all the fasteners repeatedly for at least a week.  Onan engines are good engines built for long life, they just don't do well when neglected, I will never buy another one that spent too much time outdoors because of the difficulty of disassembly when corroded.

[kpinnc 12,083]

51 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

I would like a manual transmission in one tractor for some ground engaging work, so I would buy it.  The photo does show that it spent way too much time basking in the sunshine so look for any weather damage and corrosion.

 

I never found a post-1990 model that wasn't almost pink unless it was stored indoors. Dunno what method Wheel Horse used for paint, but it wasn't great and did not tolerate sunshine at all. 

 

Paint is faded, but I don't see too much rust. Maybe stored in an open shed?

 

If it runs good, and appears to have been maintained- I'd still buy it. Offer him less and see how it goes. 

Edited January 16, 2022 by kpinnc

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

4 hours ago, TJ Salyers said:

Here it is

That looks like a solid machine to me

 

2 hours ago, kpinnc said:

I know exactly where it would be if I were closer...

[cschannuth 3,816]

Unfortunately it was stored outside but the good news is if it wasn’t used for mowing grass the engine probably didn’t get clogged with grass so the overheating issue should not be a problem on this one. It could have some corrosion issues in the fuse block but that’s not a tough fix.  For that price you probably need to get over there as fast as you can.

[peter lena 8,634]

@ T J SALYERS,  IF I WERE YOU , I WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WORKS , thats a vital part of baseline maintenance, at this stage looks are secondary , however , i personally would aerosol lubricant spray that down on every painted surface, to feed that paint. wiring is a nightmare , but if it works , verify and refresh what you have !  vent holes in the rear of the drive belt guard , pictures on this sight , ideas. obvious , all lubricant drain and refresh , total lucas chassis grease . just looking at  similar recovery's that i have done, ran them on , separate gallon of  heavily treated gas , to start , fuel system cleanout . went to every area of function , and verified and corrected its use. personally would love to go over a rig like that , make it a solid  reliable runner , first , don't think about restoring it , there is too much to do , just some ideas , pete 

[Horse Newbie 7,074]

6 hours ago, kpinnc said:

Dunno what method Wheel Horse used for paint, but it wasn't great and did not tolerate sunshine at all

I think red paint finishes are prone to excessive fading and break down from sunlight on any vehicle no matter who made them. At least that’s what I have noticed, and been told.

[peter lena 8,634]

@Horse Newbie 

[peter lena 8,634]

@Horse Newbie ,as stated,  aerosol lubrication spray down , marvel mystery oil , wd 40 , etc , spray down and let soak , till surface ,looks dull , then rub down till dry , spray it again let sit  for a day, rub down till dry . at this stage I  use an electric palm buffer , with a cleaner wax on it , my experience is the paint breaking thru , for a deep shine ! done that on y 3  horses , the red paint is very deep and clear shinny . the thing that fed and brought out that neglected paint was lubrication , no sanding , no rough up , just an oil lubrication rub down till dry , you should see the paint break from dull to shine as you rub in that oil feed . done this enough to know the easy process . once done its easy to maintain that clean paint look , pete    

[TJ5208 1,824]

9 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

I know exactly where it would be if I were closer...

 

Right beside my 520-H. 

Sorry its mine dude said he will keep it for me its no longer for sale

Edited January 16, 2022 by TJ Salyers

[TJ5208 1,824]

6 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

 

 

Paint is faded, but I don't see too much rust. Maybe stored in an open shed?

 

 

It is stored in a lean

[TJ5208 1,824]

6 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

 

 

If it runs good, and appears to have been maintained- I'd still buy it. Offer him less and see how it goes. 

The original price was 800 he said his bottom dollar is 700