considering a WH 520H -comments

[binna 26]

hi folks
i am going to look at a 93/94 WH 520H with a 48" deck. the guy worked for a local Toro dealer many years and is a mechanic. it has about 300 hrs on it. he wants $1,500 here in orange county ny. don't have any pics
i'd love your input on the price for what the machine is.
thanks so much, again!.
recap: i have a bumpy, slight incline, with some really thick grass spots, 1/2 acre

(IF he has a blade he'd throw in  and this machine can handle a blade, i'd get rid of my snow blower  )

[Darb1964 1,043]

300 hours is nothing for that tractor, if he maintained it properly, being a mechanic I would think he did. The price seems a little high but that tractor is a beast and will last for many decades. The 520 will handle a blade easily. 

[Ed Kennell 38,209]

If the tractor has been stored inside and well maintained, $1500 is probably a fair price for a 300 hour 520H and a good rust free quiet 48" deck.    The 520H will be an excellent plow tractor.

 to the 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,598]

[rmaynard 15,510]

Based on what you can get today for $1500.00, the 520-H is a bargain. However, you must be aware that there is a limited supply of Wheel Horse parts available from Toro, and even fewer parts for Onan. If it has been well maintained, and had the grass clippings and such cleaned from the rear cylinder area frequently (poor air circulation causes burned valves and seats), I would not hesitate to make $1500.00 my top dollar offer. But I'm cheap and would go less on my opening offer.

 

[binna 26]

thanks everyone. love to hear the opinions and comments. and, learning what to ask about!

[WHX?? 48,828]

1 hour ago, Darb1964 said:

maintained it properly, being a mechanic I would think he did.

I dunno Darb a couple I know are so sick of workin on others they let theirs go to heck.  

Asking price sounds fair and you won't find that in a big box. 

You would need some mechanical & electrical skills to keep it in top shape. 

Look over carefully & take pics for us to eval and ask questions before handing over money. 

In case I have not done so..... 

 

Edited April 18, 2022 by WHX??
Stupid Speel Check

[Achto 27,601]

[Pullstart 62,905]

  It seems on average, most power equipment gets 50-75 hours a year on it.  Given the 300 hour mark, you’re essentially looking at a 6 year old machine.  Good luck!

[TJ5208 1,824]

[kpinnc 12,083]

A nice 520-H is definitely worth the asking price. The last one I bought was $750, but it wasn't very nice.

 

If the tranny is strong, and engine is running on both cylinders, you're at a good start. The 520 was a complex machine by comparison to other tractors, but was very well built. Just comb over it as well as you can. Drive it, and put it through it's paces. If you don't have experience with WH hydros, find someone who is that will go look with you. A strong Eaton will almost jump when you move the control lever, and do so without alot of whining. Drive it up a hill if you can. It should maintain speed uphill. 

 

Good luck. A good 520 is a great find. It will serve you for many years!

[Horse Newbie 7,074]

 to !!!!

[JCM 9,177]

Great tractor if well maintained like anything else. I have owned this one for 20 years and other than a dirty carb along the way, I really can't complain one bit. Good Luck on your search.     

[DougC 2,641]

Buy it quick, dont let a 300 hour 520H get away for $1500.00  I bought one new in 1995 a demo with 20 hours for $5,000  and have mowed, plowed snow, used with a snow thrower and an rear mounted tiller. 1500 hours on it now and it has been bullet proof.

[binna 26]

Very purdy, jcm!

Well I had my first ride on the wh-520h today.

It went forwards and backwards no problem and went up an incline no problem. It's not the prettiest machine cosmetically. The belts, spark plugs, filters, blades stuff like that are all new. I've got a bunch of pictures I'm going to put them up I apologize if there's a different way to do it. Take a good look around and let me know what you think. He's open to offers he's asking $1500. I didn't talk to the guy who's selling it I talked to his friend who has it and is going to put it out to sell.

I didn't see any debris up in the front where I know it can get sucked in on one side and should be blown out the other it was all clean on there.

Oh and by the way it has 1,000 hours! Not 300!

Any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks a bunch!

[binna 26]

Here are more... It will only let me upload a few at a time because of their size I apologize for several posts with pictures.

[binna 26]

Cont...

[JCM 9,177]

Looks like an 88 or 89. Left hand side rear axle seal looks to be leaking, quite common. Is that oil on the ground on the right side, same problem. Those years don't have the forward swept axle with gear reduction steering, but still a nice tractor. 1000 hours is ok if properly maintained. IMO 1500 may be a bit much. With some love it could last quite a while. Thanks for the comment.

[binna 26]

Most of these should give you an idea of the state of the machine I have a few more but thank you I'll get it

[binna 26]

If anyone knows a fast way to use the plate number to find out the actual age let me know please

[binna 26]

Jcm, I think they did a quick hose down if I remember correctly so it might be residual water that's dripping off the back.

[JCM 9,177]

Okay. That is a 1988.

[binna 26]

Jcm, how do you determine the age?

[JCM 9,177]

The I.D #  Then look it up here under model list 1984- present. Looks like the trans engagement knob is missing, part is still available. Sheet metal appears to be in good shape.JMO I would offer 750 and go from there. Check fluids, and possibly strap it down to something and see if the rear tires will spin, both directions. Check all the wiring near the battery, dash area and see if any repairs have been made. And the list goes on.

[binna 26]

Hmmm perhaps I should consider these...