Ponyboy 64 #1 Posted June 6, 2022 Out here on the West Coast, WH's are pretty rare. I've spotted a 520H for sale that I'm still gathering intel on, but was looking for some opinions from more seasoned horse owners. From what I can gather from the posting and limited pics I've seen so far: I'm guessing a 48" deck (def not a 60" from the pics) mid-90's? (red 'wheel Horse 520 H' lettering, white 'Toro', black stripe) has wear/tear: torn seat, visible surface rust (not sure to what extent), missing fins in grass guard, missing belt cover on mower missing some switch, sounds like it's not currently running because of that (owner has used it a few times though, sounds like they don't have time to deal with it) new belts unsure of hours (they're supposed to provide that info tonight) <$500 ~45 min drive away My understandings: These can be finicky on the electrical side of things, and the Onans have a reputation for valve seat issues These machines are beasts and would have no problem with the ~ 1 acre of flat land I have (same with a tiller) My questions: what's a # of hours that should raise some concerns/alarms (Note, I'm not very engine savvy) A 97-36TL01 tiller will work on this (with proper attachment parts), right? (there's one available locally) Given the # of hours the owner reports back, I'll likely go look at it. What are some other things to be on the lookout for (especially if it's not running). Looking for more things specific to this model than general tractor stuff. How's the parts availability for these things? Most members and shows/events are not available to me out here, so would likely need to rely more on internet and/or a local Toro dealer. Thanks everyone! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,305 #2 Posted June 6, 2022 A 20HP Onan will last several thousand hours IF treated well. Like any brand that is a big IF since we are well into the throw away generation. Pull the dipstick twice and check to see if the oil is clean and near the full mark. Check for the proper oil filter and make a guess if it might be fresh. Check to see if the rubber grommet is in place around the oil filter, without it much of the cooling air escapes. Take a powerful flashlight and do the best you can to determine if the engine and hydro fins behind the fan and right rear wheel, are clear of debris, if not they were running hot. Check the air filter to see if both the pre-filter and the pleated air filter are clean and light passes thru. If the engine runs, operate for at least 30 minutes to see if the engine maintains a 3600 RPM at full throttle, if it overspeeds when hot you will have a $200 repair that takes several hours. Of course overspeeding can cause engine damage over and way above that $200 expense. Onan parts often have a higher price than other brands but availability is rather good. Parts for the rest of the tractor will be a mix of new and used, but you can find everything you need. If you have problems finding parts, there are vendors here and a lot of people that can help. I have a tiller for my 520H tractors and it doesn't do well since a hydro tractor will be pushed ahead by the tiller. Other folks have no problem and my guess is that the soil type will make a big difference in performance. When looking for a seat, measure the bolt pattern since the 520 is different than most. The electrical problems are often caused by the owner, for example leaving the tractor out in the weather or washing that pushes water into connections. The two electrical problems that are certainly design issues are that cheap white 9 pin connector near the battery and the fuse block that collects debris and stays wet. The 9 pin can be improved by off loading the heavy charge wire and running it direct to the battery cable at the starter using a 30 amp fuse. The fuse block should be thoroughly cleaned and blown out, then add a fuse block cover from a vendor on here. I use NO-OX on electrical connections to prevent corrosion. There are a number of things that I would do before putting a well used Onan in regular service. If you do these things, you should get years of service. I won't go into detail now, but here is a brief list to think about: Clean carburetor, inspect/reseal intake, clean engine fins, clear tins at intake contact, adjust valves, paint engine tins, paint exhaust, replace spark plugs, adjust idle mixture, adjust minimum idle, adjust governed idle, adjust top speed. Does this sound like a lot? It is just the kind of maintenance that should be done to any engine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #3 Posted June 6, 2022 If it has the gear reduction steering, that set up is worth 300 to 400 dollars... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,025 #4 Posted June 7, 2022 The simplest answer I can think of: While the 520-H is the most electrically complex "Classic" tractor, it is also the most powerful and arguably most capable. The price is good, so long as the machine isn't severely neglected. Condition rating varies as much as weather. Where you are has as much to do with condition as anything. What looks great to me, looks like crap to someone in PA, IN, MI, etc ... You can literally remove all the factory wiring and start over with little more than ignition and shut off wired to the keyswitch. How much instrumentation you want will determine how much work the electrical system will be for you. Short answer- what you think is a good deal is by definition exactly that. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #5 Posted June 7, 2022 @Ponyboy, Can you post some pics ? That would enable us to better assess the tractor… I turned my 1994 520H from this to this… a little inspiration for you… IMG_0424.MOV IMG_1198.MOV 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ponyboy 64 #6 Posted June 7, 2022 Darn, @Horse Newbie...that is gorgeous! Not much in the way of pics available, but see below. I'm leaning towards 'pass' at this point on the 520H, I still need to get my 875 up and running as a mower. And, truth be told, I love the simplicity of the 875/K181 setup over these more modern/complex systems...she's been the perfect 1st-time tractor to jump into. Even at 57 years old I'm still hoping she can give me a solid few hours a week of service during the mowing season when I'm done with her (her maiden mowing voyage should be within the next few weeks, stay tuned for pics!). And honestly, I don't have time for another project (I've got a '77 Airstream that needs some attention, as well as a '67 bug). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #7 Posted June 8, 2022 (edited) @Ponyboy, Thank you for the compliment ! I certainly understand having enough projects- trust me ! If the timing ain’t right, then it ain’t right. I just finished a 1984 Work Horse GT-1600, and it was much less complicated than the 520H… that being said, I kinda got lucky with my 520… got it, 48 inch SD deck, 36 inch rototiller, and a pull behind leaf vac system for like $140. The Work Horse GT-1600 was free… it came with a 42 inch SD deck… Even though my 520 had sat outside, the rust was minimal, so it was basically paint, decals, new China carb, reseal intake, plugs, a little wiring clean up, fuse block, headlights, fuel pet cock, new fuel line, new fluids and filters, new hour meter, tires, rebuild hydraulic lift cylinder, rebuild hydraulic spool valve, new hydraulic hoses, front wheel bearings, paint muffler, powder coat hub caps, powder coat wheels, oil pressure switch, battery. Edited June 8, 2022 by Horse Newbie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
