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I was talking to my colleague the other day and I knew he had a wheel horse tractor. He was having issues with the transmission leaking fluid and there is a bad hub. But other than that it is in decent shape considering it has 2100+ hours on it. Needless to say he bought a new zero turn and no longer needs his horse so he gave it to me for FREE! He was the original owner and has all the original paperwork. It is a 1991 520h and I am still shocked how quiet it is compared to my Raider 12. Anyway the good stuff...the pictures.

I just got some new ag tires for my 414 eight and my goodness! These are as pretty as a newborn speckled pup!! It's amazing what a new set of tires will do for the looks of an old tractor.

A keeper for life??? This one found me. I didn't have to buy it... Just restore it. My dad bought this 1962 Wheel Horse new when I was 6 years old. My dad sold it to a neighbor about 1980. I did not see it for 30 years after that until my Uncle found it in 2011. My Uncle got it free from the son of the guy who bought it from my dad and he gave it back to me for free. It was in really bad shape when I got it back. It took me nearly four years to completely restore to like new condition. The past three years now, I proudly display and ride it around at our local tractor shows. It is priceless to me. There is no insane amount of $ that I would sell it for. I guarantee, this tractor will be in my possession until the day I die.

I'm going to look at it from a parts available angle. While the old RJ's starting from 1957 to 1959 are probably the most expensive and collectable, parts are becoming hard to find and can command top dollar. I would add the suburbans to this list to stay away from for what you are looking to do. They all have the mid engine mount which can be very dangerous. Finding parts for those old Clinten, Kohler and Briggs engines 2.5 to 3.5 and 4 hsp is hard already...can't imagine what will be there when your kid grows up. With all that said, if it was me, it would be the 702 round hood. They are still out there and in large numbers. In my opinion, it is the best Wheel Horse they came out with at the time. It has the 2 piece transmission (parts available)...engine mounted in the front of the frame (for stability)...round hood (like the RJ's above)...a 7 hsp Kohler that still has cheap engine parts on the net. If you ask me, the 1962 Wheel Horses are going to be the next, best investment. They are rugged, easy to work on, have the look of the older horses, and they have the guts to do ground engaging chores. The other 2 horses for this year used Tecumseh's...great engines, but hard to find parts for already. Stick with Kohler, and stick with "K" series...one piston engines.

Thank you, I would have never found that. It has a new rd deck and some odds and ends on it. It runs like a champ and it did a pretty good job of mowing the grass. I picked it up for 50 bucks and added to the stable

My youngest Grand daughter likes tractors. They were at a Lowes in Dallas. Hence the JD. They were at my house this weekend. Hence the WH. Ya'll decide. Kids do the darndest things, the JD pic was totally unscripted! Dennis

I can't give any specific reason, but, I happen to be drawn to the styling of the round hoods and the square hoods. (60's models) Another big plus is their simplicity in design.

Does it count if I bought a brand new 520H 20 years ago and don't ever see myself getting rid of it in my lifetime running or not 🤔, Jeff.

There are tools readily available to bend the Z but I just use needle nose pliars. No heat needed.

Did a little detailing in the engine compartment, after a Purple Power bath and drying I used a product for motorcycles and ATVs called Top Kote to help repel dust/dirt/grime ect, I think it turned out rather well for a 12 year old vehicle (sorry didn't take any before pics) and yes that is a cold air intake on a 4.3 V-6, Jeff.

there are no rips in the seat its a miracle!

This may be only temporary but I think I will change the name of the Big Ugly 520 to the royal pita tractor.I have been using it to gather wood when I noticed that the right rear seal was leaking.I ordered new seals and was going to put them in today.I went to drain the trans when the hex in the drain plug stripped.The wrench was bottomed in the plug,argh! Removing the hubs is a chore but a 10 ton porta power gets it done.I guess it's time to do a refresh on Big Ugly as the trans has to be removed to drill out the plug.Winters coming and I haven't finished the 312A custom yet.Hate to vent but life's fun some times.

It was a haul off at the dealership where I work and I couldn't pass it up. I found the 1276 for a hundred dollars and it runs like a champ too. I went to work on a lady's Lowe's mower and it was setting in the garage, she was going to give it to me but I couldn't sleep at night if I didn't give her something. Here are some pictures of it

You got a great deal!! I would leave it just like it is then and use the heck out of it!! Randy

You have a 1973 eight HP . They were referred to as "No Names" because years '72 and and prior and after '73 were named but in '73 they just showed the engine horse power and transmission type.

In my opinion you are the winner of the best ownership story I have ever heard!

Seems as though my memory is about as long as my pinky fingernails... I never remember to look in those other sections. It can be quite challenging because I'm on a smartphone, not a PC. Of course, I myself, am kind of challenged... LOL. Thanks Jim! And @CasualObserver Jason!

You may find this old topic helpful... Mike did a fantastic write-up here.

That's a helluva question coming from you...or me!

I cannot back up a 4 wheel wagon...pushing is much easier

Yeah, it was that super skinny Penn truss on the south side of Spring Valley - lot of local folks were afraid to cross it. I didn't work on the Savannah bridge project - well outside of my district. There were a lot of mixed feelings around here about it's demise, but the thing was far too narrow for the traffic volume and badly rusted out in quite a few areas. As with many things, this one should have been taken down around 20yrs ago and replaced - we're that far behind in our infrastructure. You'd think the collapse of the I-35 bridge in Minnesota would have taught a lesson, but it did not. Sarge

Electric start round hood/square hood to look at & putter with. To use for work, C-160 Auto.

I love my Onan’s Like all things, you have chevy, Mopar, Ford etc etc clean everything change fluids etc etc

Funny you should ask that Preacher. A few years ago I too was in search of a belt cover for a K241 figuring I would never find something for a old tractor like this. Then I stumbled across RS and learned that there is a gathering in PA that is the mecca of & parts. So in 2016 armed with a list of parts I decided to visit this little show and found piles upon boxes of these belt guards and many more parts to restore and keep these little red tractors running. Also found a bunch of fellas that forgot more than what I'll ever know about them. The results of that trip illustrated here. So to answer your question try http://a-ztractor.com/ or posting to the wanted section here. @daveoman1966 is clearing out his parts so give him a shot. You can also try but you never know who you are dealing with there but sometimes find our members who are generally all strait shooters selling there. Good luck and be persistent and you will find one.

Craig, Still around. In late Feb my Wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. March began the chemo, 16 treatments, decreased the tumor by 75%. Surgery last week, this weeks post surgery checkup was great news. Pathology report indicated no cancer in the lymph nodes.. We spent a lot of time between the house and MD Anderson in Houston. The Lord does indeed answer prayers!. Awesome doctor's, surgeons and nursing staff.

I'm feeling I'm feeling very lucky to find a clean Wheel Horse. We had two as I was growing up, and I always thought they were the coolest lawn and garden tractor going. My latest is a1998 312 8 with a 42" rear discharge deck. This baby has 452 hours on it, I'm hoping will be the last tractor I need, not that I may not by other Wheel Horses in the future LOL. Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say hi, my name is John. Looking forward to navigating your site soon.

That’s an awesome deal! I’ve got 3 I horse tractors in my herd... they are all champs!

Wow!!!! $50??? Awesome buy in my opinion! Cool little machine.

I'm still working on learning about these horses myself, but I think thats what is called a No Name 8. It has smaller tires and wheels than the others but same tranny. I believe you can upgrade to the larger tires and wheels. Somebody will come along that knows a whole bunch more than I!! Randy

I just got mine on today as well, It does indeed transform the look of the tractor.

Yep! Just makes ya want to find a mud-hole and see what they can do

Thanks for the tip.This machine had not seen cover since new.I fear that it will be drill and tap time.It may be that Big Ugly might be telling me it's time for some attention.

and BENEFACTOR......

Thanks. The fuel flow turned out fine once I opened the breather cap. Fuel pump squirts lots of go-juice....

Still not done, but almost

@ebinmaine Stay away from adult beverages and paint it carefully .

I’d love to know which steering wheels went with which years.. there are at least 3 different style wheels that I know of.. also, the ‘69 The bottom of Wheel mounted very low, almost on the dash. My ‘71 the bottom is a good 3” above the dash. Heres the kicker, I junked a ‘69 that has the longer shaft that was also a good 3” up.. and it has a grease zerk....

Not the best picture as it was taken for one of my own problems on my 520H. Looking from the front with the air cleaner base removed.the vacuum line is at the bottom of the pic. Arthur

I got text from Kyle and sort of inside joke. I officially transferred ownership of this puller to my son Brennan since he outpulls me every time😳

The fellow in Rhode Island used to come to the Big Show. He also makes a receiver hitch and with that I use a HF 1-7/8" / 2" combo.

Best tool you will ever buy. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Prolux-Heavy-Duty-Z-Bend-Plier-Red-Servo-Pushrod-Connector-Control-Linkage-Use/112562421741?hash=item1a353e3fed:g:OWYAAOSwz5ZZuQYn

I built this one from an old mule drive. Works great, the only problem is that if the trailer is too heavy the front end can get pushed sideways. Here it is tacked together for trial fit (it fit great). Here it is installed with a receiver and ball installed into it. Here are the plans I drew up. Receiver tube measurements.pdf Wheel Horse measurements for front hitch.pdf Wheel horse parts list for front hitch.pdf Cleat

They are my favorite...........

One owner machine from new! free! he’s not a colleague, he’s a friend!!

Steves barn is a museum! Pretty much everyone that walks in there thinks "Damn I'd love to have this!" Luckily for us there is people like Steve that really properly store and display our beloved tractors. Then invite all of us over for a meet and greet!

Keep the Onan toward the rich side at WOT and the cowlings free of debris so the cylinders stay cool with regular oil changes and you can double those hours!!!

That's a keeper for sure.Great score for a great price.I love the sound and smoothness of an Onan!That is a nice looking machine.Pinch yourself,I know I would,Wow.

With the forward swept front axle your ready for a 60" deck!!

This is a very subjective decision. Obviously my choice would be a 953, but that may not be your cup of tea. A lawn Ranger would be a good choice when grandchildren come along. They are much safer than a RJ and just about as cute.

I think that is normal. When you go to START you first get the RUN connection before the START. RUN powers the A (Accessory) terminal on the switch which powers the voltmeter = 12 volts. When you advance to START position the A terminal is dropped = 0 volts until the key returns to RUN = 12 volts Click on the picture and again on the next page to enlarge the switch description. Garry