StWeiler 6 #1 Posted April 2, 2014 Not too familiar with the newer Toro model WH's, so wanting a little enlightenment on these machines. I have the opportunity to buy a nice clean 522xi with just under 800 hours. Before I go look at it, I'd like to get some insight as to what makes them great? I know little to nothing about them. I assume they compare to JD400 series? It will be needing a deck, so I know that can get pricey as it only has a dozer blade with it. Otherwise it was maintained and relatively clean for the age. Any insight would be helpful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #2 Posted April 3, 2014 hopefully dennist or someone like him that owns the xi can chime in for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #3 Posted April 3, 2014 Well, my opinion is they are a larger more stable machine then the classics(opinion again). I have not worked on one to give any insight on that. Steering is great, although someone mentioned in another post they didn't care for it at first. Foot motion lever is nice, but with Matt's option, I personally like Matt's better. I definitely like the placement of the lift lever on the xi over the others. I like the high low trans option, but do not like how the machine slows down on its own when turning even though I understand the reasoning. The throttle choke positioning becomes better the longer you use them...the usual far left and right just came natural after years of use with most. Cruise control never was an option I used. Kinda like the up front battery position, but the cover, not grill can be a pain if you need to charge a battery. I like the comfort feeling when driving it and I Love the getting on and off it, as it is so easy. Engine seems to have excellent power and sounds good, but that heat shield can sound tinny sometimes. I do not think the engine sounds as good as an Onan or Renault, but that is also just opinion. Hope you get some info that you are looking for, there are plenty others that have owned them longer then myself and I am sure you will get more opinions from them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,043 #4 Posted April 3, 2014 They are the follow up to the 520 H Here are some features: 522xi has power steering 22hp kohler eaton hydrostatic transmission with low range Shaft drive to hydro Weighs over 1000lbs (makes any yard feel smooth with 12psi in the tires) Its a very strong garden tractor, but many attachments are specific to the xi series only (not made many years, like 99-05) so they are hard to find and expensive I personally don't like the power steering, but many do Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #5 Posted April 3, 2014 I have a 522xi w a kwik way loader. Approx 1100 hours and going strong. It's not fair to compare the Xi to our dependable lil red 300s etc. It dwarfs them! Pros Power steering- there's no going back to manual. You'll love it! Hi/low trans- kicks ass! Foot pedal control - makes driving it a pleasure. BTW I have Matt's foot pedal on my 314 and love it. A lot more room to drive. More leg room, I'm 6'8" and appreciate it. Much easier to climb on and off. Top speed is 2mph fast than older models. The entire machine is extremely well built. No fear of the trans snapping the frame like the older machines. Larger more powerful tractor in every way. Cons - attachments are not interchangeable between the Xi and the old dependable tractors. I wish they'd put a locking diff in the rear and a 3pt. If you do buy it. Pull the sheet metal and check every but and bolt. Every one on my foot pedal and steering was loose. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RMCIII 838 #6 Posted April 4, 2014 (edited) Opinions can very...... Rick, may also want to chime in, along with Shallowater....I have the 18xi, sure wish it had power steering...... Other than that, I have yet to find anything major to complaine about, except this.... It can be VERY EXPENSIVE to keep up.... Meaning, belts, bearings, parts in general.... Since parts and attachements do not interchange, like other models, the price, can get pricey.... I've started to stock up on the little stuff when I see a deal...e-bay has stuff listed all the time, but usually not stuff that is needed at the time. So I just keep an eye out for anything in the "xi" line for sale.... Oh, a pround new owner of a 522- Glenn, care to chime in? Edited April 4, 2014 by RMCIII Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hm12460 53 #7 Posted April 4, 2014 As much as I like John Deere's, the 522xi is a much better tractor. Imo. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brrly1 1,146 #8 Posted April 4, 2014 Have a 520xi and it's a beast and nothing less. I use the cruise when clearing the alley of snow. Love the two speed rearend. Works awesome for pulling trailers and pushing snow. Mine will be one that hangs out for awhile. Easy on and off. Don't really think they missed alot when they put these tractors together. I do agree a three point would be nice. So other than that, what are you waiting for? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #9 Posted April 18, 2014 Stweiler. This post is a bit late. Sorry. Being a brand new 522xi owner myself I can't comment experience wise with the machine. I will say this. While yes it true coming across attachments and such. So far anyway. When you look at the overall design of the machine it seems hands down an engineering marvel. The frame itself size and design. Transmission Eaton 1100..High low range. What a progressive move forward. 22 horsepower and a kohler. The kohler seems to be preferred by the majority. Power steering..naff said on that. Tilt wheel. Cruise. The list goes on. I will be giving my own review when more seat time happens. Best thing to say is you can't go wrong. Imho. Good luck. Whatever you choose. Wheel horse. Heck of a machine. Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
