gabe911 23 #1 Posted June 9, 2014 Hi All, Well I finally invested into a Wheel Horse. I had been creeping on here for a couple of months now and been trying to learn as much as I can about these machines. I had bought a little acreage and was looking for a garden tractor. Didn't want to buy anything new b/c they're all crap nowadays. I started doing a lot of research on Wheel Horses when I saw an ad on CL. This is my 520-H that I had just bought. It came with the 60" deck, single stage snow blower, chains, wheel weights, and only has 525 hours. I had bought it for $2,100. Think that was an alright deal? I was just thinking I would have spent somewhere between 2k to 3k more on something new with a snow blower and it be not as reliable as these are. I'm kind of concerned using the chains on my concrete driveway though. Anyone consider trading for the plastic ones? They're the v-bar ones know. I just love the fact when the whole block is mowing their yards and they all have the same brand and the same green color tractors, they all stare at my wheel horse. Love it! p.s. Just ordered new blades, and not trying to figure out how to remove the deck just yet. Is it possible just to lift the front end on jack stands? If so, where would be the safest place to place them on the horse? Thanks! -Gabe Lincoln, NE 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 487 #2 Posted June 9, 2014 Nice looking machine! Go to the manuals section and you can download a ton of info on your tractor. Also go to the vendor section and have a look see at Matts foot control kit. It's a really nice addition and you won't need that knob on the steering wheel. Welcome to the forum! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,121 #3 Posted June 9, 2014 Welcome to RedSquare. I don't know anything about the 60" deck except I can't have one If it's like the other decks though, you don't need to jack up anything. Raise the deck, disconnect the attach-a-matic, lower and slide the deck out the side (removing the belt of course). I only have 42" decks and can have it out in about 3 minutes. There have been members with the rubber chains and they worked well. If you're concerned, that is the way to go. Nice machine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabe911 23 #4 Posted June 9, 2014 Leeave96, thanks for the tips, will do. Nylyon, as much as I read so far, I believe the 60" deck cannot be raised or lowered by hydraulic that is. Thanks for the reply though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #5 Posted June 9, 2014 if you decide,,,,,this tractor is not for you........ i will take off work....without notice......run most red lights.....skip lunch.......... casually walk up to you,,,,,give you the 2100.00 you spend........ load and speed off,,,no looking back..... i think.............you did great........30 year + investment 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,798 #6 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I believe the 60" deck cannot be raised or lowered by hydraulic that is. . Just curious .... The 48" deck on my 520H is lifted by the hydro. Why can't the 60" be lifted ? Oh...BTW... Gabe. Edited June 9, 2014 by ekennell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #7 Posted June 9, 2014 Gabe. Wellcome to Red Square. The neighbor stories had me laugh. Best of luck. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtieguy 334 #8 Posted June 9, 2014 Gabe...GOOD DEAL for sure....add Terry's new decals to it and your neighbors will really "rubberneck ya" On a 60" deck the back deck wheels remain on the ground...the hydro lift only lifts and lowers the FRONT of the deck.....I hope I never have to remove the deck because it is heavy and built like a tank....(clip a fence post with the edge of the deck , hang on, and find out) PS...forgot to say "Welcome".....and watch out for shuboxlover near ya! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #9 Posted June 9, 2014 Welcome to Horse-a-holics Anonymous! Nice looking Stallion you have there. You'll never need another garden tractor even though you'll wind up with several more..........at least! You'll laugh when you see BIG BOX thingys sittin' out, incapacitated, weathering away. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smoreau 658 #10 Posted June 9, 2014 If it only lifts the front, it needs the the front deck adjusters moved up. Mine will lift off the ground when adjusted correctly. They are not easy, but I take mine off every time I cut because it will not fit in the shed with the deck on. Only 2 mor weeks of this tell I get the new house with a 24x40 pole barn! Can't wait!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #11 Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) Welcome to the 520 club... nothing like starting out at the top of the heap. Great minds think alike, was my first too. Edited June 9, 2014 by AMC RULES 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,984 #12 Posted June 9, 2014 Mine lifts as well. Not as much as the 42" deck but it is up a couple of inches at least at the rear. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabe911 23 #13 Posted June 9, 2014 Thanks for all the comments fellas, where would one suggest to place some jack stands on it though? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #14 Posted June 9, 2014 With that heavy a deck you should remove it from the tractor. One of the best ways to separate the deck from the tractor is after you have removed your t-bar lift is to drive over the deck. You will need to put some boards to help get up and over. You can slide the deck out but it is a job. That deck is heavy to say the least. They do a wonder full job of cutting but are a bear to maintain. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabe911 23 #15 Posted June 9, 2014 Yea your right, I might as well just learn that process, thx MalMac Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,798 #16 Posted June 9, 2014 Gabe, Here is the lift system I use to remove / install decks. I lay two 8' 2000lb nylon slings in front of the front wheels and drive over them. They are held out near the wheel by the arm on the spindle. The slings should be 8' long so they do not rub the hood when lifting. I prefer a 4 pulley 5/8" rope fall to make the lift as with my 100lb pull on the rope, limits the lift to about 400 lbs. And it is quicker than using a cable come-a-long or chain fall and it can easily lift the front end of my 520H with the 48" deck still attached. Obviously, you must have a SAFE structure to attach the lifting device. And never put any body parts under a suspended load. If I were actually removing the deck, I raise the deck with the hydro, disconnect the attach-a-matic , lower the hydro and disconnect the lift arm. Then lift the front of the tractor and roll the deck forward . I would caution anyone building a lift system..... do some engineering.....and testing BEFORE lifting a load. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #17 Posted June 9, 2014 Id just use a jack and put the stands under the axle. no mess no fuss and no lives lost. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speedyleedy 205 #18 Posted June 9, 2014 Very nice ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,798 #19 Posted June 9, 2014 Yeah, I hesitated to even show anyone how to lift a tractor. I know most don't have the capabilities to safely make an overhead lift. I routinely supervised the lifting and turning of hydro turbines that weighed in excess of 150 Ton, so I have no problem safely lifting the front of a tractor. Another suggestion if you elect to drag the deck out from the side of the tractor. ..... Drive on a piece of old carpet, then drop the deck on those furniture sliders under each wheel. You'll be surprised how easily it moves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabe911 23 #20 Posted June 9, 2014 Thx Ekenell, I'll probably start off with the latter of the 2! That's a pretty cool pulley setup you go there though.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 214 #21 Posted June 9, 2014 Great deal. With a plow, I would be concerend with the metal chains, but with the snow blower, it will not be an issue becuase you would not be needing to spin the tires. Lastly, these are GREAT tractors with exception to the engine. You may consider making a baffle for the front of the deck to keep the grass out of the flywheel area. These engines die from a lack of cooling, and popping a valve seat. I beleive this is a design problem. There is plenty to read on this topic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #22 Posted June 9, 2014 very nice tractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 474 #23 Posted June 9, 2014 PS...forgot to say "Welcome".....and watch out for shuboxlover near ya! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjcap 13 #24 Posted June 10, 2014 Very nice set up. I think you have a good deal at $2100. That machine with the 60" deck and two stage snow blower, wheel weights and chains is the complete package. I imagine you will be very happy with your purchase. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gabe911 23 #25 Posted June 10, 2014 PS...forgot to say "Welcome".....and watch out for shuboxlover near ya! Frank....what the heck....why would you spread such filth on this forum???!!!!!! Where do you think he found it? :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites