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Toro ended the Wheel Horse production in 2007. To most of us, this was a sad day. We would love to see the brand carried on, and on, and…..But, was it such a bad thing that Toro shut down the Wheel Horse name? Let me explore the possibilities of what could have happen if Toro continue by exploring what has happen, not only in the Toro line, but to other brand names. Lawn and garden tractors were built in the past to last a lifetime and then some, as a lot of the tractors made in the 50s, 60s and 70s are still in use today. This was a testament to, not only quality, but the extensive use of steel, instead of plastic. Engines and transmission were cast iron. Dash panels and pedestals were steel. Fenders and hoods (except for Deere) were metal. Even Deere used steel side panels and grilles up to the late 80s, and on some models into the early 90s. Tractors of the past were overbuilt and were hard to break, and could take abuse of some extent. But, over time, engines became cast aluminum, as well as transmissions and differentials. Hoods, dash panels, pedestal surrounds, and on some, fenders, became plastic. Even Deere started to make their fiberglass hoods with steel grilles and side panels into all plastic. Cub Cadet, Toro, Simplicity, etc., followed suit. Frames became less thick and not as heavily made. Things like hydraulic lifts that were commonly on certain models, have disappear from the replacement models. Overall tractor weight became less, as more and more electronics started to appear on lawn tractors. Take a look at this year’s Deere models with their all electronic dashes. And to top it all off, Toro contracted MTD to build their lawn tractors……oh, how despicable. If Toro had continued the line instead of killing it in 2007, would they still build the Wheel Horse that we know? In the 90s they introduced the 200 series and the 500 series tractors, complete with plastic hoods and plastic dash panels. By 2007 only the Classic 300 series in the model of a 315-8 was being made with Wheel Horse’s patented frame design and 8 speed transmission, and it’s familiar engine/belt arrangement. More than likely that tractor was becoming too expensive to make, so I’m sure Toro would have just slapped the Wheel Horse name on some MTD product and killed even the 315-8. The only tractor that still remains true to their roots is Ingersoll. Thank goodness that Eastman Industries rescue the brand several years ago after Ingersoll went bankrupt. If you want a new garden tractor that still features all steel construction, minus the cast iron engines, you have to buy an Ingersoll tractor. Unfortunately, they are expensive to buy, 2 to 3 times the cost of other brands. Oh, btw, I don't work for Ingersoll or Eastman Industries. I just based my opinion on what I'm seeing in the L&G industry. And I don't have an Ingersoll or Case tractor either, though I wouldn't mind owning one.

OK some night time pics. Not bad. They are nice and bright, more of a flood light. It would help to have a deeper reflector but that would not fit in the space behind the grill. Air cleaner in the way so the slim design works for me. Much brighter I'm sure than original.

How true T-Mo,..when I first joined here a year ago I was almost ashamed to mention how I had a few plastic hooded models after most here ranted & drooled on roundhoods old squarehoods and the tought old beasts of the C series. I work in a trade where one can come to appreciate our grandfathers grade of steel. My customers ask me how long they could expect the products I install to last and I tell them 15-20 years and thats if you take good care of it. I would have have loved to sell tractors in the 60's and tell my customers they would be dead and their grand kids would be be using it yet!

When I bought my 95 as a demo with 25 hours on it in 97 my dealer gave me a 3 year warranty and said I would never need to use the warranty and that the 520H would last me the rest of my life (I was 42 then) and I would never need to buy another garden tractor. I think he was telling me the truth. He did however replace the voltage regulator and battery under warranty, It was overcharging and I wasn't watching my volt gauge............. He chewed me out too!

I used a Harley Davidson Muffler on mine.

While doing my daily CL search Saturday, came across this beauty. The ad was18 minutes old , and wanted $30 ( The wife didn't even argue ) . I was first caller ,and he held it till last night ( still glad there's still some decent people out there). The paint what's left , is barely hanging on . It's solid though ! He changed the tires long ago, there Carlisle's now . It should look pretty good behind my 1057 or any of the herd for that matter. Weingartz Supply Co 46061 Van Dyke Utica Mi . Still in business.

T-Mo I don't think you could have stated your case any better. The sad part is people who throw them away or let them sit out and rust away. I have often wondered who if anyone made garden tractors today. Now I know. Wait until folks start having problems with the electronics and they will wish for the key start.

I will be bringing the usual suspect...8hp Kohler electric start with a few other 'mods" And maybe a 414.

just became a red square supporter! let the games begin!

Yeah, I know, but the 520H last year was 1997. In 1998, the newer 500 series with the plastic hood was introduced. Basically after 1997, the only "heritage" Wheel Horse that was left was Toro called the Classic 300 series, 312s, 314s, and then in the end, 315s all with the 8 speed gear drive. So, that's why I listed the newer 500 series as being from the 90s, since it was introduced in 1998 and probably was in the design and development stage a few years before that.

Well said T-Mo.

Yes T-Mo it is a sad time for us garden tractor nuts, but there are still milliions of old ones left to restore and use another 50yrs .

Took a couple pics today after I got her cleaned up, and swapped the rear tires (old ones were cracked real bad)

Been keeping busy on the Heavy Chevy. The truck was parked in the previous owners garage for just about 15 yrs. without being started or even turned over. I think when he finally decided to start it he just put a battery in and started it. What i think happened is the cylinders might have been a little rusty from sitting and they either cracked or wore themselves out from rust in the cylinders from sitting. She ran pretty darn good but man did it burn oil! It smoked also and was only getting worse. I decided rather than rebuild the original motor I'd buy a brand new GM Goodwrench 350. While I was at it I went with a new intake, carb, water pump, starter, clutch, pressure plate and flywheel and a new Pertronix electronic distributor to replace the old points dizzy. What a difference, even more balls than it had before and when ya get on it it sounds pretty wicked...I still have a few minor things to do.. What the hell, Big Show or bust...

Thanks for all the kind words. I really appreciate it. Well after a good carb cleaning and change of oil and trans fluid n filter, some new battery cables, and a little cleaning it shined up pretty nice. I'm wondering what year this is, if memory serves me correct Dad swapped out the 10 horse for the 12. It looks identical to my charger 12 from 1970.

The Horse is finally home! Long story. This was my late fathers pride and joy. You see he passed away ten years ago. I wanted to haul her home but my Mom insisted my step Dad would use it ( yes she moved rather fast lol ) turns out he never did and it sat in the garage for five years until he pushed it out under the lean to where it would spend the next five years to rust and go to h$&@. Well he passed and now the Horse is where it belongs. I have fond memories of when I was a kid Dad rebuilt it a painted it up nice n pretty. This was his pride and joy, as he plowed all winter with it among other things. One early spring day it was time to pull the race car out of the snow bank to get ready for summer, as I backed up to it with the truck he said " get out of the way, I'll pull it out with the Wheel Horse," as he sawed back n forth on the hydrostatic shifter not to be proven be proven wrong as I said it couldn't be done he blew the transmission out of it lol. I also remember getting yelled at as a kid for popping wheelies with it. Good times. I really don't need another one but this one is kind of special.

My 953 has been wandering around I assume for years with two holes where headlights should be. I had no luck finding anything original for replacements. Decided to go the LED route and found these Optronics at Wal-Mart. They are 2.75" in diameter and with some foam filler they fit right in the 3" holes of the grill. I think they look better than nothing.

Cleaned up the carb, installed all NEW points,condenser,spark plug,plug wire. Made up new #4 battery cables with copper terminal ends. Also took the rusty dash panel out and cleaned it up till I get new dash decal. Hooked up new choke/throttle cables. Installed new gas line from tank to carb. I was going to see if it would fire up but but I ran out of ambition at 8:00 tonight. . lol Tomorrow after work will try and work on it some more.

Sorry Ron I was waitin awhile to use that one but you asked for it...one cannot bait us here without

I am torn between two tractors! My old B-80 or a new 856 I just bought!

Yes excellent job, that one looks savable. Just be glad you didn't have one like this....how he saved this one is beyond me. Pics courtesy of @Shynon

so that smaller gear there...is that stripped or supposed to be less at the tip cause it actually kinda set into the other gear ahead of it and this was just the last peices

Bought a lawn ranger today. Almost wondering if it was worth the $60. Looks like it's missing a gas tank too. :/ idk thoughts from the pros?

I finally got around to making and installing a safety lockout for the High / low gearshift on my c-101. Sometimes when I'm maneuvering around around trees and flower beds when mowing, without looking, I accidentally grab the wrong gearshift lever and shift the High / low lever into neutral. With my new lockout device, that's never going to happen again. Little improvements make a difference!. My next improvement is to make the C-101 turn sharper. Turning sharper = less maneuvering!

When I was 14 in 1984,I bought a Work Horse GT-1800 brand new.(no B.S.) My Dad took out a loan to help me with my growing lawn business. Also to stop me from wearing out his B-115 5 speed!! 177 dollars a month, seemed like a million! Anyway I remember the dealer saying "son if you take care of this machine your kids will be riding around on it" Damned if he wasn't right. Now I believe someday my grandkids will be driving it, God willing. On the rare occasion I go to a box store and I go over to the tractor section my wife will say " don't go over there, you know it's going to get you all worked up and mad!" Yup they just don't make em' like they used to. Ok now I feel old!!

@Fire_fighter625 You did good for $60, and Lane can lead you in the right direction!

I don't judge by tread or dry rot , if they hold air ,they are still good ,

I got lucky. 77 hours on this one a rugged machine. I bought it for the cyclone rake. Had 72 hours when I got it. Sad but true. Seems there shutting down. Any of you would like it cause its real. Just like wheel horse. Glenn

I think you got a good buy and a good start for a rebuild too!

Indeed. Tough as nails, you want some-come get some tough. Tough stuff. Think your tough? My can beat up your (insert any other brand of garden tractor ever made) **** ***** any time, anywhere tough.......That's Wheel Horse tough....... And that's tough enough to get the job done, any time any place any where.... But we all know that already....... Don't we.......

That was a well stated artical,,,except that in the 90's the 520H was still the same tractor that was made in the 80's ,, the 520H was still the same exact tractor in the 90's as the pre toro 80's version ,, except some improvments like gear reduction steering and forward swept axels,, other than than that,, same tractor,,so the 520 and the 300 series tractors are the last great wheel horses ever made..

Jarrett : the rear tires are worth that ! The Lawn Ranger transmissions are usually good and the hood can be sandblasted back into a shiny one! $60 is two dinners at Olive Garden !

Saw this Ride-away sitting outside someones yard down the road from me. Got a quick snap of it while i was driving. Seems as if they are using it as a lawn ordement. Going to take a ride down and ask him how much he would want for it. I still can't believe i found one down the road from me. Wonder if its the only one in Rhode Island?

You said it! I got my 1993 520 in 1996 from a toro dealer used with 300 hours on it and i never knew it would last me this long. I still use it! Also i have a 2007 315-8 and I've decided to not use it unless i have to. Has only 171 hours and just sits in my shed looking pretty all waxed up. Its funny because when my neighbor came over into my shed and saw my 315 he thought it was over 20 years old when it was actually only 9. LOL. This was probably because of the old design.

Sadly I recently read that Eastman closed the doors and their machines and spare parts for the Ingersoll tractors had been loaded into shipping containers. . The article said it was unknown if production was being moved elsewhere or shut down for good!

Well my lil wheel horse girl(daughter Lillian) helped me out putting the C-81 back together... She named her Rosie and then wanted to have a photo shoot lol.

Both!

Come on...take a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words.

It's not stripped. There's some wear but it may be OK. It engages the internal teeth of the 3523 3rd/2nd gear. Once you get them cleaned up take a good picture of both gears.The engagement of the two is a weak link in these transmissions and the cause of them slipping out of 3rd gear.

6-13-1975 Linda Ronstadt has her first #1 hit on the country-music charts By the end of the 1970s, the decade of her greatest commercial success, Linda Ronstadt was being hailed with honors like “the First Lady of Rock” and “Top Female Pop Singer of the Decade.” But neither of those titles captured the true breadth of her musical pursuits or of her popularity. As synonymous as she was in the late 1970s with the pop mainstream, Ronstadt began her rise to stardom working in an idiom as compatible with country-music fashions as with rock. In fact, her first top-10 hit was with the Hank Williams song “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You),” and the biggest hit of her career was “When Will I Be Loved,” which became a #1 hit on the country-music charts on this day in 1975. “When Will I Be Loved,” a top-10 pop hit for the Everly Brothers in 1960, came from Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 breakthrough album Heart Like A Wheel, which yielded three top-10 hits each on the pop and country-music charts. ["When Will I Be Loved" was the only hit on both; "You're No Good" was a #1 pop hit that did not make the country charts, and the aforementioned "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" and Neil Young's "Love Is A Rose" were #2 and #5 country hits, respectively, but did not have an impact on the pop charts.] While Ronstadt’s dabbling in new wave and disco on her subsequent albums may have seemed to mark her as a trend-follower, in fact they reflected a natural eclecticism would become even more pronounced in future stages of her career. Over the course of 30 active years (and counting) since her 1975 breakthrough, Linda Ronstadt has recorded songs by such diverse songwriting giants as Hank Williams, Elvis Costello, Gilbert and Sullivan, Smokey Robinson, Sam and Dave and Cole Porter, as well as an entire album of traditional Spanish canciones. Her eclectic musical journey out of youth and into middle age also included a return to her country-tinged roots with the album Trio, recorded with country superstars Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris and a #1 hit on the country-music album charts in 1987.

Sorry to hear about your loss.......I think your ok with the rain this week,,, oh and on a lighter note.....Whats Red in Virginia,,stays in Virginia ,,,,, lol

that side pulls off sooo easily then all of four of the gears on the other side plate wiggle freely but would not slip from the bearings or there seatings... so I pulled and pushed them out..and it took quite a bit of force but nothing seemed damaged yet well that part was a fight and the next three were also

Hands down... my favorite.

It is a 953, the ivory choke/throttle knobs are the giveaway. Presuming it runs well I would say that $750 would be a maximum reasonable price. It has a grill, is reasonably complete and the wheel weights, while not correct for a would be a nice thing to have. The steering wheel is not correct and the mower belt guard is missing plus the obvious bent up rear fenders. Seems like some people see the outrageous asking prices on and don't take into consideration the fact that it has been listed for a year with no takers. Personally, I would walk away at anything over $500.

So far, my only mod... Mean looking.

The fan gears are all standard size. Parts Tree was one listed for $236.17 Toro # 109691. The only difference would be the shaft length. Find a good used one and modify it to match the original length. Some of our members sell good used parts.

Well yeah...you want to get paid don't you?

Years back I worked for a company who's owner collected vintage cars. He ordered a "Tar Top Battery" for one of the cars through the company; the day it came into the office a fork lift had a dead battery, we used his precious battery to get the day's production onto a trailer and on the road, he was not at all impressed with our ingenuity. Battery was wrapped with cardboard to be sure we didn't mar it, but still, we had used The Battery!

Depends on what fits based on what's coming home Preliminarily, these two . . .