Blue Chips 42 #1 Posted September 1 Hello everybody. I’m new to the forum, but I’ve owned a 2001 522xi for the past 17 years, which has served me well for multiple purposes, including snow removal, rototilling, lawn mowing, and moving my empty flatbed trailer around the yard. I also have a plow for it, which I've never used, since I have other equipment for pushing stuff around. I recently added a new member to the stable: a New Holland GT18, which I understand (correct me if I’m wrong) is basically a Toro Wheel Horse 518xi wearing a blue suit and sporting a few trim and logo differences. The new-to-me GT18 came with a very solid 48-inch mowing deck (no deep rust or rust holes), which is one of the main reasons I bought it. The tractor runs well and has less than 400 hours on it. However, the tractor and mowing deck were both in need of a some repairs and adjustments, which I’m currently in the process of taking care of, and I'll post that process soon. 4 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,379 #2 Posted September 1 There's a few of us Horse folk here in Maine. What part are you from? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Chips 42 #3 Posted September 1 2 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: There's a few of us Horse folk here in Maine. What part are you from? Thanks, Eric. We're in Brunswick, which I just now added to my profile. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,379 #5 Posted September 1 4 minutes ago, Blue Chips said: Thanks, Eric. We're in Brunswick, which I just now added to my profile. Relatively local. Check around the site here. Your timing is good. There's a Meet n Greet in N Berwick Saturday the 6th. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Chips 42 #7 Posted September 1 1 minute ago, ebinmaine said: Your timing is good. There's a Meet n Greet in N Berwick Saturday the 6th. Thanks for the heads-up. It sounds like fun, although I won't be able to make it to that one, as my other half has already made plans for us. I'll check the forum site for other future meets. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,248 #8 Posted September 1 I’m sure you know this, but make sure to jack the front end up BY THE FRAME and inspect that front axle pivot. They are a weak point in the design of these beasts! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Chips 42 #11 Posted September 1 2 hours ago, Pullstart said: I’m sure you know this, but make sure to jack the front end up BY THE FRAME and inspect that front axle pivot. They are a weak point in the design of these beasts! Per your suggestion, I just pulled the front axle pivot pin to inspect it. All of the fasteners were nice and tight, so I don't think it has been shifting around. The pivot shaft is still in good shape, and there was no damage to the hole where the threaded portion of the shaft passes through the frame member. I lightly polished the shaft, cleaned it, greased it, and reinstalled it. The axle pivot action seems very smooth and snug. 5 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,496 #12 Posted September 1 3 hours ago, Blue Chips said: 522xi Wheel Horse best kept secret! soooooo easy to drive and mow! Welcome and you have grills on those machines.... nice! I have several and some parts if you need to know something send out a pm. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Chips 42 #13 Posted September 1 (edited) 16 minutes ago, JoeM said: Wheel Horse best kept secret! soooooo easy to drive and mow! Welcome and you have grills on those machines.... nice! I have several and some parts if you need to know something send out a pm. Thanks. I've really enjoyed the 522xi over the years. Other than some flaked and faded paint, the grilles and all of the metal body panels are still in good shape on both machines. There's one chip out of the plastic bumper-looking piece under the grille of the 522xi, but I have the chip...just have to adhere it with the appropriate glue or solvent. I'll have to have a closer look to see what kind of plastic it is...maybe ABS? I appreciate your offer of advice and a possible parts source. PS: I just wanted to add that in the 17 years that I've had the 522xi, I've accumulated a number of spare parts, so the offer goes both ways. Edited September 1 by Blue Chips Added postscript. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,379 #20 Posted Thursday at 11:22 AM @Blue Chips The meet and greet has been postponed until Saturday the 13th. Hopefully you can make it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blue Chips 42 #21 Posted Friday at 02:36 AM 15 hours ago, ebinmaine said: The meet and greet has been postponed until Saturday the 13th. Hopefully you can make it. I will try to make it. Thanks for the update. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,379 #22 Posted Friday at 08:42 AM 6 hours ago, Blue Chips said: I will try to make it. Thanks for the update. Bringing a Wheelhorse tractor is optional.... but not required. Trina and I will have 4 of ours. If you have any parts to sell or need, post that in Jim's thread. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
