Hello Everyone

[MyOtherCarisaWheel Horse 10]

Hello all, New to Red Square but not to Wheel Horses. Here is a little info on me for your reading entertainment. I first mowed my father's yard on a 5Hp simplicity wonder boy with a block of wood tied to the pedal so I could reach it to make it go. Dad used to take a lap or two around the yard to get me started which helped me to not drive it into the creak that ran alongside our property.

As the years passed we eventually wore that little mower out and Dad went and bought a used 8hp Wheel Horse about the size of the older c-series. We eventually wore that one out as well after many years of service. My father then purchased about 4 different tractors from a local dealer that sold various makes of tractors. He would use them for a week or so and take them back for something different. He had an Arens, A Cub Cadet and I believe a Gravely in the mix but he always found a fault with them and would usually sum up his thoughts on each rejected machine with "Its just not a Wheel Horse".

The used tractor dealer finally got an 1982 C-105 in stock. This was about a 3 year old tractor at the time and honestly the asking price was well above my father's spending plan at the time. However, wanting to make my father happy (I.E. Make him go away and stop returning tractors) He offered it to my dad for a really good price at the time and after mt father "Test" drove it for an extended time, "WEEKS" they arrived at a price agreeable to both and the C-105 had a new home.

Dad has been gone for about 17 Years now.... but since he passed, the little C-105 has worked for me.

This brings me to a question I would like to ask. The 105 is getting very tired now. I gave it a face lift a few years ago but its way overdue for an engine overhaul now. My yard is small these days, the problem is my driveway. It's about 160 feet long off a state maintained road meaning no snow may be pushed out onto it and it is VERY steep. Last winter took a toll on the 105. Had to replace the drive belt and have some welding performed on the lift rods. It just don't have the power or weight to handle heavy snow.

I'm looking at a 1997 520h with less than 300 hours on it. It has a snow plow and mower deck. It was used for about 2 years to mow with then moved to a farm where it pretty much only had garden cart hauling duties. The Original owner wants $2,000 for it and the pictures of it look as if it is a fine machine. The foot rests have no rust for example.

So, Is the 97 520H worth it? I know for my needs it is a little overkill but I have few vices these days and would not mind a new toy for my shed.

Thanks for any opinions on the matter and I wanted to included some pics of the 105 from last winter but they are not on a server and I don't see a way to upload them to this site.

[rmaynard 16,301]

:thumbs:

Welcome aboard. Nice to have you.

Go with cash in hand and make an offer. I have seen a 520-H with plow and 48" mower on eBay not sell for the asking price of $900.00. Granted, it had 1700+ hours, but I have seen them go for $1500.00 with snow blower and enclosed cab. It's a very good tractor, so pay what you feel comfortable with.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Bob

[Forest Road 594]

:thumbs:

A friend of the family has a C 105 he bought new. I used to ride it all over his property as a kid. I recently got back in touch w/ him and he's still using it. The rear plastic fenders snapped off long ago but it still cuts his 4 acres of grass. Many a fond memory on that old machine.

I recently bought a 520 w/ cab and single stage blower, no deck, and 109 hours for a steal. The guy didn't really know what he had. It did have a few minor issue. Sounds like your seller knows what he has. I'd have to agree w/ Bob. Go w/ cash and drag him down. I'm a firm believer in the old theory " As the buyer you can never throw to low a number out there."

Good luck

Kevin

[MyOtherCarisaWheel Horse 10]

I know what you mean about the fiberglass fenders. Two years ago I busted mine all to heck and back when I got stuck in the yard with it trying to turn around while plowing a path for the dogs to use. -5 degree temp and a strong knee into the back of a decades old piece of plastic do not make a good mix. I replaced it and the leaking gas tank with used ones from a 312 8. Fits perfectly and now I have tail lights!

[jhunsch 20]

:)

for the great story of you and your Dad. That brought back some memories for me. Sorry cant help with your tractor question i am still new to Redsquare. No doubt your are in the right place.

Jeff

FYI search red square for the 2011 Calender it is Absolutely amazing

[Raider12 13]

:thumbs: Glad to have you here my friend. I love to read these kind of stories with the history with dad or grandpa etc and the o'l traktor. If you decide to bring the 520 home, you won't regret it. It's a terrific machine.

Denver

[Duff 206]

Not much to add, but do want to say !

Duff :thumbs:

[Irv 115]

:thumbs: I see you are in sw pa so I don't imagine you get that much snow there. Unless you are in a hurry, I would hold off and watch cl and around for either a nice condition C or a 300 or 400 series or a 520 at a better price. As has been said, there are deals out there you just have to be patient. Good luck!

[MyOtherCarisaWheel Horse 10]

Now that I've figured it out since saying hello, here is a pic of my Wheel Horse work horse. Used it to sweep up the final leaves of fall today with my $10 yard sale sweeper. The weights (total 110 lbs.) and chaines are on it for plow duty.

[bitten 134]

Ron

Hello and

I dont know that I would give up on the 105 just yet. I have a 310-8 that I used to plow with and it did a great job. If you got to do a rebuild on the engine or replace it that would be cheaper than the 520 you are looking at.

The 520 would be a real joy for you to own and would push the daylights out on your drive ( and dog path). I would try to talk him down and see what you can come up with.

Good luck,

P.J.

[AMC RULES 37,196]

Hey Ron, . I've recently purchased a 520-H for the same purpose as you've stated here. Love it so far, I haven't used it for any snow removal as of yet, it is set up with a blower and cab, ready to go. I can't imagine you would regret the purchase for that price, but agree you should go with cash in hand and work out a better deal. Good luck buddy, if you decide to pass on it, please pass the contact info onto the forum, might be someone here interested in it.

[jtmoyer 1]

i would buy it and then you have time to restore your 105 since you will have something else to use. it is never wrong to have 2 or more wheel horses :thumbs:

[VinsRJ 723]

:thumbs:

[MikesRJ 558]

:thumbs:

[wheelhorse656 20]

hello and ! sorry cant put my input on this one im not to good with the b c d series and up from that. although i think it would probly be cheaper to buy a diffrent engine or a rebuild on the motor you have. good luck! :wh:

[Roger from southern Iowa 1]

:thumbs: Glad to have you here!!!

[SAM58 30]

:) and Hello....

looks like you are getting the bug.

the Wheel Horse bug.

:thumbs:

[WH854 45]

:) I think It all depends on what you are willing to pay!!!!

Chas

[stevasaurus 23,282]

:) :thumbs:

[JimD 3,347]

:thumbs:

[MyOtherCarisaWheel Horse 10]

I think It all depends on what you are willing to pay!!!!

Chas

LOL, well I made a counter offer and the owner did not return my call so I'm thinking the negoation phase of the deal is over and I'll continue on to the next phase we in the horse hunting industry like to call "Still Lookin"

[mavfreak 11]

[ "Still Lookin"

I think that fits us all!