rjallen103188 0 #1 Posted July 29, 2011 Hello I am new to the forum. So far it's great. I just got my first wheel horse. It's a 520, I believe. It was free from my cousin. It has a Quik-Lift bucket lift. It doesn't start, the battery is dead, there is no hood, the gas was fouled, a lot of the wires have been cut off of the back of the dash; but it could be worse. Everything appears to be pretty solid overall. I want to fix it up and get it running; I have a good understanding of small engines, and I am mechanically inclined. I was wondering if there are any good resources for shop manuals, wiring harnesses, ect. What are some common problems with these tractors? Any suggestions, advice or resources would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I will post pictures as soon as I can. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CDLdrvr 0 #2 Posted July 29, 2011 I too am a newbie with a 520. So far without a doubt the best resource I have found is this site. Mine has wiring issues and from the majority of the posts to my thread everyone seems in agreement that wiring is a serious problem with these machines. I grumbled a bit about the condition of mine, but yours sounds much worse, mine needs a ton of TLC but at least I got it running and I am mowing with it. I also by no means got mine free. Sure wish I had that loader tho .... I am sure a few replies will mention that. Good luck with it and welcome to a great site. Can't wait to see pics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
300zx 7 #3 Posted July 29, 2011 rjallen103188, welcome to the site. There are a lot of experienced people on this site that can help you. My first suggestion is to get the model number off of the fender pan just under the left front side of the seat. Take that number to the Toro.com site: Toro Site It will give you all the info on your 520 and any downloadable manuals. The model number has to be put in precisely, for example the model number for my 1991 520 is 41-20OE02, where the 20 is for the hp, O is for Onan. Have fun getting it running, John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #4 Posted July 29, 2011 :D !!! Congratulations on your FREE tractor, once you get it running, you will find that the 520 is a GREAT machine!!!! BTW.....i have a nice hood if you are interested :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earlleecliffton 38 #6 Posted July 29, 2011 :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SAM58 30 #7 Posted July 29, 2011 Hello and I was very fortunate that the 520H I found was like new compaired to your machine. I have had two, one was in bad shape but I got it running and restored it, sold it and the guy is using to cut about 2 acres... Don't get discouraged, it will be worth it to get your 520 restored, they are beasts and fun to operate. a lot of parts are available through Toro, and many othe places. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #8 Posted July 29, 2011 :woohoo: i would recommend that you pull the engine shrouds and make sure the engine fins are not gunked up,and that it is completely clean in there,you will be able to get all the info you need here,there are many people with 520.s and tonnes of knowledge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #9 Posted July 29, 2011 :D Once you get it running you'll love that 520. Nothing else sounds like it or feels like it. Yes, there are electrical issues on a lot of them. Mostly caused by neglect and being left out in th rain and snow. Lately there have been many of them being parted out on Ebay. You can save a seach there and they will email you when a part comes up. I have 3 520H's at the present time 1989,1990 and a 1991. That 1990 was my first Wheel Horse and it had a broken rod and I had all those electrical problems at one time or another but I still have it. You'll find a lot of help here so ask any questions. Welcome to RS. :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
otrelwood 32 #10 Posted July 30, 2011 My '88 520 was free for a little work on a boat, came with mower, weights ,48 in. plow .I live in the wonderful lake effect area of lake michigan and usually cant wait for the snow .This tractor started my addiction we now have 7. good luck with the fix and they do have electrical issuses :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjallen103188 0 #12 Posted July 30, 2011 Thank you very much for your help. I just found out that I have a 1988 Wheel Horse 520-H. I downloaded the manuals that I am going to need, so now it's time to work on it. And "Shuboxlover" I might have to take you up on your offer. :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,013 #13 Posted July 30, 2011 :D The 520 is a Pretty Big for your first Tractor. You should probably let me have that, and I will start you out on a 551. After all what R Buds for? Just kiddin... the 520 is about the biggest of tha Late Models Tractors and that Bucket is a nice bonus. Good luck with her she will serve you well. Cheers ~Duke :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #14 Posted July 31, 2011 I just found out that I have a 1988 Wheel Horse 520-H. That's PERFECT, as the hood I have has the maroon stripe (but it does say 520-HC) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #15 Posted August 1, 2011 Good luck with your wiring issues. I am plauged by horrible wiring as well. It will get fixed with time, a little bit of money, a test light or meter, and the manuals and diagrams. The safety switches seem to be a point of failure on mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
