520H to 520Lxi

[Brownta 5]

Hello all,

 

I have been thinking of selling my 1990 520H with snow thrower and moving on up to a 520 or 522 xi or Lxi. (I would love a 523DLxi but those are next to impossible to find) Has anyone done this before and if so did you like the change. I know they are totally different animals. But surprisingly to me they are going for about the same money right now. I have not made up my mind either way and need some serious input.  I have had quite a few of the classic series and have loved them all and the attachments. I've had every kind of attachment for them at one point or the other. But most of that is gone now and I am just left with the 520h, 48" deck and 42" snow thrower. About the only things I really used are a tiller (will have to find another one as someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse on the one I had) dozer blade (same story as the tiller) and the snow thrower. Since I'm going to have to track down another tiller and dozer blade, I'm thinking this would be a good time to see if upgrading to the newer xi/Lxi series is worth it. Someone give me some thoughts please! As I'm torn on this situation. 

[RMCIII 838]

Something to keep in mind, as I have recently found out, there are more parts available for the 520H and going in reverse than the 500XI series. I just converted from JD to the 518xi. Outstanding garden tractor, but the people who know about these machines truly lies within this web site and not the local dealerships and parts/service centers. That being said, because of the people who do own these models, and the information they have, can't go wrong. The only thing I would suggest, or change, if I could. Make sure you get a model that has power steering. The tractor itself weighs in just slightly over 1,000lbs. Adding any attachments or a snow blower, on the front, only increase the work you need to do. Only true complaint I can find with the tractor.

[leeave96 490]

The 5xi series tractors are GREAT machines IMHO, however as was stated earlier, more parts and user experiences are with the 520H tractors and earlier.

 

One thing you might consider that IMHO really brings the 520H tractors into the modern tractor world is the addition of Matt's foot control.  Once that is in place, I can't see any difference in tractor function and ease of use between a brand new JD garden tractor and my 21 year old 520H.

 

The only thing with the foot control, for some reason I'm thinking that kit might interfere with a tiller, but check with Matt.

 

OTOH - a 5xi tractor would be a great addition too!

 

Good luck!

Bill

[Snowmobileaddict 403]

The Xi series and the New Holland GT Clones are very robust tractors.  Sure you won't see as many parts or attachments floating around as the 520H but I think that has more to do with how long the Xi's were in production vs. the older iron.  The market shift toward cheaper big bix tractors that the bulk of consumers demand today is what helped end the Xi line.

 

I have owned my 2003 522xi for just over 1 year and I can't say enough good things about it.  You do want power steering.  I bought my tractor with just a mower deck and in the 15 months since then I have bought or almost bought the following attachments that became availble within reasonable driving distance:

 

Dump From Seat (D.F.S.) Vac Bagger attachment  (Bought and use in the fall for leaf cleanup, excellent attachment) 

 

42" single stage snow thrower (Bought and sold)

 

Belly mount grader blade (Bought and sold)

 

44" dual stage snow thrower (offered on and almost bought but decided it was a bit overkill in the end and passed on it)

 

48" Snow/Dirt Blade (someone beat me to it on craigslist)

 

Used spare parts come up here and there on this website and ebay, but the truth is, these things are built rugged and nearly everything is owner serviceable.  Don't let parts support scare you away.  Also, the amount of attachments that you'll see over the course of a year if you are actively looking should be pretty good too.

[wh500special 2,262]

There have been a lot of 5xi inquiries lately.  I guess they're getting older and are finally hitting the used market in better numbers.

 

I prefer the 5xi over the classic 520 hands down.  The improvements in ride comfort, turning radius, quiet, and strength are Obviously functions of being designed in a completely different era. 

 

As far as durability, they seem to be holding up quite well.  Toro carried over the Unidrive transaxle and Eaton 11 hydrostat, so they're as tough as the oldies.  The frame is full-length, so they add stiffness and durability there too.  From what I have seen, the engines used on the 5xi's enjoy good long term durability and reliability easily rivaling the onan.  Everything on the 5xi is pretty heavy.  There's really not much plastic other than the trim on the cowling/dash and...I can't think of anything else.

 

If you're concerned about access for regular maintenance, don't be.  The hood opens wide and the side panels pop right off with no tools.  The three screens under the dash are removed with about 2 screws apiece (OK, they are Torx fasteners).  The whole fender/footrest/seat assembly lifts right off with just a couple of screws in case you need to access something underneath.  The steering linkage is easily accessed by a removable panel on the transmission hump.  You can do about all of your regular maintenance with no more headaches than you're used to on the classic tractors.  However, removing the blower housing from an air cooled engine (to clear out a mousenest for example) almost requires yanking the engine.

 

I will say that the Onan 20 hp engine "seems" stronger than the 20 hp water cooled Kawasaki in the 520Lxi or the 22 hp Kohler in the 522xi.  The 20 Kawasaki in the Lxi seems to be between the Onan and Kohler to me.  This is empirical of course.  The diesel is in a class of its own and I'd guess the lower hp tractors are obviously a bit less powerful.  But you may not even notice under normal use.

 

I've had, literally, about every model tractor Wheel Horse ever made going back all the way to the beginning.  My favorite "user" tractor is, without a doubt, the 5xi series.  I presently have 4 of them (520Lxi, 522xi (x2), and a 523Dxi).  I've never driven a manual steer 5xi (518 or 520) so have no reference, but the power steering on the more expensive models is a delight.  I'm still mixed on the "Smart Turn" steering that automatically slows the tractor in turns.  It works well when mowing with the cruise control set, but is a bit frustrating when doing anything else.  A lockout kit is available and is pretty cheap....like in the $50 range.

 

Yes, attachments are much harder to find.  And, since they're invariably newer, they tend to be more expensive.

 

They're simply a more modern tractor.  If you're more interested in just using the tractor rather than admiring it for simplicity and time-tested design, get the 5xi.  If you prefer "classics", stick to the old tractor.  But, if I were going to pick between a free 5xi (any model) and a free 520H, I'd pick the 5xi.

 

Steve

[Forest Road 594]

I have a 522xi with loader and a 314h with all the attachments. I doubt I could ever own just one tractor. I have no need to remove the loader form the xi. And I can swap attachments on the 314 in minutes. Plus they're all paid for.

This two tractor combo works for me. If I were to consider owning just one tractor Id probably step up to a small 4x4 tractor loader. Then at least any 3pt attachments would work on any future tractors.

[Brownta 5]

Thanks for the replies! I have a 522xi for sale rather close to me. I might go check it out as I have never seen one up close. Looking over some of the attachments on parts tree, the tiller is the same tiller, it just requires a mid mount jack shaft. I also have a local toro dealer, I know some of these attachments can still be bought new. The tiller for 1500, dozer blade for about 800 and snow thrower for about 1400. If I can find a tractor that I like I might just go this route. It would be cheaper than buying all new tractor and attachments, which I would do if the tractors were still available new. I have a 2 acre food plot that i would like to be able to till up myself. I thought about going with a bigger tractor and a disc harrow, but I would have no use for it besides the food plot. I lease the other 50 acres out for pasture. So that guy maintains that and brush cuts it off for me. Seems like everyone that has the xi tractors love them. I'm going to have to at least try one out for my self. If I don't like it, I'm willing to bet I can sell it for little or no loss. I might pick up that 522xi with a 52" deck that's about 40 miles from me. He's asking 2000, might see if I can get him down to 1800. Does that seem like a fair price?

[Challenger 27]

A 522xi with 52" mower, here in rural New York, will bring $3,000 plus or minus depending upon condition and hours.  

 

With that said it sounds like the machine you're considering might reflect a "buying opportunity".

[Brownta 5]

Below is a link on the one I'm considering. I would guess the date is off on the camera and that is a more recent picture than 2007. And it's a lot closer than the last 520H I bought. I went clear from Albia Iowa to Chillicothe Ohio to get that one. That was a little over 600 miles and almost 10 hours one way.

 

 

 

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/grd/3759892500.html

[Challenger 27]

Looks like it could be a solid deal.  Find out how many engine hours are on the machine.  Go run it for half an hour and get it to full temp.  Confirm hydro strength/health.

 

If it checks out I'd buy it.  I'd buy any low to medium hour 522xi for $2000 all day long.  (I own a few of them!)  As mentioned earlier, I too think you could get out of it without taking a financial hit down the road.

[wh500special 2,262]

Tractor valuation seems to be very subjective around here.  But I think that's probably the going rate for one like that.  If I wanted a solo powerhouse tractor, I'd buy it.  It looks like a nice one and they're not making them for us anymore, so what's out there is it.

 

The problem with stuff like this is that the fantastic deals usually don't come when you're looking to buy something.  So getting anything below market value when you want to buy is tough.

 

I've bought tractors sight-unseen 1000 miles away.  When something I'm looking for comes up for sale in my neighborhood it makes pulling the trigger easier.

 

Steve

[Forest Road 594]

Sounds like a fare price. I bought mine with 1000 hours. I think the loader has been on it most of that time. When I picked it up all the pedal linkage was loose. As well as the steering. I doubt the PO knew how to turn a wrench.

Anyway it wouldn't go over 3mph, with a GPS reading. After 2 hours with some tools and lock tight it hits 7.5 mph and turns on a dime. Good luck

[Torino 15]

I think you can do better than that price.  I have seen some on Ebay go for half of that and it is a long ways away.  It seems most people don't know what they are which lends it to getting one cheaper.  I have both and to me the comparison is like the new and old mustangs.  Both are great but the newer one is really better over all and if you add power steering that would really put the xi over the 520 especially with a snow blower or a loader out front.

[Don1977 605]

I don't own either the 520H or a 522XI, But I have looked at the drawings. I don't see anything better in the XI series design. With the 520H there isn't much that I can't fix. The transmission being equal there are a lot more used transmissions to be had for a 520H. As for engines there are three of four 23 to 25 HP I could replace the original with. 30 years of attachments that will fit the 520H. This is just my opinion, ignore, disagree, that up to you.

[wh500special 2,262]

You have drawings?!  How did you get your hands on those?  If you'd like to share...

 

 

... But I have looked at the drawings....

[Don1977 605]

Assembly drawings not design drawings. I been a design draftsman for over 40 years.

[Challenger 27]

I understand the tractor has 700 hours +/-.  Still plenty of life in it if cared for.

 

A seven hundred hour 522xi in good shape would be a $2200 machine in my neighborhood.  $2000 is a nice price.  $1800 a very good deal.

[Snowmobileaddict 403]

Get the serial number and that will tell you the tractor model year. A 2006 model year serial number would begin with 26. I don't think it is a 2006. The final year should have been 2005, and that was the year they were called GT550's. Then they were gone for good.

The decals on the hood side panels of the one you are looking at are the earlier design. I'd say 1998 to 2000.

[Challenger 27]

Speaking of model years, the paint quality on 5xi tractors was not as durable near the end of the run as it was in the beginning.  Our 1999 through 2003 machines have paint that wears like iron.  Some of Our 2004 and 2005 machines flake paint more quickly.

 

Dealer states it was a change to water based paints.

[Brownta 5]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I have also bought a couple Whee Horses sight unseen and have had very good luck. One from Oho and one from Minny. I'm watching a 520Lxi on ebay that has some issues, thinking about getting it and working on it. I have one to use now. So if it took me a couple weekends to get it going that would be fine. I would just have to trailer my 520H back and forth to mow the yards until I got it going. That one I posted the link to, I think I'm going to give it a couple of weeks and see if the price will drop a little. Around there the xi/Lxi series don't seem very desireable. The "classic" series ones are a totally different story. If those are seen they better be bought for the asking price or someone will swoop in and nab them. Does anyone know if Toro is still producing the replacement parts for the xi/Lxi series? My dealer is out on vacation, so I can't get any input from him until June.

[MalMac 1,332]

I may be wrong here, I have been wrong before and I know it won't be the last. From what I have been told by someone higher up at Toro that will remain anonymous. Toro is not making any parts for any of the Wheel Horse's anymore. What's on the shelfs is it.

[Forest Road 594]

I haven't had any problems getting parts. Most of the stuff that brakes is universal parts switches, axle seals, belts, etc. if you encounter a trans issue it'll probably be a bearing, again universal. Or the Hydro drive and they can be rebuilt.

[Brownta 5]

I haven't had too many issues with parts. There was a hydro valve on my 16 auto that went bad and I couldn't find one. But besides that, I have had good luck. I do know that the deck spindle housings are still made. My local dealer told me that. Apparently 300 at a time are forged out. And since it's a smaller run, that drives the price of them up. I would not let any parts issue steer me away from any WH. I have never had any major issues. Not even a valve issue in my 1990 Onan powered 520. (Knock on wood) I didn't get the 520xi on ebay. It went for over 800 in a not running condition. I think the first deal I run across on either a 520H with a grass catcher or a xi/Lxi with a blade or blower I will nab up. I'm not in a have to have now situation yet, so I have time to scope out a deal and make a road trip out of it. I really think after all this, I want to try out the more modern 522xi. If it like it, I might just have to go ahead and spend the money on the new tiller from toro. About $1600, but if they still made the xi's new, I would most likely spend the 7000 on one of them. So 1600, isn't so bad. Enjoy the nice weather coming! I have been using the crap out of my 520H mowing my 2.5 acres. 

[Challenger 27]

So far we've experienced superior 5XI service, parts and attachment support from our two local, family owned, WHEEL HORSE dealers.  There hasn't been a repair part issue of any kind.  As recently as this spring we have been buying new and used attachments for our fleet of machines.  These purchases have included dozer blades, grader blades, mower decks, snow cabs, a Kwik-Way loader and a rototiller.

 

I believe you can buy a 5xi with high confidence of continued support IF you have a WHEEL HORSE dealer that you loyally work with.  Our dealers have been great partners.

 

In my opinion the only thing Toro could have done better with Wheel Horse would have been to introduce the 5XI series 5 - 10 years sooner.