D 200, another horse to look at

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

gentlemen, its me again, i have quite a few horses to look at the next few days. i came across a add for a D 200. the owner has had it for 7 years now, i cant get the pics he sent me to post yet. it has a short chute snowblower, and a 48 inch side discharge deck, front and rear pto with the rear having the 3 point.

he redid the motor, no problems with the hydro. and honestly, it looks very clean in the pics, but used.

i have about a two and a half hour drive to see it in the morning, i want to drive it and check it out. i am new to wheel horse and its what i have to have. the red horse.

 

is there anything i should look for?  he is asking 1800. does that seem fair.

 

and btw way, he says he has a D 250 with a 72 inch deck he might part with, no snowblower, for some reason i like the idea of shifting over the hydro.

 

any any replies to help this novice out, ME, is greatly appreciated.

 

cant wait to get my first one.

 

Ty, Glenn

[btm1970 97]

if you want to blow or push snow, hydro is the only way to go. shifting a d250 is a pain.  parts are everywhere for a d200.  if you plan on using the d250, make sure you buy a parts tractor with a good steering colum, you'll soon need it.

[Trouty56 567]

On that D200 work the hydro really hard and run it a long time to heat it up good....if there are hills go up the hill and check for loss of power then go down the hill and see if the tractor will stop when the lever is in the neutral position..try to creep down the hill...look under the rear for leaks or wetness.....  That hydro is the heart of the D series....

[JackC 617]

It might help to know how you intend to use a Wheel Horse tractor in order to recommend models to you.  

 

Strictly my opinion and I own 2 D-160s, but compared to other wheel horse tractors the D Series are clumsy mowers.  They have loose steering and wide turning radius.  They also take up a lot of room due to their size.  They do make good plow tractors or yard tugs due to their weight.  I thought about owning a D250 and then decided against it due to it being so unique and it may be hard to find parts and attachments compared to other Wheel Horse models.  The C, 300/400/500 series have so many common parts and attachments that they are much easier to own and maintain.  And, they are all very capable tractors.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

It might help to know how you intend to use a Wheel Horse tractor in order to recommend models to you.  

 

Strictly my opinion and I own 2 D-160s, but compared to other wheel horse tractors the D Series are clumsy mowers.  They have loose steering and wide turning radius.  They also take up a lot of room due to their size.  They do make good plow tractors or yard tugs due to their weight.  I thought about owning a D250 and then decided against it due to it being so unique and it may be hard to find parts and attachments compared to other Wheel Horse models.  The C, 300/400/500 series have so many common parts and attachments that they are much easier to own and maintain.  And, they are all very capable tractors.

Now why didn't I think of that, great comment. First off I intend on using it to tend my property. Mowing the lawn is the first priority, I live on 2 acres, and the property is anything but flat. There is a valley in the front with a 31 foot differance in elevation, the angle of grade is steep in some areas to. You have to know how to attack this lawn, after 9 years I have that down. Lol

The second part of use for my wheel horse is of course snow removal in the driveway. The driveway is about 500 ft, I don't want the plow attachment for pushing the snow, its hard to stack the snow on my lot. If you saw it you would understand. That's why I like the blower attachment.

I had a craftsman garden tractor, the motor last week just blew. Who cares with that POS. I have a walk behind snow blower and a jeep wranler with a snowy plow on it. By getting a REAL TRACTOR, to do these jobs for me, I can get ride of all that stuff and have what I allways wanted, a real machine, a wheel horse.

Well, there's why I want one. How about some recommendations. Great question!

Ty, Glenn

[Trouty56 567]

Personally....I think you should start looking and a 12hp - 14hp model....C-125 or 145 blackhood hydros are really nice tractors....economical to buy....and powerful enough for a 48" mower deck.  Hydro lift with a rebuildable cylinder....IMHO....

[refracman 167]

i have to agree with Trouty on rhis. D's are top heavy compared to the regular WH's. With the grade you mentioned you'll want a gear drive with a engine that has a oil pump, that rules out any singles without a oil filter and twins prior to 85. Also you'll want to add rear wheel weights with ags for the best traction year round.

jmop

[Ken B 3,189]

JackC hit the nail on the head, I was going to ask the same question he did but now I don't have to. Not knowing what your mechanical skills are I still think the 416 with the single lung Kohler you originally asked about is your best option. I'd at least check that one out if its fairly close to you. They are very capable and reliable work horse's that will not give you many problems, if any at all. Here is something you need to consider when asking about the value on a tractor. Many guys may say a tractor is only worth 6 or 700 bucks if they are interested in BUYING it, but if it was their tractor there ain't no way they'd SELL it for that. I think at the end of the day a 4 series tractor is your best bet. 

No matter what anyone says, be very careful if you decide to look at a 520. If it wasn't properly maintained thruout its life I'd be very concerned about that Onan. Have its valves ever been adjusted and has it ever been decarboned, did its owner drive around his yard with its air intake screen plugged with grass causing it too run hot, and did he let it cool down each time he used it before shutting it off? You'll never know the answer to the last two, you'll have to take a big chance that he did. Most guys consider an Onan with upwards of 1000 hrs on it to be in its "twilight years". Some engines are a little more forgiving if an owner isn't as religious about maintenance, an Onan isn't one of them IMO. Now, I've owned a 520 and it was an absolute SNOW MONSTER when it came to clearing snow and it was a pleasure to cut grass with (even if I had to clear the air intake screen on every other pass of cut grass.) It never gave me one problem (only 200 hrs on the clock)  Personally, I love 520's but it is very important that you find the right one (preferably a one owner low hr. machine) should you decide to go this route. When I'm shelling out a lot of coin for a tractor I ask alot of questioins. One I like to ask is who actually worked the tractor, the owner of the tractor or his young kid. Some kids are very good at taking care of things, some, not so much.

I can remember well over 30 yrs ago my younger brother who was 13 at the time blew the rear on Dads tractor due to extreme abuse. I kept warnin him... All I can say is he was damn lucky Dad was away for a week. My brother actually tore that rear end apart into a million pieces on the garage floor, rode his bike to Sears to get the parts he needed and rebuilt it.  All that to avoid one serious ass kickin. The tractor lasted at least another 15 yrs.  Maybe because my younger brother was no longer interested in riding it...

[slufoot733 70]

Glen, I must agree with what's been stated thus far. I have a 1978 D-200 and I have a lot of fun with it. The D series tractors are brutes and have lots of power. Here's a video of it blowing snow:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0bhdaxdiFo

 

On the other hand, they are big and clumsy. The steering leaves much to be desired. They have a wide turning radius and the steering feels loose. The hydro system is the heart of this tractor. If it's in good condition it is a strong unit. But it can be prone to leaks. So far mine is holding it's own. As with any tractor maintenance is the key to their performance. The D's do require their far share.

 

The engine is a Kohler K532. It's strong and reliable, and parts are available (although some can be costly).

 

The C series can do the same snow clearing work the D's can. And they are easier on the pocket. If the D is immaculate and you really like it.......go for it. But if you can find a C in good shape with the attachments you want then it might just be the better option.

 

Either way, hope it all works out for ya.

 

KT

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,168]

I wouldn't get rid of a Jeep with a plow for a "D" series   to handle a 500' driveway.

 Go after the 400 series machine you saw on e-bay, sell the short chute blower it comes with and get a tall chute blower to replace it and you'll be all set.....just my opinion.

Mike...........

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Fellas, thanks for all the replies so far. You sure gave me good advice and a number of things to think about. Seems I was going off half cocked, but now I can do more research on the models you have mentioned.

My brother, who is a way way better mechanic than me had to bail on my NY trip today. So I contacted the owner and cancelled. Darn shame I really wanted to see that bad beast to. I guess the only thing I missed out on today was 5 hours in the car.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Gives me a way lot more to think about. But now I have a great starting point to begin.

Glenn

And re the 416-8, its maybe only 50 or so away, I did email the owner re hours and engine wok and such, he has not replied back yet.

I like that he has the WHOLE package, deck and blower, but that C series with the twin looks promising to. Will keep you posted.

Now,,,,,,back to looking.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

I wouldn't get rid of a Jeep with a plow for a "D" series   to handle a 500' driveway.

 Go after the 400 series machine you saw on e-bay, sell the short chute blower it comes with and get a tall chute blower to replace it and you'll be all set.....just my opinion.

Mike...........

I probably would only take the snowy plow off and get rid of that. Come spring I like to take the roof and doors off, keep the jeep in the garage. Its a great summer cruiser, going to the beach, etc. And for a 1990 its really really clean. Once again the problem with the plow is a place to keep stacking the snow. That's why the blower attachment for the tractor makes it sweet.

Glenn

[JackC 617]

OK, now we know what the horse is expected to do for you.  Looks like mowing and snow blowing are two main applications and there are some inclines on the property.  Lets also start with the fact that your eye caught that restored 416-8 so that design will work for you.  Next, understand that this is my opinion and there will be many others since there are so many good machines.  

 

At the bottom of my recommended list would be the 417A with the twin cylinder Kohler KT17 series II engine.  The engine has full pressure lubrication and would be able to handle inclines better than a single cylinder splash lubricated engine.  The KT17 II also has plenty of power to spin a large 48 inch side discharge deck which is one of the most popular mowing decks.  The engine also has enough power for a tall shoot single stage, or better yet, a 2 stage snow blower.   The 417A also has the maroon hood decals without the name TORO anywhere on the machine.   The engine also has a nice chrome muffler and chrome air cleaner for an extra touch of class when you open the hood. There is also a 418A but those are harder to find.  You would also be sticking with a bullet proof Kohler engine.  The KT17 II starts and runs beautifully and has plenty of power. Lesser tractors will do but I would rather have more power than less.  The 417A is also a single stick hydro which is my favorite configuration.  Just move the stick forward or back as the job requires.  No stopping needed to change gears.

 

Next up would be the 416H with the ONAN twin P216 engine.  That engine has more torque than the Kohler and has a sound that is hard to beat, The ONANs require more care than the Kohlers so you would need to be familiar with their issues to avoid problems.  They suck cooling air like gangbusters so the flywheel screen can easily get plugged with grass and the engine can overheat.  The problem occurs with the 42 and 48 inch side discharge decks and does not occur as much with the 42 inch rear discharge deck.  

 

Next move up would be the 520H.  Those are considered the Cadillac of the line up and one of the best mowing machines short of a zero turn.  A 520H with a two stage snow blower is about as good as gets for moving snow.  A snow cab is also available.

 

A 417A or 416H can be had for about $800 depending on condition.  The 520H would be more like $1,500.  Some would not touch a tractor with an ONAN engine but I love mine.  I actually look forward to firing up my ONAN powered tractor and mowing the lawn.  My favorite machine is the 1988 or 1989 520HC which has the maroon decals, a faster trans-axle than the 520H and the name TORO is nowhere on the machine.  The "C" designates Commercial.

 

My collection is primarily tractors with twin cylinder engines and hydros.  The 520HC is by far my favorite and I like them so much I now have 3 of them.  Don't ask me why.

 

I would post some pictures but I might have exceeded my limit since they are not coming up.

 

The Wheel Horse tractors are some of the best looking and best built all American made tractors you can find.  What would otherwise be considered work becomes fun when you do it with a Wheel Horse.

 

 

[Ken B 3,189]

I did a trade of my 520 for this 417-8 with another member here and I haven't regretted it one bit. One of the main reasons is I was looking for something with an 8 speed. I often haul heavy logs on my 5x8 trailer from the woods with my tractor and I didn't like the noise coming from the hydro of my 520 when I tried using it last season. I unloaded half the wood on the trailer because I didn't want to toast the hydro, it wasn't any more weight than I used to tow easily with my 416-8 that I had. Just today I was in the woods all day hauling logs with the 417-8, no issues whatsoever, with a full trailer to boot. The big advantage of the 520 IMO is when you are running a 60 inch deck, the 3 extra ponies comes in handy. The 520 is the Cadillac, the 417-8 is the Farm truck. I need the Farm truck. My brother just picked up a nice 417-8 with 500 hrs on it for 900 bucks.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Ken,   thanks looks nice.

and gentleman, thank you for all your comments. it seems the D 200 probably isnt for me and my needs.

not sure 100 percent. but probably.

 

back to looking,,,,,,,,,

 

Glenn