1988,,,,516 H ,,hydro trans slows as it warms up,,,,? + ONAN 16 ,,comments

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

ok fellas, here we go again, i located a 1988 516 H, the main problem is that when the tractor runs for a while the hydro trans slows the tractor up. i am not afraid of a repair, just looking for comments on the problem and possible repair issues.  i imagine it can get pricey,,but thats neither here nor there.

Are problems with the hydro common for this year?

 

re the ONAN 16,  from being a member here for a short time i allmost see a 50 / 50 division of those that like onan and those that dont.  are there problems associated with the 1988 year for the onan powerplant that would be an issue.

 

once again looking for comments on the great pool of knowledge associated with this thread.

man o man am i ever so happy i joined this group. thanks again.

 

Glenn

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,491]

The 1988 516-H uses the Eaton 700 hydro for those that can comment.

 

Transmission service manual

 

Operator manual

 

Tractor service manual

 

Service bulletin

 

Garry

[546cowboy 302]

Sounds like trans is about on it's last leg. You have checked the fluid level? You can look for another 700 or replace it with the better 1100 out of a 520H and have a much better hydro. I believe I have a 700 pump and I know I have an 1100. You can PM me.

Edited November 27, 2013 by 546cowboy

[squonk 43,843]

Toss the 700 and go with the 1100

[JackC 617]

If you are looking at the unit on Craiglist in MA it is a beauty.  Personally, I would not buy problems or something that needed a transmission swap to be right, unless the price was very reasonable.  For what that seller is asking, you can buy a nice 520H for the same price.  

 

There is a Wheel Horse 418-A on eBay in MA for $650 that may be a good deal depending on hours and condition. It comes with a plow but maybe no deck. Mowing decks are easy to come by for another 200 to 300.  Plow tractor engines typically have less hours on them and may have less wear if only used in the winter and not used all summer for mowing in hot weather.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

If you are looking at the unit on Craiglist in MA it is a beauty.  Personally, I would not buy problems or something that needed a transmission swap to be right, unless the price was very reasonable.  For what that seller is asking, you can buy a nice 520H for the same price.  

 

There is a Wheel Horse 418-A on eBay in MA for $650 that may be a good deal depending on hours and condition. It comes with a plow but maybe no deck. Mowing decks are easy to come by for another 200 to 300.  Plow tractor engines typically have less hours on them and may have less wear if only used in the winter and not used all summer for mowing in hot weather. 

 

the first word id bingo,,for some reason i cant correct it. lol

 

bing, jack your a genius. that is the unit, its on my hit list. i like clean stuff, but its not a deal breaker. he would have to sell it cheap. what do you think a GOOD price would be on that? you see it. my brother has been researching new transmissiins at Eaton, they are over a thousand dollars, he also sent me one on ebay for 300 dollars, its advertised as good but who knows, i will look at the one you mentione also, and thank you. sooner or later it will come along. i am in no rush for cutting grass  anddriveway snow clearing i am covered to.

[Ken B 3,189]

If you are looking at the unit on Craiglist in MA it is a beauty.  Personally, I would not buy problems or something that needed a transmission swap to be right, unless the price was very reasonable.  For what that seller is asking, you can buy a nice 520H for the same price.  

 

There is a Wheel Horse 418-A on eBay in MA for $650 that may be a good deal depending on hours and condition. It comes with a plow but maybe no deck. Mowing decks are easy to come by for another 200 to 300.  Plow tractor engines typically have less hours on them and may have less wear if only used in the winter and not used all summer for mowing in hot weather.

i think I'm going to haul that 418 down to Danbury, CT.......

[JackC 617]

Glenn, That 516H looks great in the pictures.  However, if you could see it next to a 520H in similar condition you would regret having purchased it instead of the 520H. The 520H has the swept front axle that moves the front wheels out farther and gives the tractor a longer wheel base.  That gives it a longer sleeker look compared to the 516H or the 518H.  It also allows the use of the monster 60 Inch mowing deck under the tractor. The 520H also came with bigger wheels and tires, a nicer seat, and many had the arm rests on the seats.   If you could see the two together you would pick the 520H hands down.  The 516H you are looking at has a mickey mouse seat on it by comparison that would need to be replaced.  I try to keep my tractors pure wheel horse so I do not use after market seats.

 

I believe the 516H was only made in 1988 and it may not have come with an hour meter. When a model only survives for one year that may indicate that it was not a good seller.  The 518H model did last a few years.  The 516H and 518H had the lighter duty Eaton 700 transmission that is not held in high regard by the member here. The 520H model lasted from 1988 through 1997 and that model was one of the nicest looking and most popular wheel horse tractors.  If you could see them together you would see that the 516H is like a 520H that never made it to manhood.  You would be embarrassed if your neighbor had a 520H and drove it up next to your 516H.  I am being a little rough on the 516H but if you could see it next to a 520H you would see exactly what I mean.

 

The sheet metal on the 516H looks great and it is nice not to have to do any refinishing work.  If you had a 520H and wanted another unit for the heck of it to add to the collection like most of us do then adding the 516H would make for a nice addition provided the transmission is an easy fix or if it were replaced.  I would try to buy it for around $800 and look to putting a used Eaton 1100 in it if you have the time which is the problem I keep running into.  Maybe all it needs is fresh oil but it may also be worn out.

 

If you are not in a hurry there will be some nice 520Hs showing up on Craigslist or eBay.  I have seen nice low hour units in the $1,200 range and they are nice looking and nice performing machines.  If you go for the 516H and replace the transmission just don't put it next to a 520H and you won't be disappointed.

 

I was into Corvettes back in the day and the 520 series with the ONAN Performer Series engine is about as close as it comes for a garden tractor.

 

This is all strictly my opinion of course and there are those among us who would not trade their bullet proof single cylinder Kohler powered tractor for a 520H ONAN powered tractor.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Jack,  

 

 

thank you for the reply, more information for me to digest. and i like your number $ for that particulartractor also. As you know i am scouting, looking, nothing  yet. and craigslist, ebay, newspaper and these forums. just havent seen IT yet..like you say one day it will come along.

Funny you mention corvettes, over the years I have owned 6. Another hobby. i like mechanical things.I will leave you with this, earlier this evening I wrote the gentleman with the 418-A, I asked these questions. 1. what engine is in it? 2. how many hours on it  

3. how long have you owned the tractor. His reply to me was kohlar engine,,,,,1468 hours,,,,one week. Anyway it was worth the email. 

Now, back to the hunt and thanks again for your most learned reply.

 

Glenn