dwcphoto 7 #1 Posted May 18, 2014 Hi Guys, I'm sure you all have plenty of opinions about this. If it's already in another thread, please let me know. What do you think is the best Wheel Horse and why? Thanks! dwc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #2 Posted May 18, 2014 (edited) All of mine... plus a few more. Hears my favorite yesterday. Edited May 18, 2014 by AMC RULES 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,156 #3 Posted May 18, 2014 Every one has different needs so what one person thinks is the best another person may not agree someone with a large flat yard will say a 520h with a 60" deck is the best but if you have a yard with lots of hills and trees then they would probably say a 312H with a 42" rear discharge is the best so it depends on what u need to use your mower for 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jparkes43 329 #4 Posted May 18, 2014 I have a few I like the one I like best is my custom 227-5 but others I like are the c series the d series and the 520h James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,880 #5 Posted May 18, 2014 I like the Onan models for a rich deep tone, phenomenal power and smooth running. I'm sure had I bought a 520, that would have been my favorite, but I have a 416-H which is my favorite. I am also partial to the C-160, but Wheel Horse really improved the seat and steering wheel on later models. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #6 Posted May 18, 2014 Favorite? Very difficult to answer, I love Horses! My two most frequently "go to" Stallions, '90 520-8, simply 'cause it's new to me and I am impressed. 2nd, my '85 416-8, of course I believe a well maintained Kohler will be 'round after I'm gone. Grandsons love the sound of the Onan but, will "drive" any Horse. It's a Horse of course! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #7 Posted May 18, 2014 its funny,every tractor I have is my favorite when im driving it 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericj 1,579 #8 Posted May 19, 2014 i can't choose a favorite that's why i have so many eric j 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #9 Posted May 19, 2014 i can't choose a favorite that's why i have so many eric j And, that's why I'm always lookin'! Might see a hungry stray Horse looking for a home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #10 Posted May 19, 2014 All of mine... plus a few more. Hears my favorite yesterday. EEEEK Craig there was a SLIGHT INCLINE in your yard! Your KT-17 is GOING TO DIIIIIIIE! Sorry, had to. My favorite is the blackhoods because I like the way they look and the singles are pretty good on gas. I like the round hoods cause they are fun small tractors... I like the technology on the newer ones... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jparkes43 329 #11 Posted May 19, 2014 And, that's why I'm always lookin'! Might see a hungry stray Horse looking for a home. argh i only have one james Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,917 #12 Posted May 19, 2014 I just love my horses, the round hoods because they are so cute, the 953s because, well just because and the GT-14 with Johnson loader because it is such a beast and the 1055 because it was my first . You know, it is the same as the kids, as long as they are behaving well you love them all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwcphoto 7 #13 Posted May 19, 2014 Some good replies. Silly me, I was thinking I'd rear a few more objective views, but should have known that the horses are a much more emotional issue! Thanks, dwc ps. Mine's a 518H with a 520 rear. Not a pretty thing, but a great worker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #14 Posted May 19, 2014 (edited) Some good replies. Silly me, I was thinking I'd rear a few more objective views, but should have known that the horses are a much more emotional issue! Well yes, its emotional (many times family history), but the true reason is that nearly EVERY wheel horse is exactly the same. You can divide them into a few functional categories (i am only doing the mid-size variety here): Early (RJ's seniors etc) Mid Engine Roundhood Front Engine Roundhood Late Model (C series, 300, 400, 500) XI Series With a few exceptions(GT series, some other odd balls) each category of tractor, no matter the model, are exactly the same with different horsepower. The only things that differentiate these tractors functionally are: hydro vs manual lawn vs garden vs compact (think B, C, D series) Gear Reduction on Later model 520's XI's are in a different league: power steering, dual range hydro, etc. Considering that I was able to summarize 60 some odd years of tractors with only 4 bullet points, that is why there is not a lot of 'objective' favoritism. You will find people that run two stage snow blowers or 60" deck need the power of the onan 20, but quite a few are happy with 8hp just cutting crass and even plowing the earth. All Wheel Horses are awesome for their simplicity and reliability, so you are down to the emotional "This one is pretty!" or "My dad/granddad had this one" aspect. Edited May 19, 2014 by bmsgaffer 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwcphoto 7 #15 Posted May 19, 2014 That's an interesting summary, thank you. My dad said once that he would never buy one of the new round hood models. I guess he figured the new ones were not the quality. I'm in the used income bracket anyway and as long as my 518 runs, I'll run it. thanks, dwc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #16 Posted May 19, 2014 I like the Red and Gray ones!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltsuz 12 #17 Posted May 20, 2014 Gotta be my Raider 10..Been with me a really long time. Its simple, strong, always ready and I just like it. I do like um all but this one was my first. We do all remember them don't we.....Walt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BGrizzleC105 5 #18 Posted May 20, 2014 I would have to say that my favorite is my C 105 I bought it for $100 dollars when i was ten years old with birthday money that I had saved and have had the old boy for 18 years this July. This might be a little strange to say but that old tractor has been pretty much the one constant thing in my life that hasn't let me down next to my mom and my 87 chevy truck lol. And when my soon to be step son lives with me I can't wait to pass the reigns to him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwcphoto 7 #19 Posted May 20, 2014 When I was a kid, my dad had a little horse that he plowed the garden with. He barely fit on the thing as I remember. Wish I had that now, whatever it was. dwc 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbartlett1958 99 #20 Posted May 21, 2014 (edited) dwc, My favorite is my 416-H. It is also my only Wheel Horse at the present, but things happen. It only has 225 hours on it, and with a Snowblower, a Tiller, 42' deck, and a 50" grader blade, I can keep it pretty busy. Edited May 21, 2014 by dbartlett1958 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwcphoto 7 #21 Posted May 21, 2014 You have a full kit. I have a blower which I didn't use all winter. I had some trouble getting the tractor, a 518H with a 520 rear, running so I didn't put the blower on, then we got so much snow I couldn't get it down from the shed even if I got it started. It's running great now, but I went through a spell where I had to spray carb cleaner in it to get it to fire. Maybe had a little water in it, but it's firing right up now. Using it to mow, of course, but also to haul firewood through the woods. I have a bit over 400 hours on it. Runs real strong. Time to get the kids up for school. All the best! dwc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwcphoto 7 #22 Posted May 21, 2014 Here's my 518H/520R. As you can plainly see, it's no beauty, so the beauty is in the beast. Once winter is over, it's time to get ready for winter. best, dwc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jparkes43 329 #23 Posted May 21, 2014 I love it.... James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
