BriscoKid 2 #1 Posted April 2, 2015 (edited) Hello everyone. This is my first post. I am no stranger to Toro products (my dad only purchased Toro lawnmowers). I find myself looking to purchase my first tractor. While searching the classifieds I came across this Wheel Horse.... Craigslist ad deleted per forum rules I like that the price is in my budget, I like the apparent condition and I like that it is a reputable brand. I also like that it is an older tractor, I feel there is a level of quality not present in today's Home Depot special. I have found some basic information through online searches but I want to get more information from guys like you before I reach out to the seller. Is it a good price, how reliable is this model considering it is nearly 30 years old, what attachments were available that I can be on the lookout for, is this a pto model and how does it work, etc? Anything else you can contribute to help in my decision is greatly appreciated. Thank you! Sorry about the forum rule error! Edited April 2, 2015 by BriscoKid 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #2 Posted April 2, 2015 That's a great looking C-120. I like the wide tires. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulC 342 #3 Posted April 2, 2015 Sorry not to familiar with that model but man does it look cool with those tires, looks like it would float on water.....if you buy it please don't try that Looks like a nice clean machine and I would think at a good price but there are others with more experience that will have more advice to offer. Good luck and welcome to the forum and hopefully to wheel horse soon enough Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #4 Posted April 2, 2015 Jump and run for it! For that price it looks well done. I especially like the front spindles with the hub change. It strays from being original with those tires and wheels but it wouldn't stop me. If you want go original, it would be easy to change. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bo dawg 517 #5 Posted April 2, 2015 If its in your budget and you like it I would buy it! That thing is sweet... the big tires are awesome. But with those tires the only thing their best at would be mowing. But that tractor should last you a long time. Sounds like restored to new like condition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,177 #6 Posted April 2, 2015 Way nice ---- and cool with those tires! Jump on that bad boy... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snowhound 106 #7 Posted April 2, 2015 Go for it, looks like a well kept tractor. As far as attachments it looks like the mount for a snow plow is on the tractor and plows are available as well as snow blowers, rototillers and a number of other PTO driven attachments. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #8 Posted April 2, 2015 Very nicely done. I would grab it even though I prefer hydros over 8 speeds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BriscoKid 2 #9 Posted April 2, 2015 I would prefer a hydro too but most I found are over my range, maybe in the future I will get a hydro. Are factory size rims a common size should I decide to switch back? How hard would it be to replace the engine or transmission should I ever need to? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,156 #10 Posted April 2, 2015 Yes stock size tires are easy to find and trans and engine swaps are easy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,744 #11 Posted April 2, 2015 , and thanks for the photo. These WH tractors are addicting, so the next one you find and buy might be a hydro!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #12 Posted April 2, 2015 A perfect original high back seat with the wheel horse logo is worth $200 to $300 by itself. The 8 speed manual transmission is about as bullet proof as it gets and it is very unlikely that it will ever need to be replaced. The same goes for the cast iron 12 horse Kohler engine. The larger wheels and tires are a nice upgrade and would easily cost another few hundred or more to duplicate. Attachments like decks, plows, snow blowers and tillers are fairly easy to come by. That tractor looks great and is ready to work. Once you own one wheel horse you will likely be looking for another one. If you really want a hydro you could look for a 520H in roughly the same price range or a little more or add one of those later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bo dawg 517 #13 Posted April 2, 2015 I bet its hard to steer/turn with those super wide front tires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #14 Posted April 2, 2015 If it is hard to steer, just put more pressure in the tires. Depending on how the hubs were made to accept the 4-hole wheel (normally a conversion on 520-H swept axles), if need be just replace the spindles and put stock wheels and tires on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BriscoKid 2 #15 Posted April 4, 2015 Jump and run for it! For that price it looks well done. I especially like the front spindles with the hub change. It strays from being original with those tires and wheels but it wouldn't stop me. If you want go original, it would be easy to change. So are you saying the front end is not original, or just parts of it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cruisnblue48 856 #16 Posted April 4, 2015 That is a very nice looking Wheel Horse. Doesn't have to be all original. Looks great just as it sits. You need to close that deal before someone else steals it from you. If it was closer to my location, I'd be getting that one in my collection asap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,588 #17 Posted April 4, 2015 LOOKS CLEAN......I HAVE 3 8 SPEEDS.... PROVIN TRACK RECORD.... THAT IS A $1000.00 WHERE I LIVE...... BEST OF LUCK...... WELCOME TO RED SQUARE,,,,,BE SURE TO COME TO THE BIG SHOW IN PENN THIS JUNE..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #18 Posted April 4, 2015 So are you saying the front end is not original, or just parts of it? To bolt the front wheels on, changes were made to the spindles. It depends on how that was done - but don't let that small item stop you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,147 #19 Posted April 4, 2015 Its also listed for sale right here (as well as Craigslist). Mike.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neil 2,410 #20 Posted April 4, 2015 Don't hang around too long in contempplating buying it , it won't stay for sale for very long . If I were closer I would buy that in a heart beat. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,780 #21 Posted April 4, 2015 You might be able to drive it across the pond Neil! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BriscoKid 2 #22 Posted April 4, 2015 Well you guys weren't kidding. Got a call as I was getting ready to go see it that it was sold. Bummer. However I am now looking at a 1987 414-8 so if anyone has any input on this model I would appreciate it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #23 Posted April 4, 2015 Welcome to RS! Not at all surprised that sold already. You kind of have to jump should you see one that clean again. It's pretty tough to kill an 8 speed. They're beyond durable. Attachments from the late 60's through 2007 fit these machines. Depending on the 414-8 you're going to look at it may or may not be a good deal. You can't go wrong with a single cylinder 12-16hp Kohler powered 8 speed. You mentioned that you may like a hydro. There were a few different models used. Make sure it has a hydraulic implement lift. Those horses came with the heavier duty hydro pumps. Good luck and be patient Kevin Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BriscoKid 2 #24 Posted April 4, 2015 Welcome to RS! Not at all surprised that sold already. You kind of have to jump should you see one that clean again. It's pretty tough to kill an 8 speed. They're beyond durable. Attachments from the late 60's through 2007 fit these machines. Depending on the 414-8 you're going to look at it may or may not be a good deal. You can't go wrong with a single cylinder 12-16hp Kohler powered 8 speed. You mentioned that you may like a hydro. There were a few different models used. Make sure it has a hydraulic implement lift. Those horses came with the heavier duty hydro pumps. Good luck and be patient Kevin Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I am also looking at a 520h. Both are in very good condition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #25 Posted April 4, 2015 520h are nice. Personally I'm no fan of Onans. Many pros cons can be found in a search. Kohlers typically outlast Onans by many years. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
