Which is the better horse?

[Pmauoo 0]

Hello all....could you guys tell me which tractor may be the better deal?  Looking to, primary#1 would be for snow removal of 80ft level driveway and then maybe mow 1 1/4 acre property..
 

No Craigslist links are allowed......thank you, the moderating team.  

Thanks in advance!

[C-101plowerpower 1,606]

i'd go for the 416 with the kohler lump

[kiotiken 105]

Both really nice tractors. I prefer a blower but with the blade you can push snow and then use it for other stuff like moving leveling dirt. That's why I have a blower and a blade. The 416 is a great price and you can always get a blade for it. 150 or less. Good luck with your decision.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[dcrage 630]

I am betting the consensus will be go with the 416-8 -- The 516-H has an Eaton 700 transmission which is considered to be a vulnerable component; having said that an Eaton 700 is supposed to be capable of mowing, blowing snow, and pushing snow

[953 nut 60,027]

  Price is a subjective thing, to me the 416-8 with a very dependable Kohler engine is priced at the high end of the range and the 516-H though desirable is too rich for my blood, I'd go for the 416-8.

[doc724 925]

Here are a few things to consider.

The 416 has a simpler and reliable engine and a blower.  Blowers are more complicated and prone to wear on belts, idler pulleys, sprockets, chains, and bearings.  If you know what you are doing, and you need these items it probably will run you $100-150 to put it back into shape.  The deck on this machine has some corrosion issues which resulted in the hole that was repaired-not a great repair IMO.  That tells me that the PO's may not be proactive on maintenance

The 516 has the Onan engine which many like.  However, many do not like it because of electrical issues (contact corrosion) and cost of parts.  Also, if the PO did not maintain the tractor well, the rear cylinder is prone to valve seats coming loose.  Make sure you do a compression check if you go this way.  Although the 516 is a Hydro, it has the Eaton 700 which is not the desirable model.  You want to look for one with an Eaton 1100 (all Eaton 1100 have the hydro lift) The 516 has a plow which is a really simple attachment and not much goes wrong with it unless you hit something really hard.  Plows have their limitations especially if you have a lot of snow over a season.  Eventually you run out of places to put it.

Personally, I would look around some more.  Last year I picked up a 1998 314-8 with under 400 hours and a 42 inch SD deck for $550.  Through the course of the summer I bought cast iron weights for $50, a great condition single stage tall chute blower for $400 and chains (which I had to buy new for $60 plus shipping).  I probably put in $200 in parts on the tractor and blower (belts, filters, misc parts).  Add it up and my total investment was $1260.

You do have to be patient though

[Aldon 4,828]

I did not see hours listed in either one.......

Makes me suspicious,

[arrkerr 54]

My reservation on the 416 might be that a hydro is a little easier for blowing snow since you can tweak your speed, since you're going to want your RPMs to be high you won't want to adjust the throttle.  Plus a hydro lift is nice, but certainly not a necessity (I blow with my c-141 8, so very similar).  You're definitely going to want chains and either weights or loaded tires with either a blower or plow.  Both seems a little pricey to me, but then again I've ended up getting 'deals' and spent more time and $$ getting them to a point where I'm satisfied than I should have.  For that amount I'd expect a very well cared and clean machine - both look to be that way from the photos.

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

This is the same post with different title, can a mod combine them?

[TDF5G 2,073]

This is the same post with different title, can a mod combine them?

I noticed this also.

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

I would go with the Kohler Thumper

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

I would go with the Kohler Thumper

my thoughts to.  416-8

also, i was curious on the hours not being stated. Just curious.

Glenn

[can whlvr 994]

416 all the way,but I too would like 2 know hours,but me personally would not want an onan or a 700 series pump

[Wheelhorse84 87]

416 all the way! Those Onans are finiky and expensive, plus that 516 has from what I've seen on this site has a weaker Hydro unit on it that is best for just mowing and lighter duties. Good luck!

[AMC RULES 37,196]

  I'm thinking room service...
must be off for the night.   

[Pmauoo 0]

Thanks all.  Apologies for adding the links.  I have learned a new lesson today...:)

[953 nut 60,027]

Thanks all.  Apologies for adding the links.  I have learned a new lesson today...:)

       It stayed up long enough for us to reach a consensus,             Nice job, but don'd do it any more.         Unless you need to.