T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #1 Posted June 13, 2016 (edited) Toro ended the Wheel Horse production in 2007. To most of us, this was a sad day. We would love to see the brand carried on, and on, and…..But, was it such a bad thing that Toro shut down the Wheel Horse name? Let me explore the possibilities of what could have happen if Toro continue by exploring what has happen, not only in the Toro line, but to other brand names. Lawn and garden tractors were built in the past to last a lifetime and then some, as a lot of the tractors made in the 50s, 60s and 70s are still in use today. This was a testament to, not only quality, but the extensive use of steel, instead of plastic. Engines and transmission were cast iron. Dash panels and pedestals were steel. Fenders and hoods (except for Deere) were metal. Even Deere used steel side panels and grilles up to the late 80s, and on some models into the early 90s. Tractors of the past were overbuilt and were hard to break, and could take abuse of some extent. But, over time, engines became cast aluminum, as well as transmissions and differentials. Hoods, dash panels, pedestal surrounds, and on some, fenders, became plastic. Even Deere started to make their fiberglass hoods with steel grilles and side panels into all plastic. Cub Cadet, Toro, Simplicity, etc., followed suit. Frames became less thick and not as heavily made. Things like hydraulic lifts that were commonly on certain models, have disappear from the replacement models. Overall tractor weight became less, as more and more electronics started to appear on lawn tractors. Take a look at this year’s Deere models with their all electronic dashes. And to top it all off, Toro contracted MTD to build their lawn tractors……oh, how despicable. If Toro had continued the line instead of killing it in 2007, would they still build the Wheel Horse that we know? In the 90s they introduced the 200 series and the 500 series tractors, complete with plastic hoods and plastic dash panels. By 2007 only the Classic 300 series in the model of a 315-8 was being made with Wheel Horse’s patented frame design and 8 speed transmission, and it’s familiar engine/belt arrangement. More than likely that tractor was becoming too expensive to make, so I’m sure Toro would have just slapped the Wheel Horse name on some MTD product and killed even the 315-8. The only tractor that still remains true to their roots is Ingersoll. Thank goodness that Eastman Industries rescue the brand several years ago after Ingersoll went bankrupt. If you want a new garden tractor that still features all steel construction, minus the cast iron engines, you have to buy an Ingersoll tractor. Unfortunately, they are expensive to buy, 2 to 3 times the cost of other brands. Oh, btw, I don't work for Ingersoll or Eastman Industries. I just based my opinion on what I'm seeing in the L&G industry. And I don't have an Ingersoll or Case tractor either, though I wouldn't mind owning one. Edited June 13, 2016 by T-Mo 19 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elliot ness 1,916 #2 Posted June 13, 2016 Yes T-Mo it is a sad time for us garden tractor nuts, but there are still milliions of old ones left to restore and use another 50yrs . 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,946 #3 Posted June 13, 2016 Well said T-Mo. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,802 #4 Posted June 13, 2016 How true T-Mo,..when I first joined here a year ago I was almost ashamed to mention how I had a few plastic hooded models after most here ranted & drooled on roundhoods old squarehoods and the tought old beasts of the C series. I work in a trade where one can come to appreciate our grandfathers grade of steel. My customers ask me how long they could expect the products I install to last and I tell them 15-20 years and thats if you take good care of it. I would have have loved to sell tractors in the 60's and tell my customers they would be dead and their grand kids would be be using it yet! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #5 Posted June 13, 2016 When I bought my 95 as a demo with 25 hours on it in 97 my dealer gave me a 3 year warranty and said I would never need to use the warranty and that the 520H would last me the rest of my life (I was 42 then) and I would never need to buy another garden tractor. I think he was telling me the truth. He did however replace the voltage regulator and battery under warranty, It was overcharging and I wasn't watching my volt gauge............. He chewed me out too! 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,738 #6 Posted June 13, 2016 Sadly I recently read that Eastman closed the doors and their machines and spare parts for the Ingersoll tractors had been loaded into shipping containers. . The article said it was unknown if production was being moved elsewhere or shut down for good! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362 #7 Posted June 13, 2016 T-Mo I don't think you could have stated your case any better. The sad part is people who throw them away or let them sit out and rust away. I have often wondered who if anyone made garden tractors today. Now I know. Wait until folks start having problems with the electronics and they will wish for the key start. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,192 #8 Posted June 13, 2016 You said it! I got my 1993 520 in 1996 from a toro dealer used with 300 hours on it and i never knew it would last me this long. I still use it! Also i have a 2007 315-8 and I've decided to not use it unless i have to. Has only 171 hours and just sits in my shed looking pretty all waxed up. Its funny because when my neighbor came over into my shed and saw my 315 he thought it was over 20 years old when it was actually only 9. LOL. This was probably because of the old design. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #9 Posted June 13, 2016 30 minutes ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said: T-Mo I don't think you could have stated your case any better. The sad part is people who throw them away or let them sit out and rust away. I have often wondered who if anyone made garden tractors today. Now I know. Wait until folks start having problems with the electronics and they will wish for the key start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatboy 565 #10 Posted June 13, 2016 That was a well stated artical,,,except that in the 90's the 520H was still the same tractor that was made in the 80's ,, the 520H was still the same exact tractor in the 90's as the pre toro 80's version ,, except some improvments like gear reduction steering and forward swept axels,, other than than that,, same tractor,,so the 520 and the 300 series tractors are the last great wheel horses ever made.. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #11 Posted June 13, 2016 4 minutes ago, Phatboy said: the 520 and the 300 series tractors are the last great wheel horses ever made. Indeed. Tough as nails, you want some-come get some tough. Tough stuff. Think your tough? My can beat up your (insert any other brand of garden tractor ever made) **** ***** any time, anywhere tough.......That's Wheel Horse tough....... And that's tough enough to get the job done, any time any place any where.... But we all know that already....... Don't we....... 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499 #12 Posted June 13, 2016 I got lucky. 77 hours on this one a rugged machine. I bought it for the cyclone rake. Had 72 hours when I got it. Sad but true. Seems there shutting down. Any of you would like it cause its real. Just like wheel horse. Glenn 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #13 Posted June 13, 2016 With you as the new owner, I bet it will always look that good Glenn! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #14 Posted June 13, 2016 1 hour ago, Phatboy said: That was a well stated artical,,,except that in the 90's the 520H was still the same tractor that was made in the 80's ,, the 520H was still the same exact tractor in the 90's as the pre toro 80's version ,, except some improvments like gear reduction steering and forward swept axels,, other than than that,, same tractor,,so the 520 and the 300 series tractors are the last great wheel horses ever made.. Yeah, I know, but the 520H last year was 1997. In 1998, the newer 500 series with the plastic hood was introduced. Basically after 1997, the only "heritage" Wheel Horse that was left was Toro called the Classic 300 series, 312s, 314s, and then in the end, 315s all with the 8 speed gear drive. So, that's why I listed the newer 500 series as being from the 90s, since it was introduced in 1998 and probably was in the design and development stage a few years before that. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362 #15 Posted June 14, 2016 2 hours ago, JERSEYHAWG / Glenn said: I got lucky. 77 hours on this one a rugged machine. I bought it for the cyclone rake. Had 72 hours when I got it. Sad but true. Seems there shutting down. Any of you would like it cause its real. Just like wheel horse. Glenn Glenn , How big a gun did you have when you stole that unit. Did you give PO a kiss when you left. That is nice even without the Cyclone rake ( which I have always wanted one , but could not afford) 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 10,037 #16 Posted June 14, 2016 When I was 14 in 1984,I bought a Work Horse GT-1800 brand new.(no B.S.) My Dad took out a loan to help me with my growing lawn business. Also to stop me from wearing out his B-115 5 speed!! 177 dollars a month, seemed like a million! Anyway I remember the dealer saying "son if you take care of this machine your kids will be riding around on it" Damned if he wasn't right. Now I believe someday my grandkids will be driving it, God willing. On the rare occasion I go to a box store and I go over to the tractor section my wife will say " don't go over there, you know it's going to get you all worked up and mad!" Yup they just don't make em' like they used to. Ok now I feel old!! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Lover310 3 #17 Posted June 14, 2016 My parents just bought a 520xi for $900. I am upset they purchased that stamped steel frame junk. The 60" deck wheels are toast, voltage regulator is toast, starter has a cheap push button wired to it, pto switch bypassed. At least he still has a sturdy 315-8. I'll never let go of my trusty 1985 310-8 or the 700 workhorse or the 1983 JD 314 hydro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
russellmc301 600 #18 Posted June 14, 2016 i was wanting them to still make them then i though the same thing. you can see how cecil wanted a mechine that would last he could have made them cheaper but he choose not too. my a-100 is built to be a mowing tractor and i can run circles around the new tractors, the one day i hook a 12 foot by 6 inch round log on the back on my tractor and had it trottled way down and i feel in a hole and didn't even budge and i followed the trail for a short distance and now that would be considered a garden tractor. the c-160 can pull like a mule whole parts of trees hook on and you can pull it anywhere, things i do with the c i would ruin the 520xi. some people think their new big box store mtd with a 42 in deck is somthing to be bragging about and i sit their like give it 10 years it will be long gone. people think im crazy for have 7 wheel horses, the thing is we have a 1276 that we use it has mowed 2.5 arces since it was a fresh off the line, doesn't have no problems what so ever. toro unlike cecil i feel wanted to pump them out and make the money and not worry about how well they are built. look at their stickers the whole horse can be rusted and the decals look great still, to me that show only useing the best. Wheel Horse has shaped so so many lifes in a good way and made memeries that will stick with us through our lifes. Just my 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,802 #19 Posted June 14, 2016 Sorry horse lover....sounds like they bought a horse that was mistreated.... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ferguson65 71 #20 Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) 48 minutes ago, Horse Lover310 said: My parents just bought a 520xi for $900. I am upset they purchased that stamped steel frame junk. The 60" deck wheels are toast, voltage regulator is toast, starter has a cheap push button wired to it, pto switch bypassed. At least he still has a sturdy 315-8. I'll never let go of my trusty 1985 310-8 or the 700 workhorse or the 1983 JD 314 hydro. You better try out a 5xi before you call it junk. The frame is serious. My dad had a 96 520H, and side by side he or I would grab my 522xi any day of the week over the 520. Power steering, tilt wheel, foot control hydro, 2 speed trans, cruise, etc. The only thing the xi didn't offer as a true GT was a diff lock. Yes, the deck wheels suck, I'll give you that. But somebody doing a wiring hack job rather than fix it right has no reflection on the tractor itself. And oh yeah, the hood IS not plastic. It's steel just like the rest of it. What is sad is that my Dad just replaced the 520H with an X758 JD. Diesel, 4x4, it's a nice big machine overall. But it weighs the same as my 522xi................................ My brother grabbed the 520H. Had the XI line continued, who knows where it could have went. But the big powerful garden tractor is a dying market. The only ones still making them are Simplicity and Deere. All my neighbors would just rather buy a new little box store junker every 5 years than pay up for one that will last. Edited June 14, 2016 by ferguson65 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,802 #21 Posted June 14, 2016 This is what T-mo is sayin Russell. ..good thing Toro killed the brand. ...to avoid plastic hoods and cheap engineering 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Lover310 3 #22 Posted June 14, 2016 I"ll have to say too at least the hood is still metal and I do love the quick release side panels. Guess I will just have to suck it up and put my big girl panties on. At least it's 250 miles away from me lol 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499 #23 Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, Horse Lover310 said: I"ll have to say too at least the hood is still metal and I do love the quick release side panels. Guess I will just have to suck it up and put my big girl panties on. At least it's 250 miles away from me lol There are a few of us with the xi here. They are another well proven machine, far from junk. Big, heavy duty, capable. Attachments are hard to come by, but can be found with persistance. If you got the right one, tried it out, I am sure you would like it. Just sayin is all. You can find quite a few threads on ownership, if you ever get time, read up a bit what the fellas say, you will see what I mean. I myself have a 2002 522xi. Glenn Edited June 14, 2016 by JERSEYHAWG / Glenn typo 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
russellmc301 600 #24 Posted June 14, 2016 the 520xi is most likly a fine peace of machine but the thing is i doubt they are as easy to work on. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #25 Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) Unfortunately when Toro killed the Wheel Horse brand, they also stopped producing the 5xi series as well. I remember 16, 17 years ago going to the Toro dealer in downtown beautiful Desoto, Missouri and looking at the new Wheel Horse, and the 5xi did looked to be well built. If I had the money, I might have bought one myself. I don't know for sure that Eastman is shutting down the Ingersoll line. The only Eastman Industry that shows up as closing down is the Kodak Eastman Industry, which isn't the same company. I sent THE Eastman Industries an email as they always responded back to me in the past. Ingersoll Distribution 52813.pdf Ingersoll Pricing and Attachment Chart 121814.pdf Ingersoll Attachments 2009-10.pdf Ingersoll Tractor 4000-4200Series.pdf Edited June 14, 2016 by T-Mo 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites