518H vs 520H

[David414 289]

Is there much difference between the 518H and the 520H? I know the engine size is smaller in the 518H, but in terms of functional usage, hydraulic make, wheels, transmission, attachments, etc. is there a difference that is note worthy? Would you be concerned buying a 518H with 2,400 hours? Any Expected problems or issues with this many hours? What do you think the value of the 518H is with 2,400 hours?

 

Is it better to find a 520H with say 1,200 hours even if the price is say $400 to $500 more than the 518H with 2,4400 hours? Any comments and experiences are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

There are two versions of the 520-H besides the 520-HC. The '88-'89 is very similar chassis-wise as other Wheel Horse tractors for those years and has the motion lever between your legs. The '90 added the swept axle with larger wheels and tires with the motion lever on the steering column. From '91-'97 they had the gear reduction steering. All 520's have the Eaton 11 transmission with a hydraulic lift.

 

The 518-H, besides less horsepower, I believe has the Eaton 7 transmission with a manual lift for all years. I would not be in the market with a 518-H with 2,400 hours. 

 

I have owned an '89 and a '90 520-H and actually liked the '89 better.

 

Edited May 31, 2020 by shallowwatersailor

[Tuneup 1,416]

That's a bunch of hours, David! I expect that Eaton 7 is tired. You can test its strength (Mine on the 516H is just fine and climbs my 40° grade just fine). Still, you're in NY - should be better pickins up there. Take some time and look around.

[littleredrider 408]

I had a 518 when first moved into our house. No motor, but trans was good. I put a Vanguard 16 V-twin on it, and whatever size deck, guessing 42" rear discharge. I did OK, but only really used it for brush mowing. I did put a plow on it, and after awhile could feel the trans slipping. But when it's cold, it would pull a wheelie up a slight incline. I found an 1100 of c-list, put hydro lift on it, then sold it when I got the current 520 for loader duty. In less you can get it dirt cheap, and do nothing but mow or pull a dog leash, I'd pass. 520s in our area are out there. Buddy bought 2 couple weeks ago for $700. Both run, both need work, good parts machine for one. 

[tom2p 2,393]

 

416-H is another good option if you are considering a 520-H

 

416-H pairs Onan P216 twin with an Eaton 1100 trans

 

outstanding lawn and garden tractor 

 

Edited May 31, 2020 by tom2p

[David414 289]

Any thoughts on the 417A? As good as the 416H?

[richmondred01 2,208]

The engine is better on the 417 but the the transmission is better on the 416.

That is if you like hydros. 
I personally liked the geared tractors. 

[pfrederi 17,147]

7 minutes ago, richmondred01 said:

The engine is better on the 417 but the the transmission is better on the 416.

That is if you like hydros. 
I personally liked the geared tractors. 

  aren't they both Eaton 1100's

[richmondred01 2,208]

5 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

  aren't they both Eaton 1100's

Yep.

sorry your right both 1100.

senior moment.

[tom2p 2,393]

22 hours ago, David414 said:

Any thoughts on the 417A? As good as the 416H?

probably both great

hours / condition / proper maintenance would tip the scales 

 

[Scotsman 46]

I’m in the process now of doing an 518 -H Eaton 700 to 1100 swap

The electric lift is painfully slow compared to the hydro lift

i got the Eaton 700 off

(well my sons friend did) gotta love a new eager mechanic !

punting the electric lift for full hydro

going be sweet

i should never have gotten rid of my 416-H or my 417-A

But now I’ll have a poor mans 520.....or at least a much improved 518-H

 

well whatever it is,you all know what I mean

i live 3 miles from downtown Boston

not typical tractor country

But I got a long driveway

Edited October 7, 2020 by Scotsman

[Handy Don 10,623]

Where did you source the 1100 and other parts you needed? How much is different in the linkages etc? What are the tricky or hard parts of the job?

[Scotsman 46]

On 10/7/2020 at 12:34 PM, Scotsman said:

I’m in the process now of doing an 518 -H Eaton 700 to 1100 swap

The electric lift is painfully slow compared to the hydro lift

i got the Eaton 700 off

(well my sons friend did) gotta love a new eager mechanic !

punting the electric lift for full hydro

going be sweet

i should never have gotten rid of my 416-H or my 417-A

But now I’ll have a poor mans 520.....or at least a much improved 518-H

 

well whatever it is,you all know what I mean

i live 3 miles from downtown Boston

not typical tractor country

But I got a long driveway

 

[Scotsman 46]

I still use craigslist

its old ,

but so are Wheel Horse tractors😁

 

All the people I have dealt with on  Craigslist concerning Wheel Horse tractors have been top notch people

I found a guy who was doing the same tranny swap with his 518-H

 

but lost steam,and sold his tractor

(Something you never do)😳

He bought a refurbished Eaton 1100 and if remember I think he said he paid around 400$ with shipping

I paid 150$

so Its my good luck

i haven’t finished yet,but all the linkage looks the same at a quick glance 

That’s the whole beauty of Wheel Horse tractors 

As you take things apart you will be amazed at how well designed these tractors are.

Even the attach o matic is brilliant in its simplicity

 

As far as the tricky or hard parts,it helps to have jackstands or a lift to support the front

I find the hardest thing is to stick to the main job,and not go to crazy cleaning  it to make it a showpiece.

I am just taking my time,and when I’m not having a good time doing it,I give it a break

The worst thing is to rush it,

or be cheap and not replace things you have access to while the machine is apart.

Like cleaning your gas tank while you have it off

You maynever have it off again.

 

But if I get over my head,I have the best group of people here at Red Square that love to help

 

👍

Scotsman🦉

 

 

 

[Handy Don 10,623]

Decided, like @Scotsman, that a "519-H" or maybe a "519-20-H" is da bomb.

For me, this will be a '91 520-H receiving the engine, wiring, console, motion control, and seat from an '88 518.

Only thing I haven't got parts for yet is the lift control lever--the '88 controls for the 14's, 16's, and 20's were in the lower dash panel and the '91 was on the console. I like the console but not sure if I can work it into the 518 instrument panel without breaking something!

Suggestions?  Parts available?

Thanks!