I am blessed to have a 520H from about 1992 or so. It is all wheelhorse,but says Toro/Wheelhorse on the logo decal. The Onan engine is nice and quiet,but it is a bit of a gas hog. The tyractor,transmission,and drive units are tough as a box of hammers,but not in the league of the commercial stuff.
I think that the zero turn mowers killed these fine tractor-mowers off because of price point manufacturing costs.
I throw a Wheel horse weight on one side and mow a very steep ditch from a side angle with no issues -easily a 20 degree slope. The mower cuts really nice and even, and the grass does not stick inside the deck hardly at all [48" side discharge] The mower drive is made up of belts,a pressure plate clutch and manual engagement--if it slips,it is a 3 minute job to tighten the tension a bit.The deck still has not rusted through and is solid. Rear deck wheels do wear out too fast,however.
The hydro drive is belt driven from the motor,and the rear end is the massive Uni-Drive.
I bought a 316-8 new, but it is hardly used at all because I inherited the 520. The 318 has a less robust front axle as the 520 is designed for a hydraulic loader. Rear wheels are a little smaller as well.
Let's hear your WH Tractor stories as well. Thanks for listening.
I think that the zero turn mowers killed these fine tractor-mowers off because of price point manufacturing costs.
I throw a Wheel horse weight on one side and mow a very steep ditch from a side angle with no issues -easily a 20 degree slope. The mower cuts really nice and even, and the grass does not stick inside the deck hardly at all [48" side discharge] The mower drive is made up of belts,a pressure plate clutch and manual engagement--if it slips,it is a 3 minute job to tighten the tension a bit.The deck still has not rusted through and is solid. Rear deck wheels do wear out too fast,however.
The hydro drive is belt driven from the motor,and the rear end is the massive Uni-Drive.
I bought a 316-8 new, but it is hardly used at all because I inherited the 520. The 318 has a less robust front axle as the 520 is designed for a hydraulic loader. Rear wheels are a little smaller as well.
Let's hear your WH Tractor stories as well. Thanks for listening.