I'm a Wheel Horse guy through and through, but I think it would be tough for ANYBODY to beat Deere when it comes to parts availability on pretty much anything the build.

That said, the 5xi Toro-WH tractors are fantastic machines. They are built very stoutly and use heavy duty components from the engine (Kohler Command 22hp in the 522) to the transaxle (Eaton 11 pump, Unidrive rear end). They are very, very tough machines and were manufactured up until last year or so, so parts are still available and should be for several years to come.

The new Toro "garden" tractor is an MTD product just like the recent Cub Cadets and other similar makes. Not in the same ballpark as the old, cast iron designs of yesterday. They are not bad tractors in themselves, but simply aren't designed to do what the older designs were made to tackle daily. Not many people garden anymore and Toro - like the rest - found they couldn't compete on a cost basis with the HD designs.

I have a 5xi and love it. Mine happens to be the water cooled Kawasaki version (520Lxi) but I think it would be just about equal to the 522 you're looking at in other respects. I don't recall whether the 22 had power steering or not, but it is a nice feature.

If the tractor you're looking at is in nce shape I doubt you could go wrong with it. These are the types of tractors that can even outlive their engines...just like they used to build 'em. Only more comfortable.

The only caveat - as a WH guy - that I can think of with the 5xi's is that they cannot accept attachments from the other WH tractors. They are longer and wider so have unique attachment mounts. But I don't really see that as a problem since you're stepping in from the Green side anyway.

I lived in SB for a few years and loved it. Some day I'll move back!

Steve

 

My 518xi has proved to be everything I'd hoped and more. Extra HD components and I like the Kohler in my xi cause parts are available EVERYWHERE and at modest cost compared to the Kawasaki engine.

Running gear and components are extra HD as well. Attachments go on and off in minutes without tools and there are lots of toys available although pricey cause they're extra HD also.

For a little taste of the toys you can get... click here

Every part I've wanted has been available... some at less than I'd think and some at more. No part I've wanted has come close to the price of the same part on a GT Deere but the local dealer here charges retail PLUS shipping and then pads that about 10% so the comparison may not be fair.

Killer mowing machine, throws snow like it was bred in Buffalo, NY and moves gravel nicely with the clevis (sleeve) hitch and a Brinly box scraper.

As far as parts down the road, I wouldn't worry any more than any other brand. The way things are going even JD will be cutting back on supporting very old models. Besides... it may be a very long time before you break something on an xi.

The way I see it... I've bought my last GT.

It's easy (and expensive) to be green, be your own dog and see RED... Toro Wheelhorse.

 

WH and AWD,

you have me interested in the WH's again.

Do you know if the New Holland GT22 was made by Wheelhorse, same as the 522xi?

Are these the same mowers and tractors, just branded by New HOlland? I cant find much info about them both the 522xi and the GT22.

WH500Special (Steve) from Indiana, I was just into a store in Indy that has a 65 WH 500 special, you may know about it, or own it?

Steve

 

The New holland GT series Where made at the same factory as the Toro 5Xi series basicly the same tractor just Blue. Your New Holland GT can take any attachment that the 5Xi series can take. Basicly when Toro Bought Gilson/Lawnboy they got the contract to contuine building tractor under the Ford,Ford-New Holland & New Holland labels. When Toro First Bought Gilson/Lawboy they continued to produce the Lawn Boy tractor for a few Years and Ford Lawn and Garden tractors were based on those tractor until the mid 1990's. Some Ford GT in the early to Mid 1990's were also made by a Japanese manufacturer as well. When Toro/WH came out with the 260 and 5Xi series tractors That is when the Ford-New Hollands where based on those tractors. The New Holland LS series was based on the Toro/Wheelhose 260 series. The GT series was Based on the 5Xi series the New Holland MY series was based on the Toro/WH 400XT series tractor. Before the New Holland Ford Merger. New Holland tractors were made by Ariens for New Holland. After Toro stooped production of the 5Xi series they countinued to produce them for about another year under the New Holland Label and They produce the MY series until 2008 for New Holland aka the Toro/WH400XT series. Currently New Holland does not have small Yard and Garden tractor produced by any one for them. The interesting Fact thought the Toro/WH 400 XT series is still produced over in Europe for the european Market. :thThumbsU
Unforunatly we all know that the Current Lawn and Garden tractor's produced for Toro in the U.S. now are MTD clones. :crybaby:

 

Nearly everyone that has a Toro 5xi or a New Holland GT that I've spoken with does not like the Smart Turn feature, myself included. At most it is only a minor inconvenience. I believe there is a kit available to overcome Smart Steer. That said, I agree with the positive comments.

 

I like the Smart Turn feature. Deactivated it and then reinstated it. Kinda like anti-lock brakes... if you learn to ignore them then they work fine in the background, but when you think about them they drive you nuts.

In this thread post #6 I linked to the Smart Turn Defeat Kit info.

 

Although I don't like Smart Steer I would not consider removing or bypassing its function. When I find myself turning sharply and ground speed is really reduced, I merely step down a little more on the the throttle in order to raise speed in the turn.

 

The 5xi series are a great value as a used heavy duty garden tractor, they can be had with low hours for less than half the price of the equivalent JD. At the shop we sold a used 1998 520Xi Kohler w/ a 48" deck, 44" Two stage snow blower, wheel weights, chains and 500 hours, this past spring for 2700$. Try finding anything close to that in a Deere for under 4000$. If well maintained a 5xi should last you 20 years, or more.

 

My New Holland has the 60” mowing deck. Installing and removing the deck (seasonally) has been a real chore. The position of the deck must be exact or sliding it under the tractor is not possible. I have read and re-read the instructions but have never been able to improve on this problem. Unless I’m doing something wrong, it is a pain to handle. I’ve always wondered if anyone had this problem with the 520Lxi Toro?

 

The blue decks tend to go to the left and the red decks tend to go to the right... political humor.

My 44" deck is a tight squeeze and needs to be lined up perfectly to R&R so I'd think the 60" is a knuckle buster.

Works best for me on concrete cause the deck slides sideways easier but the 60" (320 lbs) weighs a lot more than the 44" (132 lbs) so I guess it can be quite a chore to lug.

Make sure the deck height is set to the lowest setting.

Have you thought of sliding floor jack under the trans or front axle and raising it up it up a ways for more clearance?

Might also scrounge up a couple of those anti-static chair mats. Bet the deck would slide nicely on a couple of them.

 

awd,

What I’ve been doing (to improve install and remove) is to remove the left rear height-of-cut wheel on the deck. It is quick (one nut) and gives me about two extra inches of room to position the deck.

 

cvm,

I have a 2004 520xi with the 60" mower deck. I've done what awd suggested with the floor jack. But, I usually just keep turning the front tires left to right while pulling the deck out from underneath my 520xi. I'm doing this on a concrete floor in my garage.

 

My update:

Well, I decided to pass on the mower. I was looking at a GT22 from NH with a 52" deck, it included a blower and tiller.

It was a killer deal, but, for some reason it just didnt feel right.

My JD runs, mows, works well, but, like I said in my original post, I had always wanted a Wheelhorse. I know this was built by WH, but, it wasnt red.

I'm happy with my decision, I guess I may be having some remorse, but, i'm sure it's not the last time I walk away from a killer deal.

BTW- Is a GT22 with 671 hours, 52" deck, snower, tiller for $1850 a good deal? I figure it was a steal, I asked the owner if he would split the tiller and blower up which he would do and sell the tractor and mower for 1300.

Now guys, don't flame me, I just didnt feel right about something, no offense to the owner if checks here.

Well, anyways, I had to get that off my chest and since this thread is still active, I thought i'd fill you all in.

BTW- I believe all the parts and accessories are sold including the GT22.

Steve

 

SteveG66,

When that voice in the back of your mind speaks, listen and don't look back.

Keep your eyes open cause the xi Toros are the most bang for the buck in a real GT and when they are found with attachments can be a real steal.

I stumbled across my 518xi with 44" deck, 44" two-stage blower, 44" vac-bagger, weights and chains with a roller only 600 miles away. Couldn't hook up the trailer fast enough.

 

AWD,

Thanks for the kind words. I am fairly certain whoever ended up with that piece of equipment is laughing at me for not jumping on it, at least I hope they are which means it performs well for them.

There will be other opportunities, perhaps when i'm in a better position to buy.

I have bought a few items on ebay, havent been burned, just still kinda leary with a bigger ticket item-at least for me. It was such a steal, and the auction actually ended without any bids, this is what scared me away for the most part. I figured that I was missing something. Also, it didnt have power steering, i'm figuring if I replace the JD that I have now, i'm upgrading to PS and hydraulic lift.

I hope the new owner has many decades of faithful service with that unit. If not, chances are they will be on here asking questions.

 

My

518xi doesn't have power steering and I don't miss it BUT hydraulic lift and lower is AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!

 

I have the NH GT22 with the 60" deck and have found that if I place wood ramps on either side of the deck and chock into place I can drive the tractors front wheels overtop of the deck. (I do this in the lawn so it doesn't slide around) It has not damage the belt guards and keeps from dragging the deck and flat spotting the wheels.

 

I got my 522xi this past February and have so far logged 40 hours on it this year. I've mowed (52" recycler deck), hauled various loads of stone, logs, dirt, etc..., aerated, dethatched, over-seeded and fertilized my lawn and I love this tractor.

It is 95% all steel and weighs in at about 1,000 lbs. without the all steel deck (220 lbs. by itself) and is very rugged and powerful. I have power steering which I never had before and never thought I'd need but it'd be tough to go back to no power steering at this point. I've owned 3 tractors before this 522xi and this is definately the best. I love that it is a shaft drive, has a hi/low tranny and is a well engineered machine. The one thing I do wish it had is a locking differential but so far I have not needed that feature. I'm happy!