Compare/Wheel Horse 270-H vs Wheel Horse 520-H

Wheel Horse 270-H vs Wheel Horse 520-H

Verdict: Wheel Horse 270-H vs Wheel Horse 520-H

The Wheel Horse 270-H and the Wheel Horse 520-H are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 20 hp. Wheel Horse 270-H is the lighter machine (263 kg vs 293 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Wheel Horse 270-H holds more fuel (15.1 L vs 11.4 L) for longer stints between fills. Wheel Horse 270-H is the newer design (1996 vs 1988). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Wheel Horse

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Wheel Horse

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

20 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Wheel Horse (a part of Toro)Reference

Image courtesy of Sorin LungociReference

air-cooledReference

Engine

Fuel tank

15.1 LReference

11.4 LReference

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

47.7 ciReference

Bore/Stroke

77 x 67 mmReference

83 x 73 mmReference

Power (gross)

14.9 kWReference

—

Starter

electricReference

—

Starter volts

12Reference

Power

—

14.9 kWReference

Compression

—

7.0:1Reference

Rated RPM

—

3600Reference

Idle RPM

—

1400-3600Reference

Sparkplug

—

Champion RS14YCReference

Sparkplug gap

—

0.635 mmReference

Transmission

—

BrakeReference

—

ThrottleReference

—

Forward/reverseReference

—

Parking brakeReference

Transmission

Hydro-Gear 330-3000Reference

Eaton 1100-032Reference

Type

belt-driven hydrostaticReference

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

Oil capacity

3.6 LReference

4.7 LReference

Oil type

SAE 20W-50Reference

SAE 10W-30Reference

Oil change

sealed unit, owner service is not recommendedReference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

Mid PTO

independentReference

Clutch

electricReference

mechanicalReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

125 cmReference

—

Weight

263 kgReference

293 kgReference

Front tire

16x6.50-8Reference

Rear tire

23x10.50-12Reference

23x9.50-12Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x6.50-8Reference

Lawn/turf rear

23x10.50-12Reference

23x9.50-12Reference

Length

175 cmReference

165 cmReference

Width

90 cmReference

96 cmReference

Front axle

Cast-ironReference

—

Height

—

115 cmReference

270-H Serial Numbers

Location:

Serial number decal on the rear fender deck, below the seat.Reference

Serial number plate on the rear fender, below the seat. Model codes in parentheses.Reference

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging amps

15Reference

20Reference

Battery CCA

340Reference

260Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Charging system

—

alternatorReference

Attachment overview

Variants

520-H

—

standardReference

520-HC

—

commercial-dutyReference

520-H Serial Numbers

1988

—

520-HC (C1-20OE01)Reference

1989

—

520-HC (C1-20OE02)Reference

1990

—

-unknown-Reference

1991

—

-unknown-Reference

1992

—

-unknown-Reference

1993

—

39000001 (73501)Reference

1994

—

49000001 (73501)Reference

1995

—

59000001 (73501)Reference

1996

—

69000001 (73502)Reference

1997

—

7900001 (73502)Reference

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.