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I'd sell you my 855 in a heartbeat at $750 and there's no recoil start in sight! Simply turn the key and drive away! @stevasaurus yes an 855 should be electric start, could be a 655 possibly?? Me personally though I would not touch either models for $750 that too steep for those particular models, but that is just my opinion.

Just had a little visitor, thankfully he didn't stay too long. We live in the woods with the US Forest service land as our rear property line, see all sorts of critters. We had taken in the bird feeder a few minutes earlier.

This is the only photo I have of my dad with a wheelhorse. Im not going to change it. He must have swapped the fenders back to a metal pan because those nasty gilson fenders are gone. Just trying to figure out what it was before the hood change. 😁

Sure they did...'83 model here Rich. Thing is a beast too. From the model list... 01-17KE03 1983 C Series Garden Tractor C-175 Twin Automatic Kohler KT17-24223 17 Eaton 1100-032 http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/62-model-list-1955-1984/

I thought some of you guys might enjoy this.....just poking some fun at the green and yellow machines

Sounds like it's time to focus Jim. If I try to work on too many things at once, it seems like I never get any thing done. The sickle is on hold until some guy gets your part done. I think you should finish up the 1067, then move on to the next project.

Hi to you all on this great forum. Im from Denmark, Europe, but I spend as much time in the states as a can, and I really like it. I think I might belong more here than back home, so that's why I stick my face in here. Hope it is OK

Ultimately, final cost is determined by the buyer, & seller. Everyone here knows you'ld be hard pressed to "restore" that for $750, but... at the same time, I think I'd tap out @$500 for that particular model, regardless of how good it looks.

I'll add that for an 855 I'm thinking it should run at the bump of a key, not "start on second pull.".... and even nicely painted I can't see that money... not for 8HP in the midwest, anyway... unless its a collectible model, that's a pretty hard sell..

Get a cracked up old seat covered in duct tape... it usually rolls and folds so the sticky side shows a little... helps hold you in the seat.

Thanks Mike..... she would get the 702 in candy apple red if she would specify gold or silver or whatever undertone she wants but can't make up her mind! This 753 is a prime candidate for repaint as the hood is obviously got some bondo and repaint in it but it still has some original paint and some rust that I and you would like to keep. Decisions decisions, as I'm tearing into this gem crap is going through my head about possibilities. I as always have a tendency to think total resto but then common sense prevails saying when you gonna have time for this? This time just get it running and work it prevailed. ... Jim you got a sickle bar on the bench, a short frame 10hp that's in the works , finnish up the 1067 for pioneer, a new to me HY that I know nothing about!!! Ain't life grand!

Got it all welded up and the front brace is beefed up. This was a ridiculously weak piece on gT14's. It was thin and flimsy as they used a side mule pulley set up. I had to buy a piece of steel which is the first other than the rod for the pin and steering shafts. Otherwise I've tried to recycle from the parted out Horses. The axle pin is retained with a tab and bolt. I did not need beefier steel here as it really takes no abuse but what the heck....might as well go all in. It is perpendicular to what it was when stock as I need the real estate between pin and frame for the bulkhead bearing. Part of the change over from original steering to gear reduction. I may touch up some of the welds tomorrow as it was getting dark.

Come on Craig, you know that everything on the internet is true; no nonsense allowed! Yes, she needs eye protection when using that rotary grinding tool.

First day in the books; The site with Bruce's tractors added Cool IH some pullers feature area Keeping with tradition, Picking up a pizza on a round hood! And keeping with tradition. A pageant can't go by without me having a problem with a tractor. I got about as far a way from my spot on the 701 and it quit. I had to push it all the way back. Needle and seat will be going in tomorrow! The show dash plaque has a lever steer Economy and a roundhood on it. How cool is that!

Apply some heat to it with a hair dryer. It should pull straight up. Also, if you protect the hood with a thin piece of wood, you can slip a the claws of a hammer under it to help pry it off.

First off Jess Second forgive the above clowns for just wanting to dicker over tractors and not welcoming you! Third ... they're advice is spot on Fourth.. if you want really want to know what you might be buying put up some pics for a good assessment, these clowns can spot a hair on a gnat's @$$ with the right pics. Fifth Mike that 855 is gorgeous... take it to CT ...those guys might double your 750

Aw, the newer, fresh, or recent, rebuilt engine, that you can't see or hear run, and only needs a couple of thing to get it running on CL . All of these guys are giving you good advice, and most will tell you $650.00 (still 150.00 more than you got) for the whole package is not that bad. Most of these guy, have the knowledge, and the tools to work on these tractors, and dare I say most enjoy it. If this is not you, then a non running tractor is probably not what you need, even if you can get it for $500.00 you still don't have what your wanting unless you put more money in it. Even if you get the said newer rebuilt engine running, blowing snow for a 1/4 mile a few times, will let you know if it was done right. Some of these guys are say that the 8hp will blow snow, you just have to take it slow, low first gear, or low second gear, that would take around 20 to 30 minuets per pass, while for some that's seat time, for me that's way to damn long to be outside in the cold. Two things are in you favor, you still have a few months before that stuff starts falling and you live in the WH land of plenty, save up and keep looking, their out there, now where did I put my coffee.

The cuz and I picked up a 1276 that belonged to a 98 year old man . He had a bunch of the original paperwork with the tractor that was in a old GM bus division folder . We believe he was a engineer at GM especially after looking at some of the little mods done to the tractor . Maybe some have seen this little trick but this is stupid easy . All it is apiece of bicycle chain used as detents for the lever and it works like a charm . Hope this helps some of you with that creeper problem... !

Cool old tractor! Wonder if Tuff-Bilt used those as a model for their tractors?

Well, last Tuesday I got a call from my 81 year old uncle. He is still very active and even takes trustees out from the jail to do road cleanup a couple of times a week! He said he had a few projects that he just wasn't going to get around to and wanted to know if I wanted them. Being the horder that I am, I said YES! Got there Saturday and found a 1953ish REO reel mower, a 60's Jacobson reel mower for golf course greens, a Standard Oil Company oil pump, a kerosene pump, a store brand mower for Emory, and a Simplicity Wonderboy for me. I hope to work on the wonderboy later this winter - it looks rough, but is all there - even the cast aluminum deck! Just thought I'd share my finds.

That bear is very scrawny looking. Dick you need to fatten him up.

Thanks all. You were right, filed dem points and set em, fired right up 🙆

Ok, tried starting on high side,then quickly slide to low side.No corduroy pants used.Stuff from the tool box is a good idea to try.Now, rubber backed carpet sounds good, The velcro might work if I can set my butt exactly on it.Something sounds wrong with the gorilla glue stuff. Old seat might and tape might work if I had the seat.The hill is not at 25* but it is good to know these things.Thanks For the ideas guys. Mal

Yeah they came down for the flywheeler show and came by for a visit. I believe I had to work or I would have been there. Hope to make it to the show next year if the planets alighn and I can get off of work so I can meet them and many others, you included.👍

1965 was debut for the square short hood...but for $750 in my neck of the woods it better be one SUPER nice all original or a full nut bolt restore with proof . Even then I think it's to much . I always try to buy them right , where I know I can hopefully make some money or break even . But then again I'm a cheap ... @Racinbob has a point too . I've paid $750 for a fully restored RJ with $1500 in receipts , front plow and rear plough . Everything powder coated . Then again for a extra Benjamin he through in over $400 in RJ parts . That was a nobrainer in my eyes !

Chris...I think you were saying the same thing as I was anyway. One thing for sure...if the seller is just trying to get his money out of it, and paid that much...it was not a good investment. It would be nice to see pictures when these threads pop up, but even then it may be hard to say what it really looks like. I am wondering why it might be a pull start...an 855 should be electric start...right??

@JA1980 had this listed in the for classifieds awhile back. I had my eye out for an HY for some time now to fit up on a dedicated plow tractor so I though what the heck go for it. @stevasaurus went and picked it up for me at the state line to make it an easy Saturday morning pick up and nice breakfast for me. Thanks Steve We were informed that this tractor might have went through the hands of Scott @whfan74 but when I asked him if he remembered it and could shed a little history on it he mumbled something about lost brain cells and too many horses going through his barn! I had originally planned on flipping the tractor figuring I might get a cheap HY out of the deal. & as I need another tractor like (another) hole in the head. Steve had warned me I was probably not gonna want to get rid of it. He was right. After a taking off the HY, a good bath, removing some PO inflicted wounds, and straightening up some wiring she fired up and ran like a champ. Puffs a little smoke but then I do too so that not's so serious. Bonus ...JA had graciously thrown in another frame an almost complete front end, a hood stand, some steering gear and a bunch of other parts! Darn near another whole tractor! I was happy. The bad news is the HY-2 is gonna take some work. The reservoir had water in it, the lift lever is froze up solid, the hoses are shot and the lift cylinder is seized and full of tar. All is not lost however as JA must have figured to go through it at one time and had Lowell's @wheelhorseman kit which he sent along! I do have it all apart now and it is savable but the judge sentenced me to hard time in front of the parts cleaner! These are quite simple little pumps and easy to work with. I will do a thread on it separate once I get going on it. As for the tractor since it has no lift lever, rock shaft or cable anymore it is going to share tub duties with the 702. As seen in the pics a PO put a strap on the slot hitch for a solid mount. I do have extra lift levers and parts so some day I might just get a hair up my and resto it. BTW did I mention the tires are like new and the FULL set of hubcaps....worth the price of admission right there!!! More pics once I get the hood back on.

Jesse, it was excellent meeting you again. And my truck is empty again...I can put my ice fishing sled back in there now. Just in case we get some ice soon.

I like what these last guys are saying about receipts for an engine re-build. I just rebuilt one 8 horse Kohler last fall and another one this last spring. I tore it down and cleaned it, I found a very good machine shop (used to be a Kohler dealer) and they were reasonable. They charged me just over $100 to bore the cylinder, turn the crank journal and grind the valves. In both engines, I replaced the piston, rings, rods and a couple of valves. Parts for each engine was around $80 +. I put the engines back together. I have receipts for all of the builds. Maybe Sarge's prices are the shop doing all the labor also? Anyway, I think I missed the part where the horse did not run...if you know what you are doing...have a look, but I think you may want to keep looking. Take a look in our "For Sale Section", maybe you will find something there.

interesting Major... had to look that up https://www.tuff-bilt.com/home.html Old school tractor with a modern day twist. Fuel injected or a diesel??? Hmmm Tuff decision is what that is! Then there's the tracks!

My thoughts exactly - no one in their right mind would put the money into a proper engine rebuild on a Kohler and then dump it as a whole in non-running condition . Some folks think a couple new gaskets and a coat of paint makes it rebuilt - that is not the case . Done correctly by a machine shop and the cost of parts - basic rebuild if it just needed new rings would run around $400 , new piston/rod if needed adds a couple hundred more . I call bs on the seller's description - something isn't right there . If it's a true recent rebuild , there should be machine shop receipts and a parts list and possibly a warranty - I doubt he has those things . 8hp pulling that blower with no snow will struggle a bit due to the rotating mass of the blower . You'd be far better off with a strong 12hp powered C-series like a C-120 or bigger , especially with a hill involved . If you want to do blade work on dirt or push snow - be aware that a manual transmission tractor is going to require a pretty stout left arm/shoulder to lift the blade - you'll also have to push against the lift handle for any down pressure to get the blade to cut as well . An automatic/hydrostat with a lift cylinder installed would be far more useful for what you describe - plus you can use a solid lift link to provide down pressure on the front blade . Oh , and lifting even a small single stage blower (as in the pictures) is a challenge with a manual lift but there are assist springs available . If your driveway is really steep , I'd hunt a C-120 or bigger in the automatic versions - that also gives you the option of a rear clevis hitch that can do lifting and use box scrapers and such for dirt/rock work . These tractors , even the smaller engined versions like you are considering are amazingly capable . Rear weights , chains and some learning it will go nearly anywhere and handle a lot of ground engagement work . The 8hp Kohler is a very underrated engine - it has a lot more torque than any other in that class and that's why it can do so much with such a low hp rating . Personally , given your description of needs - I'd recommend that you pass on this one , not to mention the whole engine description in non-running condition . No honest seller would sell a non-running rebuilt Kohler - that costs real money and being non-running cuts what they spent on it in half real quick for overall value . I'd bet it got at most a cheap knockoff set of rings , maybe a new head gasket and who knows if it was reassembled correctly or the rod checked for fit - wouldn't give that one a second look on it's best day . Sarge

My neighbor had a C-81 with a snow blower. It was fine on level ground and downhill, but did not have the power it needed to blow snow on the uphill. He replaced the engine with a K321 (14hp) and has no problems now.

Oh. My. Goodness. Heres the before pics: and here's a few after: got a little nervous after i got home when she started up to get off the trailer and then stopped part way down and then wouldn't start bAck up again... somehow managed to blow a fuse there, but that was easily remedied and we're back in business. The best part? The wash job completely fixed the machine. The MC lever works like a champ now. Snaps right back to center all on its own and feels like a million bucks. Thanks for the diagnostics, fellows!

Could it be the sock-less wooden shoe mafia boss from Elgin?

I'm glad it finally made it home but I would consider yourself lucky it didn't come up missing in Chicago . That town is full of old thugs . I heard the boss is ex Navy , drives a old Ford truck , makes his own wine and still uses Windows7 ... sound familiar ? He didn't make you kiss his ring after breakfast for that "favor" did he ...

But this one caught my attention! I just don't think this is safe! From HomemadeTools.net https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/hmt-forum/sparks_flying.gif

thought i'd show a quick vid of my 953 doing a quick test run after I got my tranny back together and now got to focus on the motor now carb and fuel issues to resolve but that's ok

Why wrong... you're looking for more seat time, aren't you?

Gosh! Eye protection! You see what I mean! Yet another safety violation that I never even noticed!

Your perseverance paid off in the end. Way to stick with it. You corralled and dandy little Philly right there!

I'm in central pa too! If it was me and i had $500 to put toward a tractor, it would be something a little more than a C-81. Don't get me wrong, it is a good machine, but maybe a little under powered for blowing off a 1/4 mile driveway. Your're also going to want something that has a 2 stage blower to get rid of all that snow. Details on the tractor appear to be a little sketchy as well so if it was me I would keep looking. We still have a little time until the snow starts flying and i will keep my eyes open for you as well since you are close to me. Mike

I agree it's probably high without seeing it. If it is an excellent restoration maybe not......but the recoil start dings it some. But look at it another way. If somebody wants a nice restored machine of that era and doesn't have the time, skills, tools, desire or any combination of those it may not be a bad deal. You all know what it costs to take a 'project' tractor and transform it into a beauty. Not likely for $750 not even figuring your time. @Jessb we could help you better if we had pictures and more info. I think you're pretty close to @Lane Ranger. Hint...hint...

Yea, Steve, your right. some places in Connecticut, a fully restored 855, would go for twice that.

Maybe Chris...location, location, location.

I'm thinking it had better be in absolutely fantastic condition for that kind of money with no attachments. BTW...Welcome to Red Square.

Ya see.... us old guys still have some brains, even after all that beer. Like my brother says "will windows never crease".

Bill has done a little of everything. At one point he had a mower repair shop. I'm amazed at all he has and was honored that he thought of me to care for his treasures. Everything but the simplicity was placed in the dry in our barn to prevent further damage. No doubt about it, I've got plenty to keep me busy. Not to mention that @oldredrider is tending to a couple of horses until I can get them to their home pasture. I think I need some meds - my condition is getting worse.

Glad to hear you got another hole in the head Jim! Now the MRS. Can finally have the 702 she wanted. Looks nice Jim