genebe 3 #1 Posted March 16, 2015 We just picked up this today. I believe the previous owner said it was a 1964. It came with a restored mower deck, but the tracter itself is still in original paint, with (I understand) only the muffler and seat pan having been replaced. It's a very clean tractor and everything works, even the original brake light. I'd appreciate knowing exactly what I have here, as well as what the market is for them in similar original condition (hope I didn't overpay!). Also, if anyone has a source for the missing parts I need (seat pan, seat cover, muffler, panel on the top of the frame rails (in front of the seat) with the shift lever cut-out), I'd appreciate the information! Thanks guys! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 589 #2 Posted March 16, 2015 I would say a 1054 but I am not up to date on my 1054 and 953 tractors. I had a 1054 for about 10 minutes but a friend wanted it more then I did. I would also say that is not original paint on that machine. The pin stripes don't belong , the rims are to bright and the shade of red seems off. Value is all over the place but since its mostly complete. I would say $350 to $600. All depends on location and who wants it bad enough. Looks solid though! Great find! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fireman 1,021 #3 Posted March 16, 2015 (edited) If that's a 10 horse Kohler then that is a 1964 1054. If it's a 9 horse Kohler then it is a 1963 953. Edited March 16, 2015 by fireman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
genebe 3 #4 Posted March 16, 2015 Great info guys! I'll check tomorrow and see if I can read a label on the engine. So you don't think it's original paint? I guess it's fair game for a restoration then. Are there any good resources to see what was correct for this year/model? Also, I'd really like an earlier one, as I bought this to "match" a rig that is 1957. I haven't looked long, but this was the earliest one I could find. And you guys are right; these things are built like a tank! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,028 #5 Posted March 16, 2015 Most likely a 1054 hard to say if the paint is orig. from pics but most of it kinda does not look like it, as said wheels should be a off white, there is no shifter plate, only a cover in front of the shifter, it's missing the getting hard to find starter belt guard, seat frame looks orig. but would have been zinc plated silver, the cushions look to be recovered or home made replacements they are just wood panels with foam and black and white vinyl on them. Value depends on area and how bad you want it, around me it's a $500 or so tractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,525 #6 Posted March 16, 2015 That is a very nice 1054, a member here named Glen Pettit has a lot of the parts you will want like knobs and so forth, also Vinylguy has all of the decals. The price kind of depends on how close it is to you, I would be glad to pay $ 600 for it if it was close by, but it would be hard to justify a two day trip and lodging to buy the same one for $ 300! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 589 #7 Posted March 16, 2015 I have heard talk of a ross gear box for steering on the 953 and the 1054 just has a half moon gear like a gt14. From the second picture , I can see the half moon gear so that's what made me say 1054. But I might be talking out my rear end on that one. Or might not have understood what I read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,034 #8 Posted March 16, 2015 Very nice. It is missing the alt. belt cover. The decal says 1054. I have a 953 and it is by far my favorite tractor to put around at the shows with. I plan on brining mine to the big show this year. It has a very throaty sound to that motor 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 589 #9 Posted March 16, 2015 Lol The decal says 1054. lol DUHHHH! That one made me laugh. Saw decals where mainly gone and never thought to blow that picture up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,441 #10 Posted March 16, 2015 Are the lights recessed? My 1054 headlights have lenses that protrude past the face of the grill where yours appear to be behind the grill. Of course I don't have a good picture. Mike............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dhodge 528 #11 Posted March 16, 2015 I believe you are also missing the hydraulic lift pump on that tractor. The mower deck lift arm does not belong and looks to be fashioned on some how. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,472 #12 Posted March 16, 2015 (edited) The wider tread in front and tread type in the back makes me think this is a 1965- 1054-A tractor. What does the serial number on the shifter decal say number wise? Edited March 16, 2015 by Lane Ranger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,525 #13 Posted March 16, 2015 I was going by the hood decal saying it is a 1054, the front tires are like a 1054A but in the past 50 years there is no telling how many little changes have taken place. The headlights have been replaced with after-market sealed beams that look fine and the grill has been replaced by expanded steel. SO WHAT, I would still be proud to own that . You made a great buy and the little things can be corrected if they bother you; it is your tractor and just like any other member of the family it should be enjoyed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
genebe 3 #14 Posted March 16, 2015 You guys have some great looking tractors! I'll have to take some more photos, but you all seem to have exactly identified this one. Of course, I'll need to find the proper parts for it, and then decide if it's going to be a keeper, to restore it, or just clean it up a little. The reason we bought a Wheel Horse is that for many years, they were used at the Indy 500 as tow-rigs for the cars. I'm not sure when this started, but I know it went through the early 60's. The factory would bring 70 or so tractors down and they would be used by each of the teams throughout the race weekend. Afterwards, WH would send them out to the dealers & sell them as "demos". Maybe some of you know and can shed some more light onto the WH/ Indy500 relationship. I'm not even sure that the 10hp tractors were used in the '60s; the photos I've seen seem to all be of the smaller ones. We have a restored 1952 Kurtis Kraft Indy racer and have been using a Honda 4-wheeler to move it around the pits at historic events, along with all the equipment (starters, battery kart, etc). However, the goal is to get a little more authentic! So, if we can find out what was used at the Speedway in 1952, and if that model tractor is available and at least as dependable as the 1054, then we'll sell this one and get the earlier one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse46 512 #15 Posted March 16, 2015 (edited) Like this? Edited March 16, 2015 by Horse46 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,028 #16 Posted March 16, 2015 Not sure what was used in 1952 WH was not around then as we know it, not til 1955 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,525 #17 Posted March 17, 2015 (edited) The Indianapolis 500 era seems to be the 60's. In the book "Straight from the Horse's Mouth" by Michael Martino, the photos show 1961 Suburbans being used, others show a 953 leading a parade of 653 :wh:s . In 1968 they built a "500 Special" with a decal featuring crossed checkered flags. Don't know if there were more years than '61 to '68, but they were definitely involved in those years. Others who know more about this may chime in. Edited March 17, 2015 by 953 nut Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
genebe 3 #18 Posted March 17, 2015 (edited) I may have a non-matching pair tow rig then! lol! I'll have to keep my eye open for one of the models that was used at Indy, and if possible pick one up. Meanwhile, we'll see how this one works for us. If nothing else, it will be put to work mowing this summer. Edited March 17, 2015 by genebe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse46 512 #19 Posted March 18, 2015 801-150rislonespecial.JPG Like this? Does anyone have a model kit of something like this? Or did wheel horse have model kits of their tractors? (sorry mini hi-jack) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel Horse Collector 47 #20 Posted March 18, 2015 It looks like a 1054. If you zoom in on the pic, I think whats left of the decal says 54 so it would be a 1054 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,525 #21 Posted March 18, 2015 Does anyone have a model kit of something like this? Or did wheel horse have model kits of their tractors? (sorry mini hi-jack) You can find them listed on ebay from time to time, look for them under Indy 500 Winner rather than 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
genebe 3 #22 Posted March 18, 2015 The wider tread in front and tread type in the back makes me think this is a 1965- 1054-A tractor. What does the serial number on the shifter decal say number wise? Obviously not original paint... It looks like a 1054. If you zoom in on the pic, I think whats left of the decal says 54 so it would be a 1054 yup! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
genebe 3 #23 Posted March 18, 2015 Here are a few more views: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mey030 9 #24 Posted March 26, 2015 Paint wise i know the original off white for the rims was called india ivory. I remember dad touching up some Rustoleum had a paint called fire hydrant rid real close to Wheel Horse. used to drive him bonkers farmers around us would go to international and get red paint to repaint there wh and wasn't close. Lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
