wildbill59 43 #1 Posted July 29, 2016 This is another new-to-me Wheel Horse, a sweet little 854. Runs, drives, and cuts well, but needs a hood! The PO was a much older fellow who painstakingly built the hood for this little guy (or gal - I noticed that lots of Wheel Horses are girls!), and he really did a heck of a job. Lots of people love it, and have told me to leave it as is, but I'd really like to have a stock hood on it. I'd always keep the homebuilt hood - some nice love and craftsmanship went into it - but... I've been told that the 854 hoods are hard to find, are there other models that I could use? 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 10,711 #2 Posted July 29, 2016 I'd say it's definitely different from a stock hood to be sure, but it's not all that bad at all, someone sure put a lot of work into it. I just wonder why? What happened to the original hood that it was so bad it need changed? If these tractors could only talk. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #3 Posted July 29, 2016 Definitely unique, great mobile workbench... I think it's pretty cool. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,875 #4 Posted July 29, 2016 1 hour ago, Ranger13148 said: I'd say it's definitely different from a stock hood to be sure, but it's not all that bad at all, someone sure put a lot of work into it. I just wonder why? What happened to the original hood that it was so bad it need changed? If these tractors could only talk. I agree with Ranger13148 It would be amazing to here there story. Some we know about by having only a few owners but some ??? But Bill Enjoy it what ever you do with it. It still is a WHEELHORSE>>>>>>>> 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,337 #5 Posted July 29, 2016 Yes, I would put the correct hood on it, and keep that one as a memento. I also agree with the others, the back story of the hood would be nice to know and share. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 59,585 #6 Posted July 29, 2016 I bet that sounds amazing with no muffler unless there's one stuffed under the hood! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris G 3,274 #7 Posted July 29, 2016 Don't quote me 100 percent. But I believe that the 854 hoods are longer then the other models such as say a 702 or 633 etc... So if I'm remembering correctly I think a 854 hood is the only one that will work for the 854. Unless you want to do some fabrication. I forgot to mention though. I would most definitely still keep that hood as a wall hanger. Would definitely be a cool conversation piece. And yes the 854 hood can be a tricky one to find. At least in my past experience of looking for one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #8 Posted July 29, 2016 The longer hoods were necessary... to provide room for the 8hp's air cleaner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #9 Posted July 29, 2016 10 hours ago, AMC RULES said: Definitely unique, great mobile workbench... I think it's pretty cool. I agree. The hood could also be used as a coffee table, conversation piece in the living room or rec. room have cup holders mounted and room to install a lazy Susan rotating snack tray, Have a padded seat mounted to it and become a mother-in-law mover or be a great place to mount a 30mm, chain gun to win friends and influence people...... Seriously, I like it too! A great starting point for your own custom mod! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #10 Posted July 29, 2016 10 hours ago, AMC RULES said: Definitely unique, great mobile workbench... I think it's pretty cool. Pretty sure must have been used to deliver barbeque platters at the local picnic! I guess? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #11 Posted July 29, 2016 Wonder, if anyone else sees the resemblance... between the 854's hood & this MacKissic Mighty Mac chipper. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildbill59 43 #12 Posted July 30, 2016 17 hours ago, pullstart said: I bet that sounds amazing with no muffler unless there's one stuffed under the hood! Nope, no muffler, just some 1" iron water pipe with a few elbows. And it does sound excellent - deep and throaty, without being blaring and annoying. Thanks for noticing! 8 hours ago, DougC said: I agree. The hood could also be used as a coffee table, conversation piece in the living room or rec. room have cup holders mounted and room to install a lazy Susan rotating snack tray, Have a padded seat mounted to it and become a mother-in-law mover or be a great place to mount a 30mm, chain gun to win friends and influence people...... Seriously, I like it too! A great starting point for your own custom mod! The possibilities are endless! I like the idea of winning friends and influencing people with superior firepower...;) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildbill59 43 #13 Posted July 30, 2016 (edited) Thanks for all of the comments, guys! I agree - the tractor seems pretty pampered, what happened to the hood? If equipment could talk... Along with my 60s to 2000s tractor collection, I also have a couple dozen lawn mowers from the 40s to the 60s. It's cool to wonder - what was this mower's life like - take my 1951 Snappin' Turtle, for example - from being shiny and new on a dealership's showroom floor in the early 50s, to being found in a creek 60 years later?! Oh well. If anyone knows where I can find an 854 hood, please let me know. In the meantime, I'll keep using it as a mobile picnic table/work bench/mother-in-law hauler! Edited July 30, 2016 by wildbill59 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neil 2,398 #14 Posted July 30, 2016 Certainly different , it looks like it should have a saw blade coming through the top so that it becomes a table saw, Now that would be cool 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Live4outdoors 151 #15 Posted July 31, 2016 I think you will soon find why the PO made a hood on your search to try to find one....there was an 854 for sale recently near me, might be easier to find a parts tractor and sell off stuff to get your money back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #16 Posted July 31, 2016 Maybe not aesthetically pleasing to look at but I still admire the time and effort someone went through to build some protection around their worker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,051 #17 Posted August 1, 2016 On 7/29/2016 at 5:47 AM, T-Mo said: Yes, I would put the correct hood on it, and keep that one as a memento. I also agree with the others, the back story of the hood would be nice to know and share. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
