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First post here, and am enjoying reading up on WH tractors. I've always been of the green persuasion, and spent the past year looking for a JD140 to restore. I couldn't find anything I liked, and the other day I jumped on CL for the umpteenth time, and one of the first ads that came up was for a 1979 C141 in absolutely unbelievable condition. I didn't know too much about WH tractors, never having owned one, and from the pic, it looked like gear drive, which I didn't want. But closer inspection of the pictures showed it to be a Sundstrand hydro tractor with a 36" RD deck. After some very fast research, I decided to go look at it. Nice guy had it, and loved it, you could tell from the condition that he had really given it a home, but had too many tractors that he actually used, to take care of, and didn't want the 141 sitting and going to pot. I drove it, looked it over and found only a couple of very minor problems. A tire that wouldn't hold air, and a battery that wouldn't hold a charge. A quick multimeter test showed the system charging fine, and a battery that couldn't stand the load. After some discussion, and the seller more interested in the tractor finding a good home, that money, (yeah, go figure, how cool), we made a deal for $750, and my neighbor and I hauled the tractor home. I tubed the tires and bought a new battery, and it runs like new. I'm amazed, not a hint of smoke, hydro is as new, really cool. Needless to say, I'm a convert! I think the Sundstrand is smoother than the JD Peerless I'm used to, it seems more responsive, like it's connected solid. You can tell, someone took care of it, the guy said the old man he bought it from, had spray painted it often to keep it from rusting, and you can see a run or two, here and there, the oil in the hydro and engine looks new, air filter in good condition, steering tight, it's been greased well, and often. You WH guys must take a lot better care of your toys than the JD guys do, cause the 140's I looked at were quite neglected! Anyway, thanks for putting a great site and forum together, and you'll see me here quite a bit now that I have changed colors!

Toro got a bad rap from loyal Wheelhorse owners but it was Toro that saved Wheelhorse and the Garden tractor line. They could have killed the line and made Toro branded tractors changing every year or two so the attachments would not fit many consecutive models. As it turned out, Toro kept the Wheelhorse line going and were responsible for the incredible run of the C-Series through the 300, 400 & 500 series tractors and the compatibility of the attachments to extend decades of models. And as was touted earlier in this thread, the Xi line of tractors were built heavy-duty and were actually heavier in weight than the 520-H. Much heavier. Toro made many cheaper models that were riding lawn mowers at best but they were still far superior than the MTD junk sold in the box stores. Toro even kept making parts that were interchangeable to older machines. I've said it many years ago here but it bares repeating. We should thank Toro for buying Wheelhorse and keeping Elmer Pond's tractors going for the many years that they did. Toro knew they bought a great design with a loyal following. And it showed!

The quality stayed up there through their demise in 2007. There was only one model by that time which is probably why it was called a 'Classic'. This is my 2005. It now sports Terry's patriotic decals.

i think they keep their quality all the way to the end on their higher end wheel horses i know they made alot of cheaper models too but even compared to the cheap lawn mower market the wheel horses were still pretty good and better quality than alot of the cheap mtd mowers out their at the time

Just hooked the trailer up today for the first time. Hauled an RJ-35 to the scrap metal recycling center this morning. Now before anyone panics, the RJ-35 just went along for the ride. I had to get rid of some scrap metal and trash on the trailer before I head up to Olde Tyme Days on Saturday. The RJ is NOT mine, and is just being transported.

You know, @Jake Kuhn, that just doesn't sound right! <smirk>

Thanks. The biggest of the little tailgate buddies was my final inspiration for getting the 4X4. He and little brother are going with us to the Outer Banks later this summer, and he said that "somebody has to have a 4-wheeler for driving on the beach". I guess he meant me. Now if I can just get my hands on his piggy bank...

I talked to a long time dealer a few years back. He said when Toro took over Wheel Horse, the quality control went way up. Said many times a WH tractor would be shipped missing parts and that ended with Toro. I don't know, I was never thrilled with Toro. I bought a 210-H in 2000 and was skeptical but I saw enough WH features on it to take a chance. Had it for 20 yrs and only replaced a tie rod and a diode.

Here's a pic of a 1976 B-80 'converted' to a C-160. I bought it as a B-80 brand new. I bought the headlights when I bought the tractor. I installed a new K-341 and 23-8.50 rear tires. In 2000 I sold it when we moved here. Kinda a long story but about a year ago I discovered that the current owner was the neighbor of my daughter and her family in Walkerton, IN. It was still almost like new when I sold it in spite of how hard I worked it and it saddened me to see the shape it's in now but it was so amazing that I got to see it again. The Commando 800 (1972) in the background is my grandsons. I restored it for him several years ago. The rear tires on it are the 22-7.50 that were originally on the B-80. Also keep in mind the other differences between the B and C series in that era but yes, the 77 and older B's were just as capable if the horsepower was there. The 76 and 77 even had the 8 pinion diff and 1.125 axles. Not sure prior to that.

Up to and including 1977 the B's were basically the same as the C's. In 1978 the B's were lawn tractors. The B/C difference in 76 and 77 was, horsepower, low back vs high back seat, 13" vs 15" steering wheel, 22-7.50 vs 23-8.50 rear tires, optional vs standard headlights. The differences prior to 76 were similar but I didn't have first hand experience with those. I think some of the earlier B's had 4-speeds.

Wow ! Some great information, so it's a 1964 model 854. I ordered the carb kit yesterday from the ebay link and it was shipped today, so hopefully it arrives by the weekend. I paid 75 bucks for the tractor and my neighbor has offered me 150 already, ...not for sale...lol It sparked memories for the 88 year old, as he worked for the city of Buffalo and was the main man to order the new equipment, his choice of mowers was the Wheel Horse. I told him he could drive it around though when I get it running right or I'd attach my antique radio flyer wagon to the back and tow him around..ha ha ha

That thing looks real clean! Welcome! You will find this place to be filled to the brim with awesome people ready to help you however they can! (At least, that's how I found it, so I stuck around ) Beware. If left unattended for long, they will start to multiply and you will find yourself addicted!

i am also new to the Wheel Horse never owned one before last week.but always wanted a good heavy duty tractor for summer and winter work.i purchased a 1995 520h and it is very nice condition. He really took good care of it .it is a breast. I think it will pull a house down. Yes, keep us a breast of your progress. and maybe turn off auto correct

Somebody had some time to kill...and a beer in their hand.

Yes. Magnums are definitely underrated and so is the K341. All great engines. I'll finally get to test out the 312 on the lawn tomorrow. In the mean time I said goodbye to the 6-inch wheels and installed a set of 8-inch rims with new turf tires and buffed the hood and fenders. Gotta look good while mowing in a subdivision full of green, white and yellow!

Also, they never had a C-80. There was a C-81 which started in 1978 when the B's became lawn tractors.

Here is what it looks like now. Next time I get it out ill see if the wife will video it.

Welcome to Red Square. You got yourself a real nice horse for a good price. Got some wheel weights on those rear tires...you need to find a snow blade so you can use that horse year round.

to Always nice to see a green & yellow convert...... You are going see some neglected horses & ponies here too but here guys often go out of their way and at great danger to the wallet to find the neglected ones and fix them up.....part of the addiction I guess. Just remember here Don't forget to consider becoming a supporter and again

Mine is pretty worn. I really need a new blade but not like I use it daily. Lol. I have mounted mine on a round hood since the last pics. It works pretty well. These mowers don't chop like a mowing deck but rather cut the weeds at the bottom and drop them whole. I will defiantly get a few more pics of the mower for you. Nice score on a nos one ! So there is at least 2 of these in the world left.

Great find, and a good first horse. It may be close to 40 years old, but with proper care, 40 years from now someone will be saying "look what I snagged, a really nice 80 year old C-141"

I believe if you look at the engine, the extra hood length was necessary to clear the larger air cleaner.

Nice catch on the front axle! I have pics that are SUPPOSED to be a 702 that show a front axle with an indentation through out the center of the casting which I assume is what you are referring to as NOT "square". 63 thru 67s do but this is obviously not an 875 or newer square hood. I would like to do a study on WH axles. Not as readily changed as other characteristics and I think a good way to help ID a WH. But I'm not getting what you mean about the pedals though so please help me... I think pedals is another complete study to try to ID these guys! If you have a good grip on this please share and I'll take notes so we can share again later! Dennis... there are some subtle and not so subtle differences to the front axles for the 60s models. Here are a quick few.... 1960 Suburban, Cast iron V shape form with large indent in casting, flat plate at end of frame rails, single short tie rod, long flat drag link connected other spindle. 1961 701 same axle flipped upside down (inverted V) for taller stance, flat plate at end of frame rails, single short tie rod, long flat drag link connected other spindle. 1963 633/653/753 new design cast iron inverted V, new design offset bend front plate (note the 603 still used the previous version and the 953 was another completely new different design) Again, notice the difference in the plate at the front of the frame rails. 1965 changed to the wedge shaped square hood and the front of the tractor changed for the hood mount but not the axle. There were a few different hood mounts. The clutch pedal only had a few changes. Again... a quick few... 1960 Bent piece of flat stock steel. 1961 New cast iron rounded off point flag style 1963 New cast iron squared off flag style @swade41 I would agree with the other guys on your tractor being an 854. That being said, your engine is the original spec. Otherwise, it looks like the guys have got you squared away.

that thing looks very clean and original i say you did well

I did take a bunch of photos but they are before pics. I'll attach some and let you guys decide. I won't be able to take it out for a test drive until this afternoon, I'm on my way to help out at my local food pantry. That tranny wasn't too pretty when I took it apart. It got all new seals and bearings. Except for the 1533s, With a lot of work I managed to get them cleaned up and working.

I agree as well and you should try that test. Here's my thoughts on seeing if you can feel it 'lock' in to the detents in all gears. The shifter has the ability to actually move the forks past the detents but it doesn't because the gears physically stop it. The shifter doesn't do a thing to keep the transmission in a particular gear, the detents do. By moving through the gears gently you will feel when the detent balls engage. If you feel them engage as you shift to first, the shifter got them where they belong. I also agree that the 1st/reverse fork looks suspect in the picture and it's the area the shifter contacts to put it in 1st gear.

well i got the plowing done today it went kinda ruff the ground was hard and very rocky but i was able to move some earth i will say the old B-60 held up well it does need some more traction as i exspected i ran out of traction before the front end would try to raise up. And i also got to see my 314H that my brother has been using and he says he loves it the bad is that it has a miss when mowing under heavy load.

I think you are right...how can you not look good with these little guys? They already called "dibs" on the back seat riding to the beach with grandpa and grandma next month.

Looking forward to seeing you and Wildfire on the track. Good luck Dave.

I think Mike must have missed this, so I will take the liberty of answering for him. I am far from a mechanic, but I know some basics, and I'm good at figuring out how stuff works. Garry mentioned a spring on the plunger, so I started looking at whether the solenoid plunger had spring pressure. It did. I noticed the plastic fork in the starter had a notch in the center, and the plunger on the solenoid had the sides flattened except the end, so I figured out the plunger must fit into the slot in the fork in the starter. Put it back together, and success.

This is often a problem because it is hard to see. Garry

Looks kind of like an old Case blade to me, but I really have no evidence for my impression. I had an orange thing once, a Simplicity, but fixing it turned out to be anything but simple. Red tractors work better

Most definitely weaker transmissions, frames, etc. Designed to compete with the big box stuff. Fine for mowing lawns but iffy with most other attachments.

Yes it does. OSHA would never approve of this dangurous machine today!

The chart I have shows the 2006 420 as the last Horse. My 93 416 looks like the older WHs and my 1998 520Lxi certainly seems quite well built. On the other hand my TORO (no mention of WH!) 2006 LX500 however is just another ridging lawn mower and pretty sure by MTD. It's not a bad rider, but it's obvious they were watching pennies everywhere and I have to keep fixing little crap to keep her going. What I've heard through the years was if it said Wheel Horse and Toro it was still a Wheel Horse! Now my interests are mostly limited to just GTs and I have no first hand knowledge of anything else, other than the LX500.

Sorry. I misunderstood. I'll get pics up and add to this post.... I have two 54 inch blades. One has this styleand the other has this style:

@Dieselcowboy Did you ever post any other pictures on this? I'd love to see a few more. Yours is the only other original I've seen mounted on a Wheel Horse. Nice to know there is at least one more out there. I'd also love to see an action video.... your's looks well worn by the shape of the blade. Mine's NOS. It came from the family of a closed dealership in Iowa (via another collector in Michigan to me) .. Original owner's son claimed his dad was the one who talked Bachtold into making them. They were both a Wheel Horse and Bachtold dealership. Mine will eventually end up on either a 753 or 854 to emulate this picture.

Very nice, super clean looking. to

As with anything wheelhorse, it depends on the years. Later on (80's ish) the B series were made with vertical shaft engines and peerless transmissions. Earlier B series (70's ish) just generally had smaller engines and less features (like no headlights, etc) but were the same as their C series counterparts in almost every other way. 200 series was smaller vertical shaft and i dont believe any major parts match the 300+ series.

Yeah, I always wondered what the big difference was between the B and C series. Not a BIG difference I guess. I plan to look at a 1978 C-101 this weekend. Nothing else on the radar at this point. It's a Kohler, but wish it had the 12hp. I'd love to be able to use a 48" mower, I have a lot to mow. Although one of my parts tractors has a 12, so who knows. If I get this, I'll definitely want a snow blower attachment for this winter. I'll keep you posted. THANKS everyone, for the advice to this (sort of) newbie!

I think I'll stick with a single stage.

Well I finally got my Blast Cabinet set back up. I did a little work with it and I have to say the gloves from TP tools are a huge upgrade from the Harbor Freight poor excuse for gloves. I also am very pleased with the cyclonic dust collection. I decided to give this a try before buying a dedicated unit. I am still waiting on the Router speed controller to make the shop vac variable speed but in my first road test, the cabinet is a ton easier and more effiecient than previously. So at this point with the added aftermarket light, gloves, hoses, speed controller and cyclonic collector I am at ~ 325.00 which I consider a bargain. Now I also have more labor in it than ideal but it keeps me out of trouble. Now I can get back to prepping the GT14 again.

Excellent pictures. Try this...I think I see part of one of the forks chewed up a little also in your 1st 2 photos. Take the shifter back out and use a long screw driver or punch to slide the fork into first gear by hand and then take it for a ride and see if it pops out. This will tell you if it is your shifter along with the face on the fork that may not be engaging the gear all the way. The left hand fork in your picture...you want to slide that down to be in 1st gear. The left fork is 1st and reverse, and slides the fork gear in either direction on the spline shaft to engage the desired gear. Your pictures show your transmission in neutral.

Hey guys, I just posted (2) 520-H tractors for sale. If any of you are interested, I could certainly hold one until the weekend of this meet and greet! They are in the for sale section. Thanks!

did it start allready? damn still gotta get my woodshoes painted with da bears on them

Nice truck. One of my biggest things about ext or 4 dr cabs is you have more leg room. Std cab, seat hits the back and you can't go any farther.

Okay, here's the update. I purchased a 2014 Tacoma today. Here she is.

What can a Wheel Horse do? Darn near anything you ask it to do!

Have you checked the belt tension

three blade mower deck for a RJ35 Brian