Leaderboard

Picked up this little gem from @Shynon Saturday morning. Met with Tom, his son Mike @prondzy, son in law Scott & @Terry M at a restaurant off I90/94 & had a nice breakfast & some chat. They were on an all day & most of the night quest to buy and deliver some horses in IL and IA. Also got a nice tub for my son in law @Rp.wh for yard work & tub rides for his young'uns...an early birthday present from his mom! I bought this tractor for my wife Cindy who was born in 1962 so now we have a '59, ( the year I was born) a '60, '61 & now the 702. She wants me to paint the tractor candy apple red & Tom says it was a good candidate for a repaint ( his 1st resto ) but I beg to differ.. paint looks good to be but you guys be the judge! Plans for this tractor right now is odd jobs around the ranch and to pull Dino's @stevasaurus 8 inch plow just for fun! Mike informed me he broke the motor in plowing with it for 5 hours. Also Cindy's ride around at shows! Gonna haul wood with it today& quickly becoming my favorite & go to tractor! Excuse me while I go change my handle! Enjoy

So my neighbor doesn't sell much (except to me) but I do sell tractor stuff and he has bought many tractors and attachments over the years from me. Being as we are both neighbors and friends I never try to profit from a sale to him......today that paid off with some good karma! He calls me over and says " See this Commando 8 with the deck and that tub trailer, I'll never do anything with it and sitting outside isn't doing it any good, and you always offer me great deals so they're yours for the taking....FREE!" She doesn't run yet but did run a couple years ago so with a bit of TLC and a carb cleaning there is no doubt in my mind I'll have it running soon. All 4 tires seem to hold air and they all say Wheel Horse on em 👍 ! Pics of course...... Mike....

I get goose bumps when I see pictures of 702s. The 702 and a short frame square hood should be in every ones stable. Mine has doing leaf duty. I'd put the plow on her and re-plow the small garden.

11-13-1898 Elmer Pond was born Wheel Horse started in Elmer Pond's garage in 1946. Mr. Pond started building two-wheel garden tractors using surplus parts. Within ten years, his business had become very successful and began to build a full line of lawn and garden tractors, in addition to riding lawn mowers. This is a story that starts out way before the brand name "Pond" or "Wheel Horse." It starts out with the name "Shaw." Elmer Pond and his associates, Glen Hielman and Harold Pond worked for many years for Shaw making tractors. These tractors were produced out of motorcycle and automotive parts and were made for the bigger gardens and small orchards. After a while the three men decided to build their own tractor and go into business for themselves. Harold Pond had worked for Shaw since the 1920’s and decided that he would make a tractor known as the Speedx Model "B," and Pond garden tractor in 1938, which would be one of the first four-, wheeled garden tractors. Glen Hielman would make the "Garden Master" in 1952. After World War II, Elmer Pond took the advantage, as did the other two men, to make a smaller lawn tractor that could do the work of a garden tractor and a lawn tractor. People who had a small garden didn’t need or want a big tractor for the small jobs they had to do, so they depended on these men for their garden needs. Another reason smaller garden tractors became very popular was that these tractors were rather inexpensive, so even the typical family could own one of these tractor and maintain it for a low cost. Many of these tractors were made from small air-cooled engines, drive systems, axles, wheels, tires, and other various parts that could be found. The framework was made from pieces of angle or channel iron. Elmer Pond started production in 1946 in his two-car garage in South Bend, Indiana. These tractors were made from crude parts that could be found. He produced a two-wheeled tractor that was self-propelled, which was sold under the Pond name. Pond made these for nine years, known as the "Walk- Away's " because the design of the tractor. After the first year of production Pond decided to make a four- wheel tractor. This tractor was made from crude parts such as a model "A" transmission, an 8.3 Wisconsin engine, Tiller steering, and much channel iron. The tractor was known as the Ride-Away Senior and was mainly for garden use. This model of the Senior was designed without a hood for easy serviceability. In 1948, Major changes occurred to the business and the tractors. Cecil Pond, Elmer Pond’s son, joined his father to make a partnership that would last for a long time. The tractor they created gained a fiberglass hood, and a Ross steering gear. The Ride-Away Sr. was produced for another seven years with small variations. In 1955, Pond started to make three different tractors, including the Walk-Away, Ride-Away Sr., and introducing the Ride-Away Jr. This new tractor would have a 2.5 HP Briggs and Stratton, or a 3.6 HP Clinton engine that would satisfy the needs of the typical house hold. The small tractor had a unique engine mount located between the driver’s legs and a belt driven transmission, "Variable speed." Pond made it so that you could put many different attachments on these tractors by welding brackets on them or making simple attachments that sold under their names. By the end of 1957, Pond had exceeded $1,000,000 dollars in sales. During the next years, a change would happen to the tractors; they would stop producing the Sr. after the first year of selling the little Jr.'s. They also changed the steering wheel on the smaller tractors from cast-iron to a larger diameter steering wheel. A new model was produced in 1958, which included a three-speed transmission. This transmission is called the Uni-Drive transmission that Elmer Pond designed in 60 days. The Rj-58 was the name of the model and it included one of the following engines: the Clinton B-1290 was used along with the Kohler k-90 were used to drive the small tractor. The Rj-35 had a Clinton B-1200 was used to drive the belts to the gearbox to move the tractor. They also put a Briggs 2.5 HP engine, which made the model of the tractor the RJ-25. The attachments remained the same for the RJ series. From 1956-1957 wheel horse changed the color of the wheels. They changed them from black into an almond color. The demand for these little tractors grew so much by the end of 1959 that they couldn’t keep up with production. But, they still made over 4,500,000 dollars. In 1960 there were significant style changes. However, the engine location immediately in front of the operator and the 12-inch wheels stayed the same. Two models of tractors were introduced this year: the model 400, with a four-horse power Kohler engine and the model 550, with a 5.5 horse power Lauson engine. These two models were known as the "Suburban" tractors. During this year the company obtained property on 515 W. Ireland Road. South Bend, Indiana. This plant was constructed in 1961 and occupied in July and August concluding of the 1961 production year. These two successful models continued until the next year known as the 401, 551,701. This was the first year for the front mounted engine tractor. Wheel Horse made the 701 with a 7-horse power Kohler engine. A change in transmission from two side plates and a piece of cast to two pieces of molded cast that went together instead of three. All models remained the same from 1961 to 1962 with all having the front mounted engine. The models were called the 502, 552, and the 702 the hood was a major appearance change. In 1961 they had an aluminum gas tank and a unique hood shape with a slotted grill. Also this year Wheel Horse produced the 32R and 32E, which were named Lawn Ranger, and they were made for lawn care only and removal of snow. In 1963 all five models remained the same as in 1962. The new product introductions for 1963 were the model 953 tractor and the model RM 483 48-inch mower. The garden tractor had a 9.6 horse power engine and 15-inch wheels with 27-inch tires. The model 953 unit was the first of the "large frame" garden tractors offered by Wheel Horse. In 1964, an 8-horse power Kohler engine replaced the 7-hp engine in the model 854. The model 953 was updated to the model 1054. At the beginning of the model year Wheel Horse acquired the REO product line from Motor Wheel Co. This product line consisted of walk behind rotary power mowers and walk behind snow throwers. Walk behind tillers and a rear-engine-riding mower also acquired but were closed out and never put into production. Sales volume in this year exceeded 11 million dollars. 1965 was the first year for the infinite speed shift system to the industry. A Stundstrand hydrogear unit was added to the Wheel Horse "Uni-Drive" transaxle. Tractors using the automatic shift were called "Wheel-a-Matic" tractors. The new "Wheel-a-Matic" models were the 875 and the 1075. Other products introduced in 1965 included a new 42-inch rotary mower attachment, a "REO-Matic" rear engine riding mower designed by Wheel Horse, and a completely revised line of REO power lawn mowers. The 1966 model products were unchanged from 1965 except for the addition of a 12 horsepower, automatic shift garden tractor and a 36-inch tiller (RT-366). The large frame model 1054A tractor was dropped from the line. Sales volume in this year reached 19 million dollars. 1967 saw the emergence of the "six speed" tractors. A Hi-Lo range was added the "Uni-Drive" transaxle to obtain six speeds forward and two reverse speeds. The new six speed tractors were the 867, 1067, and the1267. The Lawn Ranger models L-107 and the L-157; "Short Frame" models 607, 657, 877; and "Long Frame" models 1057, 1077, and 1277 were also in the 1967 line. In 1968 Wheel Horse began the model naming process, Commando (3 speed), Raider (6 speed), Charger (automatic), and the Electro (Automatic with electric clutch). They also had full-length footrest; and "B" section drive belts were added to the long frame tractors. Also in 1968 there was a "500" special tractor that was sold to dealers in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio in a promotional event tied into the Indianapolis 500-mile race. In 1969 they initiated more new products than any other year in Wheel Horse history. Wheel Horse’s first 14 horsepower tractor called the GT-14 was at the top of the line. It was a large frame tractor with 27x 9.50-15-rear tires. A new series of tractors using vertical shaft engines and a new vertical input transaxle was introduced. The spring of 1969 saw the opening of a new plant in Geel, Belgium called Amnor N. V. Wheel Horse lawn tractors are known for their standardization across the years. In the 1986, Wheel Horse was purchased by Toro. Toro continued to build lawn tractors using the Wheel Horse name until 2007.

Just picked up this Raider 12 today. The engine runs like a new clock. Retirement is not in it's near future. My plans are to do a full resto then she will be my user tractor. May get some use before the resto to work any bugs out. The hydraulic lift is a real nice feature. I have never saw one of these hydraulic pumps before. Were these factory or an after market add on?

My go to tractor. ..for today anyway...... Much as I enjoy a trailer queen there's just some thing about working a tractor that is old as one is!

I wasn't sure where to post this but I felt this was the place. My family came over to this country from the Volga river district of Russia in the late 1800's. They were originally from Germany and had been farmer's for generations. They moved to the USA to become Americans and flee the growing persecution and unrest in Russia. They settled first in Kansas but the conditions weren't what they were looking for to dairy farm so they moved to Omro, WI in the very early 1900's. My family has farmed that land ever since. They dairy farms sold the cows in 1992 but the land is still cash cropped by my uncle's. Many of the farm videos that I have taken have been shot on that land! This video is no exception. As a child and teen I remember grinding feed for the cattle every Saturday morning. We would hook up the old Case LA tractor to the hammer mill. Grandpa and his brother Elmer would shovel corn into the hopper, uncle Roger would change the bags, the them, and load them on to the truck. When I was there, I would shovel oats from the upper bin into the hopper. This video is hot off the presses as it was shot today. Neither Roger or I had used this machine since 1992. It was a very nostalgic experience for us. I loved being able to Share It with my beautiful children. Notice Zach at the mid point of the video with the big grin and thumbs up... Well said Zach

2 upper right are for a 2 stage blower @WHX9 is looking for those exact pieces

Awesome looking 702 Jim, and with my wife I had to buy her a brand new SUV in candy apple red yesterday so maybe a paint job won't set you back as much me ...Jeff.

That looks great. I agree with you about the paint but also with Jack. If that's what the wifey wants, that's what the wifey gets.

Got them all ready today.

Never seen one until today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdE0KYCjPIQ http://www.mytractorforum.com/16-simplicity-allis-chalmers-forum/202952-simplicity-weedcutter-990370-a.html 4 tilted and overlapping blades that protrude frontwards about 2". Cuts before the tires can flatten. I'm thinking I need one! I know WH made a front sickle bar and front hanging finish mowers but I've not seen this...

Just grew the horse farm. Price was right (free). Everything's works but a little issue with shift lever. Its real loose and twist a bit. Tough getting in and out of gear. Any ideas or similar issue fixed would be great.

Free is my favorite price, best of luck. Glenn

finally got round to throwing the video's i took on youtube. only plough cam this time since the bonnet view file wont open

That is an awesome find and Cindy looks right "at home" on that little gear slammer! Can't wait to see it in person and to attend some shows/ M&G's/ and certainly plow days with you guys and that cool horse. It looks great in the pics but if momma wants it Candy Apple--I think that is what it should be! We even have a favorite Berlin resident who is definitely up to the task if you can work out a deal with him😉. Love the duals and the overall stance of that machine. What did Cindy have to say about it when she first saw it? I think you, Cindy, Ryan, and his family need to stage a Christmas photo with you all and the best of your horses

The Blizzard King ready for winter action

It's kinda funny back in '98 when I bought the 520H Anniversary my dealer had just gotten his first shipment of xi's in and I was looking at those too, but at the time he suggested I get the classic for a couple reasons 1)price/discount 2)availability of used implements 3) tried and true reliability, instead of just making a sale of new tractor and implements he was trying to help me save some $ and keep in my budget at the time, maybe I should've bought an xi back then but I've been pleased with my 520H since new, and I guess if had $5900 I know where that N.O.S. 522xi with 12 demonstrator hours is still sitting waiting for a home,Jeff.

There's a few things that make me look beyond our beloved Wheel Horses. One is a heavy duty metal, all plexiglas or glassed cab. I have two fiberglass topped with plexiglass windshields but I mean cabs without vinyl doors and surrounds but instead sheet metal or otherwise solid cab and doors. Certainly JD and Cub did, and perhaps others, but did WH ever have such options?

The second one(the frame mounted belt guard/sway bar support) is upside down as pictured, it bolts to the frame and next to the PTO bell then the third one (sway bar)bolts/pins to the second one with the silver round part riding against the blower frame where the pulleys are,Jeff.

Well, Jim....You didn't waste much time putting that Tractor to work!!

The screen looks like one MacKissic uses in their chipper/shreader. The tab or handle welded on should make it easier to locate the upper end into position. Never seen that before but looks like a good idea. Garry

Ok, there is no way that I'm the first guy to do this. I was looking for a replacement for my destroyed steering wheel. The options to fit the shaft were few and I thought a bit expensive. Thinking back to when I raced dirt track, I had a brain storm. Or a slight drizzle. A steering wheel quick connect is a 3/4" shaft. $25 for the quick connect and $32 for a Grant classic wheel. No modification made to the shaft. I drilled a hole in the coupler for a roll pin. I might rig a spot weld on it. Cool thing is if the wheel is in the way while doing maintenance, it takes half a second to rip it off. Mark.

Coming along. Got some No-Mar tire lube to mount the tires. Good stuff. Makes a world of difference. Picking up one of the Northern V-3500 mid back seat this week. Graphics ordered. Stack on the way. Couldnt decide on red or black for the seat springs..Went with Red. And my next project followed me home....

And here I thought we would have a new member today WHCX1, glad everyone is enjoying it, and if the wife wants candy apple red I would think she gets what she wants MR WHX3 oh no 6, no 9 or whatever the count is Was a great day for a road trip, glad to spend some time chatting.

I just realized, I never did post shots of the B-80 when I got it, so here are a few. Its pretty clean, original owner, with all the paperwork, and chains, and a snowblade. garage kept from new. The bigger suprise is I gave it away the other day to a friend of mine, he has a couple wheel horses that are tired and beat. Anyway, its his now, and his smile was from ear to ear. You know what? It felt great doing something nice, the B-80 can be replaced. Enjoy the pics. Glenn

Another free one. Wow! Very nice. Nothing free here in S.W. Pa. Well, maybe not. I did get my Sears Suburban 12 free. Best of Luck. I really like that Tub cart.

Nice. Thanks for posting. When I was young and worked on a farm, the moble feed grinder truck would come every Monday to grind feed. We would have the hay, oats, wheat and corn ready. That big ole diesel would grind that stuff up to almost powder and then blew it into the 3 feed bins. A very dusty process.

You cancelled YOUR appointment at the dentist's office, but that's none of my business..

Fix O Dent and forget it!

Hi I'm thinking of purchasing my first wheel horse, it has a 13hp Kohler and runs well. Here are the pictures. what do you think.

That tractor ought to be scrapped!! And that guys place is a mess. 😂😂. Wait. That's my heap. And my mess. Damn. Mark.

What a Forum!!!! Thanks for everything and Happy Birthday!!!!

The lower left part is a clevis hitch for a Brinly turn plow.

Let me know if he's give'n away anything else! Tony hooked you up right! Looks like we'll see you at the antique tractor shows actually driving an antique tractor now

Them free 's are always the best kind Mike... ...looks like that ol' Magnum GT of yours is like...HEY newbie...that's my spot.

I have a 522xi with about 225hrs on the clock. I am not home to check. But thats getting ready for my 2 stage and cab. cant wait, the power steering, tilt wheel, cruise. Its like being in a Caddy. lol Glenn

Thanks for posting that.

Looks like your carb part number is 47-053-08. Shows up for the K241 and K301 plus M10 and M12 on page 1.3 That should give you original kit numbers. Garry

Oh yeah, shoveled plenty into a hammer mill. That was after finally getting the belt lined up. Don't think it was a Case though.

Had some shop time today. Changed the fluids, set the timing and dialed in the carb. I goofed on the new tires. They are 2" taller and wider than the originals. But I did get a smoking deal on them as they were $13 each sold as new factory take offs. As luck would have it, my hydraulic cylinder arrived in the mail from Wheelhorseman1000. Lowell did a jam up job on it and made a one week turn around on it. Thanks Lowell! Bad news is my 42" deck is trashed. Mark.

Need a manual? Hydraulic pump is not original but very well done. Garry

I wish I was orange instead of green and had funny looking hair.... I already have little hands and feet!

These teeth are the greatest ever. People are saying these teeth will be the world standard. The people love these teeth.

Went out & did a lil picking today. Found a nice running Raider 12.

all ready to add the wheels which are in the geting painted and the back i need to remount with tubes. Any ideas on how to put them back on? can't find the before picture but the id plate cleaned up amazingly couldn't even read the wheel horse and now you can read the serial like it's new. any helpful ideas on puting decals on?

I did a conversion thread on adding the more modern attach-a-matic brackets to the GT14. Without the newer brackets the Newer era C-120 blower will not mount up to the GT14. I see your in KY. If you were closer to upstate NY I would give you my GT14 blower and save you trouble of modifying your tractor. Not hugely difficult but you need to gather the brackets and have mechanical aptitude.