Leaderboard

This is what worked on Model Ts.

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 garden tractors using the Wheel Horse name until 2007.

Sorry it took me a minute... some of us do still have to work you know.

That is awesome! Reminded me of this 😁

I am finally going to get to redo my 1964 Wheel Horse 1054 garden tractor I bought 6 or 7 years ago for $150. I have been saving up parts for this including new rear tires and wheels (from a dealer never used) , rear wheel weights (WW-93 set) , front hubs, an 8 pimion 953 transmssion that Mike Biser rebuilt for me about four years ago and various other items to make this a nicer 1054 (including a black and white seat already completed ). My 10 HP Kohler motor is good and just needs a fuel pump and new battery. I have a rebuilt set of choke/throttle cables for this tractor also. I revuilt two sets of these 1054 cables several years ago. If I get my original 953 Wheel Horse steering wheel rebuilt (has four or five cracks in plastic) I may use that on this also! New led tail light, new light lenses, 953 steering wheel insert, etc.

Added a few more to the collection. Cans are full and in great condition.

Off the top of my head. I'd prefer to keep it simple and an easy swap back and forth. Build small boxes which attach to some child size skis or cut some big ones down. Basic idea is to attach them directly to the front wheels and held on with ratchet straps. Use 2 sides of 3/4 plywood (so the wheels can turn them) and attached to a bottom piece that gets attached to the ski. Some wheel chocks to hold the tire in the correct place and also used to hold the 2 sides together. Maybe double up skis, 2 per side so it's wider???

Hello all, I am starting on my first Wheel Horse rebuild, and first real rebuild of anything like this. I have a decent amount of experience working on things but have not done much to older items so this will be a new adventure to me. Here is the subject for the restoration, a 704 Wheel Horse I found locally on Facebook Marketplace. Originally looking for a RJ or Suburban for my Grandfather but I fell in love with these things along the way and picked up a couple tractors and implements along the way. I'd like to make this into more of a show style tractor to play around on, I have since picked up an 854 and a slew of implements for other tasks. I started this thread to share my progress and also because I could not find all of my answers other places and hope to ask them here where others who may have the same trials and tribulations can see them in the future. Also attached are some photos of the beginning of the tear down process, a picture my wife loves of me on my new horse, and the 653 I bought from the same place. I paid $300 for the two of them together so I dont think I walked away too bad on the deal.

Wheel Horse made them years ago! They were called "Snowmobiles!"

Was thinking of doing that to this for the winter

This could be interesting lol. Found this while googling

Happy birthday, and thank you for 2 awesome lines of garden tractors! (Glad to be fortunate to now have a Speedex 1631 AND my recently-acquired Wheel Horse C160! Good examples from both families!)

Thanks for the post! Great man, Happy B-Day Elmer!

Rp.wh: Great find, save it and bring it to next year's Biggest Garden Tractor Show in the Midwest! This tractor needs to appear at the Portage, Wisconsin tractor Show Bret Esse has each year. We had 937 garden tractors there this year. In 2019 Wheel Horse has been selected as Tractor of the Year and we will have a significant, big building dedicated to Wheel Horse garden tractors that will need to be filled. Garden Tractor Daze July 11 thru July 13, 2019 -Portage, Wisconsin Every Wheel Horse Owner is invited ! Article from 2018 Show: https://www.wiscnews.com/portagedailyregister/news/local/enthusiasm-easy-to-find-at-garden-tractor-daze-in-portage/article_4cbaa153-31f7-58c8-ade4-49a724a81b50.html Garden Tractor Daze Facebook Page/link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Annual-"Garden-Tractor-Daze"-in-Portage-WI-298363643703394/

I'm so glad I found this forum, so much information! Years ago I purchased a used WH Raider 10 that was in pretty bad shape, but I was able to keep it running. Two months ago, I finally decided to replace it with a new one. I started looking at what was out there and realized my 1970 WH was more user friendly than the newer ones. I found another Raider 10 on Craig's List and I'm now in the process of switching out parts to make one good tractor!

Watching Funny Farm? No. We are the funny farm...

A big to a man who saw the benefit of capitalism, worked hard, and fully realized the American Dream from a dirt poor existence in the Great Depression era to a country and world leading market segment multimillion dollar company in the 1960’s. May more American entrepreneurs be able to follow the footsteps of Elmer Pond

I'm sure I can find some time to help out.

Or make your own...like my dad did around 40 years ago(last pic), then I took it a little farther, Jeff.

I’ve been thinking about what to do with the wife’s Schwinn she doesn’t ride anymore.......

Nice, looks like original decals under the paint. I'd clean off the old paint and bring it back to original, but that's just me.

Well here it is guys, first and foremost I have to thank my wife for letting me go get this tractor I have recently pick up 3 other tractors in the last 2 weeks and this came up I tried talking @WHX21 into going to get it but he said no he is tractor tight, so I message the man and told him I would take it, this machine is a one family owned the gentleman I bought it from it was his uncle's bought it brand new, he past away in 1974 and was sitting in a small garden shed that was falling over and he decided to put it under for sale. I told him I would come get it Saturday and the family found out about him selling it he messaged me Friday afternoon and told me he could no longer sell this tractor to me due to his family being mad at him, they wanted to keep it in the family as a family hairloom and restore it when he had time. I told him I understood and I was willing to still come buy it and restore it and bring it back down 2 hours south so his family could see it and ride it when ever I could get the chance to do so. And he said he was out number I said ok keep my number so if you guys decide to let it go I'll be the guy. Friday night I was talking to my wife and I get a call from the guy and I answer he said he and his family talked and he is willing to let it go as long as I bought it back down to show them. I said done deal. It is really kinda a cobbled up mess but I am real glad I didn't pass this up! The cable steer part has been converted over and will go back to original along with alot of other things..I'll get more pictures later on

When I purchased this tractor the rear end was locked solid and the motor did not run. I have not done much small engine work as I have never had a small engine break down on me. Every vehicle I have ever owned has been a diesel as well so this whole spark concept is new to me. I tore the trans apart, and have since lost the pictures, the 1533 bushings were absolutely shot and all of the gears and shafts were pitted. (EDIT: I located some of the pictures) I decided the trans was not worth saving and sourced an 8 speed out of a C-111 a friend had for less than the cost of 1 bearing. She definetly needs new seals though.(EDIT: See last attached picture) I had originally planned to fabricate a SR-64 kit for this tractor to use with my WT-244 Tiller. I even sourced an original SR-64 belt cover from a member over on Facebook. Kelly Hollis. If anyone has the dimensions for the idler bar I would still love to have them. However with the 8- Speed unit that shot the SR-64 plan in the foot. I was also a little bummed to learn that being a 704 tractor it had a dash tower that would not accept my HY-3 unit I picked up from DJ, HCminis. Will have to put that on the 854 worker also from Dj.

If I remember we need to beat AC/Simplicity brand record of 203 and push the show total to over 1000. I'm really looking forward to the Wheel Horse community to do just that, it's going to be a great show in 2019. Hope to see a lot of members in attendance. We have horse barns to fill with Wheel Horses.

Just got home had to check it out right away for you it still has the snap rings

Maybe a few pictures will help, top is with the trans tunnel cover removed, looking from underneath attaching snow plow, third short and long links and where to locate them, Jeff.

I will definitely be there! Hopefully I'll bring them all hah have to beat last year's numbers!

Got my new find home today. Well not home home but home to my buddies shop for the winter. I try to get up to the shop a couple days a week to BS over a cup of coffee or three. This little 657 looked better than the pictures so I am very happy with my purchase. Gary and I are both kind of busy for a few weeks but we will try to get the Kohler running before Thanksgiving and see what I have. Here is the good news as this appears to be a good news bad news kind of thing. So here's what was in my mirror this morning. Brake was pretty good rolling of the trailer and it seems to shift in and out of all gears as expected. Here's a little better picture of it once I got her in the shop. The paint is very nice but once you look it over the seat pan and frame are a slightly different shade of red. but all in all it will make a very good looking worker. IT looks to have been a tire on rim paint job but up close it was a good one. The deck is really nice. no rot anywhere. Can not be the original deck. If the tractor had enough hours on it to burn up the Techy then you would think the deck would have some dings and dents? The shifter boot looks to be original but still in pretty good condition Not sure where he got this seat but it is a beauty. Nice to sit on also!! Found the rope when I opened the hood. There is a slot on the front of the frame that appears to be a hood stop but the tab appears a bit bent and does not go in the slot? As usual its not all good news so here is a bit of bad news. Hopefully not too bad. Took a picture under the kohler and found this ugly mess. Sure looks like a big problem to me but I am no mechanic. The wiring is suspect also. the back of the switch looks like it was hot at one time Maybe the wires were hooked up wrong? Also there is no dip stick? Once I know the wiring is right and I get the new battery in we will find out if I have a $400 roller or a very nice 857 ready for work. If the engine is bad I will take it out and get it to Holden's Machine shop and hope he can get it healthy in time for spring. Bill does incredible work but you don't want to tell him your in no hurry. He always has 10 things going at once it seems. So let me know what you think guys. Good and Bad. Will download the manual for an 857. Your input and advice is as always very appreciated.

@Mows4three I'm calling you in on this one Dave. It's your "fault" I'm even processing this thought. The title kind of speaks for itself. Dave got me thinking that it would be some kind of practical and useful for part of the Season up here in Maine to have a tractor that had some nasty chains on the back and some sort of steering skis on the front. Thoughts or pictures or information on Other makes would be acceptable but it's a Wheelhorse that I would be thinking of doing this to. @wallfish John my friend I'd love to see what kind of designs you have in mind here.

How about this rare Wheel Horse item my brother gave me !

Looking forward to Lane... will have my entire herd ther!

Looks like a great project Lane!! Glad to hear that you'll be coming back to Garden Tractor Daze next year, can't wait to check your 1054 out. I hope more forum members show up for the show also. We have a BIG barn to fill with feature the tractors next year, tractors that is.

Appears as if your idea is sound John.

Thanks Dick. Very informative. Remember I am a real rookie when it comes to engines. Maybe I will just change the seal and get it running first.

Lane, you just made me drool all over my keyboard!

We aren't starting a 12 cylinder diesel here. That solenoid will work just fine.

I would like to see how this tractor was built , this would be really cool to do! We briefly had a pair of used W/H snowmobiles and I got to drive them for a while when I was a kid. I didn't really like them much, if I remember correctly the tracks didn't have much of any tread, so they spun a lot. I'm still glad I tried them and didn't know at the time how historic those rides would be! We had all kinds of used snow machines back when nearly every company made one. In the mid 60-70's we were a dealer of Ski-doo, Ariens Arrow (we called them Ariens Error), Fox Trac, Moto-Ski and Snow Pony. I really liked the Ski-doo's, but my favorite was the Moto-Ski's, they were the toughest! I wish I had one of those now for a conversation piece! C-85

If you don't need downward pressure on he blade, then a short length of chain is your best bet. That's what I use, because I have a driveway with hills and valleys. I lift the plow with hydraulics, and would rather not have a rigid linkage pressing against the hydraulic piston when I go uphill. I just let the weight of the blade do the scraping. I own one of the solid links, but have never found a need for it. Get some chain with links that will fit the clevis pins, cut to the right length for your tractor. Good luck. Jim

I think that is the way to go not 100% sure at this time. You might have a helping hand in this if you have some time I thought the same exact thing when you where posting yesterday I need to finish the read on that post on lunch I will look when I get home that's very interesting

Wow, just wow. We tried walking it, pushing a stroller with my 2yr old, he loved every minute of it! One of the vendors saw him and promptly opened a brand new tiny tractor from its package and gave it to him. That was my saving grace as when he got a little bored he would push his new tractor around the cup holders lol. We arrived about 10am and left about 5pm from pure exhaustion. My phone said I pushed the stroller through the sand and grass for 6 miles, but it felt like 20. And get this, we only covered about 1/2 of the entire show, it was huge. Crazy part is the vendors were talking about how small it is compared to the Feb show. I can’t imagine ever being able to cover everything in one day. I will be going back in February with a golf cart or ATV!!!! It’s the only way to not get worn out. The tractor parade was awesome. The vendors were awesome too. No complaints. Watching those antiques do the tractor pull was fun too. I did locate a 701 belt guard that was mounted on a 702, but after talking with the owner and hinting around, I got the feeling he isn’t ready to part with it even though it’s not correct for his horse. I was told on several occasions that a lot more WH’s come in Feb during the “big show” so I’ll be back. I didn’t take many pictures, even fewer WH pics but look at this funky thing I found! Notice the drive belt jack shaft! Looks like it could be on an 854 frame??

There are several 500's on Facebook. My friend funds and space just don't allowed to pick one up since I'm in Indiana just about 1 hr north I definitely would get one. Who knows maybe one day it will be in the cards. YES VERY INTERESTING READING. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I didn’t know they’d made one that tied into the Indy 500.... in Indianapolis they don’t air the race (🙄🤷🏻‍♂️) on TV, so we always had to listen to it on the radio. The cool thing about where I grew up, it sounded like we were listening to the race in stereo because we could hear the track from our house. One of those would be a double whammy find for a Hoosier in Indy lol, bet it would be well received on Carb Day our at the camp grounds 😂. Happy birthday Elmer!

That blower is really cool!! My neighbors would love if i can up and down our private road with one of those!! Nothing too exciting to report on this tractor just yet. I was busy for most of the weekend getting two of my other WH tractors cleaned up and listed for sale. I was able to clear the cost of the 418-C by selling my very nice 312-8 with bagger and plow setup. I bought that tractor from the original owner who happened to be a neighbor of mine. I had the original sales receipt for it at about 3300 dollars in 1991, plus tax! 2600 for the tractor, 400 for the mower deck, and 300 for the bagger setup! Add the sales tax and he paid about 3500 for it. Accounting for inflation, that tractor would have retailed around 6 grand less the plow setup and less tax! I picked up another 312-8 a couple weeks ago for a really great price. It came with a very nice 42" plow, plastic weights, and a pair of chains. Someone installed 8" wheels on it at some point as well. It was one of those finds where i was lucky to see the ad within 40 minutes of it being posted. I tossed around the idea of keeping it around for parts, but it was honestly in too good of shape for that. I put new fuel lines/filter on it, choke cable, and cleaned the carb out. It runs beautifully! I have that one currently listed for sale with the plow setup with some interest so far, just no lookers. As for the 418-C, I removed the 48" mowing deck and was pleased to see overall good condition and newer blades. Ill be removing the deck belt to check, but the spindles turn very smoothly. The deck looks original, but hard to say. Is there anything that makes a commercial deck different than the standard? I removed the plastic wheel weights that it came with and sold them with my nicer 312. I took some cleaner and a rag to one rear wheel and boy does she shine up! After tinkering for a while, this is what it needs/what i will be doing: -Front tie rods are very worn. One was bent, so i tried bending it back, but it snapped. I welded it back together with plans for new ones. -Front tires are worn. I have a spare pair of Carlisle turfs ill be putting on there to match the rears. -Rebuild the carb -Replace the choke cable -Replace the spark plugs -Change the oil -Clean the oil breather/baffle -Replace the ignition switch. I pulled the factory one off there to find loose and rusty terminals. A new one is on the way. -Trace the wiring. There's some interesting things going on with the wiring so i will be reversing all that back to factory. I think someone had issues with the ignition switch and tried to bypass some things. -Steering column bushing/bearing. I will be removing the steering wheel for disassembly to see what needs to be replaced. Ill also work on getting some pictures for you guys.

Well, I got a little further along over the last few days. I painted the rims black, painted the tires with Miller tire paint, and repaired the seat with pool patches as suggested by @pullstart. I still need to get some good foam for the seat padding. I hope to button most of it up this week and hopefully get to drive it this coming weekend.

Really is a diamond in the rough and yes this kid has a way of finding them. Thanks Jason, @rj35hunter has already been a big help with identifing this girl. We thought it was a later '56 so always nice to learn. Rest assured tho fellas this gem WILL NOT be leaving WI in the century or so! Cool your jets boys Grampa is gonna keep an eye on this one!

Thank you very much! Its Like hitting the gold mine here lately, but mama said no more!!......clay and I talked already but I would love to here more if he would like to chime in the amigo isn't on hold I still want to get that bad boy going just got the new coil ignition for it so hopefully I can get the garage warm enough this weekend and make some posts about it

Managed to get some Wheelhorse time in today. Did some chain sawing and then used the C120 for some hauling. As you would expect from Richards wonderful rebuild, started first key turn and ticks over sweetly. Then decided to get my C141 out. At last time of trying, could not get a spark. Chased the reason back to a failed HT lead. Was one of the carbon ones. Made up a new one with a wire core and after not running for over two years, fired up pretty much straight away. A few pictures of the days events attached. Great machines. Roly.

years ago before I bought my house and into wheel horses, I worked for an oil company cleaning oil furnaces, anyhow I was at this customer's house who had a wheel horse, which I thought was neat becuase dad had 2 of them, he had lots of tree's around his place. He told me that he waited for the leaves to fall and put the blade on his horse and pushed them all into the woods. I thought that was so neat, it blew me away. eric j

I’m not so sure about the helicopter one think of those blades spinning at thousands of RPMs just inches above your head! A little off the top please!