salmon 0 #1 Posted August 2, 2009 Good evening collectors, I just found this site today . I am from the S.W. Pennsylvania area. Enclosed are some pictures of an old horse I found and am interested in restoring it. How do I break it to you that I know not the year nor model of her. Am I not far of thinking an RJ 1959, 1960 or 1961 ? I need your help first off if you can tell from the pictures what year and model it is. Also, pictured is a steering linkage part that is broke . I will need help with part number and locating another. Thanks much for looking and reading. I look forward to reading your replies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #2 Posted August 2, 2009 :thumbs2: You have a 1960 Wheel Horse 550 Suburban. It has a 5.5hp Lauson electric start engine and was the first model to come standard with electric start. The steering part you seek is the drag link and is no longer available new. If you can't locate a good used part, one option would be to purchase universal ball joint ends and join them with threaded rod to make an adjustable replacement. Another option is to find a tie rod from a newer tractor, cut a piece out of the middle to shorten it, and weld it back together at the correct length. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 723 #3 Posted August 3, 2009 Nice find, I love the non-Kolher Horses! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ 184 #4 Posted August 3, 2009 Nice tractor. Looks like a fun project. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eriks Red horse herd 122 #5 Posted August 3, 2009 Nice 550!! I really like the original key chain on the hood!! have fun with the old gal . Keep us in the loop with the restore. OH! and :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Iron 1 #6 Posted August 3, 2009 :thumbs: Nice find and you came to the right place for help! :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doubletrouble 10 #7 Posted August 3, 2009 You've got a nice lil tractor there. Lots of info and help on this site, all the people here are great. Welcome, good luck and hpoe to see pics of the progress. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linen beige 15 #8 Posted August 3, 2009 :thumbs2: A 550 with a straight, uncut hood! A couple of other options for repairing the tie rod would be to have a machine shop cut off the broken threaded portion of the swivel stud, drill and tap it, and install a short peice of threaded rod to take the place of the broken off threads. Or have them machine a whole new swivel, press the broken one out of it's hole, pop in the new one and peen the hole closed to trap the new swivel in place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tgranthamfd 29 #9 Posted August 3, 2009 :thumbs2: Nice 550, good candidate for a restore or a refreshening. What was broken on your drag link. Here is a good picture of an original one cleaned up. and once again You will not be sorry, lots of good information here, and it really helps out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salmon 0 #10 Posted August 4, 2009 Wow, thanks to each and everyone of you for the very nice replies. Yes, I can now see that I did indeed come to the right place . I was away from the computer and am sorry for the late reply back to all. All modifications to the drag link mentioned by everyone would work But first want to see if I can find and buy a used complete part. Any leads as to where I may find one for sale would be greatly appreciated. My drag link is bad because one of the ball joint bolts broke right at the thread line near the nut. Thanks much . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
