Rich16 44 #1 Posted May 7 Hi All - I just went and picked up an RJ-58 and C-160 with a tub cart that have been restored for a long time and the owners after many years agreed to let them go. After a long drive (for me anyway) loading them up on a tandem axle 18' trailer of mine the C-160 was easy (I have many 416 to 520 models and it was very familiar) but the disaster was with the cute RJ-58. On the way up my trailer ramp (built into the trailer) I was going very slowly and half way up the ?governor? seems to have engaged to max and it's so light weight in the front it reared up, careened over (I felt like I was having a slow motion nightmare) and ended up sideways to partially upside down on the road under the ramp- and on me to try and protect. I supposed it could have been a lot worse though I'm not feeling so hot today - too much for a psoriatic arthritic 71 y/o. Had to do everything by myself as the former owners are very old (he's 83) & I'd have brought help if it existed. Oil dumped out of the 4hp Kohler and the main insults were (other than me and left hip/leg) to the steering wheel which is bent pretty bad and I know is a rare item also one corner on the hood that just took the paint off and I can repair (no dents). Some seat paint scuffs and fender edge scuffs that can all be easily re-touched up. Got very lucky all things considered and I think I shielded the worst & I don't see anything except the steering wheel that suffered real damage. And will replace the engine oil. So - I checked eBay and there's a few steering wheels listed & not sure if they'd fit (repairing would be difficult but I'll try) - other than place a listing here any ideas on where to find another near original steering wheel? The rod that connects the pull handle to the rear hitch adjust mechanism somehow popped out and I couldn't get it back in there but easily fixable. Scuffs to the rubber on the pull handle. Anywho - here's what the RJ-58 looks like before accident and everyone here knows what bent parts looks like :-((( I will be aware that despite 4hp this think does engage to max when under load and packs a punch. Any and all comments appreciated - long drive back and never been so glad to finally be home! Rich 1 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,457 #2 Posted May 7 Glad you're ok! Those are nice!!! Rule 1 - roll, push, winch or let them go up ramps in low by themselves... 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #3 Posted May 7 (edited) 29 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Glad you're ok! Those are nice!!! Rule 1 - roll, push, winch or let them go up ramps in low by themselves... Many thanks SyvanLake - I was so tired when I got there and did all this it never occurred to me that this model doesn't have the seat/engive cutoff - major duh! Thanks for that brain awakening - I could have done what you say and held the low weight front end down by myself and let it ride itself up the ramp.... wish I'd have thought of that yesterday but will do in the future. Great tip. Edited May 7 by Rich16 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #4 Posted May 7 (edited) When loading any tractor onto a trailer for hauling, I ALWAYS back it up the ramp onto the trailer. If a ramp breaks or slips, I can bail my body left -right- or forward to avoid body crushing. If you drive UP the ramp when loading, you can't as easily bail out...or bail backwards (unless you have some Orangutan genes). What's more---unloading is MUCH easier to simply drive the tractor forward down the ramp...instead of blindly driving backward down ramp (again, Orangutan genes??). ----Just a 76 yr old man's experience. Edited May 7 by daveoman1966 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,154 #5 Posted May 7 Glad you're OK Pics of the damaged steering wheel would be helpful for hints on how to repair it (if possible) Steering wheels are the same for RJ-58, and 400, 550,401,551 Suburban tractors. Seems there is a couple on epay for $50 or more Is the steering rod bent too? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #6 Posted May 7 1 hour ago, daveoman1966 said: When loading any tractor onto a trailer for hauling, I ALWAYS back it up the ramp onto the trailer. If a ramp breaks or slips, I can bail my body left -right- or forward to avoid body crushing. If you drive UP the ramp when loading, you can't as easily bail out...or bail backwards (unless you have some Orangutan genes). What's more---unloading is MUCH easier to simply drive the tractor forward down the ramp...instead of blindly driving backward down ramp (again, Orangutan genes??). ----Just a 76 yr old man's experience. 76 y/o man is correct and exactly how I finally got it on the trailer - backing it on. Weird (typical?) how easy it is to see how many other ways things should have gone when you (I) screw up. It never occurred to me that it might be more like a go-kart - governor controlled - and would just got into full throttle mode when encountering a load and boy did it happen fast - it was even too late to clutch and stop once it reared up. It was about a 10 hour round trip drive to pick up and return (Tn is such a long state) thru some mountanous areas on either side of the Cumberland Plateau and is really exhausting driving with all the truck traffic these days weaving in and out of lanes (and not at interstate speeds). Bless tandem axle trailers :-))) Thanks for the steering wheel tip and now I know what I'm doing. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #7 Posted May 7 14 minutes ago, wallfish said: Glad you're OK Pics of the damaged steering wheel would be helpful for hints on how to repair it (if possible) Steering wheels are the same for RJ-58, and 400, 550,401,551 Suburban tractors. Seems there is a couple on epay for $50 or more Is the steering rod bent too? Man, still tired from yesterday and getting my posts screwed up (thanks for all responding!!) - you gave me the advice on which steering wheels are OK and greatly appreciated. I'll take/post a pix of the damaged steering wheel and will appreciate all tips on repair - it looks like it's possible? I don't use cell phones and will get my wife out and take a few - many thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #8 Posted May 7 Pix of bent steering wheel to Wallfish - and forgot to answer - the steering rod is not bent. I think while I was holding onto the steering wheel as it went down I never let go - and the weight fell on me and bent as I tried to hold the whole thing up off the pavement - don't think it ever hit the pavement and definitely spared a much worse outcome. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,406 #9 Posted May 7 (edited) If worse comes to worse you can purchase an early Cub Cadet steering wheel. You will have to drill the center out to 3/4" and drill a hole cross ways for the roll pin. Other than these alterations to the center hub they are an exact match. https://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Aftermarket-Parts-Name-Says/dp/B07BBWR8BS?gQT=1 Edited May 7 by Achto 4 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,457 #10 Posted May 7 Why not try bending it back? Maybe two wood boards one on either side of the spoke(s) for leverage? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,110 #11 Posted May 7 2 hours ago, daveoman1966 said: ALWAYS back it up the ramp onto the trailer. @rmaynard learned the importance of backing onto a trailer the hard way a few years ago. He shared his misadventure so the rest of us could be safe. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,154 #12 Posted May 8 You can try some heat and bending it back but getting it flat/straight is another story if the outer circle of the wheel is bent. I would certainly give it try and then fill/shape the scratches broken plastic with epoxy like JB weld and paint. If it doesn't meet satisfaction after bending it back, buy one. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #13 Posted May 8 Many thanks all for the thoughtful comments - very helpful and I now have a plan of action. Does anyone know if there are replacement rubber for the hitch pull lever? Pretty scuffed up and no way to fix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,110 #14 Posted May 8 22 minutes ago, Rich16 said: Does anyone know if there are replacement rubber for the hitch pull lever? Give Lowell a call, this looks like what you are looking for. https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/product/1955-lift-handle-grip/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,882 #15 Posted May 8 We’re glad to know you’re still around to talk about it, and have enough gumption to suffer the humility! It’s not fun to admit to a screw up, but I do it often enough I’m used to it 2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OoPEZoO 572 #16 Posted May 8 14 hours ago, Achto said: If worse comes to worse you can purchase an early Cub Cadet steering wheel. You will have to drill the center out to 3/4" and drill a hole cross ways for the roll pin. Other than these alterations to the center hub they are an exact match. https://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Aftermarket-Parts-Name-Says/dp/B07BBWR8BS?gQT=1 Learn something new every day. Thank you for that info. My RJ wheel is salvageable, but its going to be a project in itself. Making that linked wheel work in the short term would be a no brainer. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,406 #17 Posted May 8 8 minutes ago, OoPEZoO said: Making that linked wheel work in the short term would be a no brainer. I have seen them at a lower price too. The one I posted was just the first one that popped up. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,791 #18 Posted May 8 (edited) 23 hours ago, daveoman1966 said: I ALWAYS back it up the ramp onto the trailer. Yep Dave beat me to it ... had an incident once loading a RJ in the toy hauler and wet tires/ramp. Scarfed up the hood proper but can be fixed. All tractors get loaded @ss end first now. Achto was doing a resto and I had a steering wheel for a JD but yes he had to drill out the splines. It was about 40 bucks and a exact RJ replacement other than the splines. ... see if I can find the . Looks like Steiner Tractor may have a line on them... double check the bore see if it's suitable. https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS336-Steering-Wheel?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%3A (ROI) Smart Shopping - High Margin&utm_id=17561055353&utm_content=&utm_term=&mkwid=|pcrid||pkw||pmt||slid||pdv|c|product|JDS336|pgrid||cpgnid|17561055353|ptaid||adtext||&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17339002759&gbraid=0AAAAAD3J3LFlBPxwpbTbGcZKj3t4x56vo&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrPHABhCIARIsAFW2XBPl-y_oVf8hm50chJPXXPO_BgLVF6pSaAx-IuUs63_Mols5tdi-Z1waAtolEALw_wcB BTW nice score ... the 160 is cherry... Edited May 8 by WHX?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,738 #19 Posted May 9 (edited) Those are 2 great tractors. Blah you were not hurt, but I bet you were sore the next day. As mentioned you can repair the black material on the steering wheel with JB Weld. When mixing it I spray some black paint in it. I tape either side of a crack to reduce cleanup. I use a file to work it close, then final sanding. Edited May 9 by oliver2-44 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,248 #20 Posted May 9 On 5/7/2025 at 3:14 PM, daveoman1966 said: When loading any tractor onto a trailer for hauling, I ALWAYS back it up the ramp onto the trailer. If a ramp breaks or slips, I can bail my body left -right- or forward to avoid body crushing. If you drive UP the ramp when loading, you can't as easily bail out...or bail backwards (unless you have some Orangutan genes). What's more---unloading is MUCH easier to simply drive the tractor forward down the ramp...instead of blindly driving backward down ramp (again, Orangutan genes??). ----Just a 76 yr old man's experience. Always back that thing up 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,248 #21 Posted May 9 Are you going to the big show in June by chance, I have one in nice shape. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rich16 44 #22 Posted May 9 Absolutely can't thank everyone's help and comments enough - got a new handle grip ordered (thanks 953 nut!!) and am going with one of the steering wheel options suggested - amazing how there are so many possibilities this many years later - terrific. Yeah, I've never had a problem with humility - always told folks 'there are no stupid questions', etc, etc and if you're not doing something stupid you're probably not having enough fun Many many thanks again all!!!! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,087 #23 Posted May 11 This image was in one of my news feeds. If you are the person pictured, you can remain anonymous! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #24 Posted May 11 44 minutes ago, Handy Don said: This image was in one of my news feeds. No way he could fit himself under that gate. Aside for the fact that he rode the ramps... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,087 #25 Posted May 11 13 minutes ago, kpinnc said: No way he could fit himself under that gate. Aside for the fact that he rode the ramps... Exactly! 😬 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
