New to WH and need advice

[Cherry Tree 7]

Hello Red Square friends.  I am new here and looking into purchasing a 1978 Wheel Horse C-141 Lawn tractor with snow blower.  I looked at this unit today and it sure was fun to drive.

The original owner is looking to sell for $750.  Can you guys tell me if this is a good deal?  Here is the ad.

• Thank,

  Cherry

   

  Condition

  Used - like new

1978 C141 Lawn tractor mower with snow blower rubber chains Tires all 4- 2 years old battery 2 years old Has 42 in mower deck, 42 in snow blower Rubber tire chains, wheel weights $750.00 or best offer. In great shape and well maintained

[oliver2-44 10,734]

The C-141 is a strong tractor.

Just a few observations:

Looks like it has been repainted some with a rattle spray can

Most of the decals painted over or missing.

The seat is a boat seat, which can be comfortable, but a lower cost item.

I'm guessing it has a hydro transmission.

Chain it to a tree and test to see if will spin the rear wheels in forwards and reverse.

If it is a gear shift transmission check the oil dipstick for milky (water) in oil.

Check the back of the mower deck where the rear wheels attach for cracks.

Look under the mower deck and all around for rust out holes.

Check the snow blower auger looks straignt, not bent up, and possible turns by hand.

[Cherry Tree 7]

Thanks Oliver for the advice.  Yes, it has the hydro transmission and the decals were on it when we looked at it.  I agree it could use a new paint job. I will go back and look at it again with your suggestions.  I was thinking of offering $500-$550.

[c-series don 10,036]

I’d say if it checks out as previously mentioned and you can get it for around $600 that’s a fair price. The C-141 Automatic is a very capable tractor. The 1978-79 C-Series tractors are some of my favorite Wheel Horses. Buy that tractor and stick around here for the best advice, and the nicest people on the internet. 

[Cherry Tree 7]

Thanks again for the advice.  I am excited to purchase it and to have found a new community of friends!

 

[Ed Kennell 42,047]

to the     All good advice above.

 

1 hour ago, oliver2-44 said:

Chain it to a tree and test to see if will spin the rear wheels in forwards and reverse.

 

                                                          

[SylvanLakeWH 28,443]

[Pullstart 66,839]

9 hours ago, Cherry Tree said:

Thanks again for the advice.  I am excited to purchase it and to have found a new community of friends!

 

 watch out for the @squonks and Uncle Jim @WHX?? but otherwise people are pretty alright around here!  

[953 nut 60,083]

Original owner Wheel Horses that are nearly fifty years old are hard to come by. A little armature repaint and a more comfortable seat shouldn't be a problem, it looks like it is well maintained.

[JoeM 8,351]

10 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

Chain it to a tree and test to see if will spin the rear wheels in forwards and reverse.

 Plus drive it around and heat up the hydro first. I have seen those do a decent job with cool oil and then slow as the warm up a bit.