BradKahler 2 #1 Posted 4 hours ago I recently got the bug to get an older lawn tractor so I started watching FB Marketplace. After dealing with a lot of scammers I finally came across a 1966 656 Wheel Horse that showed up Friday and was only 27 miles from me. This one turned out to not be a scam and after looking at it I decided to go ahead and buy it. I'm the third owner, the 2nd owner bought it from an estate sale of the original owner. He sat on it for about four years and then decided he didn't have time and now it's my turn. What I've discovered so far is the engine seems to be good, although there is a good chance I'll have to replace the carburetor. The rear axle seals are weeping a bit and the pull starter needs a new spring at a minimum. I'm not sure what my plans are just yet. I'm waffling on doing a quick rebuild so I can use it or do a full blown tear down and rebuild. It still has the original (although rotted) Wheel Horse tires on it and other than the mower deck the tractor is structurally sound. I would like to rebuild the mower deck and am currently thinking that the top section could be cut out and a new panel welded in place. I need to ponder that for a while. Brad 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 10,133 #2 Posted 3 hours ago Brad - Welcome! Nice score there. You may just be better off locating another 36" gear drive deck shell. You can post for one in the "Wanted" classifieds. A quirky feature of the later 1960's short frame tractors is the flip up seat / pan. The issue is that this can happen at the wrong time if the pan latch is not secure. Let out the clutch & you get pitched off the back!! It all looks mighty complete and original.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BradKahler 2 #3 Posted 2 hours ago Thanks! I will definitely keep my open for a replacement deck. I'm not holding my breath and will attempt to repair the original if all else fails. Actually the deck isn't a high priority, I do all my mowing right now with a Scag mower. I noticed the latch mechanism for the seat pan is frozen, as are several other items that I'll be dealing with. I personally can't see myself chasing a mower at my age (69) so thanks for the warning Since I need to replace all of the tires I'm contemplating replacing the tires with look alike tractor tires and not the more typical lawn type tires. I'm not sure if that's practical or not though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 43,176 #4 Posted 1 hour ago to the Nice find. She looks complete and unmolested. If those tires hold air, a tire paint could make them look good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,764 #5 Posted 56 minutes ago 1 hour ago, BradKahler said: Since I need to replace all of the tires I'm contemplating replacing the tires with look alike tractor tires and not the more typical lawn type tires. I'm not sure if that's practical or not though. Welcome. What she’s wearing now is the kind she came with so they might be “original." If you look at the many “tire” posts on this site, you’ll discover a wide variety of tire preferences. For example, I personally prefer the Firestone and Silvertown “All Purpose” 6-12’s on the rear and the now-Carlisle “Sawtooth” on the front--these were “factory” in the early 60’s. Bottom line: it’s your tractor so it oughta reflect your goals. I agree with @ri702bill that repairing a deck shell as damaged as that one will be a lot of work and may not even be successful. Transferring the usable parts likely will be easier (start now dosing fasteners with penetrant 😁). My 36” gear deck is built from the best parts from three decks. Also, assuming you decide to actually run it as a mower, you’ll be looking for blades with a little more life in them. Keep us posted--with pictures! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
