Buschlight13 3 #1 Posted 17 hours ago So, I just kind of jumped into this with both feet. Ive always wanted to work on a project like this and I went out and bought this (B-80?). I don't know what year or model it is for sure, but I believe its a B-80 from 72-76. The shifter is snapped loose, and it's stuck in gear. supposedly the engine is free, but it's missing a few parts. I know next to nothing about welding, and I've worked on some dirt bikes and lawn mowers. That's about the extent of my mechanical expertise. Pretty sure the transmission will need replaced, or at least parts of it. I was thinking of putting a 420cc predator on it, and using it to pull a bushhog. If I'm going to replace the transmission, then it seems like a good time to upgrade and deal with any gearing / other considerations. I may at some point consider making it more of an off road toy. This seemed like a great way to learn some small engine and welding skills while building something I can maintain and utilize on the property. It seems like there's a ton of great resources here, and look forward documenting my progress. Appreciate any thoughts, feedback, ideas. Thank you. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 8,897 #2 Posted 17 hours ago Welcome to the forum, note to members, the link is safe it’s to a video of the tractor which appears to be a Charger or later 60’s machine. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 64,897 #3 Posted 17 hours ago 14 minutes ago, Buschlight13 said: The shifter is snapped loose, and it's stuck in gear. Check out this post, it will probably get the job done for you. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 17,639 #5 Posted 15 hours ago (edited) Welcome to the forum! Not a B-80. Looks like a 655 or 656 or 855? Mid 60s machine for sure. There should be an id tag under the panel beneath the steering wheel with a part number that will verify what it is. The transmission is easily fixable and worth it. Only downside to a Predator engine will be that it is so light weight. If you use that short frame to pull a heavy implement you'll need to be careful. You also need to get the brake working very well. Edited 15 hours ago by kpinnc 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 6,542 #6 Posted 6 hours ago You will learn much about these fine tractors here. You can find your model in the manual section. Does it have identification tag on it like in the area under the steering wheel or a side plate where the lift handle is. I would start there. enjoy it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buschlight13 3 #7 Posted 5 hours ago Thanks for such a warm welcome! Here's a walk around with the seat and hood off, I jiggle the shifter a bit, and hunt for the ID tag. Spoiler: Don't think it's still with the tractor. Ignore my rambling's I haven't had caffeine yet, but wanted to get this updated before work. https://photos.app.goo.gl/hN2KtLX9ochWFt6W6 After spending some time with http://mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/Wheel_Horse_Products_Master_Model_List.pdf based on the engine and then looking up a bunch of pictures, I think the 656 looks the most likely. It's definitely not a B-80. I've found a ton of great threads and information already this morning and really need to do some reading as I bet it's already answered, but I think my first step is to continue stripping it down, decide what to do with the transmission. I'm pretty sure I want to do the predator 420, it seems there's plenty of room to modify the engine in the future if I want to have some fun with it. SO first thing I'm figuring out is if I can do that on the 4 speed, and just restore it, or if I need to upgrade that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 619 #8 Posted 4 hours ago Looking in the video, it looks like that is a 65 to 69 short frame so it is either a 1055 that got a new engine, or 855, 856, 857, 605, 656, 657, or whatever the models are in 68 and 69, I don't remember what they are off the top of my head 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 619 #9 Posted 4 hours ago To fix the shift you just need to get an Allen wrench and a 7/16 wrench and undo the bolt just in front of the shifter and then you can pull the shift out and if the shift forks all form a square in the middle you are good to put the shifter back in, just make sure you put the end of the dog point shift screw in the roll pin hole on the shifter. If you need a new dog point screw McMaster has them available or some of the members here can help you I'm sure. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 64,897 #10 Posted 4 hours ago 47 minutes ago, Buschlight13 said: I'm pretty sure I want to do the predator 420, it seems there's plenty of room to modify the engine in the future if I want to have some fun with it. SO first thing I'm figuring out is if I can do that on the 4 speed, and just restore it, or if I need to upgrade that. The Wheel Horse Uni-drive transaxles are strong enough to handle anything you want to connect it to. The drive belt pulley sizing can be changed to accommodate the fun factor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 619 #11 Posted 3 hours ago 45 minutes ago, 953 nut said: The drive belt pulley sizing can be changed to accommodate the fun factor. My brother has a early Wheel-A-Matic engine pulley going to a 2 1/2 inch pulley on the tranny on his Lawn Ranger and that thing is pretty quick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 16,143 #12 Posted 2 hours ago Just remember the steering and brakes were not designed for race speeds! 😉 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 11,626 #13 Posted 2 hours ago 2 minutes ago, Handy Don said: Just remember the steering and brakes were not designed for race speeds! 😉 Not to worry - it makes a "Quick Learner" out of you... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 11,341 #14 Posted 1 hour ago If the transmission needs more than the shifter fixed, there are great videos in the "Instructional's, Transmission" section herein. They are not hard to work on, I find them enjoyable to rebuild.....once you get the stubborn hubs off the rear axles. By the way,, horses are herd animals. I hope you have a large shed/barn. You will have more than you can count and be hiding them in the bushes so your wife can't count how many you have! Don't fight it, It's an addiction Lot's of friendly help here and you've come to the best place on the planet to feed that addiction REDSQUARE ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buschlight13 3 #15 Posted 36 minutes ago 1 hour ago, oliver2-44 said: If the transmission needs more than the shifter fixed, there are great videos in the "Instructional's, Transmission" section herein. They are not hard to work on, I find them enjoyable to rebuild.....once you get the stubborn hubs off the rear axles. By the way,, horses are herd animals. I hope you have a large shed/barn. You will have more than you can count and be hiding them in the bushes so your wife can't count how many you have! Don't fight it, It's an addiction Lot's of friendly help here and you've come to the best place on the planet to feed that addiction REDSQUARE ! Haha, I can definitely see how this is the case across the board. Thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buschlight13 3 #16 Posted 34 minutes ago Got the shifter out and a view of the inside. Now to the transmission section. It's pretty gross inside, so I think a good rebuild may be in order... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
