Confused on model

[Just getting started 22]

I purchased a Wheel Horse a few years ago from a gentleman on Marketplace saying it was a 64' 754 7hp model # 48046. Now yesterday I listed it on Marketplace, this guy sends me a message today stating this model #48046 is an 854. Could someone clear this up for me. I don't know how to get 

pictures attached, sorry. It has a 754 lettering on belt guard, which I understand that could have been switched, but it still has a K161S engine in it.

So, he sells m a 754 and now years later tells me I have an 854? Thanks, Dano.

 

[stevasaurus 23,786]

For me, if it has the 754 belt guard and a 7hp Kohler then I would go with the 754.  @gwest_ca may have a list of model numbers which may tell you what it might have been from the factory.  

[squonk 47,799]

In 64 there was a shortage of 8 HP K 181's.So WH built the 854 model and put 7HP K 161's on them and calledthem 754's

[953 nut 68,231]

This is another reason to never go on Facebook, bunch of jerks who don't want to buy your stuff, just give you a hard time.       

OK, the serial number falls within the numbers listed for an 854 or a 754, in fact your serial number IS listed as a 754. Is this the absolute gospel, no but it is a point in your favor.           

[sqrlgtr 3,622]

4 hours ago, squonk said:

In 64 there was a shortage of 8 HP K 181's.So WH built the 854 model and put 7HP K 161's on them and calledthem 754's

I never knew this learn sumin everday.

[wallfish 20,399]

754 is kind of a rare tractor and a collector's item because of the reason stated. There wasn't very many made. Most people may not know about them but a 754 is a real WH factory tractor which is basically an 854 with a 7hp engine

[Retired Wrencher 6,905]

8 hours ago, wallfish said:

754 is kind of a rare tractor and a collector's item because of the reason stated. There wasn't very many made. Most people may not know about them but a 754 is a real WH factory tractor which is basically an 854 with a 7hp engine

John. If any one would know about this it would be you. Small engine guru! 

[Handy Don 17,217]

12 hours ago, wallfish said:

754 is kind of a rare tractor and a collector's item because of the reason stated. There wasn't very many made. Most people may not know about them but a 754 is a real WH factory tractor which is basically an 854 with a 7hp engine

With the K161 having the 3-inch long air cleaner shell (versus 4” on the K181), it would not have needed the one-inch-longer 854 hood, right?

[ri702bill 12,708]

2 hours ago, Handy Don said:

With the K161 having the 3-inch long air cleaner shell (versus 4” on the K181), it would not have needed the one-inch-longer 854 hood, right?

Needed is the key word on this one.... Not sure if it had the longer hood or not. While repairing the original hood on my 854, I ran a shorter K161 air cleaner and 702 hood, still using the K181...

 

Edited 8 hours ago by ri702bill

[Handy Don 17,217]

2 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Needed is the key word on this one

Yep. My opinion is that a K181 with the K161 air cleaner gives you a max of 7 HP--and most of the time, that’ll be enough!