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 23,802]

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 47,883]

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 68,441]

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 3,694]

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 20,503]

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 6,914]

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 17,296]

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 12,783]

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 August 29 by ri702bill

[Handy Don 17,296]

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! 

[Pullstart 71,075]

#restrictorplates 

 

I can’t say my butt dyno has ever felt the

dIfference between 7 and 8 horsepowers.  

[SylvanLakeWH 32,107]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

 

I can’t say my butt dyno has ever felt the

dIfference between 7 and 8 horsepowers.  

Normally, pictures are demanded of unique tools, tractors or techniques... however, in this case the moderators thank you for not providing pictures of your Dyno... 

Edited August 30 by SylvanLakeWH

[Bar Nuthin 3,031]

Here are a few photos of said tractor. I see nothing that would make me believe it is not an actual 754.

I will be picking it up from @Just getting started in a couple weeks when my work takes me to Minnesota.

It will mostly be for shows, parades, and joy rides - though I do have a nice period correct snowblade and enough parts to make one (if not two) nice mower decks.

The tower looks like it may have had an HY-2 at one time, unless there is some other explanation for holes (last photo).

 

 

This old plow may have found its special purpose!

  

 

 

Edited yesterday at 03:09 AM by Bar Nuthin

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,450]

Blade looks like a BD-4264 with that serial number 35250

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,450]

What is the serial number on the tractor?

[Bar Nuthin 3,031]

8 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

What is the serial number on the tractor?

48046

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,450]

Already on the serial number list but do not know when it landed there

 

[Bar Nuthin 3,031]

7 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

Already on the serial number list but do not know when it landed there

 

 

DANG IT!!!

I paid $5.05 above list price. I'm such a sucker! 

Edited yesterday at 01:18 PM by Bar Nuthin

[sqrlgtr 3,694]

On 9/8/2026 at 9:17 AM, Bar Nuthin said:

 

DANG IT!!!

I paid $5.05 above list price. I'm such a sucker! 

I will gladly give you your money back if the snow plow comes with it and maybe throw in some tire chains. Even split shipping with ya. Just let me know.