My First Restoration Project/ What is it?

[CDiddy 0]

Hey all,

First time poster here looking for some help. I recently purchased my grandpas farm and with it came the old Wheel Horse that I used to get to drive when I was just a kid. I can't wait to get to restoring it and all the old memories that go along with it.

Problem is, I have poured through the picture pages till my eyes are crossed, but I can't figure out what kind it is.

The information I have is the following:

-Kohler motor model # K181T

-Kohler serial # 8328271

-Number series by where my knee would go if I were sitting on it: B1 5640

I have some cell phone pics I will try to upload.

I sincerely appreciate any help anyone can give.

[Indy w h 5]

Hey cdiddy, Lookin forward to ur pics!!!

[gwgdog66 23]

:scratchead: Just based off your Engine information, it could be a 1977 B-80 8-Speed Tractor mdl #71-08K801.

[bitten 134]

Hello and :scratchead:

[CDiddy 0]

Well,

I can't get my pics downloaded from my cell to my cpu so I'll just try and describe it and hope for some input.

-It has a four speed transmission.

-It also has six ribs across the front grill. Above the, "ribs" is a sticker that is the Wheel Horse emblem in the center with black on each side. The logo on the side of the hood is white background with black lettering "WHEEL HORSE". No other descriptive lables or anything else that I can see.

-He had a cultivator that goes on it somehow. I think I remember it being pulled behind tractor instead of belly mounted.

Time frame on it would be from the late '70's or maybe the very early 80's.

My guess from what little I have seen is that it is a B-80? Is this a reasonable guess???

:scratchead:

[MikesRJ 558]

:scratchead:

take a look at this web page. It may help you find the answer:

http://www.mywheelhorse.com/modules.php?na...o=show_doc&id=3

[mcwh1950 2]

cdiddy if you go to the picture gallery here

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showforum=33 you can see all 4 b-80 that was make from 1974 to 1979

[CDiddy 0]

Thanks for the links and all the help!!!

After closing on a house (w/o using a realtor) , moving, remodeling and cleaning for the last three weeks, I had some time to search some more and try to figure out what this is that I have.

I now believe it to be a 1965 or 1966 1045/1055/1065. Just don't know what one of those would have come with a 8hp Kohler as the motor. I was a decade or so late with my timeline. Which speaks to the durability of these rigs as I was driving this thing and grandpa was still mowing 3+ acres and gardening with it in the mid 80's. Try getting 20 years out of any equipment today...

At any rate, we finally have internet and a digital camera that works.

Pictures on the way.

[Kelly 1,033]

Well non of those tractors would have a 8hp, and there is no 1065, the 1045 has the old round hood fenders, the 1055 has the new stlye fenders and both have the square hood with the small grill bars, post a picture, I'm sure we can get you a model and close on a year.

[mcwh1950 2]

could it be a 855

[Kelly 1,033]

I guess it could be anything with a 8hp engine, pictures are your best friend right now.

[wheel horse 1045 2]

it could be an M.T.D without pictures who knows lol

[CDiddy 0]

Pictures:

Thanks for all who have thrown in the .02 but hopefully this will help you guys. Thanks for the patience.

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Look right where this arrow is pointing. under the dash, centered between the choke and throttle, facing the shifter should be the ID tag. Sometimes they put them right up at the very top... you really have to lay your head on the seat to see it. I'm guessing it's an 855 or 856 by the decals. Also has narrow rear fender pan, definitely pre-68.

[Kelly 1,033]

I agree with Jason on this it's a 855 or 856 going by the orig. decals. the tag should read T-855 or T-856

[MikesRJ 558]

:notworthy:

Good luck with the restore and make sure you post lots of pictures.

:thumbs:

[buckrancher 2,695]

:notworthy:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

:thumbs:

The engine number is K181T, guys - which is retractable start. Since there was only one model of this style tractor built with a recoil start K-161 Kohler, I'm guessing this isn't one of them.

My hypothesis is a re-powered 655/656. :notworthy:

[CDiddy 0]

Okay guys, the Id Tag tells me this info:

T 605

105895

So I'm guessing from what TT is saying that this is not a stock setup? Knowing the above information, what would have been the stock motor? It's okay w/me if it isn't cause this rig will be a worker, but still would like to know all I can about the original.

This Horse goes to the barn for the start of the project this afternoon.

[Kelly 1,033]

It's a 1965, 6hp tecumseh pull start