Why they do not make wheel horses anymore

[dgjks6 7]

This may not be the right place for this, but I figured out why they quit making wheel horses. They made them too good and too simple. Any attachment from 1973-2007 will fit on my 312. And my 312 will last forever. No need to buy new stuff every few years. I just bought a used craftsman leaf vac for my craftsman mower and it almost fits, but not quite. It seems every few years they change a few small things which leads to you having to buy new stuff everyfew years.

I guess that is a smarter business plan than wheel horse had.

[whfan74 2,068]

Stay tuned.........there is a good rumor that they may come back. I know there were some previous threads concerning this. The molds/dies and machinery is still in Minnesota just waiting to get started again. Remember the Phoenix???? :scratchead:

[Raider12 13]

Stay tuned.........there is a good rumor that they may come back. I know there were some previous threads concerning this. The molds/dies and machinery is still in Minnesota just waiting to get started again. Remember the Phoenix????

Do you mean they really are considering bring these old boys back to the show room? Man this would be great! I just hope they are not some cheap knock off or over priced. :scratchead:

[whfan74 2,068]

Well like I said the rumor has swirled around. Depends on who you talk to.....I know there are other members here that may have more insight regarding this possibility.

Sure would be nice to see that pretty red roll out on the showroom floor again!

[Rollerman 290]

I had heard a rumore that MTD was interested in the line.

But rumors are just that....rumors

[Suburban 550 28]

I recently had a talk with our local Toro dealer about gettin' rid of a good tractor (Wheel Horse) and replacing it with the junk he had sittin' in his showroom. It all has to do with the consumer. They would rather pay $800 to $1500 for a tractor that you throw away after 2 to 3 years rather than spend $3000 to $5000 for something that will last you a lifetime if you maintain it. They also had to compete price wise with the chain stores that sell the throw away tractors. Sometime it makes you wonder how gullable people can be. If they ever do start production again, I don't think they'll ever be as good as they once were. Time will tell. You know the old sayin' "You Only Get What You Pay For".

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Toro does the same trick at the BIG BOX STORES, they offer a different grade of super recycler push mowers. (different cheaper engine) (different cheaper deck) I found that out when I was shopping for one 3 years ago.

[Electro12WH 50]

If they do start up again, what do you suppose thew will use for an engine?

[horse junkie 18]

If they do start up again, what do you suppose thew will use for an engine?

that's a good question because the cast iron kohler is gone thanks to the e.p.a.

1966 1276

1967 1077

1978 B-100 16 H.P

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,587]

The Wheel Horse Classic that Toro produced up to 2007 had Kohler Commands on them, which is still available. So I'm sure that's what any new Wheel Horse would have on it. But as Stephen said, rumors are just rumors - I wouldn't put any stock in the line continuing.

[KyBlue 655]

And if MTD is interested in it....all is lost! Hope it doesnt go that way for sure... Time will tell I suppose

[bork 0]

A bunch of members & pure enthusiest ought to get together & buy & run it togther. An employee owned business like Humingbird fishfinders. I'd kick in. Is there any members near the plant? Some members unemployed & want to move?

[MikesRJ 558]

Now, if the whole lot of us would pitch in a few thousand apiece for shares of stock, Toro would sell the name and manufacturing tooling for a reasonable amount, a few solid investors could be lined up, and the stars all aligned just so; perhaps a few of us businessmen could get something going?

Only IF!

[WHwest8597 85]

I would love to get an opinion on the value of Wheel Horse from a guy like Warren Buffet or Lee Iacocca. I just found out about a month ago that Warren Buffet owns Dairy Queen. Does anyone have a map of Wheel Horse dealerships at there peak?

[truckin88 104]

here is the problem, zero turns are the "IN" thing....for grass cutters. Toro ended the line because no one was spending 4500 on new GT's. It is hard when you can go to NH, Kubota or Kioti for a diesel 4x4 for a few G's more. It is diffenet for us who love them and buy them used for $500.00

[can whlvr 994]

Both of my neighbours have tin toys,but they also only cut grass and pull leaves in a plastic cart,but both machines are atleast 15 years and still going,i live in the country with some acrerage which is what wheelhorse aimed at,neither of my neighbors said they would never spend that kind of cash to cut grass,this shows the mentality of the consumer,and many people around here get there grass cut by pros,big buisness around here in ontario,20 years ago people cut there own and the people whow knew quality bought wheelhorse and maintained their own properties,a lost pastime around here anyway.

[blaster 0]

Hi, I was at a local mower shop recently that used to sell Wheel Horse ( they still have some old stock) . The owner and I had a consversation about this topic. He says they were told manufacturing costs to make a tractor of that quality; machined parts, solid steel, etc. priced them beyond what the consumer would pay. In todays economy most people won't pay 7 grand for a tractor when they can get one at Sears for 15 hundred. It seems those of us who appreciate a quality, hard working machine are a minority. But that's the way everything is these days: cheap junk that you throw away when it breaks!

[bowtieguy 334]

I'd bet money that you will never see Wheel Horse in production again.....but hey, wait a minute....was in a New Holland tractor dealership yesterday and on the show room floor is a brand new 8N Ford tractor!!!..(ya gottta see it)

So maybe I'd better hold my bet? :scratchead:

[W9JAB 156]

To remanufacture The wheel Horse, would depend on what you call a Wheel Horse, As far as the newer models it could be done, but as far as something like my 1966 856 no way. With stirrups instead of floor boards and open belts without any safety switches, there would be so many safety warning stickers on it there would be no room for paint!

:scratchead:

[hodge 6]

I don't believe it will happen, and certainly not because a handful of enthusiasts would like to see it. Me, I would STILL buy the old stuff for a couple hundred bucks, instead of $5000 and up. Two years ago, when they still made them, I did not rush out and buy one. So, even among us diehards, there isn't nearly enough market to justify lighting the fires again.

Time goes to show- the good old stuff never comes back in the same form. If it even comes close, it still isn't the same. Who can name one quality product that died off, which they brought back, and it made money? The ONLY one I can think of (and I am not arrogant- I admit that I don't know much), is the old blue Homelite chainsaw, with the manual oilers. They didn't sell, and they didn't stay out long. Times change, whether we like it or not. That is why we;

1) Need to keep the old stuff going

2) Not trying to start something, just stating my opinion- we need to value what NEVER changes. God. Hebrews 13:8

Blessings to all!

[oldandred 15]

As much as I would like to see the wheel horse come back I dont think you or i will ever see this happen.

theres far too much sheaper ways to make a lawn tractor just sit back and look at whats going on in the world today nothing will ever be made as good , strong,and be able to use as many attacment as the true wheel horse.

Also good luck on buying the name from toro that aint never going to happen not the wheel horse name.

dont get me wrong I would love to see it happening but its not.

At our dealer thats gone out of busness over town about seven years ago I went in there to get some parts frist thing I saw was a John deer 42" cut 20 hp rider price $2400.00 on the other side of the wall was a true wheel horse with out deck and one next to it had a 42" deck both I think were the 15 hp kohler. the price tag with out deck 4200.00 with deck 4800.00 now If I were John doe you think Im going to spent two times the amount for a tractor with out deck O but wait theres one with deck only 4800.00 nope Im going $2400.00 with deck.

and you cant tell me why the went out one guess only.

[Electro12WH 50]

Maybe they could manufacture WH in Mexico, like they did with the Volkswagen.

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Maybe they could manufacture WH in Mexico, like they did with the Volkswagen.

Boy wouldn't that just take the cake!

[Raider12 13]

In todays economy most people won't pay 7 grand for a tractor when they can get one at Sears for 15 hundred.

Most people today would not pay for the quality because they can't put it on the "Sear's" credit card. They are willing (how ever) to pay on the credit card for more years than what they bought will last! :scratchead:

[bo dawg 516]

I don't believe it will happen, and certainly not because a handful of enthusiasts would like to see it. Me, I would STILL buy the old stuff for a couple hundred bucks, instead of $5000 and up. Two years ago, when they still made them, I did not rush out and buy one. So, even among us diehards, there isn't nearly enough market to justify lighting the fires again.

Time goes to show- the good old stuff never comes back in the same form. If it even comes close, it still isn't the same. Who can name one quality product that died off, which they brought back, and it made money? The ONLY one I can think of (and I am not arrogant- I admit that I don't know much), is the old blue Homelite chainsaw, with the manual oilers. They didn't sell, and they didn't stay out long. Times change, whether we like it or not. That is why we;

1) Need to keep the old stuff going

2) Not trying to start something, just stating my opinion- we need to value what NEVER changes. God. Hebrews 13:8

Blessings to all!

Thats the truth :scratchead: