Choosing a first Wheel Horse.

[sscotsman 186]

Ok, I am in serious "research mode"!

I have scoured model lists and photos, and I have narrowed down my search to a few specifics..

As I said in my introduction, I am planning to take my time and look for one usable machine..not necessarily to start a collection.

I am going to resist (as much as possible) becoming a "collector"..at least for awhile..for several reasons:

Time

Storage space

Disposable income

(maybe 25 years from now, when I retire, I can start a collection! )

but not right now..for now, Im only looking for one Wheel Horse Garden Tractor..

(more details on my "needs" are in my intro)

So after a week or so of heavy internet reading, I have come to a few conclusions as to what I think I want:

(this is just my personal opinion! I have nothing *against* any specific models..I dont know enough about them yet to form any strong opinions..)

wants:

1. I want a 1958 - 1964 "Round Hood"

2. I want a "Lawn and Garden Tractor"

3. I want a machine that can be used to start with, but that I can also work on, improve, and slowly restore over time.

dont wants:

1. I dont want a "Lawn Tractor"..because I will probably want to do more than just mow the lawn with it. (light chores - hauling a cart, maybe snow plowing, maybe some very light garden tilling.)

2. I dont want a larger machine, and I dont want a post-1965 hood style.

(probably..although I dont strongly dislike the late 60's square hoods either.)

so based on those criteria, here is my list of models to look for..

Black = in consideration.

Red = not looking for. (although..again..I dont strongly dislike anything!)

1958 - RJ-58 - Ride Away Junior.

1959 - RJ-59 - Ride Away Junior.

1960 - 400 Suburban.

1960 - 550 Suburban.

1961 - 401

1961 - 551

1961 - 701

1962 - 32E Lawn Ranger

1962 - 32R Lawn Ranger

1962 - 502

1962 - 552

1962 - 702

1963 - 425-L3 Rear Engine Rider

1963 - 33E Lawn Ranger

1963 - 33R Lawn Ranger

1963 - 603

1963 - 633

1963 - 653

1963 - 753

1963 - 953 - (large frame, different hood design.)

1964 - 34E Lawn Ranger

1964 - 34R Lawn Ranger.

1964 - 604

1964 - 654

1964 - 704

1964 - 754

1964 - 854

1964 - 1054 (large frame, different hood design)

And thats it for "models under consideration"..

the round hoods continued through 1965, '66, '67 and '68, but round hoods were only on the "Lawn Ranger" Yard Tractor models for those years, not Garden Tractors..

so thats nineteen models on my "wanted" list..for now..

Thoughts?

Advice?

Some models better to look for? some worse?

Comments of any kind are welcome!

thanks,

Scot

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,880]

This is just my opinion and it is based on not having anything older than a 1969. If the plan is to have a machine to plow, mow, pull the cart and basically use as an everyday tractor in lieu of buying a new machine at Home Depot, I would seriously consider the 80's and newer 300 / 400 series. Why? Two reasons. First, the availability of parts and second they are beefer for the every day tasks. You will also have a higher availability of accessories. If and when it breaks, you'll be back up and running again in a shorter time frame.

Now, if you had a second vehicle to complete the tasks that you need in the event your tractor is laid up, then the round hoods are a great choice.

If you're looking for looks, out of all of them, I love a nice RJ or Suburban, any year.

[sscotsman 186]

Thanks Karl!

thats good advice..

Although any machine I end up with wont be put to *heavy* use..

and im interested in the older machines just because of the "I like them" factor..

but thanks! thats the kind of advice im looking for!

I will check out the 80's machines..

Scot

[Ken B 3,189]

Going by the tractors you've listed I'd go with one that has at least 7hp. I can get quite a bit done with my 702 and there is nothing cooler than a round hood.

[HankB 16]

I'm with Nylyon on this. I think something like a 312-8 or (what I own) a 314-H provides tremendous utility and potential for a long service life. There is an amazing compatibility with older attachments so there seems little loss WRT starting your collection. And rather than have the chance to restore something that someone else neglected, you have the opportunity to maintain something such that it continues to provide reliable service for decades to come.

I certainly don't want to take anything away from the many restoration projects you see here, but an older machine that has worked through the years and yet remains in good condition as a result of reasonable care has a certain beauty that I appreciate.

Either way, and good luck finding the right tractor to meet your needs and desires.

[rickv1957 74]

If you want a round nose tractor,a 7or 8hp model would be the best to start off with,Rick

[wheel horse 1045 2]

i would say the C series from the 70's

[Indy w h 5]

Scot, all I can say is that you have good taste in horses!!!

I grew up on my g-pa's 854 (that I still have) and you can't

beat the look and versatility of the round hoods. I can plow

dirt,mow the yard,plow snow,or work the neighbors garden

all in style. I hope you find what your looking for!!!!

Indy :thumbs:

[sscotsman 186]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

im taking it all in..

Scot

[Michael Bullington 5]

Thats a cool post because it looks like the line up my mindset was when i first got into the wheel Horse Tractors...I was a round hood junkie....now that Ive owned a few, sold a few ive found I really enjoy the later models....some of my favorites are the Raiders, c-series and 300 series models...These really get the work done....In my opinion the round hoods are great play machines ...they look awesome and show great....But to really get something done.....they are not for me.....with all that said if its a round hood you want definately go with the 7 or 8 hp kohler engines, and I would not have said this a few years ago...but I love the late 60 square hoods as much as the ole round hoods.

Michael

[can whlvr 994]

i would also recomend a newer machine for the first one,since u want to use it often,it will need to be repaired at some time,and then get a project machine that can help with chores also :thumbs:

[gd.pudge 2]

good thinking on your homework .id look for something mid 60s to current newer models.my newest is 40 years old and still going strong 8-10 horsepower will do most anything you will need mowing,plowing,tilling,etc but just one will last a lifetime if properly maintained :thumbs:

[Irv 115]

Hey Scot, I had that same Ariens snowblower and now my son has it. Good plan you have. I also live in western Rochester (Greece) and have a bunch of tractors but none of the older (74 c-160 is my oldest). If I can help you find your tractor or anything else, give me an email. Irv

[tgranthamfd 29]

Good luck in your search, which ever you decide on will be the right one. My first was a brand new 2005 Classic GT 315-8, Toro basically reproduced it off of the 300 series Wheel Horses. Along the way I found that anything for mine fit my brothers 1975 C-160 8 speed, so I bought a 1974 C-160 8 speed. Along the way also found out that most things for the other 3 would also fit my 80' C series Black hood. Interchangeability is completely awesome from the mid 70's to present, maybe even eairlier. There is probably a whole bunch of things that will interchange on the mid 60's stuff, as well as, the Rj's and Suburbans. Got a 1960 Suburban 400 too, just got to finish it up. In our defence, we will like anything you get. I wish I had 1 of every one of them. Then I wouldn't have a girlfriend or a place to keep all the horses. :thumbs:

[JimD 3,347]

you've really done some research on all this, and i can't disagree with any of the advice given here. i guess it all comes down to this... you'll know it when you see it. it'll have all the features you want, the price and condition will be acceptable to you, and it'll be red!! and while you've narrowed it down to "only" 19 models, i'd still be and whatever you choose, it will be :banghead:

[sscotsman 186]

Thanks again for all the comments/advice/suggestions!

I appreciate it..

A note for you Upstate NY guys, (I see there are a few of us here!)

If you come across something for sale, on "my list" (and if you dont want it for yourself! please keep me in mind!

Which reminds me..I see the notice on the classifieds that they need to be "member sales" only..which is fine..but how do forum members communicate with other forum members in their local area if they find something for sale that another member might be interested in?

just via PM's or something like that?

I suspect, that in my search for "my" wheel horse, I will probably come across several that "are not right for me", due to price, model, condition, etc..lots of possible reasons..and I wouldn't mind telling the local guys about it, in case someone else might be interested..is there a method for such communications?

or is that just impractical and not really done?

thanks,

Scot

[Duff 206]

Scot, we generally just PM or email each other. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the reason the Mods limited non-member sales on the forum is it used to get so clogged up with stuff that it looked like a sponsored site by eBay and Craigslist. Since our hosting site is, I believe, free, we needed to be careful not to "overstay our welcome" by loading it up with stuff that could be found elsewhere on a paid site. Most of us do keep an eye on the 'Bay and C-list, and if we see something we think another member is looking for or would be interested in, we shoot them a PM. Works pretty well!

Duff :thumbs:

[sscotsman 186]

thanks Duff!

sounds good..

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

I suspect, that in my search for "my" wheel horse, I will probably come across several that "are not right for me", due to price, model, condition, etc..lots of possible reasons..and I wouldn't mind telling the local guys about it, in case someone else might be interested..is there a method for such communications?

or is that just impractical and not really done?

Duff is correct about the clutter - and the resulting dead links after a few days/weeks.

The staff here at RedSquare agreed a while ago the if a person is savvy enough to find their way here, sign up for a membership, and actually navigate the forum, they should be more than capable of searching eBay, Craigslist, etc. on their own.

PMs are probably the best way of communicating here since finding a good deal in Rochester would only be that good of a deal to someone local - not in MO or FL. (rare exceptions, of course)

Another scenario:

A member here has "found" a good deal on a _______ on a not-so-popular site and is trying to contact the seller - or maybe he/she can't get to it until the following weekend. Someone else "finds" it too and posts it here on the forum and another 2400 pairs of eyes can now see it. Another person else moves quicker and scarfs up the ________ before the first person gets a chance.

I know that's "the way it goes" sometimes, but that's not always the kind of help someone needs.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,144]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the reason the Mods limited non-member sales on the forum is it used to get so clogged up with stuff that it looked like a sponsored site by eBay and Craigslist.

Duff

Thats exactly right Duff.

Mike....

[jusjeepn 59]

753,754,854 would be great to start with! :thumbs:

[sscotsman 186]

Thanks guys..

another question..electric start vs. pull start..

which of these models:

1958 - RJ-58 - Ride Away Junior.

1959 - RJ-59 - Ride Away Junior.

1960 - 400 Suburban.

1960 - 550 Suburban.

1961 - 401

1961 - 551

1961 - 701

1962 - 502

1962 - 552

1962 - 702

1963 - 603

1963 - 633

1963 - 653

1963 - 753

1964 - 604

1964 - 654

1964 - 704

1964 - 754

1964 - 854

Are electric start and which are pull-start?

I think the middle digit indicates electric or manual start?

I know the first digit is the HP, last digit is the model year, (1961-1964)

what do the middle digits mean exactly?

is zero manual, and 5 electric start?

I have nothing against pull start specifically..

my two modern push-mowers are pull-start only, and it works fine..

but my 40 year old snowblower has both electric and manual,

and sometimes the pull cord isnt so reliable, especially if its really cold out,

and its easier to just hook up the extension cord!

So im thinking a electric start model might be better, even if I dont need

the electric start all the time..

thanks,

Scot