New Horse in the Stable - 1960 400 or 550

[hcminis 1,755]

Well, I finally was able to steal one that has been on my wish list for a long time. Was pumping gas at a small "one horse" town close to our house and a gentleman pulled in with a W.H. 312 in the back. So, I finished pumping gas and left the wife and kids sitting in the car to run and ask if the little guy was for sale. "Nope", he replied. "Just got it and want to see about getting it running and might use it". "However, he mentioned, I do have a "Ball Burner" at the house I would sell." Now my ears were like a real horse and listening very well. "How much" I asked? He said "the way it sits right now $100.00" Being it was already 9:00 at night and the wife and kids were sitting in the car with mad looks on there face I said, "Will call you tomorrow and come look at the ole girl". So, I made the short trip and purchased this ole girl for $100.00. Tires are in great shape, no weather cracking. Will need a good cleaning and the carb. rebuilt. Hood is a little beat up but not real bad. Needs a battery which will cost almost half what I paid for the tractor. Motor turns over fine but won't fire. Neighbor like to fix riders and is laid off. So, will give him a little money to get it running. Few other details but for $100.00 I am very happy. Now time to look for a snow blade and some other attachments. Was so happy to get the ole girl I left it in the truck and brought it to work with me today so I could do some investigating as to what I really bought.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,601]

You got yourself what looks to me a 1960 550 Suburban in very nice shape !! The motor looks like a replacement as the correct one is a HH55 lauson 5.5hp. You got yourself one heck of a deal and i would be thrilled to find that one. Good luck with it. :D

[wallfish 18,792]

You got yourself what looks to me a 1960 550 Suburban in very nice shape !! The motor looks like a replacement as the correct one is a HH55 lauson 5.5hp. You got yourself one heck of a deal and i would be thrilled to find that one. Good luck with it.

DITTO

[KeithB 6]

very nice :D

[VinsRJ 723]

Very nice score!

[Indy w h 5]

Way to go D J it's looks to be a good one !!!!!!

Indy

[horsefeathers 15]

Hcmins, You got yer self a fine deal there! My 1960 400 is in about the same condition, only I paid more than a $100 bucks ! You must be livin' rite! The li'l ones are sooo.... cute how can ya' go wrong! Everyone needs a good ball burner now 'n again'! Luv it, keep the front wheels on the ground! Awahhh... heck hang'em high! HORSEFEATHERS!

[JimD 3,347]

That's a heck of a deal! :D

[KC9KAS 4,745]

Great deal, and a steal!

[jpmcleod 4]

Looks good from here. One heck of a bargan. Don't you know you always leave them in the back of your truck for about a week so all your friends can see them.

What's a truck without a Wheel Horse in the bed. I love it when you come out from breakfast at your local hang aout and people are leaning over the bed looking at your toy. Not everyone has one and wouldn't know what to do with it if they had one. Be proud of that one. It is nice. Dents give it charactor.

[MikesRJ 558]

Nice looking machine Dewayne. I think I've seen it somewhere before ... :D

[Doubletrouble 10]

Nice score! Like to find one myself someday, they're small enough to sneak home and hide..... :D

[Duff 206]

Now that's about the best hundred bucks you'll ever spend right there! Nice looking machine! Congrats!

Duff :D

[hcminis 1,755]

Thanks everyone. By far the best $100.00 I've spent in a while. Even better, the $100.00 all came from FREE tools I got from a local Pawn Shop that allows me to go through there tools and miscellaneous items in the back room. Usually spend about $10.00 and get about $50.00 worth of stuff then sell it all for nice profits.

Yup, Mike that is the one. Better pictures now it is out of the truck. Do believe it looked good in that nice red Chevy but with the topper on nobody could see it.

NOW, just got to get it running. Will turn over fine but won't fire. Gonna work on it some more this evening and get the neighbors help since he is better with small engines than I am. Will get a new plug and probably clean the gas tank and carb. to start with. Will take the deck off to because the blades turn a little hard to it needs cleaned and lubed.

Overall....still a nice find for me since I have been searching everywhere for one that I can afford.

Thanks again and hope to get her all cleaned and post more pics.

D. J.

[hcminis 1,755]

The ole girls lives. Was able to get it started this evening but wont' stay running. Either the newer engine carb. sits a little to low making it even with the tank or the needle valve is stuck. Will get help tomorrow to fix. Know when to ask for help because stuff can get expensive quick. Pays to ask and watch so you can learn for the next time. At least that is my motto....hahaha

Did get the deck off this evening and will start cleaning on it tomorrow. Sure is amazing how these old tractors are built and easy to work on.

[Suburban 550 28]

Real nice find and a great price. Good Luck with it. :D

[Lane Ranger 11,681]

One of the nicest old Wheel Horse finds I have seen anyone get on Red Square in some time!

You have a real keeper there and a very good deal!

:D

[piecrazy4 0]

:D nice find !

[stevasaurus 23,521]

Love those round hoods...very nice find. :D

[hcminis 1,755]

Well....as some of you know the original engine was replaced with a K121. MikesRJ has told me that engine is a little rare. Can't wait to ride that little 550 around and might even mow with it.