CasualObserver 3,411 #1 Posted April 17, 2008 Three years of stalking paid off this week. My wife and I walk our basset hound around the neighborhood when it's nice. We often walk by a house about 6 blocks away that has had a Wheel Horse sitting in the backyard for the three years we've lived here. I assumed it wasn't in running condition, because they just push it around the yard to mow under it. It has been repainted. Not restored, but preserved pretty well for sitting outside for at least three years that I know of. My wife tried to buy it for my birthday about a year and a half ago, but was turned down. Was told it belonged to their son, and he wanted $500 for the tractor. It was a sad day at the Red Shed! Well, Sunday it was nice here, and we were walking the dog. I saw some folks out behind that house, and decided it was time to ask again. Well, they still weren't sure, but they'd take my name, number and offer. I left it, and as the guy wrote down my name he said, pleased to meet you, Jason. I returned the Pleased to meet you.... and he realized he hadn't told me his name. He stated it. I paused, and asked if he was related to a guy I know with the same last name. The guy and his wife both just looked at me and said... yeah... he's inside! Turns out the folks that own this tractor I've been stalking are the parents of a guy I play softball with! It's his brother's tractor! They call him out, we talk a few minutes... and I head off with the wife and the dog, talking about the disbelief about running into my softball teammate and the whole strange coincidence. Last night I came home and there was a message on the machine, they'd said if I still wanted the tractor, give them a call and come and get it. It was too late last night... (some of you know I work for an accounting firm, and well... there's a pretty big party the night of the 15th) But I definitely was getting it tonight before they changed their minds. It's been in the family since new and was handed down, and now it's safely in my garage. Came with a snow blade and they said they've got the chains and manuals, they'll just have to find them. Since they're just down the street, they'll either call me to come get them or drop them by the house. So here it is. I know what it is, but I want to see how many of you can recognize it's distinctive features! (and yes, I realize there are some "non-stock" parts! ) The last one should be the dead giveaway. (TT and Bill... let the others play ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #2 Posted April 17, 2008 603 or 633 I can't remember , It is a very nice find no matter what it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pond195520032003 27 #3 Posted April 17, 2008 63 603 for sure :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
traktorkidd7/30/93 1 #4 Posted April 17, 2008 yea its a 603 because i had a 633 (all original) and it had a kohler on it the 603 should have a 6 horse tecumseh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,411 #5 Posted April 17, 2008 Yep, and I know it's got a few errors, but I did get it for much less than the original $500. It has a Briggs motor, a Sears (i think) pan seat, an oddball homemade shifter and they cut the hood a little, but I kinda like that stack coming out of it. I don't think I've ever seen one done that way. It also does have all three rear hitches... the rear attachment bracket, slot hitch and implement hitch, and original half moon steering wheel that's in great shape, as well. I'm pretty happy with it. Can one of you more knowledgeable experts tell me... if that's the original c/t panel? I didn't know it had a C and T with arrows. Makes sense, since there's no other visible diagram for them. I'm thinking they are the originals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DMESS 24 #6 Posted April 17, 2008 Very nice find! The 603 is a neat machine to be able to add to your herd. Sort of a mix and match of oddball parts that Wheel horse sold at a bargain price. I don't know any production figures on this model but it has to be relatively low. The throttle and choke control/decal are original. Not sure where they ever sourced these parts from but they are unique to this tractor. Similar to the setup on the 1960 400/550 but not the same. Looks like a solid machine. Other than the replacement engine and seat pan, someone did switch out the foot rests. The 603 used the same long foot rest as the 701. These aren't difficult to find. I see someone took off the attachment clutch pedal also. Once again, congrats on a great find. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,411 #7 Posted April 17, 2008 Here's a shot of it from last winter. This is zoomed in from the road about 100 yards away. I always thought it made a pretty cool picture. T MO... want this one for a winter month of the calendar? I've got a bigger version. Thanks, Dustin... yeah, the PTO is gone, as they only used it with the dozer blade. I appreciate the input on the c/t... i was pretty sure they were right. Those have to be a hard to find part! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DMESS 24 #8 Posted April 17, 2008 That IS a cool shot! Boy I'd be going nuts seeing a 603 sitting like that for soooo long. Glad you were able to give it a proper home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,610 #9 Posted April 17, 2008 Jason, Nice score. And yeah, that would make an excellent photo for the calender, say December. When the time comes I'm going to be asking for some high resolution photos and so hold on to that one until then. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,170 #10 Posted April 17, 2008 Jason, thats a great story with a happy ending fer sure . Mike............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horseheadhunter 17 #11 Posted April 18, 2008 It's absolutley wonderful & amazing !! The funny thing of it is when you think all of this model is gone or I will never find one of those then BOOM it's in your garage.That is a very nice find indeed !! Congrat's & Enjoy it !! -Shawn- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
