Another Horse Finds A Home

[Suburban 550 28]

Just picked up another horse what I believe is a 552. The motor was changed to 6 H.P. Tecumseh pull start instead of the 5.5 H.P. electric start. The serial number on the tractor is 62-1712. My question is can it easily be converted to a 702 without much problem and will a 7 H.P. fit under the hood without choppin it up ? Also are the belt guards different ? Ray

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Glad to hear you finally bagged another Horse, Ray! :banana:

The 502/552/702 tractors are basically the same, with the exception of the engines and a few other "minor" pieces.

The drive belt guard is slightly different between the 502/552 and the 702. (but only the front mount area) You would either need a guard for a Kohler-powered '62 to '67-ish short-frame small block tractor, or you could add a mounting tab to the 552 guard.

Since the chassis is the same between the three models, the starter/generator Kohler 7 or 8hp engine would be a direct fit with no clearance issues. The adapter plate used to mount the Lauson engine used the Kohler mounting bolt pattern on the frame, so the holes are already there.

The ignition switch, wiring, and possibly the control cables would need changed to match the battery ignition Kohler. That should be about it. B)

[Suburban 550 28]

Thanks TT you pretty much answered all my questions. Tractor is in pretty good shape and runs decent except someone painted it with a brush. Major changes will be happening soon.

[Suburban 550 28]

After a month and a half of debating of what Kohler engine to use a 8 H.P. electric start was sucessfully transplanted in the 552. I believe the tractor originally started out as a 552 then was stripped of all its wiring and a 6 H.P. Tecumseh pull start installed. The 8 H.P. fit like a glove and runs like a bear. After a few more mechanical repairs the tractor will be stripped down and be prepped for paint and hopefully be ready for next years show. Special thanks to TT for all your advice and Buzz on showing me where to get the printable manuals for the wiring diagrams. I guess I'll have to renumber it as a 802 or a 852.