New To WheelHorse

[IndianaMatt 34]

Hey guys Im sort of new to Wheel Horse I have had a 414-8 for a few years and have always mowed with it. I recently ran into a guy that has a nice collection of horses. He is getting older and thinning down the herd. He has a "Black Hood" an older "C" series tractor and several newer 300 and 400 series machines. All the tractors are in good running condition. Many of them have been re-powered with Kohler 16s a few of them are 12s. I am wanting to purchase one and not sure what tractor I want. They are all 8 speeds and there is one Hydro. I was wanting to build a mild pulling tractor that could still be used around the garden. I sort of like the "Black Hood" but its only a 12 horse. Any help would be appreciated in this life changing decision...

Matthew

[Rock farmer 41]

I don't know anything about competition pulling. But, I'd go with the black hood!

And welcome to Redsquare!

Joe

[Jake Kuhn 1,579]

[Tankman 3,523]

I don't know much about pulling.

I have been having second thoughts 'bout "automatics" since I adopted my '73 no name automatic, 12hp Kohler. One of my 400's is a 16hp Kohler, a real worker.

I might think in your case 16hp automatic.

Will be interesting to see how the forum members respond. To each his own.

[AMC RULES 37,196]

My pick...K-341, 8 speed. 

[Kevbo 81]

I am still searching for a black hood for my collection so that really appeals to me. However, a 16HP big block Kohler sure does pack a punch...

[Forest Road 594]

Welcome aboard! The 16hp Kohler is the largest single cylinder you'll find in a WH. The block is different frm the 10,12,&14hp Kohlers. If its a mild puller you wish you won't find a better motor! Good luck!

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

Like Kevin said, the big 16 does pack a punch. The 12hp BlackHood is really smooth due to its rubber mounted engine. I think its best for you to buy both. Just my 3cents.

[baerpath 517]

If your thinking pulling tractor stay with a standard. And check the axle sizes, I would stay away from the one inch axled ones. And find out what the pulling club closest to you has for rules before choosing engine size.

[W9JAB 156]

[IndianaMatt 34]

I still have not made a decision other than to buy them both. I have talked with a guy from the local club and they run two different classes one is a 16hp class and the other is a 12hp class. That said anything under 12hp has a class and anything between 12hp and 16hp have another. He said you do not want a 14hp or 10hp. 

Now about the tractors I am looking at- 

The guy who built them had upgraded and redone them "his way". He has made them both 8 speed machines and used the larger rear ends? I wasnt aware there was more than one 8 speed rear end? Is this true? The engines on them are not the factory units either. The "C" series tractor has a Kohler Magnum 16 and the "Black Hood" has a Magnum 12 both off new tractors and supposed to have recent overhaul. The "Black Hood" had a set of newer 400 series rear fenders and a much nicer seat with arm rests. The "C" is pretty original on sheet metal but needs paint badly.

Thanks Matthew

[Don1977 605]

The Black Hood original had a plastic rear fender that is usually broken. It's good that it has been replaced with the metal one. If it has a Magnum 12 the old shaker plate has been removed and the engine is mounted solid to the frame.

[IndianaMatt 34]

Don you are correct the engine is mounted directly on the frame.