rossr 1 #1 Posted May 14, 2013 Hi folks, Been reading and learning here for a little bit and thought I would post and ask a couple questions. So I never owned a wheelhorse before but one followed me home a few weeks ago. I have been mowing my 1 acre yard with a simplicity 30 inch single blade rear engine mower that is not even remotely suited for a 6'5" man so with that in mind I began to shop. Figured I would buy new I'm not brand picky just want my yard mowed. So after looking at all the big box places I kinda decided I didnt like the looks of the new stuff at least in the 1000 to 1300 range and on a whim I decided to look at some older used models. Near me is a gentleman who sells used tractors always has some out on the yard for sale. So I stoped by and he had several. Two managed to follow me home he had a John deere 320 that I couldnt pass up and then there was this wheel horse, clearly it had been around the block mower deck was in bad shape two holes in the deck and a few other spots need welded. The seat was a issue the two bolts that hold the rear fender on were long gone and no one ever bothered to replace them so the seat mount was craked and the fender sitting almost on the rear wheels. But she fired right up and is the quietest darn mower I think I have ever heard. Well I couldnt resist the charms of the red head and before long I had them both for less then I would have paid for a new on from the big box stores. So here is what I have a WHeel hores 417-8. I think it is a 1986 at least from what I have read. IT has a kohler series II 17 hp engine in it. She runs fine, but runs best with the choke all the way out, I am thinking carb adjustment issue but we will see. I also notice no fuel filter thinking I should add one. I may have to find a replacement seat, the seat cushion was mouse eaten and all cracked, then metal part of the seat due to over stress also had several cracks around the mouting bolts, tore that down welded and repaired as well as the mount that was cracked and of course new bolts to hold the fender. The deck I have to think about, no problem to plate the two holes and weld, but two of the spindles are cracked and need replaced as well. This poor thing hadnt seen grease or oil on any part of it for a long time but I fixed that and everything seems to be in working order! So now for my big questions what can I do with my new toy. I was thinking about finding a plow or fabing what I need to the plow I have laying around(42 inch off a mtd) I also have access to a rather large two stage snowblower that was off a yardmachine 21hp anyone every try and make those work with a wheelhorse or am I wasting my time? (snowblower is cheap and aviable) What other attachements can I find and play with. I see this becoming a problem. I already got thoughts to build a cab for it for winter time. Ok I will close for now. I have no Idea what posessed me to by it but I love it so far even though it needs work . I couldnt even tell ya if it was a good deal but I am happy. Take care and thanks for reading Ross Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #2 Posted May 14, 2013 Welcome to the fold. Sounds like you're just the type to fit right in here. I do believe you've come down with the affliction. I have a 417A sitting here that has a blown engine. Got it on a trade about a year and a half ago. Have already robbed a few parts off of it but someday I may get to work on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #4 Posted May 14, 2013 Welcome to the Square!!! Yup it sounds like you have got the bug. There are so many different attachments that you can use with your new find. It can be an addiction all in itself. Sell the deere and buy attachments Sounds like you need to take the carb off and do a very good cleaning. When you think you have it cleaned clean it again. You can download the Kohler manual and that will help alot. Good Luck with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SALTYWRIGHT 861 #5 Posted May 14, 2013 I HAVE A 417-8 ALSO. I PUT A DIESEL IN IT AND A CRANE ON THE BACK. IT WILL BE AT THE BIG WHEEL HORSE SHOW IN PA. STOP BY AND SAY HELLO. RUSS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torino 15 #6 Posted May 14, 2013 Welcome, If I where you I would take the carb off and soak it in carb cleaner. You can get a can at most auto parts places. When I got my C-175 with a series 2 it would run awhile and then flood itself out. I soaked the carb and now it runs purrs like a kitten. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehorse 221 #7 Posted May 14, 2013 Yep I agree. I would probably take tank off and clean it out as well as replacing fuel lines and putting a filter on it. Then maybe even run some sea foam through it before I even started cleaning the carb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #8 Posted May 16, 2013 You have the Series II KT17 engine and that is a great motor with it's full pressure lubrication. (A lot of our C-175 and 417 folks have had issues with their KT-17 Series I motors after mowing on hillsides for years). A carb cleaning as was suggested and that thing should run fine. Cosmetics aside, it will be a good tractor for you for many years to come! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossr 1 #9 Posted May 16, 2013 Thanks for the welcomes and the comments gang. Yes I have the bug I find myself looking at classifieds for more now. That is scary! Russ...a diesel and a crane I saw the picture before, now that is cool!! Carb clean it is when I get a spare moment that is the next plan of action. How long do these motors last it does have over 1200 hours. Also did they make a rototiller attachment?? I took some pictures but not sure how to add them to the posts?? Thanks Ross Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
