Looking at a couple different models.....interested in some "history/experiences".

[Wheelhorsedairyfarmer 13]

Alrighty, so I'm always browsing classifieds for my next horsie. 2 models I'm unfamiliar with. First off is the GT-2500 Anniversary Special.....what makes it so special? And I'm going to stay calm when I say this, but why in the heck is there a briggs motor on a horse!!??! Ok, now to my next curiosity. The SK-486.......just really curious about it. The one I saw has a K341 Kohler on it.....was this a limited edition tractor? Looks to me like its just a C-161 8 speed with a different hood decal. Just interested if anyone has these, and any history behind these tractors. It probably sounds like a dumb question, but hey, I'm curious.

[Ken B 3,189]

I really have no experience with either one. The SK-486 does look to be a pretty heavy duty machine. The GT-2500 Anniversary Special seems to get no attention, could be because of the Briggs under the hood and the fact that  there really is nothing special about it other than the decal. I'm not sure how many Anniversary Specials they made but if the numbers were limited then sooner or later they might get some attention. I know a guy that has one that I asked about a few times. He wants too much for it because of that decal on the hood! I think it would look nice with a real nice restoration and detailed out to the max.....I'd leave the Briggs on it.

[varosd 1,185]

Other more learned folks will chime in but the GT-2500 was a cobbled together rig of "leftover" parts to include Briggs engine...not really special.  The SK stands for Kohler just as the SB stands for Briggs.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,500]

The SB-421 and SK-486 use a 5086 8-speed transmission with 4 pinion gears and 1" axles. Not sure where all it was used but some of the applications at Toro are not correct.

 

Garry

[SousaKerry 503]

 

Both of those tractors were cobled together by the factory to use up old part stocks and I think as test beds to see if anyone would buy the briggs motored tractors with lighter rear ends. 

 

Obviously after the AMC cost cutters went away in 1984 all these light duty odd balls went away, and they got back to making good tractors again.  Unfortunately the one thing that did stick around from that era was them dang LT series hoods, spelled the end of the expensive to manufacture Black Hoods

[Wheelhorsedairyfarmer 13]

I've got a couple things with Briggs engines on them, pressure washer, generator and a push mower. I've got no complaints on them at all. But if I put a combined 10 hours a year on them all, the bulk going to the generator in a power outage, that's alot of use in my world. I just don't know if they have what it takes to run a horse they way the Kohlers do. 

[can whlvr 994]

pretty sure the briggs was used to keep costs down,but the sk486 looks like a nice a nice tractor

[boovuc 1,090]

Gwest hit it earlier in the post. The SK and SB's were created to use parts inventories. There is nothing wrong with the 4 pinion rears for 95% of what most of us use these horses for. The 5% that plow, till and pull on the other hand see the benefits of the heavier rears.

On the B&S powered "Specials", many were introduced into Wheelhorse models due to a shortage of Kohler engines during some model years. I know I read on here sometime ago that the shortages were due to either strikes at Kohler or something along those lines. Possibly not being able to negotiate contracts, etc.

(Help me out WH history buffs).

I never had a big twin or big single B&S but know several owners of "Horses" and old Sears Suburbans that have them and other than a thrust bearing and some funky carb troubles, they are a good engine with regular maintenance. The SB and SK's are still a WheelHorse Garden Tractor and didn't have anymore cheaper parts in them than the Onan powered 300, 400 & 500's with crappy electrical connectors, cheap fuse holders and thin vinyl seats that most of us replaced as they aged.

There are always weak parts or components on any material thing we purchase. Washers, dryers, cars, trucks, cell phones and PC's. I guess if your Wheelhorse has a few issues with components after 2, 3, 4, or 5 decades of age and use, they must have been built right!

[BOWTIE 226]

I've got a SK486 I bought new. The SK-486 I bought new and it the same as a C160 except for the 1"axle/4pinion rear end. there is one for sale on craiglist here in central Ohio for 850 and it doesn't look to bad. here is a picture of mine unrestored.

BOWTIE IN COLUMBUS

[Wheelhorsedairyfarmer 13]

Bowtie, I think you're looking at the same SK I was! And your's is unrestored?! Wow! It's a beauty! 

[BOWTIE 226]

Yes, It's in Galena. I think it has been painted. Have you seen it in person?