Needing Help In Identifying A Wheel Horse Tractor

[pezsox 31]

I am trying to locate some information as to the model and year of the Wheel Horse tractor my in-laws have. Obviously, like all Wheel Horse tractors, this machine was used like a rented mule. I was only able to find a few distinguishable marks. One down by the stick shifter that says A15-8 and the other on the side of the engine that says Kohler. If someone could look at the pics as to what we have and could give me some directive as to where to find engine codes or other markings I would be glad to look for them. This tractor has a lot of memories and I would hate that it just sits and rots away. I have wanted to get it refurbished as a present to them, but I literally have no idea where to start. Thanks 

[Jake Kuhn 1,581]

That is a 1958 RJ58. That looks like a great start to a restoration and I do see the hard to find sickle bar setup on it too? The engine is either a clinton or a kohler. If its a kohler the serial plate is near the carburetor on the left side of the tractor if you were sitting on it., if its a clinton it will be on the right side of the tractor, but its probalby blocked by that cover that is bolted to the hood.  By the way...

 

Jake

another thing to add. Don't toss out the muffler! If you can save it, its worth a decent amount of money. Those are pretty hard to find in good shape.

[wallfish 18,630]

WELCOME to the forum!

 

Jake is right, RJ-58. The original model/serial# sticker is probably long gone like most of them but it would have been on top of the left side frame rail, up near where the hood is bolted to the frame. Engine should have a plate on the front side of the blower housing up near the carb like Jake said if it's still there. Definitely not a Clinton, could be a K90 or a K91. The numbers on the transmission are casting codes and could stand for A15= Jan 15 and the 8=1958

 

The hood looks to be in perfect condition except for some rust. The heat shield attached on the right side is not factory. It is missing a belt guard but reproductions are available. Ask if they still have the cutting bar for that sickle bar, they are a very sought after attachment for the RJs.

 

I hate to see it rot too. There's not much to these little tractors so cleaning it up and getting it running again is not a huge task. You came to the right place for help to get going on it. Start by getting it out of the weather. Check the engine to see if it turns over or if it's locked up. Drain the trans oil and look for water, hopefully it's not too bad, I see it still has the rubber boot on the shifter. 

[953 nut 62,314]

 WOW, you married well, your inlaws have an RJ, was that part of the dowry?

 

Lots of us have found RJs that weren't half that good and brought them back to life, as a mater of fact you will find a couple of restoration projects on the restoration forum. Any specific questions and problems and a posting will get a prompt responce. This is the greatest site!            

[pezsox 31]

upon further inspection it definately is a Kohler. I have also included the attachments that they still have with the unit.A few have mentioned the bar.. which part is that? You guys have been a great help. I cannot stand the thought of this just sitting there. I really would like to get this restored, but at the very least, I want to get it running. I am certainly not an engine man. Would a tractor/lawnmower dealer be able to handle something like this, or is there a "Wheel Horse Master" that you recommend to send this to? This is definately a very cool website and forum.

[wallfish 18,630]

The bar under the frame with the large pulley and the foot pedal to engage it is part of a CBR-32 sickle bar. It appears that someone removed the cutting bar and mounted a snow/dozer blade to it. Any engine shop should be able to handle the engine. Most of them don't like to work on old stuff but it doesn't hurt to ask.

[953 nut 62,314]

Some tool rental stores and golf cart shops have good mechanics working for them that may moonlight repairing old engines. The disks look a lot like a Standard Twin walk behind tractor I had. Keep us posted.

 

[pezsox 31]

well upon further review... it looks like there is a plate welded in the front for no reason, one of the front wheel is pretty toast. I am going to hopefully start this restoration process in a couple of weeks. I finally talked her into letting me restore it. I told her no matter how bad I was, I know I could get it back to a state where it could sit in a pasture. haha.

 

Any help would be great. I currently know I am looking for a pulley cover, a front wheel, factory heat shield.

 

how do you know if it is a Kohler K90 or a K91?