victor3ranger 11 #1 Posted October 31, 2013 I have got myself a Wheel Horse 551 I think and a Wheel Horse tiller, these are something that I want to rebuild and bring back to life if I can find the parts to do so. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,281 #2 Posted October 31, 2013 Welcome to Red Square...very nice horse and tiller...should be a good project to bring them back to life. Any numbers on the Tecumseh engine??? Should be H55D-2113 a 5.5 horse power Tecumseh/Lawson engine. The transmission is a WH # 5007. How did you find that in Oklahoma?? Give us the story behind this horse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #3 Posted October 31, 2013 Bwaaahaha! Beware the invasion of the Techy snatchers has begun. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SousaKerry 503 #4 Posted October 31, 2013 Nice starter tractor and a desirable implement to boot I wish I could have started with a "Nut Roaster" heck I wish I still had one. and Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #5 Posted October 31, 2013 I will have to look at the numbers on the motor tonight. The story behind this thing is I was asking around on a local shooting forum about old garden tractors. One gentelman from OKC contacted me and said he had a old Wheel horse tractor, belly mower, and tiller that he hasn't used since 1989. We talked for a while back and forth trying to figure out what he wanted in trade, is said he could use two boxes of 380 ammo, so I told him I would be there the next day, picked it up then headed west to pick up another tractor which was a Lawn Boy GT 18H (Ford LGT18H), when I got there the guy said just load it up and get it out of my hair, so I did. Brought home two tractors and a tiller for gas, ammo, and time. The GT 18H got some fresh gas, battery charge and it started right up. I have a feeling finding parts for this thing is going to be hard. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,281 #6 Posted October 31, 2013 If you are thinking that it will be hard to find parts for the 551...it looks like you have a fairly complete horse...and some of the harder to find parts are there (the foot rests and the hood does not look like it was cut up). I think you will be surprised that you can find the parts you need, and at a fair price. Doubt you will find them in OK, but we have some very good members in Kansas, Missouri, Texas and a couple in Nebraska that may be able to help. Also have some great members through out the central and north east...just have to ask...thanks for the pictures. There are some on here (including me) that may think you may want to leave it as it is (the finish on the horse)...it is only original once...this does not mean that you can't get it running and make it look nice. I am sure you will get some opinions on this...remember...it is your horse, but see what the members say. That tiller is really cool...WOW Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #7 Posted October 31, 2013 I was thinking the same thing about the paint. I do kindof like the rustic look of the little thing. My main goal right now is to get both engines running first and find another set of wheels all around for the tractor and a set that goes on the tiller. Is the tiller a rare thing?? If I can get the tiller going I want to fab up a hitch so I can use it behind other tractors, does that seem like a crazy idea? I wouldn't mess with the original hitch on the 551 or tiller. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #8 Posted October 31, 2013 Rarely see 'em anymore so...yeah, I think you could call the early tillers rare. Attempted to start either engine yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #9 Posted October 31, 2013 The only thing I have done so far is oil up all the hinge points, and moving parts. The key ignition on the 551 is froze so I can't even turn the key right now or even tell if either motot turns free. I don't want to pull on the rope too hard on the tiller yet for fear of it breaking off, the rope has already broken off the 551. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,281 #10 Posted October 31, 2013 Sir...I think you have the right idea in going forward with what you have. I do not know if the tiller is RARE, but I have not seen one in that good of shape. Are there any numbers on the tiller?? Let the members come in and see what they think...you have a great find there for sure...remember...only original once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #11 Posted October 31, 2013 Yes, the ID plate is still on the back and it still has a little sticker on the front with some numbers and above the numbers it has the wheel horse sticker. This is all on the tiller. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #12 Posted October 31, 2013 Can you post a pict of the tiller SN/ID tag? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,744 #14 Posted October 31, 2013 , and for the photos of your Wheel Horse. More will follow I am sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,411 #15 Posted October 31, 2013 Is the tiller a rare thing?? If I can get the tiller going I want to fab up a hitch so I can use it behind other tractors, does that seem like a crazy idea? I wouldn't mess with the original hitch on the 551 or tiller. I mentioned in your other thread your tiller is likely the matching 1961 model WT-241. Could be a 1962 model WT-242 too... but the designation is really irrelevant, Serial numbers were not documented and they both used the same engine. The Lauson V55D-2339P. Yes, parts will be harder to find, but not impossible. You just have to be diligent about looking. These tillers aren't what I'd call rare, but they are fairly scarce. I have one, I know a few members here who have them and I know of another within 30 miles of me for sale. You won't have to mess with the hitch to make it work with other tractors.... the 551 was the first tractor to use the two piece cast iron transmission casing and the cast iron slot hitch. That slot hitch was universal and fit nearly all models for the next 50 years. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hodge71 665 #16 Posted October 31, 2013 Would love to have one of those tillers for behind my boys 401…what an awesome accessory... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,411 #17 Posted October 31, 2013 Won't fit a 401 without making your own slot hitch or lift arm adapter. The 401 used the three piece transmission with the welded slot hitch. The welded version was smaller than the later cast version. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,086 #18 Posted October 31, 2013 I don't think you will need very many parts from the look of your photos. You may want to put the ignition switch in an "E Tank" to free it up. If you don't know about them just do a serch on here or the internet. Rather simple and it works. I agree that it looks cool in origional condition. Good luck and keep those posts coming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speedyleedy 205 #19 Posted November 1, 2013 You have a great couple nice things to get started in this great hobbie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #20 Posted November 1, 2013 Thanks guys for all the comments, I will post pics of the ID tags later this morning. I really hope these motors aren't toast after sitting for so long outside. I will try to find info about the "E tank", thanks for the headsup. I would have already had pics for this morning but Halloween got the better of me with taking the kids out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel Horse Kid 105 #21 Posted November 1, 2013 Welcome to Red Square! Great looking horse and tiller! Looks like your tractor is basically complete which is always good. Hopefully, you will be able to get them running soon. I have a 401 (1961 4 hp. Kohler) that is in similar shape to your's that I am going to do a preservation on (keep body original but have trans refurbed and put in new engine). Good luck with your project and keep us updated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC 1965 1,532 #22 Posted November 1, 2013 Hello and Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #23 Posted November 1, 2013 (edited) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ADeB6V1rQ Edited November 1, 2013 by AMC RULES 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser 100 #24 Posted November 1, 2013 nice score! very cool tractor and tiller. quite a fun project you have there. enjoy it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
victor3ranger 11 #25 Posted November 1, 2013 Great link to the rust removal. I can see that being used in the near future on many things. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
