So, what makes the 800 "Special" so... special?

[Old Ways 30]

I have the chance to pick on of these up for round-about $75...  I'll be getting pics of it tonight to show you guys so you can help me judge whether or not to get it, as I'm pretty new to the horse stuff.

I was wondering what made the 800 so special.  I know they use a Briggsy, instead of the Kohler or Techie but what else is different?  I don't want to buy a model that I won't be able to find attachments or parts for, although the Briggs appeals to me because I'm more familiar with working on that platform.  

Any help is appreciated!  Thanks!

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe they called it a "special" because it was a tractor made out of left over parts. Not 100% sure of that fact with this model, but I know they did that with other "special" models in the past. The main downside is that it did not come with the Wheel Horse Uni Drive Trans. It came with a Peerless. More of a lower range cost tractor. I believe they were made in 1971. It should have the pre attach-a-matic system and implements should not be to hard to find .

 

I have a basically complete parts 800 Special tractor in my backyard (minus engine), so if you get it and need any parts for it, be sure to let me know!

[Old Ways 30]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe they called it a "special" because it was a tractor made out of left over parts. Not 100% sure of that fact with this model, but I know they did that with other "special" models in the past. The main downside is that it did not come with the Wheel Horse Uni Drive Trans. It came with a Peerless. More of a lower range cost tractor. I believe they were made in 1971. It should have the pre attach-a-matic system and implements should not be to hard to find .

 

I have a basically complete parts 800 Special tractor in my backyard (minus engine), so if you get it and need any parts for it, be sure to let me know!

 

So it's more-or-less Wheel Horse's way of getting rid of surplus parts between series/style changes?   Good marketing idea, especially when these models would be in limited supply.

Is there anything I should look out for on the Peerless?  What kind of rear lift would this unit use? 

Thanks!

Edited November 7, 2013 by Mr. Bass-Man

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe they called it a "special" because it was a tractor made out of left over parts. Not 100% sure of that fact with this model, but I know they did that with other "special" models in the past. The main downside is that it did not come with the Wheel Horse Uni Drive Trans. It came with a Peerless. More of a lower range cost tractor. I believe they were made in 1971. It should have the pre attach-a-matic system and implements should not be to hard to find .

 

I have a basically complete parts 800 Special tractor in my backyard (minus engine), so if you get it and need any parts for it, be sure to let me know!

 

So it's more-or-less Wheel Horse's way of getting rid of surplus parts between series/style changes?   Good marketing idea, especially when these models would be in limited supply.

Is there anything I should look out for on the Peerless?  What kind of rear lift would this unit use? 

Thanks!

 

Your welcome!

 

Yes, that is correct. I believe it was made out of surplus parts (They did this with the Wheel Horse 603 and a few other models). Yes, it was a great way to get rid of extra parts for sure.

 

I would just check the normal on the Peerless: seals, fluid level, make sure it shifts if all gears good and rolls good. Again, it will not be the heavy duty Wheel Horse Uni Drive, but should be ok.

 

As far as lift goes, you will have a mid manual lift for deck, plow etc. As far as a rear lift goes, the only thing you should have (or at least mine has) is a  small reciever hitch mounted to trans (This is not a normal wheel horse receiver hitch and is not connected to any type of lift cable)

[Old Ways 30]

Wait, is it the same trans as the JD 110/112, and 200 series?  If so, it'll be pretty much on par with the WH trans from my knowledge.

So I won't really have the option of a rear lift unless I rig something?

[ol550 830]

Wait, is it the same trans as the JD 110/112, and 200 series?  If so, it'll be pretty much on par with the WH trans from my knowledge.

So I won't really have the option of a rear lift unless I rig something?

No it is not the same as the Deere and Massey transaxle.  It is somewhat lighter.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

Wait, is it the same trans as the JD 110/112, and 200 series?  If so, it'll be pretty much on par with the WH trans from my knowledge.

So I won't really have the option of a rear lift unless I rig something?

 

ol550 is right. The trans is a Peerless 1400 whereas the John Deere 110 used a Peerless 2300. The trans on the 800 Special is light duty and is not like a Wheel Horse Uni Drive or John Deere 110/112 or 200 series at all. I think the 800S is more of a lawn tractor then a garden tractor.

 

Like I said before, it was an economical tractor as it did not have a Kohler or a Uni Drive trans. Nothing wrong with that, just will not be as heavy duty as a regular Wheel Horse.

 

If you are ok with that, go for it. If not, I would wait for a Wheel Horse with a Kohler and a Uni Drive trans. Just my 2 cents.

 

If you get it, yes, you would have to fab up some kind of rear lift.

 

Hope this helps,

Taylor

[Old Ways 30]

Okay, here are pics of this rig...  It doesn't run, and I don't think it has the belt guards.  Based on how rare I've seen these guards are, I'm not interested in it.

 

Edited November 8, 2013 by Mr. Bass-Man

[Old Ways 30]

I'm not liking how skimpy that rear part of the frame looks, either... 

 

 

Thanks guys.  I'm not usually one to turn down a cheap tractor, but I'm tired of projects and I'm looking for something with some reliability to it.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Mr. Bass-Man

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

The trans looks like it has a leak. I do have the belt guard it is missing that I would sell you if you decide to get it.

 

If the blade and chains are nice, you would not be getting a bad deal at $75. They alone are worth more than that by themselves. You could keep the blade and chains for another tractor and maybe either get this one running and sell it or sell it as non running if you don't want to keep it. Just something to think about.

 

I really don't think it is too bad of a deal for $75.

[Old Ways 30]

The trans looks like it has a leak. I do have the belt guard it is missing that I would sell you if you decide to get it.

 

If the blade and chains are nice, you would not be getting a bad deal at $75. They alone are worth more than that by themselves. You could keep the blade and chains for another tractor and maybe either get this one running and sell it or sell it as non running if you don't want to keep it. Just something to think about.

 

I really don't think it is too bad of a deal for $75.

 

The blade and chains aren't in the $75 price-tag.  Otherwise, it'd alread be on my trailer.  He's wanting another $175 for them.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

 

The trans looks like it has a leak. I do have the belt guard it is missing that I would sell you if you decide to get it.

 

If the blade and chains are nice, you would not be getting a bad deal at $75. They alone are worth more than that by themselves. You could keep the blade and chains for another tractor and maybe either get this one running and sell it or sell it as non running if you don't want to keep it. Just something to think about.

 

I really don't think it is too bad of a deal for $75.

 

The blade and chains aren't in the $75 price-tag.  Otherwise, it'd alread be on my trailer.  He's wanting another $175 for them.

 

Oh ok. I would pass then if I were you.

[none 4]

On 11/7/2013 at 6:15 PM, Dane in PA said:

Okay, here are pics of this rig...  It doesn't run, and I don't think it has the belt guards.  Based on how rare I've seen these guards are, I'm not interested in it.
glad i seen these pictures i bought one did not no nothing about it ,,,like a needle in a hay stack