1964 754 but is there enough proof????

[dw753 208]

Picked up what I believe is a 754 but the shifter decal is gone. The 7hp Kohler is correct by the numbers according to TT's list. It's definAtely a 64 with the steering wheel, toolbox, fenders, 5 lug hubs and key start. Is this enough to prove its a 754?

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[Racinbob 11,925]

I didn't know a 754 was even made. There was a 753, 704 and, of course the 854. There isn't one on the model list or in the 64 brochure. Doing an image search does bring up some 754's. Some leftover 753's rebadged as754?

[WH nut 553]

I don't believe that's a 64 model. the 704 gas tank is under the hood. I believe yours is older

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

Word on the street (i.e., heard it from multiple sources) is that Wheel Horse was having a tough time sourcing K181 kohlers some time in '64 so they were putting on easier to find 7hp K161 kohlers to make a last-minute model 754.

 

So basically its an 854 (which the tank is correct for) with a 7hp kohler in it instead. One thing to check is that it has the same long hood as the 854. (hangs out over the front hood mount a little)

Edited April 7, 2015 by bmsgaffer

[JimD 3,347]

I can't answer if it's a 754, but to answer racinbob, there were only a little over 400 of them made. (417 I think) They are RARE!!

[Racinbob 11,925]

That's interesting. It would definitely be a nice find then. Were they made because of the K181 shortage that Brandon mentioned?

[Racinbob 11,925]

Ever inquisitive, I did a search and found this. The twists and turns in the Wheel Horse history never ends. I love it!!

 

Was really glad to hear that a very, very good friend of mine decided to let one of his prized possessions go.  This is a 1964 Wheel Horse 754.  There were only 421 made back in the day.  This replaced the 854 as they had a shortage of K-181's but had some K-161's to use up.  Needless to say it became one of the more rare 60's models tractor.  He purchased this at an auction and brought it home and spruced it up.  I am glad to have it in the stable to say the least!

 

Oh oh! After blowing up that picture that doesn't look like a 64 steering wheel.

[Retired Wrencher 5,773]

I can't answer if it's a 754, but to answer racinbob, there were only a little over 400 of them made. (417 I think) They are RARE!!

    I always thought it was very hard to get an actual  production #`s  of Wheel/H tractors or is this on some models??? Gary B.....

[WheelHorse79 271]

Yes 754's do exist!  Here is the memo from Wheel Horse announcing their introduction in the Spring '64. 

[dw753 208]

Sorry guys I guess I should have started with the rarity of a 754.  I own another 754 and have sold one other one.  TT could answer better as to the question about 753 k161's being used or if they were k161's that were bought in 1964.  I know that he has started a list and Clay Brooks has a list of recorded 754's.  I am 90 percent sure this is one the only issue it has is the lack of shifter decal which would give the serial number of the tractor.  the engine already falls into those k161's recorded to as used on 754's.  anyway it also has the longer hood like the 854's so what i know is that it is a 1964 tractor so its either a 854 or 754 and with the engine having the numbers it has it has to be an elusive 754 with no serial number 

[WheelHorse79 271]

Sounds to me like it is a real 754 like you think.  If the only thing lacking is the serial number decal and all of the other evidence is there, then I say it's a real 754. If you're still in doubt and don't want it, I'll take it off your hands.    Did someone paint over the serial number decal (like they did the dash decal), or is it completely missing?  If some part of it is still there, you might be able to recover the serial #.

Edited April 8, 2015 by WheelHorse79