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oldrigg

Help identifying model and year

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oldrigg

Have an older Wheel Horse mower and can't seem to figure out what it is. The model id under the dash is stamped "T-8", it could be the stamping isn't complete, can't find that model id anywhere.  Underneath that the serial number is 377965. It has a Kohler engine with model K181S, serial number on that B274431, spec No. 30108D, It has two small bulbs for lights on the front of the hood.

Does anyone know what Wheel Horse this would be and about what year it is? It looks like an older one, maybe late 60s or early 70s. Sorry I don't have any pictures on hand and don't have the machine close by but can get some next weekend if I need them. Can't figure out the idler pulley and how the belt drives the deck. Would there be a manual that would show how it should be hooked up?

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Brian01

What's the model number on mower?  Should be above or under serial number?

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rmaynard

Some pictures would help. The ID number T-8 should be T-8XX, There were only seven models that started with T-8, T-854, T-855, T-875, T-856, T-876, T-857, and T-877. 
The T-854 would be a round hood. All the others were square front. Is it automatic or manual. That too will narrow it down. The serial number may get us close, but sometimes they were deceiving as well.

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CasualObserver

Look more closely at that serial plate. There are two more numbers after the T-8..... You have an 8hp something from 65-67. Your options are 855 / 856 / 857 / 875 / 876 / 877 / 867

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oldrigg

Hey Brian01, the T-8xx is the model number as best I can make it out. The last two digits aren't visible on the plate or were too light to see. It could have been 5 7 but very light and sure if thats what it was or not. It does have a square hood and it is a manual. Would there be much difference between a T-855, T-856 or T-857? I didn't see these numbers in the list of manuals available?

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CasualObserver

I don't think there's many differences between the three speed 855 / 856 / 857. Minor changes.  To look them up you ignore the T- part.


If it were a six speed it's very easy, it would be an 867.

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gwest_ca

The 377965 looks like a 1967 serial number which would make the tractor a model 857 if it has 3 forward speeds. The highest 857 serial I've seen has been 372875.

Garry

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oldrigg

Some pictures of it if it helps. Do they normally come with the idler wheel by the idler pulley? Confused on how to hook up the belt to drive the deck. 

2050_1231julylawnmower0001.JPG

2050_1231julylawnmower0006.JPG

2050_1231julylawnmower0007.JPG

2050_1231julylawnmower0004.JPG

2050_1231julylawnmower0003.JPG

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CasualObserver

Yep... low and behold... an 867.  8 Hp  6 speed trans   1967 model year.

Oh, and there will be another belt to hook up the deck that goes around the three pulleys... I'll see if I can find you a pic
 

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rmaynard

Looks like an 867 to me.

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CasualObserver

This post shows what the pto to deck belt would look like.

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RedRanger

Some pictures of it if it helps. Do they normally come with the idler wheel by the idler pulley? Confused on how to hook up the belt to drive the deck. 

 

 

 

2050_1231julylawnmower0004.JPG

 

Odd pulley set up.  Maybe for some other attachment??
Looks like it has had other attachments bolted to the front of the frame.

My 867 for your view.
Day I bought it. Mower drive system.
The red idler pulley retainer strap should have been on the outside of the belt.
200.thumb.jpg.a3193335c7ac3cff0ebcfebe76
045.thumb.jpg.51cf787deaa3d76b463772bb3c

Edited by RedRanger
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AMC RULES
1967, first year for the 8 speed, hi/low trans...
which I've read was very late getting into production...
thus, making it onto very few of our '67 model year tractors. 

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gwest_ca
1967, first year for the 8 speed, hi/low trans...
which I've read was very late getting into production...
thus, making it onto very few of our '67 model year tractors. 

Serial 383029 is the highest 1967 serial I have recorded
Serial 381200 is the highest 867 serial recorded
Serial 380818 is the highest 1067 serial recorded
Serial 380578 is the highest 1267 serial recorded
Serial 377965 is the 867 in this thread
Serial 374404 is the lowest 1067 serial recorded
Serial 367508 is the lowest 1267 serial recorded
Serial 364882 is the lowest 867
 serial recorded
Serial 000955 is the lowest
 1967 serial I have recorded

Garry

 

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RedRanger

Now I have to check my serial number.

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oldrigg

Sorry, I couldn't get back earlier to thank you for all the information. I can't seem to post from my computer at home so had to wait until work today. RedRanger thank you for the photos. Very nice looking tractor you have there. That picture helps a lot. I'm not sure why my machine has that extra idler wheel or what it does but I tried to hook up a belt around it and it goes around but the that idler wheel gets really hot... the inside sleeve was starting to turn blue from getting so hot and then the belt came off. I think I can take that idler wheel off. Ours is missing that extra guide that bolts in front of the top pulley and I think thats where the idler wheel was fastened spinning on the bolt.  Have to try to figure out how to lower the blades next. Thank you again.

Edited by oldrigg
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krazy_horse

The only difference I see between yours and my 856 is the tranny. Your's looks like a very nice original.  krazy_horse

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RedRanger
1967, first year for the 8 speed, hi/low trans...
which I've read was very late getting into production...
thus, making it onto very few of our '67 model year tractors. 

You know, I've read some 1967 brochures that list the available models, and the 867 was not listed at all.  Your statement makes sense as to why earlier printed materials would not have listed the 867 model.

Sorry, I couldn't get back earlier to thank you for all the information. I can't seem to post from my computer at home so had to wait until work today. RedRanger thank you for the photos. Very nice looking tractor you have there. That picture helps a lot. I'm not sure why my machine has that extra idler wheel or what it does but I tried to hook up a belt around it and it goes around but the that idler wheel gets really hot... the inside sleeve was starting to turn blue from getting so hot and then the belt came off. I think I can take that idler wheel off. Ours is missing that extra guide that bolts in front of the top pulley and I think thats where the idler wheel was fastened spinning on the bolt.  Have to try to figure out how to lower the blades next. Thank you again.

They might have been using that "goofy" idler as a retainer for the belt??  Just a thought.
It looks pretty close to the drive pulley.  I'd remove it and see how the mower belt works with nothing there.  If you need to, you can make a belt guide hook from some steel rod and bend one up.


By the way, nice tractor.  A good cleaning and polish will work wonders.  Mine looked about the same when she followed me home.
041.thumb.jpg.392ce43b896b20fcabbdea4ef0
042.thumb.jpg.8332bfb621a4a4cfeca92414fe
004.thumb.jpg.2dc1c5fb7111d10e6603118706

Edited by RedRanger

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