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2 old wheelhorses from late 50s/early 60s

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Brian01

NICE!! :handgestures-thumbupright:

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DennisThornton

I have owned 2 old wheelhorse tractors for about 20 years now, that were originally owned by my dad and uncle, and I'm finally ready to part with them.   I have questions about their value and the best approach to finding the right buyer.   I am located in St. Paul, MN

Wheelhorse 1:  Was owned by my dad, acquired around 1961-2.   I think it is a Suburban model, not sure.   Engine was replaced with more current Briggs 7hp.  steering wheel replaced, head light added, other modifications to go with an electric-start engine that was on it in the 70s.    I'm currently trying to get this one fully functional, (I have the mowing deck) but the Briggs has no spark and having trouble getting that fixed.    Am I wasting my time on the Briggs?   (Will any buyer immediately yank the engine and replace it with an original 4hp Koehler?)    I'm thinking this one might be worth around $300 if I get it fully functional and cleaned up...not sure if that is a pipe dream, considering it has so many non-original modifications to it?   In the attached pictures, it is the one with the family around it (that picture was taken in 1963) and the one with the blue seat (picture taken 9-21-15)

Wheelhorse 2:   Was owned by my uncle, I think he bought it brand new around 1959 or 1960?   I think it might be an RJ.   It is mostly original, but also not running.    I hope to get it running also.   It has a mower deck as well, and original tires, I have not seen any other wheelhorses of this vintage with those front tires.    I'm thinking with this one being more original with a Koehler engine on it, maybe it is worth more than the other one, though I'm not sure on that, and it probably depends on me getting it operational.   In the pictures below it is one the man (my uncle) riding it and looking at the camera, with the silver fish on the cabin behind it.   (I think the picture was taken in August, 1960.)  

If anyone wants to contact me about these I can be reached at farmerie@yahoo.com.    Otherwise, I'm just interested in hearing opinions on what I should do to maximize their value and make them visible to whoever would want them the most....also wondering what I can hope to get for them.

family-wheelhorse.JPG

wheelhorse_suburban_092115.jpg

August 1960 Wheelhorse005.jpg

This sort of provenance is worth it's weight in Wheel Horses!  Do make an effort to keep the history, the documentation, pictures and notes connected with the tractors intact!  So often all this is lost!  This is the kind of stuff that folks write books about!

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SylvanLakeWH

Very cool!
Thanks for the pics and video...
Echo comments above about keeping history with the tractors when they sell...
 

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Shirley B

I was wondering what my Wheelhorse tractor is worth and what year it is it was my fathers any information would be greatly appreciatedI was wondering what my Wheelhorse tractor is worth and what year it is it was my fathers any information would be greatly appreciated

6C3203D1-B153-42C5-929C-1D0E77092442.jpeg

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rmaynard

Not original wheels, seat, or steering wheel. Other things also make this a "Frankenhorse". Value is subject to finding a buyer who might be interested in a unique compilation of ideas. Year? 1960's hood, 70's transmission, late 50's early 60's seat. If you can find the ID tag, you may get a better idea of year of the basic tractor.

 

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