Dnalsae 2 #1 Posted July 6, 2016 I but a mid engine wheel horse tractor a year and a half ago under the assumption it was a rj-59. I brought it to tractor show and was told it was a 1960. Upon further research I am now unsure as to what I have. It has the swept front axle so I know it is a 1960 or 61. And I have the 2 piece unidrive transmission. Also a pull type throttle. Was the suburban 551 the only tractor with this arrangement? Also it has a rectangle access hole in the dash versus a round one if that makes a difference. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedHorse54 578 #2 Posted July 6, 2016 Pictures would help us tell you what you have! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,249 #3 Posted July 6, 2016 Sounds like a 1960 suburban with the wrong throttle cable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dnalsae 2 #4 Posted July 6, 2016 It has the hole for the push-pull cable next to the steering shaft. My main question is which models of mid engine tractors had the unidrive? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,469 #5 Posted July 6, 2016 unidrive=551 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,947 #7 Posted July 6, 2016 The hood isn't a very good indicator of the year in itself. It's an often, and very easy, item to swap out. The rectangular cutout does scream 1960 but the 2 piece transmission case confirms a 551. That model along with the 701 were the first with the 2 piece 5007 transmission. A couple of guys at the show were trying to claim that there was a rare model 500 that was a 1960 with a 2 piece case. With the way Wheel Horse did things back not much would surprise me but I'd have to see some hard evidence. A 551 with a 400 hood does not equal a 500. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,137 #8 Posted July 6, 2016 Over a half century of previous owner modifications can cloud the issue when it comes to identification of a vintage . I agree with @Racinbob, 551 with a 400 hood, but we still . 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,655 #9 Posted July 6, 2016 I agree with my fellow Horseoholics ! Some would really help . This not only helps you , but also others trying to learn the difference between models. (Like me) Consider becoming a SUPPORTER , it makes posting pictures a lot easier. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dnalsae 2 #10 Posted July 6, 2016 Here are some pictures. I hope these help. Sorry about it being in pieces as I was in the middle of restoring it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,499 #11 Posted July 6, 2016 Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,154 #12 Posted July 6, 2016 Bob got it right. Everything but the hood looks 551 to me Hood is 1960 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dnalsae 2 #13 Posted July 6, 2016 Well that puts me in a predicament then doesn't it. I guess I could look for a correct hood. But for now I will make it look as good as I can. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,947 #14 Posted July 7, 2016 Please don't let the hood discourage you. That's a dandy you have there. You could put 60 controls on it and be good to go or sooner or later a 61 hood will come along. Richard is spot on in post #8. There are far fewer true 'originals' out there than many want to believe. I do love originals and seeing folks strive for accuracy but there's nothing wrong with a combination of years.. That's really one of the many great things about these little tractors. So many parts are interchangeable over the years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. 23 #15 Posted July 7, 2016 (edited) look at the hood support. i'm not an expert and could be wrong, but isn't that the same support as an rj 58/59 would have? any suburban '60 or '61 i have ever messed with had a different support more like a firewall. Edited July 7, 2016 by Andrew D. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dnalsae 2 #16 Posted July 7, 2016 Ok thanks everyone. I am going make it a 400 with a 2 piece transmission. As I have already aquired a k91T 4 hp kohler. Someday I will find a 5.5 hp tecumseh and a 551 hood. I will just catch hell from the old timers at the tractor shows that I attend until it is perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,947 #17 Posted July 7, 2016 9 minutes ago, Dnalsae said: Ok thanks everyone. I am going make it a 400 with a 2 piece transmission. As I have already aquired a k91T 4 hp kohler. Someday I will find a 5.5 hp tecumseh and a 551 hood. I will just catch hell from the old timers at the tractor shows that I attend until it is perfect. No, you won't. You'll just get a lot of praise for a nice tractor. I'm one of those 'old timers'. The first Wheel Horse I drove was a brand new 400 that my Dad bought new. I recently finished restoring that very same model and no, it's not 100% original. It's the way I wanted it. The 500 Special I'm doing now won't be per the books either. 19 minutes ago, Andrew D. said: look at the hood support. i'm not an expert and could be wrong, but isn't that the same support as an rj 58/59 would have? any suburban '60 or '61 i have ever messed with had a different support more like a firewall. I can see why you think that but no, it's not an RJ. The 551 made room for the battery with that frame. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew D. 23 #18 Posted July 7, 2016 learn something new everyday , thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dnalsae 2 #19 Posted July 7, 2016 Alright thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,947 #20 Posted July 7, 2016 14 minutes ago, Andrew D. said: learn something new everyday , thank you I may be an old timer but I learn something new here everyday too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites