Difference between 550 and 400?

[Skeeters65 45]

Besides engine what is different and how to tell them apart?

 

Thanks

[slammer302 2,156]

The 550 had a different hood stand so the battery could fit inside it for the electric start

[russellmc301 600]

The 400 has pull start the 550 has electic start

the 400 has a 4hp kohler the 550 has a 5.5 engine lauson.

the 550 has different belt guard and hood stand then the 400

has a more rounded looking uni dive the the 400.

sure there is more but thats what ive gathered

400 tranny

550 tranny end cap

 

Edited August 19, 2016 by russellmc301

[stevasaurus 23,236]

Sorry Russel...the transmissions for the 400 and the 550 are the same...WH #5010.  The case half you are showing would be WH #5007 for the 551 & 701.    And BTW...the transmission that you have pictured in your 1st picture is a WH #5003 for the 58 & 59 RJs.  Notice the brake band is mounted vertical where it bolts on the trans.  The #5010 brake band would bolt higher and at a 45 degree angle. 

Edited August 19, 2016 by stevasaurus

[Racinbob 11,888]

Also, that pretty transmission you have pictured is a 5003 for a RJ not a 400.

 

11 hours ago, slammer302 said:

The 550 had a different hood stand so the battery could fit inside it for the electric start

 

The 400 and 550 hoodstands were identical. The battery that year was under the seat. In 1961 the hoodstand was changed to accommodate the battery.

Edited August 19, 2016 by Racinbob

[WHX?? 51,426]

Not impossible for a early 400 to have 5003 tranny tho as they might have trying to use up 59 parts in early '60 or a dealer swap of some sorts. Never know what craziness went on back in the day!

Is a nicely done rear end there tho Russell regardless!

[Racinbob 11,888]

That's possible Jim but I think unlikely. The idler pulley operated in opposite ways. The 5003 used a flat idler pulley that pushed down on the belt to tighten it.

[stevasaurus 23,236]

Probably not Jim...although if you change out the left side plate that works.  It is the plate that makes it a 5003 or a 5010 on the outside.    Plus, like Bob said...the difference in the tension pulleys.

Edited August 19, 2016 by stevasaurus

[WHX?? 51,426]

Is that rear end off your 400 Sub. Russell?

[CasualObserver 3,410]

1 minute ago, WHX7 said:

Is that rear end off your 400 Sub. Russell?

That's @MikesRJ restored RJ58 transmission.

[CasualObserver 3,410]

The only real differences between the 400 and the 550 is unfortunately the engine and the electrical start components, and possibly the hood. The 550 had fenders and toolbox standard, the 400 may or may not have come with the option of fenders and toolbox so even that is not tell-tale.

 

Examine the toolbox under the seat (if there is one) for any extra holes that would be from a solenoid mounting spot or evidence that there was a battery sitting in there. Also look just to the right of the steering column in the dash. Is the dash solid, is there a hole, or is there a plug? If it's solid, or there is a plug, your tractor was a 400, if there is a hole, the tractor might have been a 550. (also might not, because there could have been a plug and it was lost.)

 

Early 400 (no hole or plug)

 

Later 400 (with knock out plug in ignition hole)

 

[russellmc301 600]

11 hours ago, WHX7 said:

Is that rear end off your 400 Sub. Russell?

well i wish but mine only has the handle by the brake pad that is different so it is a newer one.

i guess everytime i go on my info spree i'm wroung, sorry for the wroung info.

 ive only seen 551's and never a 550 so i figured they where about the same.

 

[Racinbob 11,888]

You're doing good Russell. Wheel Horse did so many crazy things in the earlier years that it's impossible to keep everything straight or know for sure what was factory original on most things. That's part of all the fun we have here. 

[stevasaurus 23,236]

I've always learned a lot more being wrong then I ever have being right.  So just don't quit trying to help.    Actually, often times here, there is no right or wrong...just a lot of head scratching. 

[ACman 7,631]

 , as beginner in this  hobby and forum , I know the feeling.  . I try to help where I can , sometimes right , sometimes wrong , but that's how I learn . With all the different models and the Ponds frugalness , it's like being in school again , except without all the  !

[wallfish 17,891]

To answer the original thread question, IMO @CasualObserver hit the nail directly on the head and provided all the correct information to it.