HoosierDude 4 #1 Posted October 10, 2016 Greetings. Wanted to share this Wheel Horse that's been in my family for quite a while. My dad remembers, as a kid, accompanying his grandfather to an auction where he purchased it. Probably sometime in the 70's near Fort Wayne, IN. It's been in the family ever since, and I guess now it's my time to look after it. Just trying to get her started up, she ran well as recently as last Summer, but I think the battery has given up the ghost. The one on the tractor right now is a John Deere StrongBox TY25221. Is that correct? Can anyone give me some direction in finding the proper battery? Also, I think I've got starter problems, as in the starter not always engaging the flywheel. I haven't even driven this thing in probably 10 years and so far all I've done is washed her off and put some wax on the hood, so please bear with me if I'm off to a rough start here. I do know a thing or two about cars and bikes. Thanks! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #2 Posted October 10, 2016 You can use most any 12 volt battery that will fit, and the starter may just need a good cleaning...and by the way, nice 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,744 #3 Posted October 10, 2016 @HoosierDude Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIGman 2,006 #4 Posted October 10, 2016 to Thank you!! for your post and photos. A nice looking tractor you have there. . Good luck with your project. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #5 Posted October 10, 2016 VERY nice Electro 12.Looks to be a true survivor.Plus,it looks super clean.You can certainly tell a machine that's been in the same family for years.Have fun with your new toy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,618 #6 Posted October 10, 2016 Love to hear of that has been passed down through multiple generations of a family. Your starting problem could be caused by a bit of corrosion on the battery cables; clean and tighten all of the connections including the grounds. Also, a bit of dry graphite lubrication on the starter bendix couldn't hurt. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,612 #7 Posted October 10, 2016 Very nice tractor to start with. Glad to see it stay in the family. Welcome to Red Square! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,689 #8 Posted October 10, 2016 7 hours ago, roadapples said: You can use most any 12 volt battery that will fit, and the starter may just need a good cleaning...and by the way, nice Jay has the answer...clean and dry lube the Bendix. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HoosierDude 4 #9 Posted October 11, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the welcome and advice, guys. I put a new battery in, sprayed a couple shots of starting fluid, and she fired right up and purred like a kitten Well, maybe an old, hoarse cat Thanks for the advice on cleaning and lubing the bendix... that sounds exactly like what it needs. Didn't even know what a bendix was haha A couple of additional questions. Can someone briefly explain, or point me to simple reference on how the transaxle (correct term?) works? The fluid is probably at least a decade or two old... is that something I should think about changing? Or just check the level? Also, can any damage be done by driving the tractor with the relief valve open / in the towing position? asking for a friend Edited October 11, 2016 by HoosierDude an old kitten is called a cat haha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,618 #10 Posted October 11, 2016 34 minutes ago, HoosierDude said: The fluid is probably at least a decade or two old. If the fluid is a red color you will want to use ATF (Dextron) and if it is amber or clear it is 10W30. You should also change the filter, NAPA 1410 is the one you need. Sunstrand Hydro (part 1).pdf Sunstrand Hydro (part 2).pdf Sunstrand Hydro (part 3).pdf Sunstrand Hydro (part 4).pdf In the TOW position the tractor won't move, no harm; just no propulsion. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HoosierDude 4 #11 Posted October 11, 2016 Thanks for the info! 22 minutes ago, 953 nut said: In the TOW position the tractor won't move, no harm; just no propulsion. Interesting, so I was actually driving it around last night with the lever pointed in the TOW position and I thought "wow this thing is a lot slower than I remember!" It barely moved at all in reverse, but was operating at probably half forward speed. Closed the valve, tried again, and nearly popped a wheelie (exaggerating). Maybe my valve is partially blocked or not calibrated correctly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
