953 nut 58,498 #1 Posted October 11, 2016 10-11-1960 Construction began on the 515 West Ireland Road Wheel Horse Factory The rapid growth of demand for Wheel Horse Garden Tractors was too much for the building that Pond had occupied for twelve years. On October 11, 1960, construction began on a new 46,500 square foot steel frame and masonry exterior factory building situated on 36 acres of land on Ireland Road, South Bend, IN. The new factory was ready for occupancy in August of 1961, the move from the old Pond factory on South Dixie Way (near Pond Street, wonder if this was one of the subdivisions built by Elmer Pond) took place in time for the next year’s production. The 1962 models were the first built in the new plant on Ireland Road. They included the 502, 552 and 702. All three models featured the new front mounted engine and cast iron cased transaxles. The business was acquired by American Motors (AMC) on May 24, 1974. The company paid $30 million as it expanded into non-automotive markets. In 1982, Wheel Horse was spun off from AMC to Munn Investment Group. During this time some cosmetic changes were made, but frame and attachment design remained the same. In mid-August 1986, Wheel Horse was sold off from Munn and purchased for $8 million by Toro. Tractors were built under the Toro banner for the next two decades. The Wheel Horse name was eliminated from production after 2007. Today the building is occupied by Lock Joint Tube, a specialty fabricator of metal tubing products used by diverse industries such as office furniture, automotive, health care, display fixtures and exercise equipment. Chandler Sales and Service located next to the old South Dixie Way factory is thought to be the first Wheel Horse dealership and may still be in business. Perhaps a member from the South Bend area can confirm this for us. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,642 #2 Posted October 11, 2016 Very interesting history and enjoyable educational reading, Thanks Richard! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #3 Posted October 11, 2016 Very good read. Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
illinilefttackle 399 #4 Posted October 11, 2016 Chandlers was bought out by WEAVER AG & POWER- they are just south on 933 from the old chandlers location- Thanks- Al 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,498 #5 Posted October 11, 2016 1 hour ago, illinilefttackle said: Chandlers was bought out by WEAVER AG & POWER- they are just south on 933 from the old chandlers location- Thanks- Al Are they a TORO Dealer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
illinilefttackle 399 #6 Posted October 12, 2016 They sell different brands- but they are a Toro dealer for parts- they have inventory from Chandlers- but also can order from Toro- At least one tech came from Chandlers- very experienced in Wheel Horse- Thanks- Al Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
