Wheel Horse 1276 information

[4stringdude 14]

Hi all!

 

I am new to this forum. In fact I do not own a Wheel Horse... yet. I am making arrangements to look over a Wheel Horse 1276 some day this week.

I am asking for things I should pay particular attention to as I examine the tractor. I am attaching a picture, in case that helps.

 

I have recently purchased a plot of land. I need to mow and work about  5 acres  (more like 1.5-2). I would love to use my tractor for working a small food plot for deer.

Do you think I'm going the right direction with this sort of tractor.

 

Thanks in advance,

Tim

Edited May 1, 2017 by 4stringdude

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,260]

I have the sister to this tractor! A 1076 that even came with the same color seat lol I don't know what your mechanical ability is that will determine a lot as far as what can be wrong with the tractor and not deter you from buying it. Some typical thing to look for are in the engine such as does it smoke, knock, miss, etc. Cosmetically it doesn't look too bad and the 1276 is a good tractor. Make sure the hydrostatic transmission works and works well. Repair of those transmissions can be very costly for sure. I know that there are some who will be along to give you more specific lookouts than me and you will learn a lot here! Would I use it to mow 5 acres, No. I would find a different horse for that, but that is just my 2 cents for what it is worth. Good luck!

 

Mike

[4stringdude 14]

Thanks for the info. I am quite mechanical and can repair machines as needed. However, I do want a tractor that is not in need of constant repair. That would just be a drag when I need to get work done.

 

What am I looking for with the transmission? Will I detect slippage, failure to engage? I am unfamiliar with a hydro-static transmission in a garden tractor. I've never had a garden tractor. Previously I've had riding mowers. They had a clutch of some sort.

 

I have to say, I overstated the 5 acres. Realistically, I would only be mowing about 1.5-2 acres. The rest can go wild for the time being. The entire area is quite level and treeless.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,260]

Well that changes things a little bit. 1.5-2 acres would be fine for that machine in my opinion. If the tractor runs, make sure you drive it around and take it up and down hills, especially in reverse. If the tractor slows down and feels like it may come to a stop then you have issues with the hydrostatic pump. Also, if you have to push it without running it make sure to disengage the transmission before doing so. You can read all about it in the manual that I have given you the link for below.

 

 

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,371]

Nice looking unit you found. I have a 1277 (same tractor just one year newer) that was my dedicated mowing tractor up until a rod came through the block last summer, still haven't gotten that back together. As Mike stated above, be sure and check the hydro out good, another way you can check is to chain it to a tree or solid object, and see if the tires dig in when you engage the transmission. The hydro can't be beat for mowing, and maybe even plowing snow. But, my opinion, if you are going to be doing any serious amount of ground engaging work, then a gear drive transmission may be a better option. I love my hydro for mowing but the big jobs get saved for my C-125 8-speed.

 

Oh and forgive my manners 

[WHX?? 51,885]

 Tim

That tractor is certainly capable to mow the 1-2 acres you might have but professor is right about the ground attachments for working that deer plot. A gear drive would be better suited.

46 minutes ago, 4stringdude said:

that is not in need of constant repair

Expect to do some repair on a 50 yo tractor like that. Usually fixing jury rigs a PO might have done to it & catching up on maintenance items it may have never got. Is that a old  license plate over the mower discharge? I wouldn't  be afraid to add it to my herd, my 1257 is the nicest running Kohler I have.

[4stringdude 14]

Thanks for the feedback. I knew I came to the right place! Doing repairs is something I expect. It seems that parts are available if you look hard enough.

 

The food plot is not a priority, just a nice to do.

 

One of the reasons I am looking at this 1276 is the additional items that come with it. They include a set of ag tires, chains, wheel weights, a blade and a small dump cart.

The package seems irresistible for the price. They are asking, $600. It seems to me that if the mower is good, I am getting a great deal.

[WHX?? 51,885]

Does sound like a good buy then... wheel weights alone go for 150 and they don't wear out!

Any chance it comes with a black seat tho?!?!

[stevasaurus 23,301]

Welcome to Red Square.  That horse appears to be in great shape, and should clean up easily.  I have an 876 automatic, and I love the hydro.  My horse has the same transmission as the one you are looking at.  My frame is a touch shorter and the engine is an 8hp.  Your 12 hp and that deck will handle your mowing needs and will be a pleasure to use.  If you have to push the tractor, to load it, make sure you lift the seat and open the tow valve on the left side of the trans.  Mine uses a 1/2" open end wrench.  Check your manual to see where it is.  You only need about 1/2 turn to open the valve.  Let us know. 

If that horse runs as good as it looks...$600 is a steal for all that goes with it.

[4stringdude 14]

Thanks again for the info. Good to know about tow valve.

 

Steve and Jim, it's great to see some other Navy vets on this forum. I served '78-86, DS1, 3 years aboard the USS Fox CG-33. Two WestPac cruises extended into the IO and Persian Gulf. Good times!

 

Regards,

Tim

[WHX?? 51,885]

Well thank you for your service Tim I didn't notice.  Lots of us squids here. '77 to '00 myself, IC1(SS) & been on too many ships & deploys to count!  Don't tell anyone but @stevasaurus has never been on a ship!  Me thinks he was a spook & he won't say as then he'd have to kill us!

[4stringdude 14]

4 minutes ago, WHX11 said:

Don't tell anyone but @stevasaurus has never been on a ship!  Me thinks he was a spook & he won't say as then he'd have to kill us!

 

LOL! We had a Spook Shack on the Fox. I had one piece of equipment in their space. Every time I had to PM or repair the equipment, they had to "sanitize" the area. Then keep a watch on me the entire time I was there.

[stevasaurus 23,301]

I was a CT 70-74.  After the Pueblo incident,  they pulled all CTs off of ships.  They were starting to put them back on as I was getting out, but the ships were much larger then trawlers...add that to the winding down of Viet Nam, I just kept getting extended in Winter Harbor, Maine and my 1 year tour there turned into 33 months total. 

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362]

You Navy guys no speak regular.(I love the smell of Av gas and JP4 in the morning). By the way Welcome to Red Square. I think 600.00 would be a good price if the motor and trans work good. 

[KC9KAS 4,744]

@4stringdude  to  from 1 Hoosier to another!

[Sarge 3,465]

Personally , I'd ****** it up even if the trans is weak - use that as a bargaining chip . The later model piston units will bolt into that tractor with very little effort and with it being a late 60's model is about as simple as they come , especially for using attachments due to not having full floor foot rests . I've had a 1277 for a very long time and despite the things I've broken on it not one regret , other than the abuse I've given it over the years . That one is getting the rebuild it deserves this year and some well earned upgrades as well . It is one of the best horses made in my opinion , very simple to work on and pretty much bulletproof . Not to mention the farm tractor look...lol.

 

Sarge

[4stringdude 14]

Sarge,

 

Thanks for the input. I am finally getting a look at it tonight. If all goes well, I'll be giving it a new home.

 

Thanks

Tim

[4stringdude 14]

Well, this was a bust! I got to the sellers home and found myself in the midst of a domestic dispute. The wife says "it's for sale" but the husband says "it's not for sale." I had to say "goodbye." There was no way I was getting in the middle of their disagreement. I am sadly disappointed.

[Tgtack 779]

Welcome, I just bought a 1276, and I have it completely torn down. Tomorrow I will post up all the items I found and that you should look for.

 

Oops, just saw the previous post, so sorry. I will still post up a list to look for in the morning. I see you are in Muncie, get in touch with me, and I will try to keep you informed of what I find for sale. You can text me if you wish at four one nine five seven three two one two two.

Edited May 10, 2017 by Tgtack

[Sarge 3,465]

There have been quite a few 1277's show up in the last few years despite them being a bit rare in overall numbers . If nothing else , I've seen 3 in the last year show up on FB tractor and general buy/sell groups - might want to join a few in your area and keep an eye open . There was a really nice one that got parted up in Michigan - it was just too far to go after for me at the time .

 

Sarge