Help me identify this wheel horse

[Tgtack 779]

I need help identifying this tractor. It is suppossed to be a 1960 Suburban model 400. It has the 1960 front axle, but the engine controls and possibly the hood, look like a 1959 RJ. It has the solid seat which was a transition from 59 to 60, so is this a transitition model or someone's 59/60 combo tractor? It is close by me, and I am seriously thinking about getting it if it is a 1960 model (year I was born).

 

Thanks

[953 nut 60,326]

Hard to say, could be a 400 (1960) or a 401 (1961). The 400 should have a rectangular cut out for the throttle and choke controls and the 401 would have a round one with a cap to plug it, A previous owner must have done some body work and filled the opening. It looks nice, go get it!     

[Racinbob 11,984]

It's not an RJ hood. The seat definitely isn't original. No foot rests to maybe assist in the identification but even then, those are easily and often swapped. The only thing I can think of as a clue is the clutch/brake rod where it connects to the clutch arm. The rod was solid in 1960. In 1961 it had a threaded trunnion on the end for adjustment. 55+ years of parts swapping and tinkering but no harm, no foul. It looks nice and maybe represents Wheel Horse quite accurately since that happened so often. I'm with Richard, go get it.

 

Just noticed something else if I'm seeing it correctly. The clutch/brake pedal looks like a 60 but the view isn't too good.

[woodchuckfarmer 333]

Needs a belt guard and heat shield.    Wayne

[WHX?? 51,877]

 but repro can be had....go get it....

[rmaynard 16,363]

That style seat was along with the seat with holes were both used at that time.

 

 

[Tgtack 779]

I know the seat is correct for a 1960. The question is the throttle controls. Nearly all suburbans that I have seen, use the dual controls for choke and speed in the cutout. This one appears to have the earlier style horizontal throttle lever, and I don't ses a choke. Plus appears to have a silver push switch to the right of the column. So if this is really a 1960 suburban, then it must be a very early transition tractor using the older style hood before the hood with the cutout. I am new to Wheel Horse, so is harder for me to determine if correct or not.

[953 nut 60,326]

46 minutes ago, Tgtack said:

using the older style hood before the hood with the cutout.

The '58 and '59 RJ didn't have the recessed area where your throttle is located.       Don't know if   ever made a universal hood without the cutouts so the dealer could fit it to a 400 or 401;  though I doubt it.    If you can look under the hood you may be able to see a patch where the factory opening was sealed up. 

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

50 minutes ago, Tgtack said:

I know the seat is correct for a 1960. The question is the throttle controls. Nearly all suburbans that I have seen, use the dual controls for choke and speed in the cutout. This one appears to have the earlier style horizontal throttle lever, and I don't ses a choke. Plus appears to have a silver push switch to the right of the column. So if this is really a 1960 suburban, then it must be a very early transition tractor using the older style hood before the hood with the cutout. I am new to Wheel Horse, so is harder for me to determine if correct or not.

 

The thing about wheel horse, is that very often there really is no "correct" especially in the earlier years. There may be a "more common", but the ponds were notorious for using up what they had laying around.

 

The tiny details are just not a big deal on these years, they wont change the value significantly, save for a few exceptions. 

[Dhodge 528]

The 1961 Suburban hood had a crease that runs from gas cap to steering wheel.  The 1960 Suburban did not.  They only had the crease that runs along the top of the front tin and stoped where the hood tin connects to the front as pictured.

[AMC RULES 37,210]

 

28 minutes ago, Dhodge said:

The 1961 Suburban hood had a crease that runs from gas cap to steering wheel.  The 1960 Suburban did not.  They only had the crease that runs along the top of the front tin and stoped where the hood tin connects to the front as pictured.

 

 Refer back to Brandon's post #9 above...as there are no absolutes when dating early 's. 

Picts here are of my '61 model 401, showing no crease running it's entire length of the hood. 

[Dhodge 528]

Yes you are right AMC.  I did have a 1961 Suburban with a Clinton 1290 on it.  I see yours has the 1961 choke and throttle style cables as well.

how do I know yours isn't photo shopped?

[AMC RULES 37,210]

  Would be pretty hard to Photoshop a walk around video, right? 

 

[Dhodge 528]

I seen that video before but I'm still just as impressed.  I have seen most of your very nice collection through the site here. 

I sold off many from my collection, but it's hard to keep from looking and still harder to keep from buying.  I just purchased to and going this weekend to pickup another.  Maybe then I can stop before it gets outa hand like before.  

Getting back to the original post -- It looks as though the unit in question was one of the horses they made utilizing left over stock, like the RJ style throttle. 

[953 nut 60,326]

One thing is certain about Wheel Horse identification; when you know all there ever could be about every model a gotcha is just around the corner. The Ponds were masters of the change-up pitch and have generated all sorts of consternation on this site! Regardless of what year it was born that is a nice !  !  !

Edited May 8, 2017 by 953 nut

[ACman 7,655]

@Dhodge you know I'm just a phone call away to keep your herd in check ... went to your house to buy my first one came home with two (RJ59-702) now I'm at thirteen. Remember  of your finds and shop !

[wallfish 18,226]

The seat and pedal indicate 1960 400/550 tractor. Looks to me like the hood was repaired because it was probably chopped for a larger engine at one point, which is common. The indentation area under the steering wheel seems more defined than the gradual curve or roundness of the original hoods but that's just looking at the pics so...

Maybe pull the hood and inspect underneath for signs of repairs.

Don't let the hood stop you from scoring it,