Most Desireable Roundhood??

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,590]

I am looking at buying a roundhood as I have never owned one. I have a few maroon stripes and 520 and a C175. Please do not let you heart reply rather if you were a collector looking to find a nice roundhood, which one would you want and why ? I really like the looks of the mid mount motor tractors however would like to have one that has a front mounted Kohler engine with electic start. So... knowing what I would like

(front mounted Kohler with electic start roundhood) what do you think I shoud look at? I would be interested in a possible trade for my 417-8. Thanks-

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

That doesn't leave too many choices, Steve.

701, 702, 753, 754, & 854 are your options -- and as far as I'm concerned, they're all good! :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,590]

TT,

Okay, good point I guess I am limiting myself. I guess i should just ask this... which roundhood / motor combo is most desireable... thanks-

[Guest fireman]

Steve,

I have both with the RJ58 and 61 Suburban being the mid-mount "Nut Roasters" and the 702 being front mount engine w/electric start. As far as nostalgia goes to me the 58 is the quintessential Wheel Horse that is obtainable. For me it defines the origin. A Lever Steer , Ride-Away Senior , RJ55,56 or 57 would be tops on my list but those are rare and highly unlikely for me to ever find (at a decent price and close enough).

So with that said, to me the 58 is the only way to go if you are looking for a round hood becuase you are a true Wheel Horse Collector and fanatic.

Just my .02

P.S. Come on up anytime and look (and maybe drive if conditions are right) at them both and decide for yourself!

[Irv 115]

I've got that 854 just sitting here waiting for you Steve!

[past7971 0]

Most desirable roundhood with front-mount electric-start Kohler for me would either be the 701 because it was first or 754/854 because it was last. Each of those models have certain items unique to them and therefore USUALLY will be more desirable. Personal choice/price is biggest factor and as TT said, they are all great tractors and I dont think you would go wrong with any of those models he mentioned.

[Rollerman 290]

I think Paul summed it up best.

The 701 has a unique look with the solid front...."no grille slots" & also being the first front engine E/start....there was another, but it had a Wisconsin.

The 754/854 had a lot of refinements...mostly in the steering & are probably a better driveing tractor.

I'm holding out for a 753....I've come across a few, but mostly to far gone for my skills.

The 63's had the two tie rods "used through the classic" & steers better than the 62 & prior models....especially if they earlier versions have some slop.

The 753 still has the older 3 spoke style steering wheel though.

In 64 Horse went to a 2 spoke wheel that looks kinda out of place on a round hood to me.

It all comes down to details, everyone sees something unique in a paticular model that makes it more desirable to them over the other. :thumbs:

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,643]

Stephen,

I had "your" 753, but Sarge has it now. :thumbs:

[Rollerman 290]

Stephen,

I had "your" 753, but Sarge has it now.

When I said to far gone for me skills....I should of added to far period also.

Still hopeing a clean not beatup one will present itself to me.

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,643]

I hear ya, Stephen, on the "far" thing. I have an off-brand that I'm interested in, but even if I meet the guy half-way, it's still around 600 miles round trip. I'm just not that into traveling that much these days.

[fordsonmajortom 1]

It would be nice to have a choice of horse that we could get in England. We have to make do with what we can find, all i have seen so far are 1970 onwards with the odd roundhood lawnranger, shouldn't complain we have had 2 free Raiders but will keep asking and looking.

Michael

[CasualObserver 3,411]

They're over there. There's another UK forum member who rescued a very rusty 1960 Suburban 400 last year.

I would have to say the most desirable round hood to me is one of the 100 Spanish RJ-58s with the replacement cast iron front axle. Do they exist? The book says so.

[Michael Bullington 5]

okay your restrictions kicked out the best looking models. The 604, 654, 704. <_< ..but given what you asked for the 754/854 would be my choice! :thumbs:

[WHC-125 4]

I love my 702 and I had a 633 that was a great machine but my arm always got tired with the pull start :thumbs:

[Eriks Red horse herd 122]

Ok guys How about a 603 I think that would still be a real desirable tractor to have being that it was a knock down low cost tractor. Still with that half sector steering wheel. Or maybe the 1962 Lawn Ranger being that it was the very first in an new line of tractors. YES I know these were powered by Techumsehs but they were all first and would be very desirable to us wheel horse recovering junkies. Just my take................. I ALSO THINK ANY ROUND HOOD IS DESIRABLE IN MY BOOK! Being that most of them are now between 45-53 years old.

And that most of them are still running out there,give or take there might be a few still hideing in weeds and behind garages & barns. But just finding one gives me the trill of the kill!

[DMESS 24]

Just acquire one of each. I find it's the easiest way to decide. :thumbs:

[Sarge 3,470]

That's the problem I had, couldn't decide between the 753 & 854 , so got both....lol.

Sarge

[Brian1045 28]

I'm kind of partial to the 854 :thumbs:

[Coadster32 793]

I have a 551 that's all in peices. I'm head over for. :thumbs:

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Did I hear someone say roundhoods!

Well Stevebo with your criteria you listed, front mount engine, electric start, kohler I would say the 701 as it is the first year of the front mount engine. It has a unique dash like no other, and wide engine belt gaurd it has the solid grill as stephen mentioned and is a really cool machine. It also has a double pulley from starter gen to the engine. This tractor has alot of neat one of a kind features. I am in the midst of a restore and am really enjoying it so far! :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,590]

Guys,

Lots of good info-thanks. I guess I will need to keep my eyes open but it seems that you have to kinda not be so picky unless you are at a place like the show in June.... I am willing to bring my 417-8 to trade someone a nice round hood. Any takers?? :thumbs:

[Horse'n Around 22]

It would be nice to have a choice of horse that we could get in England. We have to make do with what we can find, all i have seen so far are 1970 onwards with the odd roundhood lawnranger, shouldn't complain we have had 2 free Raiders but will keep asking and looking.

Michael

Wow, your in England! Michael I see now that I have nothing to whine about concerning the lack of Wheel Horses in Arizona . Not that Im going to stop being jealous of the folks that live back east but at least I could drive there and snag one or two or......... I hope that one day you get lucky and find a couple of nice roundhoods in a yard somewhere and take them home with you.

Sincerely,

John

[WHC-125 4]

Guys,

Lots of good info-thanks. I guess I will need to keep my eyes open but it seems that you have to kinda not be so picky unless you are at a place like the show in June.... I am willing to bring my 417-8 to trade someone a nice round hood. Any takers??

Steve I will buy it out right

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,590]

No offense Chris, but I have heard that from you for about 6 months and I still have it. When you are ready to come up with the money then you can say you will buy it outright.... :thumbs:

[WHC-125 4]

No offense Chris, but I have heard that from you for about 6 months and I still have it. When you are ready to come up with the money then you can say you will buy it outright....

This weekend we will see what happens :whistle: