oldiron613 582 #1 Posted June 10, 2019 Hi Guys, I recently picked this 400 Suburban up that's a little rough around the edges but I think a pretty decent survivor with its original guards and showerhead muffler in tact yet. What really excites me though is the "Duo Therm" 110v electric starter that's on it, never seeing one in person before. I can't find any info on the starter and wondered if anyone happens to have any? Thanks, Rob 3 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldiron613 582 #2 Posted June 10, 2019 Here's a couple additional pictures I didn't have space to upload in the main post. 7 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClassicTractorProfessor 5,261 #3 Posted June 10, 2019 Never seen one of those before...that is too cool Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,113 #4 Posted June 10, 2019 I don't remember the brand or if it was an add on part but my grandfather once had a small (60's?) snow blower with an electric start that was driven by a little chain. That's really cool!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,495 #5 Posted June 10, 2019 Click on the fuzzy picture Garry 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #6 Posted June 10, 2019 Any chance we could get you to unbolt, and give us a peek under that guard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,011 #7 Posted June 10, 2019 Wow! That's a nice one!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 26,548 #8 Posted June 10, 2019 7 hours ago, oldiron613 said: That is definitely a beautiful tractor. Nice score!! Any chance that you will be bringing it to Garden Tractor Daze in Portage?!?! Wheel Horse is the feature this year. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #9 Posted June 10, 2019 Just when wed think we've seen it all...............................wow just too cool........ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldiron613 582 #10 Posted June 10, 2019 5 hours ago, gwest_ca said: Click on the fuzzy picture Garry Thanks Garry! The "MW" model prefix on the ID tag on this starter would certainly imply "Motor Wheel". I don't see the model number on my starter listed on the chart however. But I also note that these are all Tecumseh engines where this engine is a Kohler K91. I believe the model # on mine ends with a "K" which I would assume indicates "Kohler". To my knowledge, REO didn't use a Kohler on anything? While I realize WH purchased REO in 1963, I wonder if they started to offer starters at that time for Kohler applications, still using the Motor Wheel name, or using up the ID plates that they had? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldiron613 582 #11 Posted June 10, 2019 3 hours ago, Achto said: That is definitely a beautiful tractor. Nice score!! Any chance that you will be bringing it to Garden Tractor Daze in Portage?!?! Wheel Horse is the feature this year. Thanks Achto! I'm planning on coming to the Garden Tractor Daze show next month, but not sure if I'll be bringing this tractor just yet. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,406 #12 Posted June 10, 2019 6 minutes ago, oldiron613 said: I'm planning on coming to the Garden Tractor Daze show next month, but not sure if I'll be bringing this tractor just yet. That thing is pretty cool.... I'll place another vote for BRING IT.... I'd love to see that in person. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #13 Posted June 10, 2019 Real cool snd a great idea . I guess if you didnt have a long extension cord near by just yank on the pullstart !! Sorry Kevin!! Nice find! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #14 Posted June 10, 2019 (edited) I believe they were made by a Company that did RVs. They were made specifically to fit Kohlers. There is a member here that has a few and was advertising them for sale in FB Marketplace. I was interested in buying it but I guess he did not like my offer. I believe he said he was taking one installed on a K91 to sell at the show. Edited June 10, 2019 by formariz 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,113 #15 Posted June 10, 2019 24 minutes ago, oldiron613 said: using up the......... As we all well know the Pond family was well known for using every piece of stock before moving on to the next one even if it wasn't quite right. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldiron613 582 #16 Posted June 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, formariz said: I believe they were made by a Company that did RVs. They were made specifically to fit Kohlers. There is a member here that has a few and was advertising them for sale. I was interested in buying it but I guess he did not like my offer. I believe he said he was taking one installed on a K91 to sell at the show. Wow, thanks for these pictures! Out of curiosity, can you make out the postage date on that envelope by chance? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #17 Posted June 10, 2019 1 minute ago, oldiron613 said: Wow, thanks for these pictures! Out of curiosity, can you make out the postage date on that envelope by chance? 1964 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldiron613 582 #18 Posted June 10, 2019 23 minutes ago, CasualObserver said: That thing is pretty cool.... I'll place another vote for BRING IT.... I'd love to see that in person. I'll see what I can do! It's not currently running but small enough to roll on and off my trailer even if it's still not running by that time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #19 Posted June 10, 2019 @gwest_caGarry perhaps we can add this information to the files? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stolmar 35 #20 Posted June 10, 2019 The information that is shared on this site is 100% priceless. The timing is second to none. I , in the very near future will become a supporter and then won't feel bad asking questions. I read most all of the posts in all the sections and am learning how to get around the site. This site, with all the information and comraudery, brings the addiction to a whole new level. I do have a question. I have read that you could have ordered a starter for the 400 suburban back in the day. Is this what you would have received or would it have been a starter/genni Thank you Joe 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #21 Posted June 10, 2019 1 hour ago, stolmar said: The information that is shared on this site is 100% priceless. The timing is second to none. I , in the very near future will become a supporter and then won't feel bad asking questions. I read most all of the posts in all the sections and am learning how to get around the site. This site, with all the information and comraudery, brings the addiction to a whole new level. I do have a question. I have read that you could have ordered a starter for the 400 suburban back in the day. Is this what you would have received or would it have been a starter/genni Thank you Joe On everyone's behalf I am sure I thank you for your compliments. This is indeed a special place, not as a result of any particular individuals but as a collectivism of all members from many different parts of life and many different geographical locations. Not also forgetting supervision and organization which also in my opinion second to none. Overall it is the willingness to share information and knowledge that makes it so great.Most of us never met, but it is like we are next door to each other. As far as your question, I am not familiar with that option. The 551 did come with a H55 with electric start in addition to the recoil and to my knowledge that was it for that series of Suburbans . Referring of course to the smaller RJ looking suburban. As for the unit in this thread I believe it was a specialized adaptation for a particular application. The fact that it needs electricity to operate it would make it inconvenient in most applications in a tractor. There was also the K91S witch used a starter generator and a battery ignition. Again designed with certain other applications in mind. Some of us myself included have used the K91S in our tractors. Needs a few modifications and imagination but it is a great system once installed. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractornut86 599 #22 Posted June 10, 2019 5 hours ago, formariz said: I believe they were made by a Company that did RVs. They were made specifically to fit Kohlers. There is a member here that has a few and was advertising them for sale in FB Marketplace. I was interested in buying it but I guess he did not like my offer. I believe he said he was taking one installed on a K91 to sell at the show. These all belong to me. Useing my photos I would like to atleast very mentioned. Unfortunately I wont have a engine this year with one on it, been to busy and sold all my good engines. I have seen them used on Reo, Tecumseh, and Briggs also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractornut86 599 #23 Posted June 10, 2019 Here is my 401 with same set up that I had sold a few years back. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,656 #24 Posted June 10, 2019 I have been accumulating parts for several years for a '57 RJ-35 I want to build. One of the nice little accessories I picked up several years back was a 110 volt electric starter similar to yours. There is a short cord with a grounded cord and a momentary push button to activate the electric motor. I have no information on it but it probably connects in a similar manner. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractornut86 599 #25 Posted June 10, 2019 When I had first asked about the 401 on Facebook many years ago someone had posted a price list from 1960 or 61 that referenced a 110v electric start option but it didnt have any photos to show the option. Ron Greco has Cheif manufacturing ( I might be wrong on the manufacturing name) electric start option for Clinton's that looks really similar Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
