Help properly ID this WH tractor?

[racinghoss 7]

I am looking for a wheel horse or similar tractor.  I have found one that looks good, but my limited knowledge makes me think it is being described wrong.  

 

Ad says it's an all original 1963 model 657.  Pics show a nice looking tractor, but with a 10 hp engine.  Is that correct?  

Edited July 31, 2019 by racinghoss
Typo

[WHNJ701 4,165]

657  would be a 6hp, elec start, 1967 year.  the engine is a replacement, looks nice in the photos, I am not fan of the techumseh engines, pending on the price it might be good buy

Edited July 31, 2019 by jabelman

[troutbum70 858]

I don't think engine is not original, none the less if engine sounds good and no smoke. Its a good looking tractor if price is in line.

[racinghoss 7]

Asking price is $450.  I like the idea of the bigger engine/extra power.  Not cool that the seller is calling it all original.  Might be a bargaining point.

 

I've also found another tractor.  Care to share your opinion on it as well?

[racinghoss 7]

The other tractor is described as a great running reliable wheel horse 414-8 lawn tractor. 1310 hours. 42” deck (measures 46”). It has some surface rust and the seat has a large chunk missing. Comes with a 48” Snowblade model #79350 and a older metal lawn cart.  The mower has a Kohler 14 HP motor

[racinghoss 7]

[Achto 29,433]

My decision would be based on price & what I wanted to do with the tractor.

 

The 414-8 does not look quite as pretty but it comes with more attachments and is newer than the 657. The 414-8 would be a great worker.

 

The 657 looks nicer but it is not original and only comes with a deck. 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

Looks like the hood is cut too on the 857,  if you plan on using the snowplow, you will need weights and chains or your not going anywhere.  buy them both have a classic and worker

[oliver2-44 10,783]

Both tractors have potential depending what your looking for.

The 414-8 is a great workhorse.  The WH manual 8 speed transmission is called "bulletproof" .  Ask, where it has been stored and look if the rubber boot on the shifter stick on top the transmission is in good condition.  Rain can run down the stick and get in the transmission if the boot is bad.  Water more than use is a killer of these transmissions (but they are very rebuildable)

     The kohler magnum 14 engine will provide the power to do anything you ask of the tractor and more.  The 1300 hours on the engine puts it in the category of how was it maintained.  With regular oil changes these engines can go 2000 hours.  With neglect they can die in 500 hours.  Start the engine from cold and notice if it smokes on startup or when running.  If the owner has "warmed up" the engine before you come look at it that raises a ?? A plus, is the Kohlers are very rebuild-able and  for a reasonable cost. 

     Since it has a snow blade ask if it was used a lot for snow or dirt work. If so look under the tractor where the transmission bolts to the frame.  The frame to transmission mount becomes the weak point when used for a lot of ground engaging work.

     The mower deck looks like it is missing the belt guard that goes over the pulleys.  These can be found used, so not a big deal.  Look the mower deck over good for heavily rusted area.  Look for cracks where the rear deck wheels attach to the rear of the deck. 

 

You'l love a wheelhorse which ever one you chose.      

 

 

[Pullstart 67,089]

The name of the game with these is usually weight.  That Tecumseh engine is fairly light, plus the hood is cut.  I’m more of a classic old school guy, but for practical use that 414-8 is where it’s at, comparing these two fine specimens.  Good luck and welcome to the forum @racinghoss!

[bottjernat1 2,194]

Well you got more power thats for sure. they even cut the hood poor old gal! I hate it when people do that. Here is what is from tractor data. along with the great info from all these awesome folks! http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/3/3/334-wheel-horse-657.html

[racinghoss 7]

The 414-8 is $600, including the attachments.  It was owned by a local school district when new, and used to mow thier lawns.  The seller has owned it for 8 years, mowing thier property.  I think I can get it for a bit less.  

 

I'd offer $350 for the 657.  I agree that the 414-8 would be the better option, but that older gal is sexy!

[racinghoss 7]

I'd be mowing, pushing snow, and typical yardwork.

[WHNJ701 4,165]

the 657 gets my vote.  

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

My 414-8 has been a great tractor for 

me. I put a 48 inch blade on it and moved some dirt. I think for my money lMO

l would go for the 414-8. Hard to beat the magnum engine. 

 

to

[stevasaurus 23,307]

It sure does look like the sticker on that hood says "857" not 657.  Not a big deal, but the 857 would have an 8 hsp Kohler in it and be electric start.  It still is a 1967.  If the sticker is on the dash tower, the model # T857 would be on it.    Both are nice horses.

[Pullstart 67,089]

1 hour ago, racinghoss said:

The 414-8 is $600, including the attachments.  It was owned by a local school district when new, and used to mow thier lawns.  The seller has owned it for 8 years, mowing thier property.  I think I can get it for a bit less.  

 

I'd offer $350 for the 657.  I agree that the 414-8 would be the better option, but that older gal is sexy!

 

Man, that’s a good price.  You can find another square hood that hasn’t been hacked for that price any day... I still vote for the 14 horse 

[WHX?? 51,916]

2 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

It sure does look like the sticker on that hood says "857" not 657.  Not a big deal, but the 857 would have an 8 hsp Kohler in it and be electric start.  It still is a 1967.  If the sticker is on the dash tower, the model # T857 would be on it.    Both are nice horses.

Only one shift lever Steve - 657

[953 nut 60,385]

13 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

Only one shift lever Steve - 657

Jim,                           you of all people should know that a 657/857 are four speeds;   a 1067/1267 would be a six speed;   six speeds were not used in 6 and 8 HP   in 1967

[Pullstart 67,089]

2 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

It sure does look like the sticker on that hood says "857" not 657.  Not a big deal, but the 857 would have an 8 hsp Kohler in it and be electric start.  It still is a 1967.  If the sticker is on the dash tower, the model # T857 would be on it.    Both are nice horses.

 

17 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

Only one shift lever Steve - 657

 

You saying our 857 is supposed to be an 8 speed?

 

 

[953 nut 60,385]

3 hours ago, racinghoss said:

I'd be mowing, pushing snow, and typical yardwork.

 

3 hours ago, racinghoss said:

that older gal is sexy!

I think you need both of them!    The 414 would be your worker and the 657 would be you date for an evening out!         The fact that the 414 had been owned by a school district would indicate to me that it was serviced on a regular basis and has a strong likelihood of being a good buy.

[stevasaurus 23,307]

Jim...            would you like a little cheese with that whine??

[racinghoss 7]

Is $250 for the 657 a reasonable offer?  The asking price is $450 OBO.

 

I'm thinking of both.  I have room.  $500 for the other?  Fair?  Asking $600.

[953 nut 60,385]

2 minutes ago, racinghoss said:

Is $250 for the 657 a reasonable offer?  The asking price is $450 OBO.

 

I'm thinking of both.  I have room.  $500 for the other?  Fair?  Asking $600.

              If you manage to pull that off we will need to put your name on this wanted poster!               

[racinghoss 7]

Ha ha ha!

 

It's worth a shot.  I'm out of town until next weekend.  The 414 isn't on the market, a friend of a friend has it.  The other is for sale on the local market.