P2mfknj 65 #1 Posted August 25, 2020 This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time and finally took the plunge. I have always been fascinated by vintage garden tractors. I'm sure it's the memories of my grandfather doing every conceivable outdoors chore with his wheel horse (unfortunately it was sold decades ago with all implements). Regardless, I love restoring antique machines and tools and now I have something I can restore and enjoy for years to come. I'm now officially the second owner of this garden tractor. Other than the faded paint it was well maintained and cared for. It was tucked away under a tarp when I arrived, no fluid stains under the mower and no mouse nests in it lol. Removed the tarp, pushed it out of the garage, pulled the choke, turned the key then she fired right up and came to life like she was just turned off. The engine block was cold and had cobwebs on the vent screen so it definitely was not started before I arrived. No smoking, no knocking, idles and runs smooth. The gear driven rear discharge deck is definitely cool and a first for me. This is going to be a cool project. 13 13 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gracie's Dad 155 #2 Posted August 25, 2020 Welcome...hope you have lots of storage space! 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2401 #3 Posted August 25, 2020 Nice looking tractor and welcome to the forum! Looks like it's even still wearing its original front rubber. Should have Wheel Horse lettering on them if so. Should be a good worker that will outlast every junk box store mower you could buy. Cheaper, too! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about it! There's a wealth of knowledge here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #4 Posted August 25, 2020 I sure do! After this one is done I'm sure I will want another wheel horse. I love this K181 engine. When I saw it was only 8hp on craigslist it wasn't dealbreaker but but loved the look of the tractor. Then I started and rode it. Not a problem at all. Especially when the engine didn't flinch when engaging the deck blades. Hell my modern craftsman riding mower Boggs for a split second when engaging the deck. It may be 8 horses but these are clydesdale horses. Not 15 shetland ponies🤣 7 3 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #5 Posted August 25, 2020 3 minutes ago, ZXT said: Nice looking tractor and welcome to the forum! Looks like it's even still wearing its original front rubber. Should have Wheel Horse lettering on them if so. Should be a good worker that will outlast every junk box store mower you could buy. Cheaper, too! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about it! There's a wealth of knowledge here. Yes all orginal rubber in the front for sure and it does have wheel horse logos on the tires. Along with the word Nylon. I will have to check tonight to see if the rears are as well. I will need a seat cushion after I'm done restoring it. Other than the missing cushion it's all original except for the headlights. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #6 Posted August 25, 2020 So In just arrived home from work, yes all four wheels are still wearing their original wheel horse branded "turf saver" tires. They do have some fine dry rot cracks. None the less Im impressed that they are still holding air. Actually everything about this machine is very impressive. I have owned many used riding mowers over the last 45 years but nothing as well built as this. I love that is not made of paper thin sheet steel. This is a well built solid piece of equipment. Im a quality engineer and deel with manufacturing standards daily. From what I've observed so far these were built with pride and care with strict quality standards. As they always say....they don't build them like they used to. Time to start digging through the forum for all the spec sheets and shop manuals! My favorite reading material of all time! 2 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #7 Posted August 25, 2020 Thank you for the deck of cards idea to paint the rims! I will definitely do that. As long as they are holding air the original tires are staying on it. I've seen much worse dry rot on old tires and these are actually not the worst I've seen. In the event they do start losing air. Do they make tubes for these so you can keep the original tires on it if they start losing air? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Horse Paladin 1038 #8 Posted August 25, 2020 10 hours ago, P2mfknj said: It may be 8 horses but these are clydesdale horses. Not 15 shetland ponies🤣 THIS, RIGHT HERE... Needs VinylGuy's attention!❤👍🏼😊 I see bumpersticker millionaire😉😁 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Horse Paladin 1038 #9 Posted August 25, 2020 ALSO: @P2mfknj WELCOME!😊 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
