1973 8hp 4-speed wheel upgrades

[Rob J. 1,942]

Is there different wheel options for this model? Just started the hobby and haven’t found a lot of info on this particular model. Currently in the process of rescuing this one. Going through it and getting it mechanically sound again was my original goal but I might be heading down the rabbit hole here. Any info or help is much appreciated, thanks.

[TJ5208 1,841]

any 12 inch rims will fit the back and every 8 inch rim would fit the front of it

Edited January 30, 2022 by TJ Salyers

[TJ5208 1,841]

You would have to get all of the tires at the same time for the front and back to level out

Edited January 30, 2022 by TJ Salyers

[kpinnc 14,576]

The rear axles on that model are unusually long due to the wheel size and type that came on it. Regular wheels will be set out by about 2 inches either side with standard 12 inch rear wheels.

 

Only know because I picked one up just for the longer axles...

[8ntruck 7,777]

to the forum.  Glad to see another Michigander here.  I think that there were no optional wheels from the factory.  As @TJ Salyers points out, other wheels will fit.  It is possible that some were installed by the dealer, or a previous owner.

 

Nice looking tractor.  Looks like the rock shaft (accessory lift mechanism) is missing.  Wander through the manuals section of the forum.  You should be able to find an owner's manual and a parts list and diagram there. 

 

Nice looking CJ 7 in the background, too.

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by 8ntruck

[Rob J. 1,942]

I made a spacer bracket in place of the under carriage hardware so the clutch assembly remained. Just cleaning it up a little. Won’t use those parts but kept just in case. 

[Rob J. 1,942]

8 minutes ago, 8ntruck said:

to the forum.  Glad to see another Michigander here.  I think that there were no optional wheels from the factory.  As @TJ Salyers points out, other wheels will fit.  It is possible that some were installed by the dealer, or a previous owner.

 

Nice looking tractor.  Looks like the rock shaft (accessory lift mechanism) is missing.  Wander through the manuals section of the forum.  You should be able to find an owner's manual and a parts list and diagram there. 

 

Nice looking CJ 7 in the background, too.

 

It’s actually a Roxor, turbo diesel 

[8ntruck 7,777]

16 minutes ago, Rob J. said:

It’s actually a Roxor, turbo diesel 

Not familiar with those.  Have to look that up.  Is it basically a re-engined CJ?

[Rob J. 1,942]

Just now, 8ntruck said:

Not familiar with those.  Have to look that up.  Is it basically a re-engined CJ?

Made by Mahindra. They bought the rights to Willy’s back in 1947 I believe and have been making over there ever since in one form or another. They were allowed to enter them into the US market as SxS’s only. Living in Michigan though it’s real easy to get one licensed. 

[Rob J. 1,942]

[TJ5208 1,841]

21 minutes ago, Rob J. said:

I have the rims you would need

[Rob J. 1,942]

2 minutes ago, TJ Salyers said:

I have the rims you would need

What shape are they in, how much and location please?

[TJ5208 1,841]

12 minutes ago, Rob J. said:

What shape are they in, how much and location please?

They have no paint on there a little bit Rusty but will clean up nicely. my location is Indiana I'm asking 50 for the front and maybe 50 for the rears

Edited January 30, 2022 by TJ Salyers

[TJ5208 1,841]

I'll get pics tomorrow and if you need any work done on them I can do it. Except I can't paint I can sand but I can't paint

[SylvanLakeWH 28,318]

 

Good to see another Michigander!!!

[ebinmaine 72,414]

7 hours ago, Rob J. said:

different wheel options for this model? Just started the hobby and haven’t found a lot of info on this particular model

 

 

The 1973 8 HP 4 speed is basically identical to the 1974 and 1975 B80. 

I'm not sure of the frame length in '73. 

'74 and '75 it was a "mid-length" frame. 

 

The Kohler 8 HP engine is without doubt one of their best overall. Excellent torque output for the size.  

 

 

On the wheels ... What exactly do want to change?

Width? Back spacing? Type?

Looking to swap to larger tires?

 

 

[Achto 29,361]

[rjg854 12,152]

   That is a good tractor to start with, and the 8hp Kohler is a great little engine.

[Racinbob 11,919]

The 1972 version of that model was a Commando 800. Here's one I restored for my grandson a few tears ago.

 

 

I swapped the 10" rear wheels for a set of 22.750-12's from a 76 B-80. I left the 6" fronts as is. The height difference was insignificant and had no effect running a 36" RD deck. 

[Rob J. 1,942]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

The 1973 8 HP 4 speed is basically identical to the 1974 and 1975 B80. 

I'm not sure of the frame length in '73. 

'74 and '75 it was a "mid-length" frame. 

 

The Kohler 8 HP engine is without doubt one of their best overall. Excellent torque output for the size.  

 

 

On the wheels ... What exactly do want to change?

Width? Back spacing? Type?

Looking to swap to larger tires?

 

 

Looking to get it up higher just a bit. Won’t be used for mowing, mostly just a yard tractor. 

[Rob J. 1,942]

6 hours ago, TJ Salyers said:

They have no paint on there a little bit Rusty but will clean up nicely. my location is Indiana I'm asking 50 for the front and maybe 50 for the rears

Well the ones I have hold air that’s about all I can say about those. Like to get a nice set and redo. 

 

6 hours ago, TJ Salyers said:

They have no paint on there a little bit Rusty but will clean up nicely. my location is Indiana I'm asking 50 for the front and maybe 50 for the rears

I like to get a nice set and have them redone. The ones I have hold air that’s about it. 

[Racinbob 11,919]

6 minutes ago, Rob J. said:

Looking to get it up higher just a bit. Won’t be used for mowing, mostly just a yard tractor. 

 

You can see other modifications I did. The 12" rears will raise you up a bit. Leg clearance was improved with the addition of the flip forward seat mount. 

[EB-80/8inPA 1,844]

8 hours ago, Rob J. said:

Made by Mahindra. They bought the rights to Willy’s back in 1947 I believe and have been making over there ever since in one form or another. They were allowed to enter them into the US market as SxS’s only. Living in Michigan though it’s real easy to get one licensed. 

I was looking those over at a local Mahindra dealer.  They’re pretty neat.  I was under the impression they originally built them under contract.

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by EB-80/8inPA
I need moar coffee

[ebinmaine 72,414]

11 minutes ago, Rob J. said:

Looking to get it up higher just a bit. Won’t be used for mowing, mostly just a yard tractor. 

On the rears you could swap out for a set of wheels and tires from a later C series. Those would be 23 x 8.5 x 12. 

 

The fronts you actually have more options because you have more clearance. No fender in the way. 

8" wheels with tires as tall as 18" or more.  

 

Parts availability is excellent by mail order. 

For wheels and tires both front and rear you could call Lincoln at A to Z Tractor in Pennsylvania. 

His shipping rates would be competitive.  

 

[Rob J. 1,942]

6 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

 

You can see other modifications I did. The 12" rears will raise you up a bit. Leg clearance was improved with the addition of the flip forward seat mount. 

The seat was the next thing I was getting to. Not even sure it’s correct. It mounts directly to the rear fenders. Almost seems like it’s missing a mount in between the seat and fenders?