Jack11 32 #1 Posted August 12, 2022 Hi Everyone - New owner to a 1940(?) C-141 Wheel Horse I picked up at auction. Opinions? Tips? Things I should know? Thanks! 8 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,981 #2 Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) Probably 78 79 Edited August 12, 2022 by roadapples 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 7,815 #3 Posted August 12, 2022 It’s a 1978 or 79. They are some of my favorite year tractors. Very capable, basic tractor. Guys will be along with advice on bringing the paint back to life. Nice find! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,797 #4 Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) Engine serial# is '78 Spec # is '79 Edited August 12, 2022 by Ed Kennell 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jack11 32 #5 Posted August 12, 2022 18 minutes ago, c-series don said: It’s a 1978 or 79. They are some of my favorite year tractors. Very capable, basic tractor. Guys will be along with advice on bringing the paint back to life. Nice find! Thanks for the quick response - they advertised it as a 1940 - I guess that was silly to think that was the right timeframe! Curious - did you know the timeperiod based on serial # / model number etc? Thanks! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,797 #6 Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) Engine serial number and spec number. There should be a tractor serial number below the dash plate. Edited August 12, 2022 by Ed Kennell 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,797 #7 Posted August 12, 2022 The tractor model number may be 91-14K801 or 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,223 #8 Posted August 12, 2022 Nice pick up. Does it run and drive? You might want to become a member. The people here are experts on these machines and can help you with any questions or problems you might have. Welcome to RedSquare 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,376 #9 Posted August 12, 2022 to the forum. I've got an early 70's 14-8, which is very similar to yours. It is a very capable machine. You are going to like yours. Somewhere in this forum is a list of items to check on a new to you tractor. It was developed collectively by the forum members a while back. Hopefully, somebody will be along who knows where to find the list. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jack11 32 #10 Posted August 12, 2022 22 minutes ago, D_Mac said: Nice pick up. Does it run and drive? You might want to become a member. The people here are experts on these machines and can help you with any questions or problems you might have. Welcome to RedSquare It was a “sight unseen” - I pick up on Sunday. It was through a reputable auction website that stated it runs and drives. The auction website isn’t one that allows for visits before bids so - we will see. I will keep the forum updated and will be more involved. Thanks! Excited to check it out! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,877 #12 Posted August 12, 2022 Fitz: I would look in our manual section when you find the year. This site has just everything you need to know about this tractor from the front axle to the hitch pin. Good luck. Kepp us informed. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 718 #14 Posted August 12, 2022 Welcome I agree. Become a member. I have had issues I couldn't figure out posted a question and immediately receive feed back. I read most of the new post every day and learn new stuff all the time. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,564 #15 Posted August 12, 2022 9 hours ago, fitz said: Curious - did you know the timeperiod based on serial # / model number etc? The C-141 was only made in "78 & '79, shaker plate & short block Kohler, changed to C-145 in 1980. Great tractor! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,721 #16 Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, fitz said: advertised it as a 1940 Not the first time and it won't be the last. Seems some sellers don't bother to do their homework. Everybody knows that this is what a 1940 Wheel Horse looks like! 1979 was a transition year for the "C" series so I have attached both owner manuals. Edited August 12, 2022 by 953 nut fat finger 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,495 #17 Posted August 12, 2022 (edited) Do yourself a big favor and headache reducer by getting a C-141 manual on Red Square Wheel Horse Forum in the manuals section for starts! You can make a small donation to Red Square to keep this site going too! The C-141. Even with the shaker motor frame plate is a very good tractor! The 14 HP Kohler K motor is a great one! The 1970s A, B, C, D models were designed just before the Pond family sold Wheel Horse. They were great but the B and C models were probably the best ! lots of them still around and lots of attachments, parts and know how about them from members of Red Square. You bought a great garden tractor ! Edited August 12, 2022 by Lane Ranger 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,981 #19 Posted August 12, 2022 17 hours ago, fitz said: Curious - did you know the timeperiod based on serial # / model number etc? Nope, just looks. On the older ones the hood stand was tilted forward, not straight up like this one.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jack11 32 #20 Posted August 16, 2022 She is home - does not start so the "100% works" statement on the auction listing was not correct (SMH). Purchased for $29.66 so not super concerned. I turn the key and abs. nothing (click or anything) so I think its the battery. I will hook it up to a tender/starter later. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stegs 310 #21 Posted August 16, 2022 i have that same model, and you will love it It is pretty much bullet proof. Ive done things with mine, that probably shouldnt be done with a "garden tractor" The engine is extremely reliable, and the 8 speed trans is nearly indestructible Things to do right away 1. change engine oil with some 30w , and continue to change it every 15-20 hours of use 2. drain the gear oil out and replace with fresh. I myself used valvoline 75w90 and it works great. Id even drain, and ad some diesel fluid, run it around for a while, and then drain that out and fill with new oil 3. Check the belt, replace if needed. I thought my belt was ok, but then i replaced it with a new one and WOW!, My old one must have stretched out alot, because the new belt made a huge difference 4. Grease!! Grease fittings for the wheelhubs, steering hubs, one in the center of the front axle *(under the motor), steering shaft too basically, long story short, if you take care of that tractor, stay up on the basic maintenance , that tractor will provide you years of use. Now, go find yourself some attachments (and another wheel horse, because you got the bug now) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jack11 32 #22 Posted August 16, 2022 12 minutes ago, stegs said: i have that same model, and you will love it It is pretty much bullet proof. Ive done things with mine, that probably shouldnt be done with a "garden tractor" The engine is extremely reliable, and the 8 speed trans is nearly indestructible Things to do right away 1. change engine oil with some 30w , and continue to change it every 15-20 hours of use 2. drain the gear oil out and replace with fresh. I myself used valvoline 75w90 and it works great. Id even drain, and ad some diesel fluid, run it around for a while, and then drain that out and fill with new oil 3. Check the belt, replace if needed. I thought my belt was ok, but then i replaced it with a new one and WOW!, My old one must have stretched out alot, because the new belt made a huge difference 4. Grease!! Grease fittings for the wheelhubs, steering hubs, one in the center of the front axle *(under the motor), steering shaft too basically, long story short, if you take care of that tractor, stay up on the basic maintenance , that tractor will provide you years of use. Now, go find yourself some attachments (and another wheel horse, because you got the bug now) Thanks for the info - will update in the post. I def have the bug! I am looking at a B80 with a mowing deck and plow and a GT1600 with plow to work on! prob getting way over my head 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 725 #23 Posted August 16, 2022 If the battery is good, you should check the safety switches. Clutch, seat,pto should have switches if they are still intact. That may be the reason you get nothing when you try to start it and the battery is good. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,068 #24 Posted August 16, 2022 @fitz agree with others , very solid piece , take advantage of what works , and enhance it , lots of lubrication opportunities , speaking of lubrication , do you have a favorite? this is easy , aerosol spray down every painted surface , so its wet , let it sit a day in the sun , to heat up and suck in the lubricant to paint . next day wipe it down till dry with a clean cloth , I would do it again , that paint will be patina saved , and have a nice oil slick finish , done that for years . the neglected look will go away , it will look just right , for your thorough baseline service , @stegs was spot on with service ideas , look over everything , make the rust run out ! like rotella #30, for oil , lucas red or green grease , for stay with it lubrication , walmart has tubes . would love to bring that back myself ! glad to have you on board , pete 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,600 #25 Posted August 16, 2022 2 hours ago, fitz said: She is home - does not start so the "100% works" statement on the auction listing was not correct (SMH). Purchased for $29.66 so not super concerned. I turn the key and abs. nothing (click or anything) so I think its the battery. I will hook it up to a tender/starter later. Other than free,. $29.66 is a tough number to beat. Nice score. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
