Suburban identification

[Wheelhorse hoarder 23]

Hi all, 

I was wondering if anyone could identify this wheelhorse for me. Thanks 

 

[Pullstart 62,905]

I did a quick search and can’t find that serial in any lists.  Do you have more pictures by chance?  Front axle?  Dash?  Engine?

[ri702bill 8,327]

Kevin - looks like he is located across the Big Puddle - might be one of those Horses built in Belgium......

Bill

[oliver2-44 9,756]

That picture looks **** it shows a 58/59 RJ or 60/61 suburban steering shaft at the frame. 

Definitely need more pictures of other parts of tractor.

[Wheelhorse hoarder 23]

Sorry for the lack of pictures, sadly has no engine but the rest is there. 

Can get better pictures later. Thanks 

[squonk 41,136]

Looks like a 61 401 or 551

[Pullstart 62,905]

Sure needs some lovin’ but it’s got good bones!

[Wheelhorse hoarder 23]

[Pullstart 62,905]

That’s a creative gusset on the transmission mounting plate!  I like the diff lock sticker, it would be awesome if it was actual!

[Racinbob 11,082]

Definitely a 551. First and only mid engine with a two piece tranny case. 

[wallfish 17,004]

1961  551 There's only one model tractor with some things those pics reveal.

 

Never seen one of those seat springs break, Was it cut or something? Strange for sure

[Ed Kennell 38,196]

2 hours ago, Pullstart said:

That’s a creative gusset on the transmission mounting plate!  

Guess the PO never planned to remove the tranny.   

[WHX?? 48,823]

Couple of well placed holes one could...

7 hours ago, Pullstart said:

 I like the diff lock sticker, it would be awesome if it was actual!

Who knows maybe it is? 

Edited March 5, 2023 by WHX??

[wallfish 17,004]

3 hours ago, Pullstart said:

That’s a creative gusset on the transmission mounting plate!  I like the diff lock sticker, it would be awesome if it was actual!

 

1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said:

Guess the PO never planned to remove the tranny.   

 

That's a factory gusset/frame for a 551. The top 2 bolts are visible in the pic and the bottom 2 bolts are under the frame rails.

This is the transition tractor from the original 3pc trans to the more modern 2 pc trans.

[oliver2-44 9,756]

9 hours ago, Wheelhorse hoarder said:

 

As you may be aware, those foot floor boards are not original. The 551 had cast iron foot rest shaped like the bottom of a shoe. 
The Tecumseh H55 with electric start is the correct engine. A Tecumseh H60 looks identical and may be easier to find. 

Edited March 5, 2023 by oliver2-44

[WHX?? 48,823]

3 hours ago, wallfish said:

 

 

That's a factory gusset/frame for a 551. The top 2 bolts are visible in the pic and the bottom 2 bolts are under the frame rails.

This is the transition tractor from the original 3pc trans to the more modern 2 pc trans.

I don't  believe you 'Fish... think I may just need to score a 551 and find out for myself... 

Me thinks you just skooled Kev and I. 

[oliver2-44 9,756]

10 hours ago, Wheelhorse hoarder said:

 

 

6 hours ago, wallfish said:

 

 

That's a factory gusset/frame for a 551. The top 2 bolts are visible in the pic and the bottom 2 bolts are under the frame rails.

This is the transition tractor from the original 3pc trans to the more modern 2 pc trans.

This is the frame transmission mount on my 551. I rebuilt it just like the original that was worn out. (I haven’t drill the clutch cross shaft hole in it in this picture. The frame/gusset in this post doesn’t look anything like mine @WHX??But I like the reinforcement that one gives. 

[Wheelhorse hoarder 23]

Thanks all, very helpful 

[wallfish 17,004]

I'll see if I can find the frame exactly like the original pic is and get one too. Not sure if it was used for building one of those little 2 seater tractors or not but it's the same. Maybe early versions?

[Handy Don 12,233]

13 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

This is the frame transmission mount on my 551. I rebuilt it just like the original that was worn out. (I haven’t drill the clutch cross shaft hole in it in this picture. The frame/gusset in this post doesn’t look anything like mine @WHX??But I like the reinforcement that one gives. 

Your welds look factory. The posted ones look a bit less so. 😉

[Racinbob 11,082]

38 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

Your welds look factory. The posted ones look a bit less so. 😉

 

I don't recall ever seeing Wheel Horse factory welds look that good. 

[Handy Don 12,233]

Just now, Racinbob said:

 

I don't recall ever seeing Wheel Horse factory welds look that good. 

Valid point!

I try to hide my welds under lots of paint.

[oliver2-44 9,756]

@Racinbob @Handy Don I have to be honest I had a nephew of mine weld that. 
 

Back to the frame in this post. I did some searching on here and found a couple of post where I could see a peak of the transmission mount and they were like mine. As wore out as my frames clutch rod holes were and other repair welds. I could see WH  sending out some tractors with experimental frame up grades.  So @wallfish very well had one like the one in this post

Edited March 10, 2023 by oliver2-44

[Wheelhorse hoarder 23]

Well after some work the 'extras' have been taken off and it has been taken back to standard. It has been confirmed to be a 1961. Thanks for all the help 

[wallfish 17,004]

From the internet. Haven't been able to find that frame so far.