Photos of an original 552?

[WH654 23]

Hello All, I just bought a nice 552 and the wiring is quite a mess the way it’s all set up.

 

I wonder if somebody that has an original 552 could post some detailed photos with the hood off to give me ideas on how to clean up my wiring?

[wallfish 16,994]

Looks like your 552 has been changed to a 702, or the 702 had it's belt guard changed to a 552

A 552 would have had a Tecumseh (Lauson) engine and that would be a magnito ignition engine.

That Kohler engine on there is a battery ignition engine.

The wiring is different for those engines

My advice would be to clean up or rewire what's there. You can buy 1/2" wire loom to cover the wires for a cleaner look

Edited October 14 by wallfish

[ri702bill 8,309]

I agree with @wallfish that there is a Kohler engine in it - 7 or 8 HP it has the later 8HP S/G belt guard with the big button dimple - the 702 had a smaller bump-out.

Download the manual for the 854 wiring...

Nice find.

[WH654 23]

Thanks, Wallfish, I figured it’s got a mixed match of parts.

I’m calling it a 552 because the previous owner put 552 stickers on it. He says it’s either a seven or eight horse Kohler that he put on it, he couldn’t remember which.

 

I was looking for a nice clean 604 cause that’s what I had while growing up. But, I’m glad I got 1962 tractor because I like the mustache style front axle on it.

[WH654 23]

Thanks ri702bill, good idea. I’ll check out the 854 wiring.

[ri702bill 8,309]

13 minutes ago, WH654 said:

Thanks, Wallfish, I figured it’s got a mixed match of parts.

I’m calling it a 552 because the previous owner put 552 stickers on it. He says it’s either a seven or eight horse Kohler that he put on it, he couldn’t remember which.

 

I was looking for a nice clean 604 cause that’s what I had while growing up. But, I’m glad I got 1962 tractor because I like the mustache style front axle on it.

 

That was the last year of the vertical spindle axle - 1963 saw the beginning of the cambered axle and tie rods, not the flat tie bar. Cambered axles steer easier, with a greatly reduced turning radius...

[953 nut 55,155]

1 hour ago, wallfish said:

My advice would be to clean up or rewire what's there

One wire at a time, don't rush the process and you should be fine.

[WH654 23]

35 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

 

That was the last year of the vertical spindle axle - 1963 saw the beginning of the cambered axle and tie rods, not the flat tie bar. Cambered axles steer easier, with a greatly reduced turning radius...

Very cool info.

 

it’s funny when I went and looked at the tractor I was shocked to see the flat tie bar, and I thought somebody had jury rigged it that way. I was impressed at how tight everything was, and then I realized, after looking at the owner manual online that it was factory. lol.

 

now I’m gonna have to get an 854 just so that I can experience both styles axles. 

[ri702bill 8,309]

Here is one noticeable difference between the two... If I cut the grass using a 702 with a 32" gear drive deck and cut a tight all the way to steering stop turn, It leaves a "Mohawk (Mowhawk???) of uncut grass between the passes - the blades themselves do overlap.under the deck....

Same deck on my 854 - no uncut patch... tighter turning radius.

Edited October 15 by ri702bill

[Handy Don 12,201]

23 minutes ago, WH654 said:

now I’m gonna have to get an 854 just so that I can experience both styles axles

You’ve got a nice tractor there to enjoy. The 854 does have a different feel so, sure, grab one if you can!

I, too, was looking for a 61-64 round hood but in my case the 854 is what showed up first!

[kpinnc 11,979]

38 minutes ago, WH654 said:

now I’m gonna have to get an 854 just so that I can experience both styles axles. 

I like the way you figure…