Destined for the scrap heap

[Handy Don 12,580]

Last week I noticed a Craigslist ad for “old lawn and garden tractors”. The ad pictured a couple views of a boneyard but there were at least two Wheel Horses. Nothing that tickled my fancy and I’d just resolved not to start any new projects I’m unlikely to finish. (Someone else on the forum noticed the ad and posted it here but I think it got admin removed).

 

Today, though, I got to thinking that maybe there was something there of value I could help someone else put to use so I decided to take one for the team and drive 45 minutes each way to look it over. I’m glad I did.

 

The seller has been contracted to clear the lot over the next couple of weeks. Whatever doesn’t sell goes to scrap. According to him, he’s already taken two loads of push mowers with busted decks and seized engines as well as some trashed tillers. EVERYTHING here has been left outdoors for years.

 

I’m not an expert, but this looks to be Suburban or 400? The tires are rotted out and all four rims are rusted through. The hood is in surprisingly good shape and it has the dual slots for throttle and choke as well as a tiny toggle switch. Gas tank is in place. I’m not sure this is an original seat, but it is in great condition. The engine won’t turn but it has a carb--some corrosion and rust but I’ve seen worse. The clutch mechanism is there as are both footrests. The frame seems complete, including front axle, tie rod, and steering but the steering wheel has some of its plastic missing. The gearshift is stuck and I didn’t want to force it. The rear wheels were too embedded in the ground to move to see if the rear axle would turn. There is a mower deck under there and the slot hitch has some sort of adaptor in it.  Sorry, I forgot to get the transmission casting numbers.

 

 

  

 

The other useful find was this frame. This time I DID get the casting numbers (below). This transaxle seems pretty good--shifter works and the diff works. I didn’t try to turn the input shaft because the brake seems rusted to the drum. Front axle is there with spindles, tie rod, and the steering socket but no other steering parts. Slot hitch is one of the welded style slots.

 

 

 

 

Elsewhere were a C-111 and what looked like an S/G 8hp from 66-70--maybe an 856 or 857?. The C-111 is in poor condition overall but the B&S looked salvageable. The 8hp tractor is in slightly better shape,  (3-speed, flip rear seat, hood latch near the steering wheel and chrome hood ornament). Both seem more or less complete and have flat tires with rot showing. I didn’t go over these closely. (Picture from the ad)

 

 

The only other WH items were a 32” geared mower deck from a Lawn Ranger (or possibly for the frame-only Suburban, RJ, or 400?) and one 36” geared deck, probably from the 856/857. Neither was in good shape--maybe usable for parts. 

 

Also on the lot: a Bolens 850 tube frame, an Allis Chalmers B10 and its Simplicity twin, and part of an old Speedway (the hood, frame, and seat). As well, loads and loads of sad push mowers with B&S engines (most with the heads removed?) and boxes of plastic mower wheels. There was a 6’ ride-on disk harrow. Tires and rusty wheels.

 

Sticking to my resolution, I didn’t bring my trailer and so I didn’t bring anything home!  The seller made it very clear that he’d like to see things put to use so pretty much any offer reasonably more than scrap value he will take. He said he’d leave the WHs until last to give me time to share this and see If anyone wants to pursue this, I might be able to lend a hand. PM me, we’ll exchange numbers and speak.

 

 

 

 

Edited Friday at 01:52 AM by Handy Don

[oliver2-44 9,909]

2 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Last week I noticed a Craigslist ad for “old lawn and garden tractors”. The ad pictured a couple views of a boneyard but there were at least two Wheel Horses. Nothing that tickled my fancy and I’d just resolved not to start any new projects I’m unlikely to finish. (Someone else on the forum noticed the ad and posted it here but I think it got admin removed).

 

Today, though, I got to thinking that maybe there was something there of value I could help someone else put to use so I decided to take one for the team and drive 45 minutes each way to look it over. I’m glad I did.

 

The seller has been contracted to clear the lot over the next couple of weeks. Whatever doesn’t sell goes to scrap. According to him, he’s already taken two loads of push mowers with busted decks and seized engines as well as some trashed tillers. EVERYTHING here has been left outdoors for years.

 

I’m not an expert, but this looks to be Suburban or 400? The tires are rotted out and all four rims are rusted through. The hood is in surprisingly good shape and it has the dual slots for throttle and choke as well as a tiny toggle switch. Gas tank is in place. I’m not sure this is an original seat, but it is in great condition. The engine won’t turn but it has a carb--some corrosion and rust but I’ve seen worse. The clutch mechanism is there as are both footrests. The frame seems complete, including front axle, tie rod, and steering but the steering wheel has some of its plastic missing. The gearshift is stuck and I didn’t want to force it. The rear wheels were too embedded in the ground to move to see if the rear axle would turn. There is a mower deck under there and the slot hitch has some sort of adaptor in it.  Sorry, I forgot to get the transmission casting numbers.

 

 

  

 

The other useful find was this frame. This time I DID get the casting numbers (below). This transaxle seems pretty good--shifter works and the diff works. I didn’t try to turn the input shaft because the brake seems rusted to the drum. Front axle is there with spindles, tie rod, and the steering socket but no other steering parts. Slot hitch is one of the welded style slots.

 

 

 On the 1st Suburban picture the solid seat pan,  tread plate foot rest, Kohler engine, throttle and choke levers are correct for a 1960 suburban 400. Lots of good parts between the 2 Suburbans. 

[Ed Kennell 39,068]

9 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I’d just resolved not to start any new projects

Go getem Don and bring them to the show.   You could be the star attraction.

[Jrblanke 875]

Cool post Don! Thanks for sharing.

[WHX?? 49,444]

Definitely a 400 first pic ... 

23 hours ago, oliver2-44 said:

solid seat pan,

Suggests an early one. Even appears the ID plate between the levers is still there.

 

The shape of anything does not matter ...  Like Ollie said it's the parts there that does which can be used to save others. Truth be told the 400 looks very saveable.

 

On the square hood Don I must chastise you for not snapping a pic of under the dash ... you know what is there! Your only viable excuse is you were too busy loading it up.

Tranny casting numbers don't matter ... just shoot we'll check for horns later. 

On 1/2/2025 at 7:47 PM, Handy Don said:

 just resolved not to start any new projects I’m unlikely to finish.

Understandable but some of the stuff there will help a bro here to finish one. Hear tell they don't make them three piece transmissions any more. Next time you run across things like this we want you to think about that poor soul out in his garage slumped over on a unfinished Tractor. Found with a self inflicted 7/16 to the jugular because he couldn't find that bull gear to finish up dear old grampa Alfred's beloved RJ. Just sayin ... 

 

 

On 1/2/2025 at 7:47 PM, Handy Don said:

He said he’d leave the WHs until last to give me time to share this and see If anyone wants to pursue this, I might be able to lend a hand. PM me, we’ll exchange numbers and speak.

might be your salvation. 

 

Now somebody go get that stuff. That wrench to the jugular just might be me it goes to scrap! 

[Handy Don 12,580]

Ok, ok. Sheesh. I got the message people. I’ll see what I can do with the seller for the Suburbans and at least the engine off the square hood and I’ll take another look at the mower decks.

[WHX?? 49,444]

3 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Sheesh. I got the message people.

 

Well that's what you get for hangin out with a bunch of  addicts ... flashing that kinda stuff and then expecting us to act like rational people.

Then to bring up the s word ...  blasphemy right ther...  

Personnally i like Ed's idea the best. Sell it at the BS & be the hit of the parade  ...You'd make enough change to cover your overhead plus leftover to buy more tractors ... 

[SylvanLakeWH 26,104]

3 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Ok, ok. Sheesh. I got the message people.

You do know that fresh cheese curds impact @WHX?? in unique ways right???

 

 

He obviously got into a new batch and, well... 

 

Now, having said that... he ain't wrong... 

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 156]

I took a look at them too. They were just too far gone for me. More for a few parts than to fix up. But some one may be able to use them. Also plenty of briggs parts there.

[Handy Don 12,580]

18 hours ago, leabassett@sbcglobal.net said:

I took a look at them too. They were just too far gone for me. More for a few parts than to fix up. But some one may be able to use them. Also plenty of briggs parts there.

I don’t have much work-on-em experience with B&S so I wouldn’t know what to look at or for.

[Handy Don 12,580]

Not sure if you are a member, but congrats to whoever picked up the square hood and the 36” gear deck.

I looks like I’ll be headed back tomorrow to get the Suburban bits, at least.

[Handy Don 12,580]

I saw that the square hood was still at the yard yesterday pending a pickup. It is an 855. 

 

The stuff I rescued is now in this classified listing. The suburban, the frame, and one mower deck.