Crash course - what do I want to buy?

[Pete D 183]

So, I have my 1-0440.  I feel it will be a PITA to remove the front end loader if I want to use it for something different more than occasionally.  Therefore, I'm considering a second horse for the stable.

I've been reading a lot of threads here as is evidenced by my bringing some back from the dead.  But I don't know squat about the different models over the different eras, and their pros and cons.  I'd like to, before I buy something.

I have just 2 acres, with about a 500 foot driveway.  I have a big zero turn for cutting the lawn, but I have no tiller & no plow.  No need for a snowblower, I have 2.

I don't need anything pretty.  I am relatively competent mechanically, but I don't want to have to work on it constantly.

So, I'd love some direction, and (short-ish?) resources to read so I can begin to figure out which way I am leaning before I regurgitate endless questions that can be answered by the resources here.  I just can't seem to narrow down my searches, and I keep going down rabbit holes.

Thanks, and sorry for all the blather lately.

Pete

 

PS - I kind of like the old ones!

Edited February 17 by Pete D
I can't stand typos!

[ebinmaine 69,817]

A 1973 16 should be near identical to a C160. 

 

Another great option would be a C120. 

 

The older, the more simple.  

 

 

[Pete D 183]

It does not have to be similar to what I own now.

I have found text listings of models by year, but no pictorial chart, or even descriptions of the models in a list.  I've seen a number of folks looking for similar, but have not come across any.  Yet.

I have not seen a lot, but some that I think LOOK pretty cool are a 653, 753, and 500 special (all listed in my area at the moment.). But, I know nothing about the models.

A 1964 854 looks awesome.  Models 55 & 65 do too.

Maybe this can help you help me?

Edited February 17 by Pete D

[Pullstart 63,609]

An 854 is awesome indeed.  855 and 856 I think you mean? Are square hoods.  All capable simple machines, and sippers on fuel.  
 

My 502 is essentially my own spin on an 854, give or take.  It’s an 8 hp 8 speed now, and very good at working hard.

[Pete D 183]

Here are some I'm seeing.  Looks like a 753 and a 633, my mistake.

[Pete D 183]

Browsing:  https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/17-wheel-horse-picture-gallery/

 

Guess I've been blind

[WHX?? 49,955]

2 hours ago, Pete D said:

Therefore, I'm considering a tenth horse for the stable.

There fixed that... 

 

What would you be using it for? You didn't say. Sounds like you might have a round hood affiction.

Any tractor with a loader is pretty much a single purpose machine in my book. Hence the need for another. 

[Pete D 183]

Well, I already have a motorcycle habit. Only 2 of the 4 are presently registered. I have to overhaul the carbs on the V-Max, and my wife needs to get her license (or at least renew her permit) before I register hers.  

Although I have 3 garages and a shed, I had to give the house attached garage to the wife.  The shed contains a zero turn and an old JD which I'm selling).  The FEL takes up a good chunk of the smaller non-wife controlled garage, so that only leaves the (20x50? Never measured it) pole building for my bikes, woodworking, and workshop.  There's a loft, but it has low headroom, so it's strictly storage.  Thus, I'll stick to just a couple of tractors.

 

I'm expanding her garden to around 20 x 40 this year.  A rototiller would be nice.  The FEL isn't great to plow the driveway, so if I get a plow, I can sell the big walk-behind snow-blower, and the JD snowblower attachment.  I wish the '73 could lift more so I can move gravel & stone dust faster, but it is what it is.  I can't think of a whole lot more I need it/them for.  

I'm still undecided on whether to fix up the '73 or leave it with its patina.  The same would be something to ponder for whatever else I buy.

Edited February 17 by Pete D

[Lee1977 6,934]

I personably don't like single peddle tractors, I have some steep places and to used the brakes they have to come out of gear. May not be a problem for you as your lot looks level. I have one single peddle tractor a Raider12  to pull my wagon or trailer.  I tried mowing with it but it's a little weak on power with a 42" deck.  

I like my C-120-8 it has a brake and clutch peddle. It is easer to change equipment on the older c's 1974,1975,1976, 1977 as there is nothing in the way.

The1988, and 1989 520-H has a lower removeable panel to get to the mid hitch as does the Black hoods. The 300 and 400  have the key switch and gages attached to that panel..

The later 520 have the the lift and speed controls up by the steering wheel, don't know if you can get to the mid lift on them. 

The 300 and 400 are not that big a deal if your not changing equipment back and forth. Some around here say to have a tractor for each piece of equipment. 

I keep mine painted as thing rust bad around here. 

[Pullstart 63,609]

4 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

I personably don't like single peddle tractors, 

 

And on the other hand, I hardly ever remember to look for the right side brake pedal on the couple machines I’ve had equipped with two pedals.

[953 nut 56,815]

4 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

don't like single peddle tractors, I have some steep places and to used the brakes they have to come out of gear.

 

Just got select your lower gear before you go up or down the steep grades.

7 hours ago, Pete D said:

A rototiller would be nice.

9 hours ago, Pete D said:

some that I think LOOK pretty cool are a 653, 753, and 500 special

Any of these will push snow as long as you have chains and wheel weights.

For tilling a hydro transmission or an 8 speed will be best. With a 3 speed the tiller will want to push the light weight older round hoods        

[ebinmaine 69,817]

54 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

 

Just got select your lower gear before you go up or down the steep grades.

 

 

Sometimes that's just not enough. We live on a hillside that is mostly gradual but there are several spots anywhere from 20 to 100 ft long that are quite steep. You put a load of hardwood in a trailer and you've got some pretty good weight at that point. Just coasting, not a possibility. Brakes are a necessity.

[SylvanLakeWH 26,633]

General rule of thumb agreed to by the RedSquare Board of All Knowledge - One  tractor per implement / use...

 

Accordingly, a  buying spree is in order... 

[WHX?? 49,955]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

And on the other hand, I hardly ever remember to look for the right side brake pedal on the couple machines I’ve had equipped with two pedals.

[bassJAM 93]

IMO for tilling you'd probably want the 8 speed transmission.  Pushing snow is slightly easier with the hydro but I think the manual is the best bet for your needs.

 

I don't know much about tiller models, but I'd probably focus on the more common tillers to make sure you can find one, and then get a WH that will run that tiller.

[Pete D 183]

A tiller I have seen in my area recently is

<Link removed - sorry!>

Seems kind of expensive, though.

 

EDIT: I also just found this:

<Link removed - sorry!>

 

I never considered the lack of a brake pedal, but yes, other than a short seection by the road, the lot is relatively level.

 

I have a lot of reading to do.  Fortunately, I'm not in a huge rush.

Edited February 17 by Pete D

[bassJAM 93]

3 hours ago, Pete D said:

A tiller I have seen in my area recently is

 

Seems kind of expensive, though.

 

I never considered the lack of a brake pedal, but yes, other than a short section by the road, the lot is relatively level.

 

I have a lot of reading to do.  Fortunately, I'm not in a huge rush.

 

From what I understand the tillers can push the tractors forward if it's a hydro which is why a manual transmission is preferred.

 

$400 might be a little high, but I don't think it's an obnoxious price. The lowest I've seen them recently is $300, and they're few and far between in general.  Sometimes I kick myself for the one I sold in 2014 for $200, but honestly it'd still be collecting dust if I had kept it.

[Pullstart 63,609]

3 hours ago, Pete D said:

A tiller I have seen in my area recently is

 

Seems kind of expensive, though.

 

EDIT: I also just found this:

 

 

I never considered the lack of a brake pedal, but yes, other than a short section by the road, the lot is relatively level.

 

I have a lot of reading to do.  Fortunately, I'm not in a huge rush.

FYI external links to ads are not allowed per the forum rules.    Also, our single pedal machines have brakes, they are just past the clutch.  One pedal, two functions.

[Pete D 183]

Whoops, I'll delete the ads, thank you for bringing this to my attention.

.

For future reference, there were links to two rototillers, 1 for $400, 1 for $150.

[WHX?? 49,955]

3-350 is the going rate for a tiller with DECENT tines. Replacement tines are available but you better be fixing up a family heirloom they don't exactly give them away. 

 

3 minutes ago, Pete D said:

Whoops

Yes be careful. You can  the pics and bring them here for evaluation but no . 

[Handy Don 13,114]

20 hours ago, Pete D said:

A 1964 854 looks awesome.  Models 55 & 65 do too.

Concur.

These 8hp units are, indeed, awesome. 854 was the last of the round hoods and, in my totally biased opinion, has the “classic” tractor look.

855 and 856 are the same mechanically but with square hoods and full fenders. 

@Pullstart, @ri702bill, and I have all mated 6/8-speed transmissions with the 8-hp engine with great success, but the “stock" 3-speeds are all but indestructible as well.

They can handle a soil plow, dozer blade, mid-blade grader, or any towed implement.

On and off is easy (a bit trickier with the mower deck on). 

[ri702bill 8,772]

10 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

On and off is easy

Having both an 854 and a C81, there is a distinct wheelbase difference that should be considered when buying a tractor for the long term. You get more leg room with a C Series over an 854...... If you are over 6 foot in height, you tend to look look like the circus bear on the tricycle riding a round hood...!! and on an RJ!!!!!

Both machines are K181 powered, and as Don stated, that is ample horsepower even for a snowthrower too.

[ri702bill 8,772]

23 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

854 was the last of the round hoods

Don't overlook the 1966 and 1967 Lawn Rangers......

[adsm08 2,408]

I think my dad has a WH tiller that he has rarely used, but it's probably for a 300 series. I can ask if he'd be willing to sell it.

Edited February 18 by adsm08

[kpinnc 13,148]

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

you tend to look look like the circus bear on the tricycle riding a round hood!!