sscotsman 148 #1 Posted February 7, 2011 I am finally the owner of a Wheel Horse! (and speaking of "finally"..I think I probably now hold a dubious Redsquare record! I was a member of this forum for over one YEAR before I even owned a single Wheel Horse tractor! (or any tractor for that matter!) But after a year of thinking, musing and research, (and asking many questions here! thanks!) I finally own my first tractor. I decided early-on that I definitely wanted a Round Hood.. I like all Round Hoods, but I decided to narrow my search to only a RJ58 or a 854 for my first tractor.. Everyone knows the RJ58 is a classic (if perhaps a light-duty machine) and personally I consider the 854 to be "The Queen of the Round Hoods"..the ultimate example of her kind..So those are the two I wanted to look for.. I wanted to find a "rough and ready" machine..working, servicable, but didnt have to be pristine..(I was looking for somewhat "rough" mainly for lower initial cost, and because I actually *want* to do a restoration myself!) my tractor will do light chores around the house, some mowing, hauling a cart..possibly someday some light snow plow duty (although that is a low priority) My goal is more of a "fun hobby tractor" than an all-out workhorse. I have no real need for a big model B or C, or one of the more modern tractors..I plan to use the tractor for a year or two, do some tinkering and upgrades, learn about how everything works, then eventually (in a few years) do an all-out teardown and full restoration. (Her 50th birthday is coming up in 2014, that might be the ideal year for a restoration!) So about a month ago I put out a query here on redsquare, saying I was looking for a RJ58 or a 854, and a Redsquare member replied saying he had an 854 he was thinking about selling! (Thanks Brian!) So yesterday we finally had a snow-free weekend day, and I made the drive down into the Finger Lakes to meet Brian and pick up my 854. (It had snowed the night before, and on the drive down I saw THREE Wheel Horse tractors at work plowing snow! One in Victor, Geneva and Interlaken, NY..I thought that was cool.) So here are the first photos of my 854! In her new home, with her only stablemate (so far) my 1971 Ariens snowblower. Some things I know about the Tractor: I am only the third owner! the original owner lived in Victor NY (near Rochester)..He bought her new in 1964, and was the only owner until Brian (the 2nd owner) bought her only a few years ago. I am now the third owner, and she has spent her entire life in Central-Western NY. Brian thinks the original owner's sons might have treated her a bit rough in later years..she was a bit worn out..Brian replaced the frame, and did some other needed repairs. The engine is original, never rebuilt, but could use a rebuild..smokes a bit on startup, but then runs clean..starts nice and easy though, and runs great. Transmission is very smooth. The gas tank and dash are not original..both are the wrong style for a 854. Thats a very minor concern for me..I might replace them eventually, when I do a restoration. Starter system is not original, and obviously the seat is not original..(although I like the look of the white pan seat!) The hood has seperated at the seam, and will need to be welded.. and thats about it as far as "issues"..which I dont really consider big issues at all. Overall she is in good condition for her age, and having never been restored! Just the thing I was looking for.. Right after I got her home, I had to use the snowblower on the driveway! (since I left early in the morning and didnt do it then) But after I cleaned off the driveway, I fired up the tractor and did a few laps around! Then put her away in her new home..just in time for the start of the Super Bowl! Im sure I will be asking a ton of questions!..and eventually I will create and upload a webpage to document everything I do with the tractor, including an eventual restore..So thats everything for now! for all the help and the sharing of knowledge I have recieved here already over the past year..much appreciated! Scot 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheelhorse656 20 #2 Posted February 7, 2011 nice tractor!!!! :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brrly1 1,146 #3 Posted February 7, 2011 Just one question, are you now handing out cigars now that you are a "New" Proud owner of a Wheel Horse Garden Tractor, just curious? She will definitely do the job. Looks Good. Good Luck :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,141 #4 Posted February 7, 2011 Nice score Scot, yer gonna love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frankiefiredog 1 #5 Posted February 7, 2011 She's a good looking Wheel Horse Scot! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 721 #6 Posted February 7, 2011 Nice looking You can't beat a round hood with a Kohler! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,632 #7 Posted February 7, 2011 Nice find Scott...she looks really good and complete. That will be a ton of fun clearing snow. Do some videos when you get her going. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fabricator2009 48 #8 Posted February 7, 2011 congrats. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Fanatic 49 #9 Posted February 7, 2011 nice, good luck with it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earlleecliffton 38 #10 Posted February 7, 2011 you are hooked now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SAM58 30 #11 Posted February 7, 2011 Another addict... One lead to four in 9 months for me.... :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,326 #12 Posted February 7, 2011 That is a solid machine! I agree that if you are looking to work a roundhood a bit the bigger Kohler is the ticket !! Good luck and welcome to the club !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,254 #13 Posted February 8, 2011 Hmmm....your garage doesnt look full yet so start lookin for that RJ-58 . Good lookin machine you got there Scott. Mike...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #14 Posted February 8, 2011 Looks like a good solid tractor! If I were you, I'd stick with the one piece fuel tank, the later 2 piece ones are a PITA and was certainly not an upgrade (in my opinion...). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sscotsman 148 #15 Posted February 8, 2011 Thanks everyone! yeah, I might actually just keep the fuel tank as it is! I cant tell if the dimensions are slightly different though..looking at photos, it appears the gas tank on my machine might be slightly longer than a "proper" 854 tank..but no biggie..I have read about the leaking 2-piece tanks! might as well keep the one that works better.. thanks, Scot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smoreau 658 #16 Posted February 8, 2011 :thumbs: looks like you may need a spair parts tractor, at least thats what we tell the wife, and that could be #2. just a thought. looks great and I too are hooked on the round hoods. they are so neet looking. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sscotsman 148 #17 Posted February 8, 2011 I already told my wife that I will be looking for an RJ58 eventually.. she just rolled her eyes at me..I consider than official permission! Scot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1961551 2 #18 Posted February 8, 2011 i like it just the way it is. an 854 is a good machine. jimmy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #19 Posted February 8, 2011 nice tractor,and u allready know where to go for help if neeed,so u r all set :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #20 Posted February 8, 2011 Hi Scot It was good to meet you. glad you got home ok she looks good in your drive way back in her old stomping grounds I know she in good hands Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmer 1,075 #21 Posted February 8, 2011 Scot, Congratulations on your purchase, sounds like your one of those impulsive spur of the moment types You should really try to calm down! You've provided yourself with hours of "Tinkering pleasure". :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suburban 550 28 #22 Posted February 8, 2011 Nice one, Scot. A great candidate for a restoration. You got a good tractor if Brian owned it. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sscotsman 148 #23 Posted February 8, 2011 Hi Scot It was good to meet you. glad you got home ok she looks good in your drive way back in her old stomping grounds I know she in good hands Brian Thanks Brian! nice to meet you too. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sscotsman 148 #24 Posted February 8, 2011 Scot, Congratulations on your purchase, sounds like your one of those impulsive spur of the moment types You should really try to calm down! You've provided yourself with hours of "Tinkering pleasure". yeah, thats me! "spur of the moment".. now im planning a restoration that might span a decade! probably not that long in reality..(5 years is more realistic..) but you never know! Scot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,032 #25 Posted February 8, 2011 Nice one, Scot. A great candidate for a restoration. You got a good tractor if Brian owned it. Ditto...... :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
