Wheel Horse RJ

[NYRedNeck 4]

Hey Guys,

I am going to look at a WH this weekend. I am told it is an early WH tractor with the straight axle so I believe it is an RJ and not a Suburban.

It supposedly has a kohler in it and its about 3 hp I am told.

Is there any way of telling the difference between an RJ35 or 58, 59 etc?

This is also supposed to come with a 3ft sicklebar mower and a regular deck.

Any things to note when I look at it?

[neil 2,410]

rj 35 has the smooth hood with no name on it

[NYRedNeck 4]

rj 35 has the smooth hood with no name on it

Thanks Neil,

Is that the only difference? Should there be belt guards present or any other usuall missing items? Any photos on here of a complete 35?

[dclarke 4,046]

Go to the " wheel horse picture gallery" section and look under 1955-64. You can find photos of them there.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,364]

RJ 35's have the selector speed forward and reverse and the rj58/59 have the gearbox 3 speed with reverse.

[MikesRJ 552]

There are a number of significant differences. The 35 has a belt drive system, the 58 has a 4-speed transmission, which is the major one. Take a look at the two manuals:

RJ-35:

http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/Tractors/RJ-35.pdf

RJ-58/59:

http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/Tractors/TR_1958_RJ-58-59.pdf

[71_Bronco 1,072]

There are a number of significant differences. The 35 has a belt drive system, the 58 has a 4-speed transmission, which is the major one.

THIS!

Whenever I look at a small round nose, the first thing I look for is the front axle. The Suburbans have the "M" shaped cast ones, while the RJ's have the straight, welded axles.

Next thing I look for is the trans style. The stick in the center, and the 4 speed gearbox (3 forward, 1 reverse), tells me it's more than likely a RJ-58 or RJ-59. The belt drive system was before the RJ-58's, which tells me it is a RJ-35.

Just my way of looking at them to decipher what they are.

[Calebintn 1]

:text-merryxmas: Well hurry up & go buy it, the waiting is killing me.

[AMC RULES 37,141]

IIRC, aren't the frames completely different too?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

IIRC, aren't the frames completely different too?

Yes - the frame on the RJ-25/35 models is made from a single piece of channel - whether it's extruded "iron", or formed steel plate. It also runs the full length of the tractor.

RJ-58/59 frames are the more conventional angle iron "ladder" design which stops just behind the engine mounting location.

Side note: RJ-35 models built after the Wheel-Horse trademark became officially registered will have the name stamped in the "grille" portion of the hood. To the best of my knowledge, this happened sometime in mid-1956.

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Now there's a view of a '35...

you don't see everyday.  

[buckrancher 2,694]

Now there's a view of a '35...

you don't see everyday.  

WOW Craig you must be really bored to be surfing thru 4 year old threads

 

Brian

[AMC RULES 37,141]

You too Brian.  

[squonk 41,659]

I worked today. No time for the internets. My computer time ws dedicated to getting a chiller running in 30 deg weather   Carry on with your Wheel Horsin! 

[AMC RULES 37,141]

I think for comparison...    

an RJ-58 frame should be included here too. 

[VinsRJ 723]

WOW Craig you must be really bored to be surfing thru 4 year old threads

 

Brian

 

I was thinking the same thing....

[jackhammer 546]

Not that I go out looking for these early models   but the threads above give me a much better idea of what models I see - 25 or 35 than I ever knew.. thanks all for giving examples and descriptions.

 

it helped this newbie

[rjg854 11,582]

I have to agree.

That's why I joined this forum also, there's so much to learn from you all.