JunkHeap 1 #1 Posted December 29, 2012 This is my first post so my apologies if I'm posting in the wrong spot. I have an 854 Wheelhorse with a snow blower and dump cart that I bought almost 10 years ago. I started a restoration, but life got in the way so it sat in my basement torn apart on the back burner. Now I would like to finish what I started so I am taking inventory of all my parts so I can see where I left off. I would like to find a snow plow for my tractor, but I remember the terms "short frame" and "long frame" being tossed about...what does this mean, and what do I have? Thanks in advance, Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,131 #2 Posted December 29, 2012 :WRS: An 854 has a 41.5" wheelbase and is considered a short frame tractor. Newer tractors like the C series have a 45.5" wheelbase and require a longer mounting frame so the blade clears the front tires when angled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groundhog47 347 #3 Posted December 29, 2012 An 854 has a 41.5" wheelbase and is considered a short frame tractor. Newer tractors like the C series have a 45.5" wheelbase and require a longer mounting frame so the blade clears the front tires when angled. No advice just DITTO Terry's welcome and :text-happynewyear: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JunkHeap 1 #4 Posted December 29, 2012 Thanks! That has puzzled me since I bought it. Now I can start looking for a blade! I believe I have found all my parts so now it is just a matter of getting them cataloged to the manual and start cleaning, painting, etc. I'm sure this has been covered, but what is the general opinion for finishes? Rattle can, Automotive paint, powder coating?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #5 Posted December 29, 2012 JunkHeap, Most here probably use rattle cans because most of us don't have the equipment/expertise to do a good automotive spray job. Powder coating would be best, but there again, unless you have or have connections with someone with the equipment, it is costly. Be sure to keep us updated with pictures....If you have spent much time lurking here, you know pictures are a must! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #6 Posted December 29, 2012 Not my area of expertise but if the budget is low rattle cans can produce a nice finish. If I was trying to create a show tractor I would take the sheet metal and parts to a body shop and have a professional paint it for me. The wheels can be powder coated which will be a durable coating. Some say spray paint will produce a shinier finish for a show tractor than powder but for a worker powder coating will give a more durable finish. Some older tractors look good with with their old weathered finish brightened up. I use WD40 and auto body products. I like Meguiar's paint cleaner and Formula 113 wax. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fabricator2009 48 #7 Posted December 29, 2012 welcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseWhisperer 243 #8 Posted December 30, 2012 Welcome Junkheap and if I may for once get here before Craig(ConanwithOnan)Bwahahahah. :wwp: Lets see the before pile of parts! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,102 #9 Posted December 30, 2012 Sounds like a cool project Jeff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JunkHeap 1 #10 Posted December 30, 2012 Lol Thanks everyone. Here is a link to all the pics that I took during the disassembly so long ago... http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh58/Restonut/Wheelhorse%20854/ Once I get the parts pile in order I'll start getting a pictorial journal going. Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,082 #11 Posted December 30, 2012 Never seen a lime green Kohler before... ! Mike.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseWhisperer 243 #12 Posted December 30, 2012 Green and Red,festive for the holidays? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JunkHeap 1 #13 Posted December 30, 2012 Yea, that's it....Holiday colors! The lime green didn't make much sense to me, so I think I'll repaint it all red :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clemedc 29 #14 Posted January 1, 2013 Nice 854 restoration candidate :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinecone 26 #15 Posted January 1, 2013 another green machine from ebay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,529 #16 Posted January 1, 2013 Great pictures. That is the right spec # for that Kohler...maybe it came from an Oliver or some other garden tractor. :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,554 #17 Posted January 1, 2013 :WRS: Thats a great canditate for restoration! I like the dump cart too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,516 #18 Posted January 1, 2013 Welcome to the WHA (Wheel Horse Addiction) group! Nice Horse, excellent photo album. Green? Maybe it was the Hulk's Stallion? :laughing-rofl: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bobby1thumb 0 #19 Posted January 10, 2013 My wife is always hassling me about no room for my 4 tractors 2 Deere and 2speedex what I the world would she say about the 17 and the DAD's 27 tractors. I can hear her now. Nice posts anyway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #20 Posted January 10, 2013 WELCOME TO here's the link to my 854 rebuild you may find it helpful Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hm12460 53 #21 Posted January 10, 2013 On a further note, a long frame snow plow will work on your short frame tractor and may be somewhat easier to find. The 854 is a popular model and looks like you have a nice one to work with. Let us know how things are going for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeek 2,286 #22 Posted January 11, 2013 You have been lured . . . :teasing-whipyellow: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kthack657 279 #23 Posted January 11, 2013 Welcome to Redsquare, dont think it will stop with the 854...this time next year you may have 5 more, they have a way of multiplying...lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JunkHeap 1 #24 Posted January 12, 2013 Thanks for the help and hello's! I can see where this could get to be an addicting hobby...Other than my horse I have a mid-60's Pennsylvania Panzer that was torn apart when I got it. They'll be a cool pair when I get em' restored. Jeff 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bobby1thumb 0 #25 Posted January 12, 2013 I know what you are saying about the basket case ,but it seems as though you have time to work on them until you get them then they seem to get pushed aside. I am hoping for a horse but seem to decide on which one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites