How to tell what model transmission I have

[Mike in NC 341]

Hello. I recently bought a Wheel Horse 856. My unit has an 8-Speed transmission in it. I know that it should have a 4-speed in it. How can I id what model 8-Speed it is?  Thank you in advance.

Edited August 24, 2018 by Mike in NC

[WHX?? 49,176]

 Mike

You probaly got the mid sixties 5060 tranny in it which BTW is a good one

@stevasaurus our resident tranny specialist will be along to grill you like a sandwich about it. 

Dino 

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@Mike in NC  to 

[stevasaurus 22,870]

Hi Mike...Welcome to posting on Red Square.

Question 1...look at the brake drum.  It can come out of 2 holes in the trans case.  If it is really close to the axle housing (like 1/4") you have a 6 speed transmission.  If there is close to 1 to 1 1/2", the brake drum is on the cluster gear shaft and is an 8 speed.

 

If you have the 6 speed, then you have the 10 pinion limited slip differential in the transmission.  It should also have a 1" extension where the fill plug is (right behind the left axle).  There are 3 of these 6 speed trannys, but you will have to open it to determine which one you have.  The #5060 has aluminum end plates on the differential.  The #5071 has steel plates.  The #5073 has steel plates and it has a dip stick for checking oil level.

 

Now if you have an 8 speed, check the diameter of the axles...1" axles is probably a #5086 with a 4 pinion differential.

 

If you have 1 1/8" axles, you can have either the 8 pinion differential or the 10 pinion LSD.  If you take off the seat and fender pan, you might be able to look into the trans and count the bolts on the differential housing.  4 bolts is  an 8 pinion...5 bolts is a 10 pinion LSD.

 

The 8 pinion differential is most likely a #5091  Here is the part I am not sure about...when you get into the #5091 and the #103916, they are both 8 speeds but I am not positive if you could have either differential in them from the fctory.  The differentials are interchangeable with the 2 piece 11/44 tooth gear. 

 

Post a picture of the left side of your trans...that would help. 

[Machineguy 877]

13 hours ago, WHX20 said:

 Mike

You probaly got the mid sixties 5060 tranny in it which BTW is a good one

@stevasaurus our resident tranny specialist will be along to grill you like a sandwich about it. 

Dino 

Thanks! Now I know where to go in the event of trans failure!! 

[stevasaurus 22,870]

@Machineguy  you can always ask me about trannys, but if you click on this link, there is a ton of information and videos on almost all of the Wheel Horse Traansmissions.    It is in the "reference section on the main page. 

 

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/144-transmissions/

[Machineguy 877]

Speaking of transmissions, I’ve got a 69 Work Horse 700 that has a Kohler K321 transplanted on it. This little machine is getting snow duty for sidewalks thanks to the narrow width. Snow plow and blower both. In your opinion is the 3 speed capable of handling that torque? 

[Machineguy 877]

 

I had just submitted this question when your post popped up! lol 

Edited August 24, 2018 by Machineguy

[stevasaurus 22,870]

Your #5053 transmission will handle the snow blade with no problem...remember to come to a complete stop before shifting.  It will also handle the snow blower easily.  The thing about the snow blower is wet snow or deep (8") or more wet snow will not blow as good as dry snow (12").  While it will do a great job, you may end up clutching to not be going to fast...that is why I like the 6 or 8 speed or an automatic for the blower.  Of course, one way around all this, go out there when you have 4 or 5 inches and blow more often.    You may not get the depth of snow that I can get, but you probably deal with the wetter snow.

   You may be in the Margarita Zone...be stocked up and watch it melt the next day. 

[Machineguy 877]

For some reason this didn’t show on my notifications earlier! Great stuff! 

I plan on using a super small drive belt pulley on both the engine and trans. I’ll be spacing an electric clutch over that pulley. The clutch will incorporate a 6” pulley increasing auger speed at low rpm. I’m hoping to capitalize on the K321’s low rpm torque on the 30” blower 

[Machineguy 877]

I’m gonna try it out. I’m gonna swap to another range rear if it doesn’t work out. Thanks for the input! I’ve got a 9020 Simplicity with a blower that handles the bigger stuff. This is my sidewalk and small areas machine. It’ll be pulling my firewood trailer too

[Mike in NC 341]

Thank you everyone. I had to remove the transmission as the snap ring on the axle shaft was not on the shaft. the left side axle would come out of the housing. This unit has 1.125" (or 1 1/8") axles, so it Is an 8-speed. It also has 5 bolts holding the diff together, so I take it as it is a 10 pinion unit.

 

Thanks again!!

[stevasaurus 22,870]

That snap ring is flat on one side and rounded on the other...the flat side faces the other axle.  Yes, you have the 10 pinion LSD, but is the brake drum on the mushroom gear or the cluster gear shaft??  6 speed on the mushroom gear...8 speed on the cluster gear shaft. 

[Mike in NC 341]

Here is a pic of the case.

[stevasaurus 22,870]

That, my friend, is an 8 speed.  From the information I can find...it is an 8 speed #5073 because of the 10 pinion LSD.    Your brake drum is on the cluster gear shaft.