Bucket List Machine 754

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

I have been searching for an original 754 for a few years now as it is a rare bird that I have wanted for some time. Finding a 754 is difficult enough but when this one came up for sale locally from another member here I had to get it. Motor was bad in it and will need a rebuild. I found a replacement 8 that was recently rebuilt from another local member. After swapping parts and some paint here she is.... I do plan on rebuilding the original motor at some point but it needs machine work etc. That will be a future project. 

[Shynon 7,459]

That's one nice 754, glad you found one. 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,352]

Another nice one in your barn 

[953 nut 55,393]

3 hours ago, stevebo said:

I had to get it

Oh how well I know that feeling!                                                   Nice catch, looks like a keeper.          

[WHNJ701 4,165]

dumb question. what's the difference between an 854 and 754?  nice tractor!

[rjg854 11,393]

8hp vs a 7hp

[WHNJ701 4,165]

did 754 have a kohler?  was there a 7hp kohler?

[rjg854 11,393]

Yes, I believe they both used the same block.

[Racinbob 11,115]

It's my understanding that they used the engines that were installed in the 753's. I'm curious. The beauty here has a pre 64 steering wheel. I've seen several with the 64 steering wheel. I'm wondering if the factory retagged some 753's as 754's and also mounted the 7hp on some 854 frames. Or it could simply be that the wheel was swapped out. 

[Pullstart 62,945]

1 hour ago, jabelman said:

did 754 have a kohler?  was there a 7hp kohler?

 

K161 possibly?  I think K181 is 8 hp and 161 is 7.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

3 hours ago, Racinbob said:

It's my understanding that they used the engines that were installed in the 753's. I'm curious. The beauty here has a pre 64 steering wheel. I've seen several with the 64 steering wheel. I'm wondering if the factory retagged some 753's as 754's and also mounted the 7hp on some 854 frames. Or it could simply be that the wheel was swapped out. 

The wheel is not correct. Tyson is sending me the correct wheel. The correct engine is a k161 7hp Kohler 

[whtractors24 3,116]

Nice ride 🤷‍♂️

Edited March 18, 2019 by whtractors24

[troutbum70 857]

Very nicely done, how fortunate you are.

[Retired Wrencher 5,469]

Steve good find . Should be a good project. Enjoy.

Edited March 18, 2019 by Retierd Wrencher

[Chris G 3,296]

Nice looking machine

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

So I was able to get a nice proper steering wheel from Tyson (5th Nebraska) lol. Also changed the belt guard to the correct one. I have to hit up Glenn for the correct center cap. If anyone has a picture of an original or can send me the link to the correct one for the 754 (Glenn's site here in vendor section) that would be great. 

[Shynon 7,459]

I can send you one.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

Looks like my steering shaft is too tall. Shyon- can you get a measurement of the amount of shaft below the steering wheel?

[Shynon 7,459]

11 minutes ago, stevebo said:

an you get a measurement of the amount of shaft below the steering wheel?

I try to get one soon, it's buried in storage in my trailer. I'll have to see if enough snow has melted to get to it.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

Thanks Shyon. If anyone else has a 754 that is more accessible can you please measure the distance from tank to roll pin?

[bottjernat1 2,190]

nice horse!! I believe that is the model my dad had and our local wheel horse guys accused my late dad of making the decal on. they said it didnt exsist. LOL! We knew it did we did our research. Jokes on them!

[Racinbob 11,115]

I would assume the 854 steering shaft would be the same. On my 854 the distance from the tank to the center of the roll pin is 5/8". 

 

Curiosity thing here. The K-181 uses a taller air filter and the hoods are a fuzz longer to clear it. The 854 hood measures 20" from the nose to the tank and 16" from the seam to the tank. The 754? 

[LengerichKA88 1,883]

That’s a beautifully done machine. 

[Shynon 7,459]

Let me know if this helps.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,333]

Perfect. Ty

 

So today after work I put the 754 to work. Wanted to work the kinks out. So... found that the aftermarket (tsc) style rear drive pulley was for a 5/8” belt and it was slipping. Swapped that out for an oem for 1/2” belt that is correct and fixed that slipping. Next problem was one of the tie rods let go... fixed them too!!  Oh forgot to mention while thatching the lawn the bolt holding the front wheel on spindle was loose😳