Willlawre 45 #1 Posted January 29, 2020 ey guys, new to the forum but have always loved wheel horses, my grandfather had one when I was a kid and I have such fond memories. I'm now lookong into buying one for my small farm I've started that gotten a little to big to not have a little extra help. Ive found what I think is an rj58. Its rough but just wanted some opinions if possoble that would be great. I havent gone and looked yet but from the picture he looks like he has some mechanic experience. Let me know what you think it would be greatly appreciated Will Ma 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #2 Posted January 29, 2020 Just now, Willlawre said: ey guys, new to the forum but have always loved wheel horses, my grandfather had one when I was a kid and I have such fond memories. I'm now lookong into buying one for my small farm I've started that gotten a little to big to not have a little extra help. Ive found what I think is an rj58. Its rough but just wanted some opinions if possoble that would be great. I havent gone and looked yet but from the picture he looks like he has some mechanic experience. Let me know what you think it would be greatly appreciated I appologize I'f this isnt the place for this Will Ma 2 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #4 Posted January 29, 2020 Welcome to wheelhorse anonymous! I own a restored rj58. Wonderful machines.I have never seen someone brake the cast housing ouch!! It looks to be a 58 or 59. They are basically the same machine. That one doesn't look to bad id buy it! The only thing on mine not right is the variable height adjustment someone added and the recoil. I gutted mine inside and out. If you need parts these folks on here are awesome. The steering looks a bit boogered I had the steering made it is basic and simple. they can really work alot for just a tiny 4hp kohler. 6 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #5 Posted January 29, 2020 to does the trans leak any ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,783 #6 Posted January 29, 2020 @Willlawre Do you know if that RJ will run or drive? The transmission looks like it took a hard blow for sure. Treated as a parts/roller machine until we hear otherwise, I’d say that’s in the $200-250-ish range. Keep us updated on the deal! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,706 #7 Posted January 29, 2020 @Willlawre Welcome to Red Square and (yes) you posted in the correct place. That looks like a nice RJ 58. I would call it a 1959 only if the casting date on the trans has a "9" on the end of it. I just don't see how a transmission cast in 1959 can be on a 1958 out of the factory. What did you have in mind for duties for this horse?? I think you are a prime candidate to coral at least one more...go for the Short Frame Square Hood. Most of the attachments will inter-change and the horse power is double at 8 hsp. As far as that transmission, if it was welded with nickle rod, it looks like it should be OK. @Lane Ranger has one with the same welding pattern and I think that one is fine. Obviously, someone has been in there before. If it was the P.O. ask him about it and see if he sounds like he knew what he was doing. Also, see if he has the hitch for the rear end...you will need one to pull anything. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #8 Posted January 29, 2020 Look on the top of the trans there should be a metal tag with a series of numbers and letters not very long. if there is an 8 its 1958 9-1959. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,764 #9 Posted January 29, 2020 58 or 59 no matter it's a nice tractor and not a parts tractor by no means... everything is ther for a mechanical or complete resto. Unreal about that welded tranny case. I don't think even backing into a rock at full speed would cause that! Certainly lends character so we'll call it an honorable battle scar. Not really the right tractor for helping around the farm in this day and age put you certainly could hook a tub up to it and move a couple of haybales or gather in some produce. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #10 Posted January 29, 2020 Bottjernat1 that a nice machine you have there. Bo pullstart it runs and drives comes with a snow plow ad says he wants 750 for it I dont know much about these machines other than people love them. Stevasaurus the duties for it would be ploeing my small drive and pulling logs and some other garden duties I'm not sire if I should go for it. I would like one that has a rear implement attachment and I dont believe this one does, and it my be a little shy of power for what I need 2 hours ago, bottjernat1 said: Welcome to wheelhorse anonymous! I own a restored rj58. Wonderful machines.I have never seen someone brake the cast housing ouch!! It looks to be a 58 or 59. They are basically the same machine. That one doesn't look to bad id buy it! The only thing on mine not right is the variable height adjustment someone added and the recoil. I gutted mine inside and out. If you need parts these folks on here are awesome. The steering looks a bit boogered I had the steering made it is basic and simple. they can really work alot for just a tiny 4hp kohler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,981 #11 Posted January 29, 2020 I have Rj's, Suburbans, short frames, long frames, and late twin cylinders. Just my opinion (and I'm sure some may disagree), but I think an Rj is not strong enough for light farm work or heavy gardening. They are great for riding around, restoring, and showing, but they just don't have the 'umph' for heavy work. I'd go with a model from the late 60's or later with at least 10 HP, and one that has been well maintained. That Rj looks like a fun 'project', but its days as a 'worker' are probably past. BTW, WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION. Why not buy this one, and a bigger one? Good Luck, Jim 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #12 Posted January 29, 2020 9 minutes ago, WHX24 said: 58 or 59 no matter it's a nice tractor and not a parts tractor by no means... everything is ther for a mechanical or complete resto. Unreal about that welded tranny case. I don't think even backing into a rock at full speed would cause that! Certainly lends character so we'll call it an honorable battle scar. Not really the right tractor for helping around the farm in this day and age put you certainly could hook a tub up to it and move a couple of haybales or gather in some produce. Yea I'm thinking it my be to small I came across a few other that I'm more likely gonna follow up on tomorrow I really like the 520 hc ive been looking and contemplating that one for months 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #13 Posted January 29, 2020 Oh no way i would pay $750. especially with the broken tranny casting. I sold my wifes rj58 running and driving for $400 or $450. And it was in better shape. Maybe offer that or $500 worse case they say no thanks. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #14 Posted January 29, 2020 6 minutes ago, SPINJIM said: I have Rj's, Suburbans, short frames, long frames, and late twin cylinders. Just my opinion (and I'm sure some may disagree), but I think an Rj is not strong enough for light farm work or heavy gardening. They are great for riding around, restoring, and showing, but they just don't have the 'umph' for heavy work. I'd go with a model from the late 60's or later with at least 10 HP, and one that has been well maintained. That Rj looks like a fun 'project', but its days as a 'worker' are probably past. BTW, WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION. Why not buy this one, and a bigger one? Good Luck, Jim I've been addicted for a year now just havent pulled the trigger on one. I don't wanna have to do a bunch of work to it to start right off. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #15 Posted January 29, 2020 I would go after a gear drive if you are going to be pulling anything alot. The hydros are good. We own a couple but for more torque go for the gear drive. I dont own a 520 machine but from what everybody says they are great machine and can do about anything! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,706 #16 Posted January 29, 2020 I think @bottjernat1's horse is more like a $750 Horse. @pullstart is more in line at $250 with that transmission case. One thing about these RJ's, they are very light in the front. If you are pulling something from the back, you are looking for the front wheels to come off the ground. You have to pull something while backing up. I would wait and go for the 8 to 10 hsp horse...mid 60's to mid 70's for from $400 to $600. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #17 Posted January 29, 2020 Just now, stevasaurus said: I think @bottjernat1's horse is more like a $750 Horse. @pullstart is more in line at $250 with that transmission case. One thing about these RJ's, they are very light in the front. If you are pulling something from the back, you are looking for the front wheels to come off the ground. You you have to pull something while backing up. I would wait and go for the 8 to 10 hsp horse...mid 60's to mid 70's for from $400 to $600. I wish $750 I have alot more in mine body work paint and all new everything has been gutted motor and transmission new rubber. When i tell folks what i have in it they throw up LOL. I know i was dumb and i was alot younger i will never get my money back out of mine but to me it was worth every penny. And i have good memories of my late dad. mine was a beater and missing lots of parts and pieces and had the lots of metal work issues. I have learned from it and know better. LOL 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #18 Posted January 29, 2020 7 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: I think @bottjernat1's horse is more like a $750 Horse. @pullstart is more in line at $250 with that transmission case. One thing about these RJ's, they are very light in the front. If you are pulling something from the back, you are looking for the front wheels to come off the ground. You have to pull something while backing up. I would wait and go for the 8 to 10 hsp horse...mid 60's to mid 70's for from $400 to $600. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,764 #19 Posted January 29, 2020 That charger 12 would be my pick of the litter if you can use the hydro. The 520's have been repowered so I would tend to shy away from them unless I knew the guy who did it. What kind of chores would you be using it for? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,945 #20 Posted January 29, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, stevasaurus said: @Willlawre Welcome to Red Square and (yes) you posted in the correct place. That looks like a nice RJ 58. I would call it a 1959 only if the casting date on the trans has a "9" on the end of it. I just don't see how a transmission cast in 1959 can be on a 1958 out of the factory. What did you have in mind for duties for this horse?? I think you are a prime candidate to coral at least one more...go for the Short Frame Square Hood. Most of the attachments will inter-change and the horse power is double at 8 hsp. As far as that transmission, if it was welded with nickle rod, it looks like it should be OK. @Lane Ranger has one with the same welding pattern and I think that one is fine. Obviously, someone has been in there before. If it was the P.O. ask him about it and see if he sounds like he knew what he was doing. Also, see if he has the hitch for the rear end...you will need one to pull anything. The center case I had on one of my RJ transmissions had three welds on it It had been welded twice. The farmer that owned the Wheel Horse tractor used it for his vegetable garden every year. One year he had his garden plow on and pulled it across a stup and cracked the center case. He had the case rewelded at a dealership and they also placed a better differential in it as he had also cracked the center differential gear housing. The crazy thing about it was he did the same thing two years later as he had not removed the stup. I traded an RJ front wheel for the welded center case and a box of RJ transmission gears (including the cracked center differential gear housing). The cracked center differential case did go into another RJ or Suburban however as Steve had a contact that wanted it and thought he could welded or braise it up. However, the guys machinist friends convinced him the have a ring made around the cracked differential housing and that saved it for reuse. I have sent Will a message already and told him I have several center housing and I would sell him one reasonably priced to fix the RJ58 if he buys it and wants to redo the center housing. Quote Edited January 29, 2020 by Lane Ranger 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #21 Posted January 29, 2020 WHX24 I'd be wanting to rototill, plow my small driveway and over all maintaince of it so pushing some light gravel I have a short drive. Hauling some brush. This 520hc does have a newer 25 go kohler engine in it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willlawre 45 #22 Posted January 29, 2020 If anyone knows of any running and driving gear driven horses for sale close to mass they could turn me onto I would mihht driving some distance for the right one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,764 #23 Posted January 29, 2020 That ain't a bad looing tractor and would be a good candidate if the repo was done right then. Easy enough to find a tiller and other attachments as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,266 #24 Posted January 29, 2020 13 minutes ago, Willlawre said: If anyone knows of any running and driving gear driven horses for sale close to mass they could turn me onto I would mihht driving some distance for the right one! How far do you want to drive? I replied to your p.m. earlier. You've definitely come to a great source to try to find one. One of us will be able to help you find something that will fit your needs very very well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #25 Posted January 29, 2020 I have the center housing but mainly do local pickups only. I live in Avilla Indiana quite a ways from you 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
