Advice on selling or keeping.

[D_Mac 8,593]

I have these two rear engine riders. I dont want to sell them but as some of you know my health issues have me considering letting them go. One is a Work Horse 832. The other is a RR-65 Wheel Horse REO Lawn Skiff. Both machines run and work as they should. Both in nice shape for their age. That being said they are what they are ... rear engine riders that their only use is to mow small yards. You dont run across these everyday is the reason why I hang on to them. The 832 if you Google it the only pictures of ones that come up are mine and another one listed here on this forum. The REO is in great shape for being 55 yrs old but in 1965 they didnt think much about safety and I would be leery of selling it to someone who just wants a mower to mow his lawn. Do they have more sentimental value then real money value? I know its easier to come up with a tractors value but what about these little guys ?

Edited March 5, 2020 by D_Mac

[rjg854 11,349]

I love the looks of the work horse 

[c-series don 8,663]

All I know is that they would look even better next to my Reo RR-46 and my Work Horse GT-1800

[D_Mac 8,593]

Nice collection Don, how many do you have? 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,490]

Very nice!

 

Can’t help with value but they are not very common! 

 

Perhaps a package deal to a collector on this site will keep them going while addressing your desire to downsize...

 

[Retired Wrencher 5,441]

If you can find some one who be interested in collecting these models it would be helpful to you. I had some rare ones in the past I let them go after a wile. It is up to you.

Edited March 6, 2020 by Retierd Wrencher

[c-series don 8,663]

12 hours ago, D_Mac said:

Nice collection Don, how many do you have? 

I have 18 (I think!)

 

[CCW 1,292]

There are a few thoughts that come to mind.  First - I would think the safety of the item is not something you need to be concerned with unless you have modified it.  Second - Do these really have that much dollar value?  As you said more sentimental value.  Third - and this is the more sensitive question that only you can answer. Do you need the few hundred dollars you might get for them? 

 

So put them on a listing site (CL, eBay, FB marketplace) and see if you get any takers. Another option is donate it for a fund raiser for a organization of your choice.  You might get more comfort knowing you supported a cause or group.

 

Good luck with your health and here's hoping you find a solution that works for you.

Edited March 6, 2020 by CCW

[oilwell1415 563]

^^^Pretty much exactly what CCW said.  You may get a few hundred for them, but will likely never be able to replace them.  Is the money you could get worth more to you than the happiness you have in owning them?  One of my afflictions is that I'm a NASCAR fan, specifically Richard Petty.  Over the years I have amassed a pretty significant collection of items, many of which are one of a kind or are so rare that they may as well be because I could never replace them.  I've had some really good offers on some of the stuff, but I keep it because the happiness I get from being able to hold it in my hand and know it's mine is worth more to me than the money offered.  The question I often ask myself is whether or not the money will still matter in a year or two.  If the answer is no, it's a really easy decision to make.  FWIW, I have never sold a single Petty item.  I've donated a few to charity, but never sold any.

[D_Mac 8,593]

 Like I said earlier I have been out of work for a year now. Fighting 2 different types of cancer. I have Pancreatic and tonsil cancer. Surgeries on both, treatment is finally over but I havent collected a pay check in over a year now.So yeah I am not going to donate them and the money is needed but not necessary. Past year has been rough. I am getting better everyday and should be back to work soon. Thats only reason I am even thinking of selling them. Yeah I know if I sell them local its just going to be to someone who wants a small rider to mow their lawn. They are not going to know or care about the history of them.The  REO has unique drive system. It has a high/low transmission. Notice only one foot pedal. Dont press it your moving forward. Press halfway down your slowing down. Press it all the way down your moving backwards. Takes a little time to get used to. Plus no seat or neutral safety switch, never came with them. Curious besides the steering wheel, is there any other differences between the RR-46 and RR-65? Maybe Don knows. Maybe Don wants to make his collection an even 20?

[CCW 1,292]

Sounds like you have found your answer.  Unless you can find the right buyer you do not want to sell.  This works too.  The money will come in handy, but if you can hang in until you are back to work there might be a different idea of what you want to do with them.

[stevasaurus 22,706]

I've been kind of looking for one for sometime now.  I have a small yard and would love the RR-65.  When they show up at a show around me, I am usually late getting there.  They are going for around $200 - $250, but they are not as nice and clean as yours.  Sorry to hear about the cancer, sounds like you are on the mend...my prayers with you and your.  

[JoeM 7,871]

Those are cool! I regret cutting one (Work Horse 8hp) up 25 years ago and having it for the kids as a go kart. 

Hope all works out. I had a conversation with my buddy and son about if i check out, they got to go through my barn, It is like a treasure chest of tractor stuff and others. The wife knows it is theirs. 

 

[D_Mac 8,593]

Yeah TractorJunkie  thats what I was going to do to the Work Horse too. Was going to remove the deck and put AG tires on it and let my nephew cruise around on it. Changed my mind because its in to nice of shape. Steve the REO is in great shape. Shortly after I bought it ( like 30 mins) the rear end locked up. Had it over a year before a friend of mine and I  cracked the tranny open to see what broke. Turned out it was the shift fork. Found one online and a couple of new bearings and its running like new. Original seat cover with no tears paint is good except for the carb. Took the carb off to soak it and took the paint with it. Original tires and all.

[c-series don 8,663]

As far as I know the RR 65 is a 6hp and the RR 46 is a 4hp, both being tecumseh. The 65 has a steering wheel, the 46 is a tiller steer. The 65 has pneumatic front tires and the 46 has non-pneumatic front tires. The 65 has a upholstered seat the 46 has a basic metal seat. Both have the same transmission and a 32” rear discharge mower deck. 

[stevasaurus 22,706]

Nice to know you can open the trans and work on it.  Thanks for letting me know that.  

[WHNJ701 4,165]

sorry to hear about your battles, why not put them in classifieds on here, if they sell they sell, at least they might go to someone who appreciates them

[squonk 41,020]

D-mac, What part of Rochester are you in? I'm about 40 miles away.

[c-series don 8,663]

As far as I know the RR 65 is a 6hp and the RR 46 is a 4hp, both being tecumseh. The 65 has a steering wheel, the 46 is a tiller steer. The 65 has pneumatic front tires and the 46 has non-pneumatic front tires. The 65 has a upholstered seat the 46 has a basic metal seat. Both have the same transmission and a 32” rear discharge mower deck.  

[c-series don 8,663]

D Mac I think I’m the guy to give them a good home let’s talk!! I accidentally reposted post number 15 not sure why or how 🤔😂

Edited March 6, 2020 by c-series don

[D_Mac 8,593]

6 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

Nice to know you can open the trans and work on it.  Thanks for letting me know that.  

Sure can... wanna see the " innards" ? My buddy did most of the work. I just mainly passed him the tools.Second photo you caan see the broken fork and the new replacement.

[Retired Wrencher 5,441]

13 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

Nice to know you can open the trans and work on it.  Thanks for letting me know that.  

Steve at least you can tow a cart with them. My new mower that I have can not do any thing with it just mow.

[squonk 41,020]

8 hours ago, D_Mac said:

Sure can... wanna see the " innards" ? My buddy did most of the work. I just mainly passed him the tools.Second photo you caan see the broken fork and the new replacement.

Are you sure you didn't pass rags too? I did a similar trans once. I called it a 2 case transmission. 2 cases of rags! 

[D_Mac 8,593]

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to help me. Hopefully they will be in a new home soon. Here are photos of the issues with the Work Horse. Missing the side discharge chute. The key will start the engine but wont turn it off. Mounted the metal " grounder" above the spark plug... press it down on the plug it grounds it and shuts it down. Guessing it needs a new key switch. Other then those 2 small things everything else is there and works as they should. You guys are great. Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. Hope these go to a new home soon.

[stevasaurus 22,706]

I will buy the RR-65...I'm calling Squonk.  

@D_Mac