P2mfknj 65 #1 Posted August 25, 2020 This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time and finally took the plunge. I have always been fascinated by vintage garden tractors. I'm sure it's the memories of my grandfather doing every conceivable outdoors chore with his wheel horse (unfortunately it was sold decades ago with all implements). Regardless, I love restoring antique machines and tools and now I have something I can restore and enjoy for years to come. I'm now officially the second owner of this garden tractor. Other than the faded paint it was well maintained and cared for. It was tucked away under a tarp when I arrived, no fluid stains under the mower and no mouse nests in it lol. Removed the tarp, pushed it out of the garage, pulled the choke, turned the key then she fired right up and came to life like she was just turned off. The engine block was cold and had cobwebs on the vent screen so it definitely was not started before I arrived. No smoking, no knocking, idles and runs smooth. The gear driven rear discharge deck is definitely cool and a first for me. This is going to be a cool project. 13 13 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gracie's Dad 155 #2 Posted August 25, 2020 Welcome...hope you have lots of storage space! 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #3 Posted August 25, 2020 Nice looking tractor and welcome to the forum! Looks like it's even still wearing its original front rubber. Should have Wheel Horse lettering on them if so. Should be a good worker that will outlast every junk box store mower you could buy. Cheaper, too! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about it! There's a wealth of knowledge here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #4 Posted August 25, 2020 I sure do! After this one is done I'm sure I will want another wheel horse. I love this K181 engine. When I saw it was only 8hp on craigslist it wasn't dealbreaker but but loved the look of the tractor. Then I started and rode it. Not a problem at all. Especially when the engine didn't flinch when engaging the deck blades. Hell my modern craftsman riding mower Boggs for a split second when engaging the deck. It may be 8 horses but these are clydesdale horses. Not 15 shetland ponies🤣 7 3 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #5 Posted August 25, 2020 3 minutes ago, ZXT said: Nice looking tractor and welcome to the forum! Looks like it's even still wearing its original front rubber. Should have Wheel Horse lettering on them if so. Should be a good worker that will outlast every junk box store mower you could buy. Cheaper, too! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about it! There's a wealth of knowledge here. Yes all orginal rubber in the front for sure and it does have wheel horse logos on the tires. Along with the word Nylon. I will have to check tonight to see if the rears are as well. I will need a seat cushion after I'm done restoring it. Other than the missing cushion it's all original except for the headlights. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,684 #6 Posted August 25, 2020 yep, It's amazing what an 8 HP Kohler K181 can do 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blackhood Bill 721 #7 Posted August 25, 2020 lots of knowledge here. On the original shoes, I have never dismounted them to paint the rims, I’ve been told to leave them sealed and use something like a deck of cards around to rim over the tire to repaint. I was told you may not get them to reseal again. I will one day be painting my rims as long as the tire don’t need replaced. This is a place to be with everyone jumping to help answer any and all questions you may have, just ask 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #8 Posted August 25, 2020 So In just arrived home from work, yes all four wheels are still wearing their original wheel horse branded "turf saver" tires. They do have some fine dry rot cracks. None the less Im impressed that they are still holding air. Actually everything about this machine is very impressive. I have owned many used riding mowers over the last 45 years but nothing as well built as this. I love that is not made of paper thin sheet steel. This is a well built solid piece of equipment. Im a quality engineer and deel with manufacturing standards daily. From what I've observed so far these were built with pride and care with strict quality standards. As they always say....they don't build them like they used to. Time to start digging through the forum for all the spec sheets and shop manuals! My favorite reading material of all time! 2 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P2mfknj 65 #9 Posted August 25, 2020 Thank you for the deck of cards idea to paint the rims! I will definitely do that. As long as they are holding air the original tires are staying on it. I've seen much worse dry rot on old tires and these are actually not the worst I've seen. In the event they do start losing air. Do they make tubes for these so you can keep the original tires on it if they start losing air? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,064 #10 Posted August 25, 2020 to great site you’re choosing, with a lot‘s of knowledge about Horses and their Attachements. I like the rugged style how they built. I‘m sure you find here all the help you needed. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,350 #12 Posted August 25, 2020 sounds as though you are already enjoying your tractor, nice condition too. A buff and shine and you'll have a true survivor 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #13 Posted August 25, 2020 7 hours ago, P2mfknj said: only 8hp That little 181 engine is definitely a favorite among many of us members. Plenty powerful to do many chores. Runs smooth and quiet. Sips fuel. Once you get into using that more and more you'll discover that a modern engine that is 12 or 15 or even more HP can't hold a candle to it. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,490 #14 Posted August 25, 2020 To answer your tube question - yes they make tubes... lots of folks run with tubes... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #15 Posted August 25, 2020 (edited) 11 hours ago, P2mfknj said: Thank you for the deck of cards idea to paint the rims! I will definitely do that. As long as they are holding air the original tires are staying on it. I've seen much worse dry rot on old tires and these are actually not the worst I've seen. In the event they do start losing air. Do they make tubes for these so you can keep the original tires on it if they start losing air? Like @SylvanLakeWH says above. Yeah there's all kinds of sizes of tubes. You can get them all over the Internet or throwing an ad up on this website. Lots of us keep spares and may have sizes we don't need. Another thing you can do is to lower the air pressure a little bit. Recommended I think is around 8 rear, 12 front. But you can get away with less. I run fluid filled tires which actually gives you the double benefit of not having any air pressure but for a pound or two and also the fluid pushes the beads back out onto the rim with every rotation. Also gives you extra traction because of the weight. Weight is your friend. Edited August 25, 2020 by ebinmaine 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,433 #16 Posted August 25, 2020 They do bite hard! That's a fantastic example as well! Congratulations on the find, and the adventure begins. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,075 #17 Posted August 25, 2020 8 hours ago, P2mfknj said: . I will need a seat cushion after I'm done restoring it. Your timing is excellent, @BOB ELLISON makes new seat covers that are exactly like the factory upholstery, but this may be the last year he will be doing it. Here is a picture of one on my 1055. I love the patina of the old sheet metal, but it is your tractor and your decision to make. 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,871 #18 Posted August 25, 2020 And if you make that stallion a gelding......it can still multiply! welcome to the RS! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,789 #20 Posted August 25, 2020 10 hours ago, P2mfknj said: I sure do! After this one is done I'm sure I will want another wheel horse. I love this K181 engine. When I saw it was only 8hp on craigslist it wasn't dealbreaker but but loved the look of the tractor. Then I started and rode it. Not a problem at all. Especially when the engine didn't flinch when engaging the deck blades. Hell my modern craftsman riding mower Boggs for a split second when engaging the deck. It may be 8 horses but these are clydesdale horses. Not 15 shetland ponies🤣 Hey @bds1984 I’m not the only CL buyer in Michigan! @P2mfknj! Nice tractor there, they sure do make plenty of grunt for just 8 horses 8 hours ago, P2mfknj said: So In just arrived home from work, yes all four wheels are still wearing their original wheel horse branded "turf saver" tires. They do have some fine dry rot cracks. Don’t worry about fine cracks, most automotive rubber these days can show signs of dry rot within a year... these bad boys are 54 years old and still going strong! As for me buying all the Michigan studs, here’s an example or three of what they tease me about... The girls and I use these fine examples of old iron as often as possible here at the Pullstart Stables. 4 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Horse Paladin 1,038 #21 Posted August 25, 2020 10 hours ago, P2mfknj said: It may be 8 horses but these are clydesdale horses. Not 15 shetland ponies🤣 THIS, RIGHT HERE... Needs VinylGuy's attention!❤👍🏼😊 I see bumpersticker millionaire😉😁 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Horse Paladin 1,038 #22 Posted August 25, 2020 ALSO: @P2mfknj WELCOME!😊 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,777 #23 Posted August 25, 2020 Be advised these here like their so you may need one of these for serious pic uploads as well as down loading manuals! https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/store/ 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,130 #24 Posted August 25, 2020 @P2mfknj Here is a before and after picture of 1977 c- series wheels and original tires utilizing the deck of cards trick I learned on here. These guy's are nothing short of genius, and maybe a few on here as well. Consider leaving the original patina you might like and if you don't you can always repaint. Some tricks on here to do both. Many very talented members with many years experience behind them. Good luck 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,777 #25 Posted August 25, 2020 Heard tell you get best results if you use all RED cards! 2 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
