TractorChild97 158 #1 Posted September 9, 2020 (edited) I just recently picked up a 308-8 Wheelhorse without a motor no belt just a frame wheels and rear end. To check the transmissions in other lawn mowers I'll put them in every gear and try to roll it. If the tranny is good it scoots and the tires go different directions. With the wheel horse I could push it in every gear hi and low but there was some hold back and the tranny pully would start spinning. It makes the sound as if your riding downhill and the tractor is holding back. Im 100% new and have never had any wheel horse and know nothing. I would love to learn so lay it on me. Edited September 9, 2020 by TractorChild97 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vurge 158 #2 Posted September 9, 2020 I thought that something was wrong with the transmission in my first wheelhorse too. It would roll regardless of gear. Turned out both wheel hubs were loose on the axle. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #3 Posted September 9, 2020 Thats what I thought at first so I checked it out and everything is solid. The axles werent spinning in the hubs. I really wanted to put some money into the mower but if the tranny is having issues I'm not too sure. I wouldnt even know how to go about fixing it (if something is broken) 🤔 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #4 Posted September 9, 2020 Both hubs have the pins and the gears dont grind or make any bad noises. Its the sound of a mower holding back over a hill. A winding sound in every gear. Maybe theres nothing wrong? I may just have to put a motor on it and find out 🤔 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #5 Posted September 9, 2020 If in every gear you push it and the input pulley of the transmission is turning, the chances are the transmission is good. The only way to know for sure of course is to break it open and check things over. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #6 Posted September 9, 2020 T😎 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,504 #7 Posted September 9, 2020 7 hours ago, TractorChild97 said: With the wheel horse I could push it in every gear hi and low but there was some hold back and the tranny pully would start spinning With out an engine and belt there is nothing to hold the transmission input pulley from spinning, so it will roll in every gear. After you find an engine for it and get it installed, I would change the fluid in the transmission and give it a try. If there is an issue with the tranny we will gladly help you through that process., 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,490 #8 Posted September 9, 2020 I would think you would be hearing more than what you are hearing if the trans is bad... I'd go with @Achto and @ebinmaine's advice... 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,075 #9 Posted September 9, 2020 There are lots of good members here that will help you through any problem you may encounter. If you have an electric motor hanging around you could belt it up to the transmision to bench test it. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #10 Posted September 9, 2020 Thanks guys big time. I'll get an engine on it and see what happens here soon. If I have a problem I'll definitely dive into the tranny but I'll be back here to have y'all lead me. I just now finished swapping axles in a Peerless 820. Thats the most work iv done in one. I'll post pics of the mower. : ) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #12 Posted September 9, 2020 If you can handle working on a Peerless then you'll have no issue whatsoever with these transmissions. Super easy. When you get around to testing it be sure you have a belt guard installed and adjusted correctly. The belt guard is the belt guide and it Must be there or you have no clutching. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #13 Posted September 9, 2020 Ill definitly have to get one. Where about would one be that wont cost an arm? Or is it possible to make one? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #14 Posted September 9, 2020 Definitely can be made. You can also get one and modify it as needed. It's going to depend on what engine you put in there for what type of belt guide you need. Lots of us have our own .. Parts departments, if you will. Somebody likely has a spare.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,708 #15 Posted September 9, 2020 I'll bet @WHX24 has a guard that will fit your 308-8. Welcome to Red Square. I'd say there is nothing wrong with your trans, but what you could do (instead of pushing it around) is jack up the rear end and try a few things that way. 1. with both wheels off the ground and the trans in neutral...spin one of the wheels in a direction...the other wheel should spin in the opposite direction. Do the same with the other wheel. If it works both ways, with no slips or funny noises, then your differential is good to go. 2. put trans into 1st gear...turn the intake pulley in a counter-clockwise direction...one or both wheels will turn in a forward direction. 3. Repeat with the rest of the gears. when you get to reverse, the wheels should turn in that direction. 4. Don't be shocked if only one wheel turns...simply get someone to hold that wheel from turning, and the other one should start to turn. 5. If you can shift between hi and low range, then that part is good. 6. If all goes smooth, you have a good trans. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #16 Posted September 9, 2020 Woah thats quite a few guards. I may send him a message, might be able to work out a deal on one. Thanks for the advice instead of pushing the mower around 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #17 Posted September 9, 2020 5 minutes ago, TractorChild97 said: Woah thats quite a few guards. I may send him a message, might be able to work out a deal on one. Thanks for the advice instead of pushing the mower around Pay attention to what ole @stevasaurus says. He's good people. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,779 #18 Posted September 9, 2020 There may be one in that pile there may not. Trouble is I have no idea what some are for. Someone would have to put up a pic of what the correct one looks like. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #19 Posted September 9, 2020 2 minutes ago, WHX24 said: There may be one in that pile there may not. Trouble is I have no idea what some are for. Someone would have to put up a pic of what the correct one looks like. They're made out of metal. Mostly flat. Probably painted red. Does that narrow it down at all? 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,490 #20 Posted September 9, 2020 3 hours ago, stevasaurus said: They found it!!!! They found it!!! The Island of Misfit Guards!!! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,708 #21 Posted September 9, 2020 Should be able to measure the input pulley, and the engine pulley...and the distance from the center of each of those pulleys. After that, the holes can be drilled in the right place, some tabs could be welded or bent if they are there....etc. If Jim does not want to get rid of those guards, the measurements could be there to fabricate a new one. He who dies with the most guards wins. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #22 Posted September 9, 2020 When I rebuilt my 5060 8-speed, I was able to spin the input pullet and check all gears before I put on the hubs and installed it. Was a good check. I was able to spin the pulley with just the tip of one finger and the axles spun freely and smoothly. If you roll it and the input pulley spins, I'd bet something is working in there Oh, and 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,708 #23 Posted September 9, 2020 Here is what the correct one looks like Jim... You know how long it took me to figure out how to use paint??? 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TractorChild97 158 #24 Posted September 10, 2020 I could most definitely make one if I had the measurements. My shop is originally a smithy ; ) it just recently became my garage too. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,075 #25 Posted September 10, 2020 19 hours ago, TractorChild97 said: Ill definitly have to get one. Where about would one be that wont cost an arm? Or is it possible to make one? The belt guard from any 300 or 400 series should fit. You may have a mower shop that has a bone yard out back that would be able to fix you up. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
