WH 108-5 RER Advice Needed

[Bentoolong 94]

I might look at a 108-5 tomorrow with a 12.5HP Briggs Power Built. I'm wondering if this might be a "repower". It looks like a fairly well maintained machine that is not running currently.

It seems that most discussions here are about larger tractors but I'm asking if these are good machines. I think they were made in the 80's.

 

Anybody use one? 

 

Any things to watch out for?

 

Model 3308B504 makes it a 1988.

 

Tractor Data says that the 108-5 has a Briggs 193707 engine which is an 8HP unit. So this might be a repowered machine.

Edited May 21, 2021 by Bentoolong

[Achto 27,918]

It should have an 8hp engine so you are correct on the repower. Never had or used one myself, sorry.

 

Here is some basic info on them.

https://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/4/9/495-wheel-horse-108.html

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,137]

108-5 sold 1985-1988

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=108-5&quick=1&type=downloads_file

 

Garry

[Bentoolong 94]

Thanks,

I did more research and got the machine model # from the owner and it looks like a repower.

Are the Briggs Power Built 12.5HP verticals any good. I don't have model number on the engine.

The owner only had this machine for a month. They heard it run at the PO's but they can't get seem to get it running. They said the battery won't keep a charge. If this is a repower I wonder if the stator and regulator/rectifier is a bad match or just never got connected.

 

 

 

[Achto 27,918]

With a Briggs the battery should only be used to start the engine and run lights, if it has any, The battery is not needed to keep the engine running. Not completely familiar with that model of engine but a lot of Briggs do not have a voltage regulator. It is real common for there to be a single low amp charging wire from the stator to the battery via the switch. This wire will have a diode to change the stator voltage from AC to DC power.  

Edited May 21, 2021 by Achto

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,137]

The later models have a battery tray that swings so the tractor could be stood up on end for storage. If any of the battery acid leaks that can short the battery + to ground and drain it over time. 

 

Garry

[WHX?? 49,488]

Pics you get it Ben... I have a soft spot for RERs ... no idea why! 

[Bentoolong 94]

I've been looking at some of the info here and other places on the inner webs. Some places I see a rectifier/regulator part and others just show a diode on the lead from the stator. I don't think the two would mix very well since the rec/reg should see AC coming in and the stator with diode is wired directly to the battery via the ignition switch.

 

Are older machines with coil ignition typically equipped with a rec/reg since the operation requires a battery. The machines with a magneto system could function with a diode on the stator?

[Bentoolong 94]

Couple pics from the ad. I noticed that the key is in the run position and this one has the rare inverted gas tank feature so it can be driven upside down if needed.

 

I'm hoping the gas tank has room to be in its normal spot with the newer B&S.

 

Bagger and owners manual are a plus.

 

Hey, does anyone know how the fuel tank is attached. Maybe a spring loaded Fram or something. Or bungee cords.

Edited May 21, 2021 by Bentoolong

[WHX?? 49,488]

18 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

I have a soft spot for RERs ... no idea why! 

Now I remember --- easy on/off for us old farts in doing yard chores! 

Always wanted a later model one and they are a plenty and cheap around here but sadly most are abused and neglected. I rebuilt the deck on this one. No idea why again never mow with it. Cause I could I guess

Edited May 21, 2021 by WHX24

[Achto 27,918]

1 hour ago, Bentoolong said:

The machines with a magneto system could function with a diode on the stator?

 

I think a regulator/rectifier application is determined by the charging system alone. I have not seen a Briggs that uses a battery powered ignition. (Not saying that they can't or don't exist) Even the old cast iron Briggs engines with a starter/gen used a magneto for the ignition.

 

Some Briggs will actually have 2 separate stator systems on them. One low amperage system to charge the battery and one higher amp system to run lights and other accessories such as an electric PTO clutch. Briggs has always been more than willing to accommodate their customers demands, whether that be "make it as cheap as possible" or "I want all the bells and whistles".