Saved a 875 from flood water

[ELECTRORIC 230]

I bought some Wheel Horse tractors and decks from a fellow who was a collector but after a flood in 2019 he decided to sell out his tractors they all had water in the engines and transmissions he didn't drain them after the flood I started with the 875 because the transmission didn't have water in it had to rebuild engine replace starter/gen.& voltage reg.but I have it running and moving also got a 704 going it didn't come from the flood just needed a engine a trans work.

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

We had a big flood in our area this summer, luckily we live a bit higher. But a lot of cars got totaled out.

Something about that flood water, makes it so nasty and leaving behind this very hard to remove residue. 

 

Good to see you taking on the challenge saving those Horses. 

[ELECTRORIC 230]

I got my first Wheel Horse Rj58 in 1981 I have accumulated a lot of parts through the years after I retired this is what I do is try to save them and keep them original as possible.

[Pullstart 62,918]

Great saves!

[Wheelhorse#1 1,669]

Always  like the 875,nice  machine. 

[Kennyb 4]

I just acuirerd a 875 roller only,I would like to see any kind of info on it ,I would like to get it back to as much original as possible

[ELECTRORIC 230]

Being on RedSquare is a good start I would go to the manual section and download a 875 manual to find out what you need.

[Handy Don 12,237]

8 hours ago, Kennyb said:

I just acuirerd a 875 roller only,I would like to see any kind of info on it ,I would like to get it back to as much original as possible

I see you've been a member for a while, but WELCOME!

 

My recommendation aligns with @ELECTRORIC--practice using the forum's search bar and rummaging through the manual section using different search terms (and note the "use ALL my search terms" option).

 

But then, go further. There are a LOT of old threads concerning Kohler's, transmissions, steering, clutches, brakes, PTOs, mower decks, plows, blowers, and various other stuff (just take careful note of the posting dates on any postings before you decide to reply ).

 

Your 875 has many, many parts in common with other models of the same year as well as for earlier and later years--even the engine. It can take a bit of time but it is well worth understanding where the commonalities are so you can acquire parts as you need them while still maintaining authenticity. Restorations to full-on original condition are uncommon, take a lot of time, and and can be very expensive given the challenges of finding exact parts for 55-year-old machines.

 

One other thought is to read through some of the discussions on paint vs. patina. The latter is where the owner takes steps to restore and protect as much of the original finish/paint as possible rather than stripping it down and repainting.

[ELECTRORIC 230]

Lots of good information I agree 100% I have done restorations but now I like the original patina.

 

[WHGuy413 2,710]

Up here in New England if you end up with water in the transmission it usually freezes them solid in the winter. If it’s too full then I’ve seen them crack. Oh the forces of nature are strong. I had one that I didn’t realize the shift boot was junk and it got water in it. Went to plow snow and it wouldn’t drive at all. Locked up tight. Well a turkey fryer burner fits right under there perfect I just had to lift up the back end and slide it under. Had it thawed out in no time. Drained it out filled it with oil and replaced the boot. 

Edited January 10, 2022 by WHGuy413

[Retired Wrencher 5,467]

Glad you saved this one. Looks like a good worker.

[Retired Wrencher 5,467]

19 hours ago, WHGuy413 said:

Up here in New England if you end up with water in the transmission it usually freezes them solid in the winter. If it’s too full then I’ve seen them crack. Oh the forces of nature are strong. I had one that I didn’t realize the shift boot was junk and it got water in it. Went to plow snow and it wouldn’t drive at all. Locked up tight. Well a turkey fryer burner fits right under there perfect I just had to lift up the back end and slide it under. Had it thawed out in no time. Drained it out filled it with oil and replaced the boot. 

Good save there Matt. 

[DougsTractorShed 86]

I actually just acquired this 875 from @ELECTRORIC yesterday. Ric always does a great job in his work. I've already cut grass for the first time with this Horse and cuts very nice! It's a lot of fun to drive. 

 

 

[Handy Don 12,237]

Very nice. Take good care of it you'll use it for a long time. Enjoy.

[WHX?? 48,833]

Now that my friend is a true survivor..... 

[D_Mac 8,623]

I picked up my 875 as a parts machine. It had a blown engine. After getting it home I talked myself into repairing it. Replaced the blown engine with a working one. Some new cables, front tires, seat, and steering gears it's as good as new. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by D_Mac

[DougsTractorShed 86]

On 4/5/2022 at 8:58 AM, D_Mac said:

I picked up my 875 as a parts machine. It had a blown engine. After getting it home I talked myself into repairing it. Replaced the blown engine with a working one. Some new cables, front tires, seat, and steering gears it's as good as new. 

This is a very nice looking tractor! That’s gotta be fun to plow with.

[DougsTractorShed 86]

I’ve mowed a few times with the 875 now and this tractor is a lot of fun to operate. Once the weather warms up a bit I’m going work on polishing the patina. I really like the finish on it given it’s a flood rescue.

[D_Mac 8,623]

Everyone here has their own opinion on painting or not painting and what to use on the tractors that just get cleaned and not painted. Personally I like to keep original paint. To bring the paint back to life I wash it really good then rub it all down with boiled linseed oil. I love my 875 but I like it's bigger brother even better. The 1075. Big block, short frame, baby moons, tall stack, and custom decals !!