Information about wheelhorse tractors

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

I'm looking at a wheelhorse lawn ranger, that hasn't been operated for 10 years.  It has been stored inside.  The fellow said it will need a battery and probably the carburator cleaned.  Does anyone have any experience with the lawn ranger?  Are there certain things I should be looking for since the tractor has been idle for so long?  All guidance is greatly appreciated.

[953 nut 55,228]

The fact that it has been stored indoors is a big plus. Do you happen to know what year or model number you are considering buying. The 1969 and later Lawn Rangers had a square hood and a vertical crankshaft and are not considered as desirable as the 1968 and earlier Round Hood units by most people.

Got any pictures?

[Pullstart 62,867]

Lawn rangers were just a topic of discussion last week.  Here’s a link to that thread

 

We kind of went back and forth discussing how it was ruggedly built, but smaller (closer to the ground) than some would desire for, say, plowing the garden.  They did change a bit in looks overt he years but I believe that at heart, they are just as tough as most other Wheel Horses.  
 

I’d verify if it has a Kohler or Tecumseh engine.  The Kohler engines are much easier to work on and parts are a bit more available.  The fuel system at a minimum will need a good cleaning, maybe just plan on a 4 foot chunk of 1/4” fuel line and a good see through filter for starters.  Check the oil, check for spark, clean the junk out of the carb. bowl, etc.  if it’s been outside, most likely the trans is full of water or has some in it at least.  *edit* I see it’s been indoors.  Good deal!
 

there are a good handful of threads if you search “baseline” too for a “how to get a tractor running that’s been sitting so long” topic.  Good luck!

Edited March 2, 2022 by Pullstart

[Pullstart 62,867]

Richard beat me to it!  Yes I have forgotten about the vertical shaft flavor.  They were indeed a lesser quality but still better than most out there!

[pacer 3,169]

As mentioned the fuel system will need careful scrutiny -- clean carb, replace lines, empty and inspect tank for old gelled gas, maybe even flush.

 another concern is ignition, check for spark, points tend to glaze over long periods. And, as mentioned, ck the tranny for water (dip stick will have a coffee with cream look) Prolly oughta change it anyway....

 

And, welcome to the horse family!!

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

 

Looks like they’ve got you covered…

[WHX?? 48,815]

  Knowwhat

LRs as we affectionately call them here are a collectors item for some but yes as Richard said only '69 and earlier.  

A favored tractor for the guys to modify and paint pink for their young  daughters or grand kids as ride  rounds. They are great for that but not  much more than a lawn mower although we have seen them geared for more. 

Engine was the down side as most were Tecumseh powered due to it being a budget machine and known not to be as reliable as a  Kohler. Parts for a Tecumseh can be hard to find and $$  unless you are a purist. On the upside they can be repoed somewhat easily with a Kohler or a nice vintage Briggs or even Predator. 

13 hours ago, 953 nut said:

 

Got any pictures?

that would help us out help you. 

Edited March 2, 2022 by WHX??

[pfrederi 17,739]

OK I am prejudiced.  This L107 was bought in May 1967 by my Father and has been on constant use since.  Mowed 2 acres for many years.  Last 20 years she is used year round as a chore tractor. She has also run a snowblower and plowed snow. She is on her second engine (Techy HH70 put on in the early 90s)  Probably the best $469.95 he every spent. Techy starts winter and summer faster than most of my Kohlers and is ready to run work inmediately

[AMC RULES 37,130]

      

[WHX?? 48,815]

Wow calendar shots right there Paul! 

[8ntruck 7,003]

Speaking about calander shots, did anybody put together a 2022 calander?  I've done a couple of searches, but didn't find anything. 

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

On 3/1/2022 at 7:08 PM, knowwhat0144@gmail.com said:

I'm looking at a wheelhorse lawn ranger, that hasn't been operated for 10 years.  It has been stored inside.  The fellow said it will need a battery and probably the carburator cleaned.  Does anyone have any experience with the lawn ranger?  Are there certain things I should be looking for since the tractor has been idle for so long?  All guidance is greatly appreciated.

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

The fellow with the lawn ranger, states its a vintage 1966 model.  

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

That looks to be in great shape!

 

If you reach a price you’re good with I’d pick that up…

 

[pfrederi 17,739]

Original front tires...Looks good ...you get it home yet

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

I had a little White lawn and garden tractor with a tuecumseh engine, that served me for about 17 years without a problem.  Many of my friends say I got lucky.  The only reason for buying the lawn ranger is to mow lawn.  I haven't asked about the engine, so I don't know what it has in it.  The 312 8 does all the heavy work: plowing snow, moving bank gravel and manure.  I really appreciate all the support.

 

 

 

 

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

I haven't picked it up.  Thought $500.00 was a bit to high, but I don't know.

[WHX?? 48,815]

That does sound a little high for a tractor that you can't hear run or drive. My personal take is no more than a franklin if it does not run. Maybe a bit more for a bucket lister.

Just for instance I sold a '67 LR to @dclarke a couple of years ago for 150 which is what I paid for it but I knew he would do things to it I would never get around to.  Shouldn't never sold it '67s are my thing but Denny's a bro. We  both thought that was a fair price considering it was all ther 'cept for the orginal fronts dry rotted. 

 

Given that  500 seems abit high to me. A few more years back I coulda had an immaculate restoed turn key one for 700 that I passed on. 

My top dollar would be a buck and a quarter if it is indeed a '68 but that's just my .

Edited March 3, 2022 by WHX??

[WHX?? 48,815]

8 hours ago, 8ntruck said:

Speaking about calander shots, did anybody put together a 2022 calander?  I've done a couple of searches, but didn't find anything. 

Sadly not Truck but retirement treats me good and I got no time I might try my hand at it. I might predujiced about featureing  some models tho. Let's just say you might see alot of round hoods!  

[Handy Don 12,219]

45 minutes ago, knowwhat0144@gmail.com said:

I haven't picked it up.  Thought $500.00 was a bit to high, but I don't know.

Mostly agree with @WHX??

I don't know where "any place" is so I can't offer any regional distinction.

Non-runner generic? $150

Non-runner desirable (bucket list or any round hood)? Maybe more, maybe quite a bit more, maybe less. Depends a lot on condition and completeness. That one looks very complete and the tractor seems nice (little exterior rust)---can't see much of the deck.

You don't mention what skills you have to address bringing it back to life. It could be as simple as a new battery and fresh gas but it could be a lot more involved.

 

[953 nut 55,228]

Doesn't cost anything to look at it (presuming it is close to home). If it has good compression and spark and you are comfortable with the notion of doing some work it could be worth at least half the asking price. You could bring a good battery and some carb-cleaner spray along to see if it will spin over and fire.       Of course if it fires the seller won't be as open to negotiating a lower price.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

My approach:

 

1) Do I “need” it? = Willing buyer willing seller Mutually agreed price and don’t look back or talk about it (the price) on RS.

2) Do I “want” it? Running and moving see 1) above. Non-running / moving with engine $100 max. Roller no engine $50 max.

 

 

Edited March 5, 2022 by SylvanLakeWH

[WHX?? 48,815]

36 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

Doesn't cost anything to look at it (presuming it is close to home).

True Richard ...just 'cause you ain't hungry don't mean you can't look at the menu... 

[knowwhat0144@gmail.com 13]

I haven't picked it up.  Thought $500.00 was a bit to high, but I don't know.

Thank you all for your input.  

Handy Don:  I can replace many of the parts and maybe able to do some wiring, but rebuilding engine is way far away from my skill level.  I had thought about looking at it, but the fellow is pretty firm on the price.

[953 nut 55,228]

25 minutes ago, knowwhat0144@gmail.com said:

the fellow is pretty firm on the price.

After a few dozen people tell him the price is out of line he may be more negotiable.