stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #26 Posted September 6, 2022 2 hours ago, tractorchick said: My friend Joe Papke also told me that it may be a 59! I honestly forgot that they even existed. I think the diamond tread looks pretty cool! That is a good looking RJ! Wild Bill told me we can consider the 59’ the same as the 58’ as the featured tractor 😙😙 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill in VA 1,452 #27 Posted September 7, 2022 Kate or anyone else who has the diamond stud type tires, keep them on the tractor. They are the original "turf type tire" and not many of them out there, you figure this in 1958/59 just how many pieces of machinery used a "turf tire". For the most part people knew what an AG or tractor tire was and that's what sold. Those tires are ..... now I don't like to say rare ..... but I will say hard to find. I have never heard of a 1959 having a solid seat, I believe they came out 1960 with the Suburban series because of the seat cushion type cover. Some of the first 1958's used a leather shift boot cover and the Unidrives did not have any casting codes. The only true way to tell a 1958 from a 1959 model was the serial number, 00001 to 20,000 were manufactured in 1958 and 20001 to 22500 were manufactured in 1959. The serial number will be on a Chroma color type decal (silver chrome color) on the left front frame rail. Let me know if you need any parts. Wild Bill in Richmond VA 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #28 Posted September 7, 2022 Bill, you know much more than me on history however I think the common way to determine differences with 58 and 59 were the numbers on trans and the solid seat pan. Outside of those two things they were the same. 🤷 Either way I plan on having my rj58/59’s at the big show in June!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill in VA 1,452 #29 Posted September 7, 2022 21 minutes ago, stevebo said: Bill, you know much more than me on history however I think the common way to determine differences with 58 and 59 were the numbers on trans and the solid seat pan. Outside of those two things they were the same. 🤷 Either way I plan on having my rj58/59’s at the big show in June!! Steve, my 1958 RJ-58 came with a sold seat pan and the serial number was in the 18,000, the seat had been replaced. Now on to REAL BUISNESS .... ya' now dang well you and I are going to take our RJ's for little cruise. Ya' know kinda' like we did with the Seniors! Wild Bil in Richmond VA 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tractorchick 399 #30 Posted September 7, 2022 I found a book that claims that some 59 models have a multiple position lift system, rear fenders and a more comfortable seat. ???? I won't know anything else until it comes to Indiana. It will be kept in a cozy barn in Madison, Wis for a little while. But I'm really excited to get it home! Thanks for all of the great information!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #31 Posted September 7, 2022 11 minutes ago, Wild Bill in VA said: Steve, my 1958 RJ-58 came with a sold seat pan and the serial number was in the 18,000, the seat had been replaced. Now on to REAL BUISNESS .... ya' now dang well you and I are going to take our RJ's for little cruise. Ya' know kinda' like we did with the Seniors! Wild Bil in Richmond VA Races in the field Friday high noon !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,011 #32 Posted September 7, 2022 (edited) 21 minutes ago, tractorchick said: I found a book that claims that some 59 models have a multiple position lift system, Like this one. I believe done by dealers with the 1960 parts but IDK. This one certainly wasn't done by the factory. Also has a 9 casting year and the solid seat. It needs to be restored which is something I'm never going to do. I like'm patina Edited September 7, 2022 by wallfish 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill in VA 1,452 #33 Posted September 7, 2022 11 minutes ago, stevebo said: Races in the field Friday high noon !! Steve, you have a K-91 Kohler, right? which as I remember was rated at 4 HP 4,000 RPM and my B1290 3.6 HP Clinton has more torque so to be fair I will spot you 1-1/2 tractors!!!! Wild Bil in Richmond VA 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,011 #34 Posted September 7, 2022 13 minutes ago, stevebo said: Races in the field Friday high noon !! Count me in ! I'm bring'n a sleeper now. No pulley inspections! 1 hour ago, Wild Bill in VA said: Some of the first 1958's used a leather shift boot cover and the Unidrives did not have any casting codes. I have one of those too. An add that they had round rear hubs with 3 lug holes. And a more crude rear hitch made by welding separate pieces Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #35 Posted September 7, 2022 8 hours ago, Wild Bill in VA said: Steve, you have a K-91 Kohler, right? which as I remember was rated at 4 HP 4,000 RPM and my B1290 3.6 HP Clinton has more torque so to be fair I will spot you 1-1/2 tractors!!!! Wild Bil in Richmond VA Depends on which rj I race you with😙 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laplantebd 92 #36 Posted November 9, 2022 Nice looking unit. I also recently picked up this very late rj-59. Solid seat, original rear ag tires, and suburban deck control. I like the look of the turfs. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Freightliner Guy 1,327 #37 Posted November 9, 2022 (edited) So it’s a 59 not a 58 you think? Edited November 9, 2022 by The Freightliner Guy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Freightliner Guy 1,327 #38 Posted November 9, 2022 On 9/6/2022 at 6:33 PM, stevebo said: Bill, you know much more than me on history however I think the common way to determine differences with 58 and 59 were the numbers on trans and the solid seat pan. Outside of those two things they were the same. 🤷 Either way I plan on having my rj58/59’s at the big show in June!! Where’s this big show located? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
