Old wheel horse mower. The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Wheel Horse Riding Mower/Tractor

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Looking for the model and serial of your Toro zero-turn? Look no further and read this guide! Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: We are an authorized OEM Toro/Wheel Horse parts dealer. We have OEM Wheel Horse parts available with aftermarket alternatives that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a Wheel Horse C100 Tractor

The Wheel Horse model and serial numbers can be found on the engine frame on the left side of this old tractor. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Location for the Kohler Model and Spec Number on a Wheel Horse C100 Mower

Alright, this ol’ rider has a Kohler engine on it. The Kohler model and spec numbers can be found on the back-left of the nit.- near the battery. The picture above gives a better idea.

Locating the Model and Serial Number of a Wheel Horse B115 Tractor

Here’s another oldie.- a Wheel Horse B115. The model and serial number of this dinosaur can be found on the right side of the unit. See the picture above and refer to the arrow.

Locating the Model and Serial on a Wheel Horse / Toro 14-37HXL Rider

Okay, this one’s a bit newer. Toro 14-38HXL. The model and serial number can be found if you just lift up the seat. As you can see by the picture, it can be found right between the seat springs.

Finding the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding Tractor

Okay, this particular machine is equipped with a Briggs Stratton engine. Go ahead and lift up your hood.- the model, type and code numbers should be right on the top of the engine.

Locating the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on another Wheel Horse Tractor

Here’s another example of where the model, type and code may be found on a Wheel Horse. Take a look at the front of the engine. Near the top of the engine and on the front, the model, type and code may be engraved.

You’ll need the model, type and code number to look up Briggs engine parts and the model and spec to look up Kohler parts. Use our Briggs Stratton engine parts lookup or our Kohler engine parts lookup for all of your engine needs.

Looking for the model and serial of your Toro zero-turn? Look no further and read this guide! Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: We are an authorized OEM Toro/Wheel Horse parts dealer. We have OEM Wheel Horse parts available with aftermarket alternatives that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a Wheel Horse C100 Tractor

Wheel Horse C100 Tractor Model and Serial Number LocationThe Wheel Horse model and serial numbers can be found on the engine frame on the left side of this old tractor. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Location for the Kohler Model and Spec Number on a Wheel Horse C100 Mower

Kohler Model and Spec Number Location on a Wheel Horse C100 MowerAlright, this ol’ rider has a Kohler engine on it. The Kohler model and spec numbers can be found on the back-left of the nit.- near the battery. The picture above gives a better idea.

Locating the Model and Serial Number of a Wheel Horse B115 Tractor

Wheel Horse B115 Mower Model and Serial Number LocationHere’s another oldie.- a Wheel Horse B115. The model and serial number of this dinosaur can be found on the right side of the unit. See the picture above and refer to the arrow.

Locating the Model and Serial on a Wheel Horse / Toro 14-37HXL Rider

Wheel Horse Model and Serial Number Location on a 14-38HXL Riding MowerOkay, this one’s a bit newer. Toro 14-38HXL. The model and serial number can be found if you just lift up the seat. As you can see by the picture, it can be found right between the seat springs.

Finding the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding Tractor

Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Location on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding MowerOkay, this particular machine is equipped with a Briggs Stratton engine. Go ahead and lift up your hood.- the model, type and code numbers should be right on the top of the engine.

Locating the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on another Wheel Horse Tractor

Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Location on a Wheel Horse Riding MowerHere’s another example of where the model, type and code may be found on a Wheel Horse. Take a look at the front of the engine. Near the top of the engine and on the front, the model, type and code may be engraved.

You’ll need the model, type and code number to look up Briggs engine parts and the model and spec to look up Kohler parts. Use our Briggs Stratton engine parts lookup or our Kohler engine parts lookup for all of your engine needs.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

Wheel Horse Garden Tractor: The Horse of a Different Color

This impeccably restored 1958 RJ-58 Ride-Away Junior with sickle bar mower and moldboard plow is the pride and joy of young Christopher Frock.

The Ride-Away Senior is one of the most collectible of all Wheel Horses. This beautifully restored 1956 model belongs to Eric Mettle and is particularly rare because of the near-perfect condition of the fiberglass hood. These early and optional hoods were hand-formed using a wooden mold in the Ponds’ shop.

Don Kane’s original condition Ride-Away Senior was well taken care of. Don uses the tractor now to haul his grandchildren on wagon rides. The tractor?s fiberglass hood has aged more brightly than the steel, but it has never been re-painted.

Detail of Christopher Frock’s RJ-58-mounted sickle bar mower. Christopher meticulously prepped each of the mower’s guards, frame and pitman prior to painting and assembly.

Do you think these kids are having a good time? Bryan Byers (left), Daniel Willumsen and Brooklyn Byers all had a hand in helping Alan Byers get this 1961 Model 701 ready for the show. They all got to drive it around, too.

The Lauers’ beautifully restored Model 603 shows how the Wheel Horse engine eventually was mounted forward in the tractor, which greatly improved front ballast even though it necessitated a longer clutch belt.

Bill Pearson restored this Lawn Ranger with parts obtained from eight states. The Lawn Ranger had smaller tires than contemporary garden tractor models.

Detail of Bill Pearson’s cut-away model of Wheel Horse’s 3-speed transaxle with high and low ranges. With stout components and no ring and pinion gears to set up, this transaxle proved long lasting and efficient to manufacture.

Wheel Horse founder Cecil Pond spent hours signing autographs and talking to Wheel Horse Collectors Club members at the 2004 show. Rather than have a piece of paper autographed, Bill Pearson asked Pond to sign the top of the steering pedestal on his Lawn Ranger.

Dash and steering wheel detail on Bruce and Anthony Lauer’s 1963 Model 603 tractor. Note the sector-shaped steering wheel.

Very rare 1976 Model D250 owned by Ralph Seylar. This Renault-powered tractor is particularly unusual because the four rubber hood latches are intact. The part has been NLA for years, so Ralph generally leaves them unlatched except for photos. Note the front PTO shaft on this liquid-cooled model.

Just as domestication of the four-legged horse revolutionized the development of ancient civilizations, Cecil and Elmer Pond’s Wheel Horse tractors revolutionized how post-World War II America cared for its suburban lawns and gardens.

From a small, neighborhood garage in South Bend, Ind., the father-and-son team developed an accessible, innovative, purpose-built, four-wheel tractor that really stood out, and whose descendants are still produced today.

This horse of a different color not only spurred generations of garden tractor designers of virtually all makes, but also captured the fancy of a group of loyalists who now meet once a year in Pennsylvania to celebrate the little red horses.

Members of the Wheel Horse Collectors Club (WHCC) met at the South Mountain Fairgrounds west of Arendtsville, Pa., in June for their seventh annual all-Wheel Horse show. “It was our largest turnout ever,” says founding president Don Kane. “We started with about 40 tractors in 1999 and had about 500 in attendance this year.” The club boasts more than 500 members from the United States, Canada and Great Britain, and the two-day show attracts hundreds of spectators and soon-to-be Wheel Horse enthusiasts.

Just horsing around

The WHCC was formed by a group of enthusiasts who made connections via the Internet. “My son Jeff put together a website devoted to Wheel Horse tractors as part of his senior project,” Don explains proudly. “Many of us (who visited the site) then became friends and decided to have a little show in 1999.” Shortly after, the friends incorporated as the WHCC.

Chris Sutton traveled to the ’05 show from Brighton, Sussex, in the U.K., and though he didn’t haul a tractor with him this year, doing so in the future isn’t out of the question. “I am a Wheel Horse fanatic, really,” Chris explains with a wink. “I even have some U.K.-unique stuff that was built at the plant in Belgium.”

Dan Messinger, East Berlin, Pa., discovered that restoring Wheel Horses was a great way to stay connected to his son Dustin when he hit his early teens. “The tractors gave us a way to communicate,” Dan says. “And the time we spent together was quality time.” Sixteen years later, Dustin is grown and on his own, but the father-and-son team still mess around with Wheel Horse tractors. A beautifully restored Model 401 with 32-inch front-mounted sickle bar mower really made their display shine at South Mountain.

Bruce Lauer, Canton, Ohio, and son Anthony have been collecting Wheel Horse equipment for 11 years. “We brought our 1963 Model 603 because it was a rare transitional model,” Bruce explains as he points out some of the tractor’s unique features. “This was an entry-level tractor pieced together with remaining parts from older models.” Among the machine’s unusual characteristics is the sector-shaped steering wheel, and older style hood.

Eric Mettle, Hartville, Ohio, has also been collecting Wheel Horse equipment for about a decade, although he was around the machines for many more years than that. “I grew up with Wheel Horse,” Eric explains. “My dad worked at the dealership when I was a kid, and I worked there part time too.” Eric is the proud owner of a beautiful Ride-Away Senior tractor. According to Don Kane, this model represents the pinnacle of Wheel Horse collecting as it is rare and relatively difficult to find intact – particularly the models with optional fiberglass hoods from 1955-56. “An intact hood is more difficult to find than the tractor,” Eric explains.

The Ride-Away Senior was largely component-built utilizing a Rockford automotive-type clutch, Ford 3-speed transmission and shortened Ford rear axle. The pinion and bull-gear final drives were produced by Wheel Horse but used Ford’s differential, rear axle, hubs and brakes (taken from the shortened axles). Steering through the front wheels was with a Ross steering gear and automotive linkages. An 8.3 HP single-cylinder air-cooled Wisconsin engine provided ample power.

Wheel Horse Collectors Club board member Bill Pearson, Richmond, Va., is a diesel mechanic by day. When it comes to machinery, he knows the meaning of heavy duty. “I have always been impressed by things that were built to last,” Bill says. “I saw Wheel Horses at antique engine shows and liked them because they are heavy duty.”

Bill’s first Wheel Horse, a 1967 L-157 Lawn Ranger, was one of the company’s lighter-duty models marketed as a lawn tractor. The L-157 was virtually identical to the Wheel Horse garden tractors of the time except it lacked a hitch for ground-engaging tools and had smaller wheels and tires. In fact, the tractor was quite possibly the toughest lawn tractor available from any maker in 1967.

Bill likes to use the machines in his collection for something, even if it isn’t for the work they were originally designed to do. His L-157 is no exception, as he mounts a long hitch of artificial reindeer out front of the tractor and drives it sleigh-style in the Richmond Christmas parade each year.

Father-son team John and Christopher Frock, Westminster, Md., also had a number of tractors on display, but one pair really stood out. Their nice, original condition 1963 Model 753 tractor with 30-inch, front-mounted PTO-driven LMR-3072 reel mower made an interesting and unusual combination. Christopher’s beautifully restored 1958 RJ-58 Ride-Away Junior was a real showstopper though, with an equally lovely sickle bar mower mounted up front and land plow on the rear hitch. Just before the show, Christopher completed the six-month-long restoration on his own, and was justifiably proud.

Kim Frock (Christopher’s mom) says they have been collecting for more than 15 years and have nearly 50 garden tractors. “Christopher is a fourth generation collector,” Kim explains as she points out her son driving his RJ-58 in the parade.

Spanning the generations

Organized Wheel Horse collecting might be a relatively new pastime for many folks, but not for the Byers family. “It was really our uncle Paul M. Byers who introduced us to Wheel Horse,” Marvin explains about how he and his brothers Alan, Gary, Marlin, Larry and Mark became so interested in Wheel Horse equipment. “He was an Oliver dealer and sold Wheel Horse.” However, it was the boys’ maternal uncle Ralph Seylar who really turned them on to collecting. “I bought my first Wheel Horse new in 1960. … It was a Suburban 400,” Ralph recalls. “And we have had them ever since.”

Ralph brought his 1976 Model D250 to the show, much to the delight of the crowds. Designed for heavy estate use, this tractor featured a 10-speed transmission and a 20 HP 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine built by Renault. “1976 was the first year for the D250,” Ralph explains. “It’s relatively new, but still quite rare.” Though the D250 remains one of Ralph’s favorite tractors, his collection corrals at least 11 other machines, including Models 954, RJ-59 and B-80.

The Byers men aren’t sure exactly how many Wheel Horses they have. However, their impact at the annual show is substantial in terms of numbers and diversity. For example, Marvin had his 1962 Lawn Ranger on hand, complete with polished aluminum fuel tank. Gary had his 1966 Model 606, and Mark proudly displayed his 1958 RJ-58 Ride-Away Junior. “That was the first year for the cast iron Unidrive transmission,” Mark says. “And it was powered by a 4 HP Kohler.” In addition, the Byers family showed a 1965 Model 1045, 1970 Raider 10 (complete with 6-speed transmission) and a 1976 Model B-60 with a 4-speed transmission.

Alan, the youngest of the Byers brothers, has been collecting for less than 10 years, but has already involved his children with the hobby. “My son Bryan and step-son Daniel helped restore the (Model) 701,” Alan says as he wipes a speck of dust from the beauty’s hood. “And my daughter Brooklyn likes to drive it.”

The horse’s mouth

On May 23, 1974, Cecil Pond sold Wheel Horse Products to the American Motors Corporation, who ran the business as a wholly owned subsidiary, Wheel Horse Products Inc., a Delaware corporation. The daily operations of the company were little changed initially, and even a deal negotiated before the sale (to AMC) to purchase and market General Electric’s outdoor power equipment division went through as planned.

On Jan. 14, 1982, Wheel Horse was sold to a private investment group, who continued to operate the business until 1986 when it was sold to Toro, a company that actually knew outdoor power products, and how to build and market them.

“Wheel Horse put Toro back into the riding mower business,” says Ed Cole, Toro’s representative at the WHCC show. “Today, some Toro Wheel Horse machines are based on earlier Wheel Horse designs, and some are all new.”

Ed, who still owns vintage Wheel Horse tractors, has never missed a WHCC show. “I have a 1974 B-80 5-Speed Special,” he says. “I still use it to push snow.” Ed notes Toro is proud of the Wheel Horse brand, and as such continues to be very supportive of the WHCC’s endeavors and donates prizes and money to support the show. “Toro has been good for us,” Bill Pearson adds. “And they still make quite a few parts for the older models.”

The lovely mountain valley at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Arendtsville, Pa., will again play host to the iron horse of a different color on June 23-24, 2006. FC

For more information: – Wheel Horse Collectors Club, www.wheelhorsecollectorsclub.org. – William Pearson, (804) 261-4914. – Straight From The Horse’s Mouth, by Michael A. Martino Jr. Oscar “Hank” Will III is an old-iron collector and freelance writer and photographer. He splits his time between his home in Gettysburg, Pa., and his farm in East Andover, N.H.

Who Invented Four-Wheel Drive? Slow but steady evolution of technology delivered benefits to mechanized agriculture.

Summer in the Life of a 1920s Farmer In the 1920s, farmers face hard decisions against price free-fall.

Where to Find the Model and Serial Number on a Wheel Horse Riding Mower/Tractor

Join our email list today and get 10 off your first order of 150 or more! Stay up-to-date on the hottest deals, the newest sales events, and the latest products.

Looking for the model and serial of your Toro zero-turn? Look no further and read this guide! Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: We are an authorized OEM Toro/Wheel Horse parts dealer. We have OEM Wheel Horse parts available with aftermarket alternatives that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a Wheel Horse C100 Tractor

The Wheel Horse model and serial numbers can be found on the engine frame on the left side of this old tractor. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Location for the Kohler Model and Spec Number on a Wheel Horse C100 Mower

Alright, this ol’ rider has a Kohler engine on it. The Kohler model and spec numbers can be found on the back-left of the nit.- near the battery. The picture above gives a better idea.

Locating the Model and Serial Number of a Wheel Horse B115 Tractor

Here’s another oldie.- a Wheel Horse B115. The model and serial number of this dinosaur can be found on the right side of the unit. See the picture above and refer to the arrow.

Locating the Model and Serial on a Wheel Horse / Toro 14-37HXL Rider

Okay, this one’s a bit newer. Toro 14-38HXL. The model and serial number can be found if you just lift up the seat. As you can see by the picture, it can be found right between the seat springs.

Finding the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding Tractor

Okay, this particular machine is equipped with a Briggs Stratton engine. Go ahead and lift up your hood.- the model, type and code numbers should be right on the top of the engine.

Locating the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on another Wheel Horse Tractor

Here’s another example of where the model, type and code may be found on a Wheel Horse. Take a look at the front of the engine. Near the top of the engine and on the front, the model, type and code may be engraved.

You’ll need the model, type and code number to look up Briggs engine parts and the model and spec to look up Kohler parts. Use our Briggs Stratton engine parts lookup or our Kohler engine parts lookup for all of your engine needs.

Looking for the model and serial of your Toro zero-turn? Look no further and read this guide! Here are a couple of common locations that you can find this information.

Please note: We are an authorized OEM Toro/Wheel Horse parts dealer. We have OEM Wheel Horse parts available with aftermarket alternatives that can save you money.

Engine parts: We can provide OEM and aftermarket parts for Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and other engine manufacturers. For more information, please visit our small engine parts page.

Finding the Model and Serial Numbers on a Wheel Horse C100 Tractor

Wheel Horse C100 Tractor Model and Serial Number LocationThe Wheel Horse model and serial numbers can be found on the engine frame on the left side of this old tractor. Take a look at the picture above for reference.

Location for the Kohler Model and Spec Number on a Wheel Horse C100 Mower

Kohler Model and Spec Number Location on a Wheel Horse C100 MowerAlright, this ol’ rider has a Kohler engine on it. The Kohler model and spec numbers can be found on the back-left of the nit.- near the battery. The picture above gives a better idea.

Locating the Model and Serial Number of a Wheel Horse B115 Tractor

Wheel Horse B115 Mower Model and Serial Number LocationHere’s another oldie.- a Wheel Horse B115. The model and serial number of this dinosaur can be found on the right side of the unit. See the picture above and refer to the arrow.

Locating the Model and Serial on a Wheel Horse / Toro 14-37HXL Rider

Wheel Horse Model and Serial Number Location on a 14-38HXL Riding MowerOkay, this one’s a bit newer. Toro 14-38HXL. The model and serial number can be found if you just lift up the seat. As you can see by the picture, it can be found right between the seat springs.

Finding the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding Tractor

Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Location on a Wheel Horse 14-38HXL Riding MowerOkay, this particular machine is equipped with a Briggs Stratton engine. Go ahead and lift up your hood.- the model, type and code numbers should be right on the top of the engine.

Locating the Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Numbers on another Wheel Horse Tractor

Briggs Stratton Model, Type and Code Location on a Wheel Horse Riding MowerHere’s another example of where the model, type and code may be found on a Wheel Horse. Take a look at the front of the engine. Near the top of the engine and on the front, the model, type and code may be engraved.

You’ll need the model, type and code number to look up Briggs engine parts and the model and spec to look up Kohler parts. Use our Briggs Stratton engine parts lookup or our Kohler engine parts lookup for all of your engine needs.