Jacques Lacasse

  Wheel Horse 

Wheelhorse information from Mike Martino

Wheel horse tractors began in 1946  when Elmer Pond began making two wheeled tractors out of his garage in the SouthBend Indiana area. 

In 1947 he made his first four wheeled tractor known as the ride away senior.  It had no steering wheel,  but went by a lever known as tiller steering.  In 1949 he added a steering wheel and fiberglas hood.  These tractors used a Wisconson engine and Ford transmission. 

Only about 300 were made.  In 1955 Elmer produced his first smaller tractor known as the RJ 35 or Ride Away Junior.  It had no transmission,  but instead went by belts and pulleys.  I am lucky enough to have one that I just restored.  It is a very desirable wheel horse. 

The RJ 35 was made up until 1957.  My model is the 1955 edition.   1958 brought the RJ 58 which was basically the same thing with a unidrive transmission.  After the RJ 58/59 came the Suburban 400.  Starting in 1960, the "number series began".  In other words a model 401 = 5 HP recoil 1961.  A 551 would be 5 HP electric start 1961.  A 1054 = 10 HP electric start 1964.  You can do this all the way until about 1969.  By the way,  it didn't officially become Wheelhorse until around 1957 or so.

There is a rising number of collectors around the country.  Most collect models made before 1969.  I collect 1964 and earlier since I love the mid mounted engines.  My RJ 35 also has a very, very rare sickle mower,  and bottom plow.  I sold the original snow plow, spike harrow,  and front powered reel mower to a fellow collector. 

I am mainly into the tractors. The early models used Kohler, Clinton,   Briggs, and Lauson engines.  Of course we love the Kohler and Clinton the best.  The most difficult part for restoration is the authentic decals.  I have a source if any one is interested. 

Note:  I have only been into this for about one year,  but have already learned so much information and obtained a few very rare tractors through hard work and a lot of tractor hunting.