Introduction
Wheel Horse 257-H Lawn Tractor
The Wheel Horse 257-H is a lawn tractor produced between 1988 and 1989 in South Bend, Indiana. Belonging to the 252-H series, this model was designed for residential lawn maintenance and light utility tasks.
Engine Specifications
The tractor is powered by a 1-cylinder, air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine with a displacement of 534 cc (32.6 ci). It utilizes a carburetor fuel system and generates 17 horsepower (12.7 kW). The engine requires 1.7 quarts (1.6 L) of oil and uses an NGK BPR5ES sparkplug with a gap of 0.028 inches (0.711 mm).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 257-H features an Eaton 7 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, allowing for infinite forward and reverse gear selection. The drivetrain is configured as a two-wheel drive system, operated via manual steering from an open operator station.
PTO and Mower Deck
The machine is equipped with an independent mid-mounted PTO (Power Take-Off) engaged by an electric clutch. It is compatible with 37-inch or 42-inch mower decks, facilitating various cutting widths for lawn care applications.
Dimensions and Tires
The tractor has a wheelbase of 45.5 inches (115 cm), an overall length of 72 inches (182 cm), and a width of 35.8 inches (90 cm). It rides on turf-specific tires, with 15x6.00-6 tires on the front and 22x9.00-12 tires on the rear, designed to minimize soil compaction.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse 257-H is a straightforward, hydrostatic-drive lawn tractor suited for homeowners and small-scale landscape maintenance, combining a reliable engine with a versatile, easy-to-operate transmission.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, 257-H
- Lawn tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse (a part of Toro) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 257-H
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
|---|---|
| Length | 72 inches [182 cm] |
| Width | 35.8 inches [90 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 15x6.00-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 22x9.00-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 257-H
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
- Image courtesy of Richard Caracciolo
- 1-cylinder
| Sparkplug | NGK BPR5ES |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 534 cc [32.6 ci] |
| Fuel system | Carburetor |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.50x3.39 inches [89 x 86 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.028 inches [0.711 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 1.7 qts [1.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Power | 17 hp [12.7 kW] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 257-H
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Eaton 7 |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 20 |
| Oil capacity | 0.75 qts [0.7 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Type(optional) | SAE 20 |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 257-H
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, 257-H
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 257-H
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 17 HP, the Wheel Horse 257-H sits just above 252-H (12 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 82th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 257-H have?
The Wheel Horse 257-H delivers 17 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse 257-H produced?
The Wheel Horse 257-H was produced in 1988-1989.
What engine does the Wheel Horse 257-H have?
The Wheel Horse 257-H is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse 257-H use?
The Wheel Horse 257-H uses a Eaton 7 transmission.
Is the Wheel Horse 257-H 4WD?
The Wheel Horse 257-H is available in 2WD.