Wheel Horse 502 lawn tractor

Wheel Horse 502

Power

5 hp

Production

1962

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Wheel Horse Uni-Drive

Weight

338 lbs [153 kg]

Drive

2WD

From the same series:

552

Introduction

Wheel Horse 502 Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse 502 is a compact garden tractor manufactured in South Bend, Indiana, USA, in 1962. Designed for residential lawn care and garden maintenance, this model represents the classic utility tractor segment from the early 1960s.

Engine Specifications

The tractor is powered by a Tecumseh HT55C gasoline engine. This air-cooled, single-cylinder power unit features a 221 cc displacement and produces 5.5 hp (4.1 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. It utilizes a manual recoil starter system and operates with a bore and stroke of 2.625 by 2.50 inches.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Power is transferred to the wheels via the Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission system. This gear-type transmission provides three forward speeds and one reverse gear, allowing for basic speed control during operation. The tractor features a two-wheel drive configuration.

Mechanical and Dimensions

The 502 model features manual steering and an open operator station. Its physical footprint includes a 41-inch wheelbase, a total length of 60 inches, and a width of 30 inches. With a base weight of 338 lbs (153 kg) and a ground clearance of 8 inches, the tractor is configured for maneuverability. It is equipped with 4.00x8 front tires and 6.00x12 rear tires designed for lawn and turf applications.

Conclusion

The Wheel Horse 502 is a straightforward mechanical platform suitable for light-duty lawn mowing and maintenance tasks. Its simple design, characterized by manual controls and a compact frame, makes it a notable example of garden tractor engineering from the 1960s, currently of interest to collectors and hobbyists.

Production Information of Wheel Horse, 502

  • Garden tractor
  • Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
ManufacturerWheel Horse

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 502

Ground clearance8 inches [20 cm]
Wheelbase41 inches [104 cm]
Height (hood)31 inches [78 cm]
Height (steering wheel)35.5 inches [90 cm]
Length60 inches [152 cm]
Weight338 lbs [153 kg]
Width30 inches [76 cm]
Lawn/turf front4.00x8
Lawn/turf rear6.00x12

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 502

  • Tecumseh HT55C
  • Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power5.5 hp [4.1 kW]
Displacement221 cc [13.53 ci]
Rated RPM3600
Bore/Stroke2.625x2.50 inches [67 x 64 mm]
Starter typeManual recoil

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 502

Transmission variants 1

TransmissionWheel Horse Uni-Drive
TypeGear
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 502

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station.

Where it sits

With 5 HP, the Wheel Horse 502 sits just below 633 (6 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 27th percentile of 1960s models in our database (550 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 502 have?

The Wheel Horse 502 delivers 5 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse 502 produced?

The Wheel Horse 502 was produced in 1962.

What engine does the Wheel Horse 502 have?

The Wheel Horse 502 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse 502 use?

The Wheel Horse 502 uses a Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission.

How much does the Wheel Horse 502 weigh?

The Wheel Horse 502 weighs 338 lbs [153 kg].

Is the Wheel Horse 502 4WD?

The Wheel Horse 502 is available in 2WD.

Compare the Wheel Horse 502 with another model