Wheel Horse 551
Power
5 hp
Production
1961
Engine
Gasoline, 1-cylinder
Transmission
Uni-Drive
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Wheel Horse 551 Lawn and Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse 551 is a compact lawn and garden tractor produced in 1961 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. It belongs to a series of light-duty machines designed for residential property maintenance and basic utility tasks during the early 1960s.
Engine and Power
The tractor is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine with a displacement of 199 cc (12.176 cubic inches). It produces 5.5 hp (4.1 kW). The engine utilizes a 12-volt electric starting system, which was a standard feature for ease of operation in that era.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 551 model utilizes a Uni-Drive gear-type transmission, providing three forward gears and one reverse gear. It is configured as a two-wheel-drive machine, featuring manual steering and an open operator station designed for direct control and accessibility.
Equipment and Tires
Designed primarily for mowing applications, the unit is equipped with a 32-inch mower deck. It rides on turf-specific tires, with 16x4.00-8 tires on the front and 22x6.00-12 tires on the rear to minimize soil compaction and protect lawn surfaces. A continuous mid-mounted power take-off (PTO) is available for driving implements.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse 551 is a representative example of early 1960s American garden tractor engineering. With its simple mechanical design, manual steering, and mid-PTO capability, it serves as a functional tool for basic lawn care and light utility work.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, 551
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 551
| Lawn/turf front | 16x4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 22x6.00-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 551
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Power | 5.5 hp [4.1 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 199 cc [12.176 ci] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.625x2.250 inches [67 x 57 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 551
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Uni-Drive |
|---|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 551
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, 551
| Mid PTO | Continuous |
|---|
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 551
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 5 HP, the Wheel Horse 551 sits between 401 (4 HP) and 701 (7 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 551 have?
The Wheel Horse 551 delivers 5 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse 551 produced?
The Wheel Horse 551 was produced in 1961.
What engine does the Wheel Horse 551 have?
The Wheel Horse 551 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse 551 use?
The Wheel Horse 551 uses a Uni-Drive transmission.
Is the Wheel Horse 551 4WD?
The Wheel Horse 551 is available in 2WD.