Wheel Horse 8HP lawn tractor

Wheel Horse 8HP

Power

8 hp

Production

1973

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Wheel Horse 5086

Weight

590 lbs [267 kg]

Drive

2WD

Introduction

Wheel Horse 8HP Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse 8HP is a garden tractor model produced in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential lawn and grounds maintenance, this compact machine features a traditional open operator station and two-wheel drive configuration.

Engine Specifications

The tractor is powered by a Kohler K181S gasoline engine. This single-cylinder, air-cooled unit has a displacement of 304 cc (18.6 ci) and a bore/stroke ratio of 75 mm by 70 mm. It delivers a rated power of 8 hp (6.0 kW) at a governed speed of 3600 RPM. The engine requires a 12-volt starter system and has an oil capacity of 0.9 liters.

Transmission and Drive

The drivetrain utilizes a gear-type transmission providing six forward speeds and two reverse speeds. The system operates through three gears across two ranges—low and high—allowing the operator to adjust the ground speed according to the task. The transmission requires an oil capacity of 1.9 liters.

Chassis and Dimensions

The machine features manual steering and is supported by a wheelbase of 115 cm. With a total length of 165 cm and a width of 88 cm, it is designed for maneuverability in confined spaces. The tractor offers a ground clearance of 17 cm. It is equipped with turf-specific tires, measuring 16x5.50-8 on the front and 23x7.50-12 on the rear, contributing to a shipping weight of 267 kg.

Conclusion

The Wheel Horse 8HP is a utilitarian garden tractor suited for standard lawn care and light property maintenance. Its simple mechanical design, combined with a 36-inch mower deck, makes it a durable tool for owners seeking a reliable, vintage-era machine for lawn management.

Production Information of Wheel Horse, 8HP

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

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 8HP

Ground clearance6.75 inches [17 cm]
Wheelbase45.5 inches [115 cm]
Height (hood)35 inches [88 cm]
Height (steering wheel)39 inches [99 cm]
Length65 inches [165 cm]
Shipping weight590 lbs [267 kg]
Width35 inches [88 cm]
Lawn/turf front16x5.50-8
Lawn/turf rear23x7.50-12

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 8HP

  • Kohler K181S
  • Air-cooled
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power8 hp [6.0 kW]
Displacement304 cc [18.6 ci]
Rated RPM3600
Bore/Stroke2.94x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm]
Oil capacity1 qts [0.9 L]
Starter volts12

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 8HP

Transmission variants 1

  • Three gears (1-3) plus reverse (R) in two ranges (low/high).
TransmissionWheel Horse 5086
Oil capacity2 qts [1.9 L]
TypeGear
Gears6 forward and 2 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 8HP

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

Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 8HP

GroundNegative
Battery volts12

Where it sits

With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse 8HP sits between Workhorse 700 (7 HP) and 953 (9 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 52th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 8HP have?

The Wheel Horse 8HP delivers 8 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse 8HP produced?

The Wheel Horse 8HP was produced in 1973.

What engine does the Wheel Horse 8HP have?

The Wheel Horse 8HP is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse 8HP use?

The Wheel Horse 8HP uses a Wheel Horse 5086 transmission.

How much does the Wheel Horse 8HP weigh?

The Wheel Horse 8HP weighs 590 lbs [267 kg].

Is the Wheel Horse 8HP 4WD?

The Wheel Horse 8HP is available in 2WD.

Compare the Wheel Horse 8HP with another model