
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
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 8HP
| Ground clearance | 6.75 inches [17 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 35 inches [88 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 39 inches [99 cm] |
| Length | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 590 lbs [267 kg] |
| Width | 35 inches [88 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x5.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x7.50-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 8HP
- Kohler K181S
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Power | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 304 cc [18.6 ci] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.94x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 1 qts [0.9 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 8HP
Transmission variants 1
- Three gears (1-3) plus reverse (R) in two ranges (low/high).
| Transmission | Wheel Horse 5086 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 8HP
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 8HP
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
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.