Wheel Horse A-51
Power
5 hp
Production
1978-1982
Engine
Gasoline, 1-cylinder
Transmission
Peerless 724A
Weight
339 lbs [153 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Wheel Horse A-51 Riding Lawn Mower
The Wheel Horse A-51 is a compact riding lawn mower produced between 1978 and 1982. Designed for residential lawn maintenance, this machine belongs to the entry-level segment of the era's garden equipment, offering straightforward mechanical operation and basic utility features.
Engine Specifications
The mower is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 130902 gasoline engine. This air-cooled, single-cylinder unit produces a gross power output of 5 hp (3.7 kW). It features a vertical-shaft configuration with a displacement of 206 cc (12.57 ci) and a bore/stroke ratio of 2.5625 by 2.4375 inches. The engine is activated via a manual recoil starter.
Transmission and Drive
The A-51 utilizes a Peerless 724A transmission system. It is a belt-driven gear transmission that provides the operator with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, allowing for speed adjustment during mowing operations. The machine operates with a two-wheel drive system and manual steering, characterized by its simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Mowing and Mechanical Utility
The unit is equipped with a 32-inch mower deck. It includes an independent mid-mounted power take-off (PTO) to drive the cutting deck, managed by a mechanical idler pulley clutch. The operator station is of an open design, emphasizing visibility and accessibility during operation.
Dimensions and Handling
With a wheelbase of 40.4 inches (102 cm) and an overall length of 54 inches (137 cm), the A-51 is built for maneuverability in confined spaces. The shipping weight is 339 lbs (153 kg). It rolls on turf-specific tires, with 11x4.50-5 tires at the front and 13x6.50-6 tires at the rear, providing stability on established lawns.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse A-51 is a functional, entry-level riding mower well-suited for standard residential lawn care tasks. Its simple mechanical design and modest power output prioritize ease of use and reliability for private garden maintenance.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, A-51
- Riding lawn mower
- Original price was $550 in 1978
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, A-51
| Wheelbase | 40.4 inches [102 cm] |
|---|---|
| Shipping weight | 339 lbs [153 kg] |
| Length | 54 inches [137 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 40 inches [101 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 11x4.50-5 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 13x6.50-6 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, A-51
- Briggs & Stratton 130902
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Power (gross) | 5 hp [3.7 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 206 cc [12.57 ci] |
| Starter type | Manual recoil |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.5625x2.4375 inches [65 x 62 mm] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, A-51
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Peerless 724A |
|---|---|
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, A-51
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, A-51
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Mechanical idler pulley |
Where it sits
With 5 HP, the Wheel Horse A-51 sits just below A-81 (8 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 10th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse A-51 have?
The Wheel Horse A-51 delivers 5 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse A-51 produced?
The Wheel Horse A-51 was produced in 1978-1982.
What engine does the Wheel Horse A-51 have?
The Wheel Horse A-51 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse A-51 use?
The Wheel Horse A-51 uses a Peerless 724A transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse A-51 weigh?
The Wheel Horse A-51 weighs 339 lbs [153 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse A-51 4WD?
The Wheel Horse A-51 is available in 2WD.