Wheel Horse B-81
Power
8 hp
Production
1978-1979
Engine
1-cylinder
Transmission
Peerless 669
Weight
400 lbs [181 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Wheel Horse B-81 Lawn Tractor
The Wheel Horse B-81 is a lawn tractor produced between 1978 and 1979 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential property maintenance, this machine represents a classic era of compact, gear-driven garden tractors.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 318 cc (19.44 ci). It produces 8 hp (6.0 kW) at a rated speed of 3500 RPM. The engine uses a standard ignition system with a Champion CJ-8 spark plug, requiring a gap of 0.030 inches and a point gap of 0.020 inches. Lubrication capacity for the engine is 1.125 quarts (1.1 L).
Transmission and Drivetrain
Transmission options vary by production year. The 1978 models were equipped with the Peerless 669 transmission, featuring 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The 1979 models utilized the Foote 4000 transmission, offering 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Both systems use a belt-driven gear configuration to transfer power to the two-wheel-drive system.
Mechanical and Dimensions
The B-81 features manual steering and an open operator station. Its compact chassis measures 65 inches in length and 34.5 inches in width, with a wheelbase of 45.5 inches. The machine has a total weight of 400 lbs. It is fitted with 13x5.00-6 front tires and 18x8.50-8 rear tires, specifically designed for lawn and turf applications.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse B-81 is a straightforward, mechanically simple lawn tractor suitable for basic mowing tasks and light property maintenance. Its reliance on manual controls and gear-driven transmissions makes it a durable option for collectors and users seeking a traditional, compact machine.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, B-81
- Original price was $945 in 1978
- Lawn tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, B-81
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 400 lbs [181 kg] |
| Height | 37 inches [93 cm] |
| Length | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Width | 34.5 inches [87 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 13x5.00-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 18x8.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, B-81
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
- 1-cylinder
- Image courtesy of Nate Barnard
| Rated RPM | 3500 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 1.125 qts [1.1 L] |
| Displacement | 318 cc [19.44 ci] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.00x2.75 inches [76 x 70 mm] |
| Power (gross) | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion CJ-8 |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, B-81
Transmission variants 1
- The Peerless 669 was used on the Wheel Horse B-81 during 1978 model year production.
| Transmission | Peerless 669 |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 90 GL5 |
| Oil capacity | 0.75 qts [0.7 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Type(optional) | SAE 90 GL5 |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
- The Foote 4000 was used on the Wheel Horse B-81 during 1979 model year production.
| Transmission | Foote 4000 |
|---|---|
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 1 reverse |
- 3-speed gear
- 6-speed gear
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, B-81
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, B-81
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 24 |
| Charging amps | 3 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse B-81 sits just below B-111 (11 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 B-81 have?
The Wheel Horse B-81 delivers 8 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse B-81 produced?
The Wheel Horse B-81 was produced in 1978-1979.
What engine does the Wheel Horse B-81 have?
The Wheel Horse B-81 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse B-81 use?
The Wheel Horse B-81 uses a Peerless 669 transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse B-81 weigh?
The Wheel Horse B-81 weighs 400 lbs [181 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse B-81 4WD?
The Wheel Horse B-81 is available in 2WD.