Wheel Horse Commando 800 lawn tractor

Wheel Horse Commando 800

Power

8 hp

Production

1971-1972

Engine

1-cylinder

Transmission

Wheel Horse Uni-Drive 5085

Drive

2WD

Introduction

Wheel Horse Commando 800 Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 is a compact garden tractor produced between 1971 and 1972 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Positioned as an economical entry within the Wheel Horse lineup of its era, it was designed to provide essential utility for residential lawn care and garden maintenance.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder Kohler K181 engine. With a displacement of 304 cc (18.6 ci), it generates a gross power output of 8 hp (6.0 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. This power plant utilizes a bore and stroke of 2.94 by 2.75 inches (75 x 70 mm) and requires an oil capacity of 1 quart (0.9 L) for proper operation.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Commando 800 features a belt-driven gear transmission, specifically the Wheel Horse Uni-Drive 5085 model. It offers a mechanical clutch and a gear configuration consisting of three forward speeds and one reverse speed. The system utilizes SAE 140 GL5 oil with a fluid capacity of 2 quarts (1.9 L). The tractor is configured with two-wheel drive and manual steering.

Equipment and Dimensions

The machine is equipped with an independent front power take-off (PTO). It features an open operator station design and a total width of 49.5 inches (125 cm). The tractor is fitted with lawn and turf tires, sized 15x6.00-6 at the front and 20x8.00-10 at the rear, and was typically paired with a 36-inch mower deck.

Conclusion

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 serves as a robust example of 1970s garden tractor engineering. By prioritizing essential mechanical functions over the more complex transmission options found in higher-tier models of the time, it offered a practical and reliable solution for property owners requiring basic maintenance capabilities.

Production Information of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

  • The Wheel Horse Commando 800 was the economical garden tractor model of the Wheel Horse line during its production run. It offered a three-speed transmission, as opposed to the six-speed or hydrostatic of the more expensive 8-horsepower garden tractors.
  • Garden tractor
  • Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
ManufacturerWheel Horse

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

Width49.5 inches [125 cm]
Lawn/turf front15x6.00-6
Lawn/turf rear20x8.00-10

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

  • The Kohler K181 was used in the Wheel Horse Commando 800 for the 1972 model year.
  • Air-cooled
  • Image courtesy of Charles Quinty
  • 1-cylinder
Bore/Stroke2.94x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm]
Power (gross)8 hp [6.0 kW]
Displacement304 cc [18.6 ci]
Oil capacity1 qts [0.9 L]
Rated RPM3600

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

Transmission variants 1

TransmissionWheel Horse Uni-Drive 5085
Oil typeSAE 140 GL5
Oil capacity2 qts [1.9 L]
TypeBelt-driven gear
Type(optional)SAE 140 GL5
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Open operator station.
SteeringManual

Power Information of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

Front PTOIndependent
ClutchMechanical

Three-Point Hitch of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

Rear Type0 (optional)

Electrical System of Wheel Horse, Commando 800

GroundNegative
Battery volts12

Where it sits

With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse Commando 800 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 Commando 800 have?

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 delivers 8 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse Commando 800 produced?

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 was produced in 1971-1972.

What engine does the Wheel Horse Commando 800 have?

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse Commando 800 use?

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 uses a Wheel Horse Uni-Drive 5085 transmission.

Is the Wheel Horse Commando 800 4WD?

The Wheel Horse Commando 800 is available in 2WD.

Compare the Wheel Horse Commando 800 with another model