Wheel Horse Raider 8
Power
8 hp
Production
1972
Engine
Gasoline, 1-cylinder
Transmission
Wheel Horse 5086
Drive
2WD
Introduction
Wheel Horse Raider 8 Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 is a garden tractor model produced in 1972 at the company's manufacturing facility in South Bend, Indiana, USA. It was designed primarily for residential lawn maintenance and light-duty landscaping tasks.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Kohler K181S, a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. It features a displacement of 304 cc (18.6 ci) and produces 8 horsepower (6.0 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The engine utilizes a 12-volt starter system and requires specific maintenance intervals for the spark plug gap, set at 0.025 inches (0.635 mm), and a point gap of 0.020 inches (0.508 mm).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Raider 8 utilizes a belt-driven gear transmission, identified as the Wheel Horse 5086. It provides the operator with 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, allowing for varied speed control during operation. The machine is configured with a two-wheel drive system and manual steering, emphasizing mechanical simplicity.
Operator Station and Equipment
The operator station is an open-platform design, prioritizing accessibility and visibility. The electrical system operates on a 12-volt battery with a negative ground configuration. As a standard garden tractor configuration, it includes a 36-inch mower deck intended for residential grass cutting applications.
Conclusion
The 1972 Wheel Horse Raider 8 is a straightforward, mechanically driven garden tractor. Due to its basic construction and 8-horsepower engine, it is best suited for small-scale property maintenance and remains a recognizable model among collectors of vintage American garden equipment.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, Raider 8
- Garden tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, Raider 8
- Kohler K181S
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 304 cc [18.6 ci] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.94x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Power | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, Raider 8
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Wheel Horse 5086 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, Raider 8
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, Raider 8
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse Raider 8 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 Raider 8 have?
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 delivers 8 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse Raider 8 produced?
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 was produced in 1972.
What engine does the Wheel Horse Raider 8 have?
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse Raider 8 use?
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 uses a Wheel Horse 5086 transmission.
Is the Wheel Horse Raider 8 4WD?
The Wheel Horse Raider 8 is available in 2WD.