Wheel Horse RS-83 lawn tractor

Wheel Horse RS-83

Power

8 hp

Production

1947-1955

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Gear

Drive

2WD

Introduction

Wheel Horse RS-83 Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse RS-83 is a garden tractor manufactured between 1947 and 1955 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential and light-duty grounds maintenance, this model represents early post-war American utility equipment.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled Wisconsin AEN gasoline engine. It features a displacement of 376 cc (23 ci) with a bore and stroke of 76 x 83 mm, delivering 8.3 hp (6.2 kW). The air-cooling system simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for a liquid radiator.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The drivetrain utilizes a manual transmission system providing 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Power is delivered to the ground via a two-wheel drive configuration, which is standard for this class of garden tractor.

Mechanical and Operator Station

The unit is equipped with manual steering for direct control and features an open operator station design. It is fitted with lawn and turf tires, utilizing 3-12 front tires and 8-16 rear tires, which are optimized for operation on grass surfaces while minimizing soil disturbance.

Conclusion

The Wheel Horse RS-83 is a fundamental example of mid-20th-century garden tractors. Its simple mechanical construction and reliance on a standard air-cooled engine make it a practical choice for historical preservation and light groundskeeping tasks.

Production Information of Wheel Horse, RS-83

  • Garden tractor
  • Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
ManufacturerWheel Horse

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, RS-83

Lawn/turf front3-12
Lawn/turf rear8-16

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, RS-83

  • Wisconsin AEN
  • Air-cooled
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power8.3 hp [6.2 kW]
Displacement376 cc [23 ci]
Bore/Stroke3.00x3.25 inches [76 x 83 mm]

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, RS-83

Transmission variants 1

TypeGear
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, RS-83

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station.

Where it sits

With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse RS-83 sits between Workhorse 700 (7 HP) and 953 (9 HP) in Wheel Horse's range.

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse RS-83 have?

The Wheel Horse RS-83 delivers 8 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse RS-83 produced?

The Wheel Horse RS-83 was produced in 1947-1955.

What engine does the Wheel Horse RS-83 have?

The Wheel Horse RS-83 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse RS-83 use?

The Wheel Horse RS-83 uses a Gear transmission.

Is the Wheel Horse RS-83 4WD?

The Wheel Horse RS-83 is available in 2WD.

Compare the Wheel Horse RS-83 with another model