1961 Wheel-Horse Suburban 401

My neighbor is an avid Wheel-Horse collector, restorer, and rider... yes rider! These premium lawn tractors also spark particular interest with me as an aficionado of vintage motorized equipment. His extensive collection rejuvenated my interest in Wheel-Horse which leads me to this post of a recent purchase of a 401.

Wheel-Horse began in a two-car garage at the home of Elmer Pond in 1946. First garden tractors were a powered two wheel model operated in a walk-behind fashion. Using automotive crap parts from Model T's and A's and random steel, Elmer Pond developed the four wheeled style lawn tractor. A unique feature of the earlier versions was a lever actuated steering system rather than a more conventional rack and pinion. This method of steering was the only affordable option and it sure was a mind teaser if you were a new operator.

The 401 Suburban struck my interest with the mid-mounted four horsepower Kohler pull start engine. Excellent craftsmanship is shown on in rounded hood, easy operating steering mechanisim, and strength in the frame and mechanicals that have prooved enduring. The rear transmission is made up of all metal gearing and powered via a belt & pulley system acting as a clutch. The frame is made of simple 1/4" thick angle steel. The model number "401" means: 4 - horsepower, 0 - pull start, 1 - year (1961).

This tractor helps me pull back from today's hectic life by reminding me of how simple things use to be. This is a full functioning tractor today, 50 years later, outlasting most automobiles and lawn mowers of recent years. One man's creativity from scrap turning into a multi-million dollar business from hard work, pasion, and desire to allow home owners to harvest their own crops.