My Trusty Wheel Horse: $2 per hour

The last time I was on a rider mower was... yesterday. Before that? 

1969 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

Wheel Horse is a highly regarded brand of vintage lawn and garden tractors first developed in 1946 by Elmer Pond in South Bend, Indiana. Famous for their exceptional build quality, rugged cast-iron parts, and versatility, these iconic red machines are popular among collectors and hobbyists today.

The Wheel Horse Legacy

The company started in a two-car garage, building walk-behind tractors. After a naming conflict with another company, it became "Wheel Horse" named for its ability to do steady, dependable "tractive work".

Acquisition: The brand was purchased by The Toro Company in 1986. Toro continued producing tractors bearing the Wheel Horse name until 2007.

Community: The brand boasts a massive following of restorers, with hubs like the RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum providing resources, model lists, and event schedules for enthusiasts.

Popular Models & Features

Wheel Horse became a staple for property owners because of its modular design, allowing a single tractor to act as a mower, snowblower, tiller, or bulldozer.

1960s: Classic short-frame and step-through models like the Lawn Ranger, Suburban, and the 1054 series set the standard for heavy-duty small tractors.

45 Bowden Road | Cedar Grove, New Jersey

I blogged on my Dad a few times over the years. He was an early adopter. Ours was the first house in Cedar Grove, New Jersey to have a burglar alarm, radio controlled garage doors, Color TV and whatnot. 

And we had a Wheel Horse. 

We lived at 45 Bowden Road, Cedar Grove, New Jersey. I just did a Google Maps with Satellite view (above) to see the yard that me and my Wheel Horse maintained. You can also see the Community Church of Cedar Grove right next door. My first paying customer. 

Yes while other kids were doing lemon aid stands, I was mowing lawns. $2 per hour. Me and my Wheel Horse. Well technically it was Dad's Wheel Horse. And his gas. But it was my money. The Entrepreneurship bug found me early. 

I loved riding that Wheel Horse. For me, it was like a Go Kart. And I got PAID to do it. At my highpoint, I had 9 paying customers on Bowen Road, but the Church was the best. I got $5 per mow.

Yesterday was my first time on a rider mower since the 60s. In Madison, Connecticut. My wife and I visiting our eldest son and our grandson. I offered to mow the lawn. No Charge. 

"No, Tommy, your money is no good here...."

Me and my Wheel Horse Ride Again!

{Speakers On}