Wards 16hp Variable speed tractor, do I need it?

[90cummins]

A good friend has a 16hp Wards Garden tractor that was complete until 2 months ago when he needed a front wheel assembly for another tractor.
The engine runs good and as far as he recalls it drives fine.
I've always wanted a big ole 16hp Cast Iron Briggs engine.
He has been wanting to give it to me but I have been resisting because I'm trying to reduce my collection, but I feel these old vintage machines need to be saved.
A couple years ago I saved a very nice Grahm Paige tiller from the crusher and have been trying to sell it for my cost to a good home.
As my signature suggests my Classic ride is a pristine 1990 Dodge Cummins W350 4x4
I'm torn!
90cummins

 

[4get gto]

" He has been wanting to give it to me"

Done

 

[Spanner]

You certainly 'need' one. :beer:

Got a photo of the Graham Paige?

 

[90cummins]

I picked it up last fall and pulled it out this spring to get it running.
Points needed cleaning and the carb needed a float & needle valve.
Couldn’t remove the main jet but I cleaned it best I could.
Put gas in it and she started right up. Really smooth motor. Changed the oil after a half hour of running then again after an hour.
Fixed the tire & checked all found levels and put it to work pulling a lawn sweeper.
After a couple hours of running i pulled it in the shop and changed the oil again.
It was quite dirty with a lot of swirls in the Oil.
Pleased with it so far. I’ve been looking on eBay for rings & piston, rod in card I need to freshen it up.
Nice smooth running engine and a heavy chassis, this will be here a keeper!!
90cummins

 

[4get gto]

Glad it's working good for you.
Do you know who actually made the Wards tractor?
Like to see some pictures.....?

 

[Mighty Dodge]

Sounds like a Gilson. They made monkey wards tractors at one time.

 

[sd455dan]

Sounds like a Gilson. They made monkey wards tractors at one time.

if it is a Gilson I think the OP did well,
Inherited my grandfathers 1976? Gilson Brother 16 HP 42' mower after he passed- still running great after 40 years only problem area so far are the mower spindle ends, had to tig weld them and replaced bearings after cutting knapp weed the peerless manual trans is working great as is the Briggs Industrial/commercial Vtwin. Solid built lawn tractors imo

Gilson also built some of the small tractors for Ford.

Agree with 4get GTO how about some pictures :thumbsup:

 

[fried1765]

if it is a Gilson I think the OP did well,
Inherited my grandfathers 1976? Gilson Brother 16 HP 42' mower after he passed- still running great after 40 years only problem area so far are the mower spindle ends, had to tig weld them and replaced bearings after cutting knapp weed the peerless manual trans is working great as is the Briggs Industrial/commercial Vtwin. Solid built lawn tractors imo

Gilson also built some of the small tractors for Ford.

Agree with 4get GTO how about some pictures :thumbsup:

Still running my dad's 46 year old Craftsman with the 15HP single cyl. Briggs.