Brand siblingWheel Horse 257H
The Wheel Horse 257H is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1988 to 1989. It's designed for easy mowing and yard work with its 2WD system and manual steering. The tractor has a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, infinite forward and reverse speeds. Under the hood, the 257H sports a Kawasaki FC540V engine. This air-cooled, single-cylinder gasoline engine packs 17 hp, which is about average power for its class. The engine's 32.6 ci displacement is also average for similar tractors. The 257H features an independent PTO with an electric clutch, making it versatile for various attachments. It has an open operator station and an electric starter for easy operation. The tractor measures 71.7 inches long and 35.4 inches wide, with lawn/turf tires suitable for garden work. It also has a 2-gallon fuel tank for extended use.
Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 17hp
- Transmission
- Belt-driven hydrostatic
At a glance
How the 257H compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 257H ranks at the 41st percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Wheel Horse 257H
The Wheel Horse 257H is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1988 to 1989. It's designed for easy mowing and yard work with its 2WD system and manual steering. The tractor has a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, infinite forward and reverse speeds. Under the hood, the 257H sports a Kawasaki FC540V engine. This air-cooled, single-cylinder gasoline engine packs 17 hp, which is about average power for its class. The engine's 32.6 ci displacement is also average for similar tractors. The 257H features an independent PTO with an electric clutch, making it versatile for various attachments. It has an open operator station and an electric starter for easy operation. The tractor measures 71.7 inches long and 35.4 inches wide, with lawn/turf tires suitable for garden work. It also has a 2-gallon fuel tank for extended use.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Model | 257H |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1988–1989 |
Engine
| Make | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Model | FC540V |
| Power | 17hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 32.6ci |
| Bore | 3.5in |
| Stroke | 3.39in |
Transmission
| Type | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with electric clutch |
|---|
Dimensions
| Length | 71.7in |
|---|---|
| Width | 35.4in |
Head to head
257H vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Wheel Horse 257H compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 17 hp | 18 hp | -6% | 41st |
| Engine Displacement | 32.6 ci | 41.1 ci | -21% | 31st |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Length | 71.7 in | 71.7 in | at median | 50th |
| Width | 35.4 in | 43.3 in | -18% | 11th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the lawn and garden tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 269–380 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Wheel Horse tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Horse 417-8 | 17 hp | 584 lb | 1985–1986 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse 417-A | 17 hp | 633 lb | 1985–1986 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse C-175 | 17 hp | 573 lb | 1980–1983 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse 416-8 | 16 hp | 657 lb | 1985–1992 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse 416-H | 16 hp | 600 lb | 1990–1997 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariens GT17 | 17 hp | 926 lb | 1979–1987 | Compare → |
| Bolens G172 | 17 hp | 1,056 lb | — | Compare → |
| Bolens G174 | 17 hp | 1,144 lb | — | Compare → |
| Bolens H1704 | 17 hp | 1,268 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 616 | 16.5 hp | 1,499 lb | 1972–1973 | Compare → |
Explore
Wheel Horse siblings
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the Wheel Horse 257H in production?
Wheel Horse 257H production started in 1988 and ended in 1989.
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 257H have?
The Wheel Horse 257H produces 17 hp from its 1-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 32.6 ci.
What transmission is in the Wheel Horse 257H?
Transmission on the Wheel Horse 257H is Belt-driven hydrostatic.
What maintenance does the Wheel Horse 257H require?
Like any tractor, the Wheel Horse 257H needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.


