Rural King tractor problems

[Brendon-KS]

You are likely thinking of "Holder". I believe Heston built these, I can't remember where they went, Ariens, maybe?

You are correct - these were built by Hesston but sort of indirectly. Hesston owned Woods for a while back in the 1970's and these Front Runner mowers were built by Woods in Indianapolis during that time period and branded as "Hesston". You still occasionally see them around here in the Hesston, KS area. When Hesston ran into money problems in the late 70's they sold this design to Toro who continued it as the Toro GMT 200.

 

[Absent Minded Farmer]

You are likely thinking of "Holder". I believe Heston built these, I can't remember where they went, Ariens, maybe?

Found it. The company I was thinking of is Stiga & they are Italian.... & still around, though no US presence anymore. Looks like your Hesston may have been the brain child of both Hesston & Wheel Horse & then sold off to Toro. Don't have time this evening to read up on it. Hopefully tomorrow, as it sounds like some really cool research.

Mike