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Last year after the WheelHorse Collectors club show in PA the club made the announcement that "Customs" would be the feature tractor for the 2016 show. Man was I bummed that I had sold the Rat Grenade. First thought was to build a copy of it or to buy it back. I really hate to duplicate some projects and ruin their originality though sometimes it happens. After some thought and a suggestion by my friend Terese Emmory LaPree- I formed a new plan. At first the suggestion didn't... interest me but the following day it sparked an idea. So thanks Terese!!! This idea of a project rolled around for a couple months and I bounced it off a couple friends and they seemed to like it so I decided it had merit. I have to give some serious credit to Kevin Townsend for his help in some of the chassis design. No doubt after a couple failures into the project he was most likely getting sick of my texts for help! He added his ideas to mine for the creation of this project so my Thanks goes out to him as well! Also Thanks to Michael Biser for supplying a custom built 8-speed that gave us some flexibility in the width of the tractor. Also Thanks to Lonny Eskridge for the D-series pcs involved.This is one of 3 custom projects that we will be bringing to PA in June. So I guess here it goes- Fellow WH enthusiasts here is what has been dubbed as D-Rod Its specs are as follows- 16hp Onan Performer, Biser WH 8-spd, 4 gpm pump,power steering,hyd 3 pt hitch,16in front rubber ,17 in rear rubber on BlackRock wheels. Chassis, body and driveline all 100% handmade with exception of the D-series grille shell and front inverted axle. D-Rod can also do a couple tricks-but I will show them in another post later

These things are so addictive. I already have two little Lawn Rangers. A L-156 and a 33E. Now I am kinda wanting a bigger round hood. Called on a horse today just waiting to see if he still has it and if he can hold it till the weekend for me. I can see why so many of you guys have pictures with a row of horses. I'll keep you posted.

Well I thought i would share some pics of my tractor I built for plowing (moldboard not snow). I just got my first putt around the yard tonight. I still have some minor things to add especially my wheel weights. It started it's life as a 1056, I replaced the 3 speed with an 8 speed trans, tightened up the steering shafts, replaced the front axle pin and beefed up the tierods with a set of adjustables from @wheelhorseman1000 . I pulled the 10hp starter/Gen motor and put on a rebuilt k341 16hp. Modified the tower to meet up with the lawn ranger toolbox/fenders. And put on a hood I had laying out back. She's sporting firestone flotation 23x10.5-12 in the rear and firestone 16-6.5x8 tri ribs on the front.

No I am ok there. I am trading hobbies. Going from old cars to old garden tractors. Smaller cheaper and nicer people so far.

I got my new hitch and weight carrier from fellow member n1defan. Awesome workmanship and precise fit . This thing is really well built . Thanks Tom.

I have a nicely restored RJ 58 that I have been working on for a couple of years and finally got it together this spring. I have a K90 for it that jut refuses to run. I did a project over the winter and put a Predator engine from Harbor Freight on a Lawn Ranger, and it worked out pretty well. So I picked up the small 79cc engine and put it on my RJ58. It fit perfectly and runs and the tractor drives nicely. I want my grand kids to be able to use this, as well as my other WH's so I wanted the put the belt guard on. I had a repro that I bought on the internet and found that it fit perfectly. Bolts to the engine and the transmission side plate as designed. No big deal I guess, I just wanted to pass it along. Thanks, ted jb4249

Deck is built. No sides yet.

My opinion...if you don't like it, don't do it. Why mock and put down others that like it? (That's not a question.)

I did TDF....He was pretty firm on the price tho but I got him down to 240 ...ohhh big savings there...but I did get some side work from him so will get it back. Was a real nice guy who has/had a penchant for the ponies mainly 520's & xi's. Had a nice chat with him about Onan's & such so overall is was a good CL score. @Shynon said his boy @prondzyhas got a fleet of them and this guy is a little high but he told me that AFTER the score....thanks Tom . Anyway it's only money and I got work out of it and sides it looks better at my ranch. I put it to work already! If anybody could tell me the year be obligated Sorry about the tire...dang phone!!! Dang touch screens...outta be a law! Dang touch screens...outta be a law! OK good...edited the tire out!

The Muppets have just introduced their newest characters.

Hello i just came to this site earlier today and i already love it. I currently own a 1975 B-80 wheel horse and use it every day.

Well I work 2nd shift so I would snowblow the driveway at night so the wife could get out in the morning or I would get up early and clean the driveway up before she left. So I was in the dark alot. The stock headlights where not cutting it. The main problem besides not being that bright was that they where not sealed that well so the snow from snow blowing would find its way on to the hot bulb and the bulb would break. That and the light that the head lights put out was blocked by the snowblower. I bought some l.e.d. lights from northern tool and used some scrap metal I had laying and made a couple brackets. One for each side. I also didn't want to drill any holes any holes on the xi so I tapped into the 3 bolts that hold the mid attach-a-matic bracket on. I didn't take any pics of the build part but here it is finished up. I just unplugged the original head lights and ran wires to the new lights. I did it that way because I was planning on taking them off in the summer so I could just unbolt the brackets and unplug the lights and then plug the old lights. Here is a shot with the light on lol pretty bright One thing you can't see on the picture that just happend to work out perfect was the clearance between the bracket and the handle crank for the snowblower. Fit perfectly if I would have made it like .5 inch the other way it would have hit the handle They worked so well that I just leave them on year around. They are close enough to the frame that they really aren't in the way for anything and if I need light just turn the key. Here was the test. This picture was taken at night pitch black with the flash turned off on the camera. Not bad lol The green eyes in the background are lily Then only problem is now when I look behind me backing up its pretty dark lol.

I understand completely. I really only need the L-156 to mow my little yard. And that's just temporary as it is. This is more so a hobby for me. But one never seem to be enough of these little guys. As soon as I retire the one I mow with I am going to start working on it. I've already done a few modifications such as putting a steel pan seat and going fender less. Just little personal touch. But I'll have something ready for next year. Here's my heard now.

I think we're overreacting a bit. Dropping WH from their timeline isn't the same as forgetting about your middle child. The Toro reply was comprehensive, well-written, and realistic. To survive and thrive Toro really needs to focus on their current customers. Their website reflects the current lineup and the things that give them the most recognition with contemporary consumers. Unfortunately that evidently doesn't include our brand. Ask around your workplace, kids' school, or church how many people know what a Wheel Horse is. Unless I'm living in a bubble, not many pedestrians have heard of them. Toro is guided by profits. Just like everybody else. Heck, I love my job but I can guarantee that I'd stop showing up everyday if they stopped paying me or removed the incentive to perform. I agree, it would be nice if Toro cited Wheel Horse on their timeline. But given the current markets in which they compete it's not unforgivable that they don't. Few of us bought a new Wheel Horse when we had the opportunity. Maybe the simplicity and durability of the product had a lot to do with that, but they certainly couldn't wait us out and keep producing them until we did. I'm not being argumentative for the sake of it. Just offering my perspective on the current state of things. Toro is just doing what the rest of us are doing. Your mileage may vary, Steve

5-4-1956 Gene Vincent records “Be-Bop-A-Lula” When a music critic wants to indicate that a song lacks lyrical sophistication, he or she will often refer to its lyrics as being of the “moon in June” sort. It’s a label left over from the Tin Pan Alley era, when even great composers like Irving Berlin churned out a hundred uninspired Moon/June tunes for every highly original classic like “Blues Skies” or “Puttin’ On The Ritz.” If rock and roll has an equivalent in the area of clichéd lyrics, it is probably “Baby” and “Maybe”—a rhyming pair made most famous in the smoldering early-rock classic “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” which was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, by the rockabilly legend Gene Vincent on this day in 1956. The story of how the decidedly un-complex lyrics of “Be-Bop-A-Lula” got written is shrouded in a certain amount of controversy. Officially, Gene Vincent’s business manager, Bill “Sheriff Tex” Davis, is credited as the co-writer, but Sheriff Tex, a savvy 40-year-old from Connecticut, seems an unlikely source of such naïve gem. The story that has the greater ring of truth credits a young man named Donald Graves—a buddy Gene Vincent made in a Portsmouth, Virginia, Veteran’s Hospital. Vincent—born Vincent Eugene Craddock in 1935—had just reenlisted in the U.S. Navy in the spring of 1955 when he suffered a devastating leg injury in a motorcycle accident. That injury would land him in hospital for more than a year, where a fellow patient remembers Vincent and Graves tooling around the facility working out the song that would eventually become a classic. By the time Gene Vincent’s demo tape reached Capitol Records the following spring, however, Graves had been bought out of his share in “Be-Bop-A-Lula” by Sheriff Tex, reportedly for just $25. It wasn’t the obvious brilliance of “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” but rather the uncanny resemblance between Gene Vincent’s voice and Elvis Presley’s that explains the speed with which Capitol snapped Vincent up and got him into the studio. In fact, when Vincent and his Blue Caps recorded “Be-Bop-A-Lula” on May 4, 1956, it was as a “B” side to a now largely forgotten tune called “Woman Love.” As soon as disk jockeys began “flipping” Vincent’s debut single, however, “Be-Bop-A-Lula” became a smash, rising to #7 on the pop charts and selling more than 2 million copies in its first year of release.

All good points. So here is my . 1 I keep all my limbs cut so I can drive my truck anywhere I want. 2 I'm short so the stack doesn't need to be too tall. 3 I figure it's less exhaust fumes than I get sitting in traffic in Atlanta.

I made it to TSC and got me some tires and tubes. What a fun job of changing them was. I was going to repaint the rims but I'll save that project for a later date. TSC had everything else too except the brake band. Looks like Partstree has that part. Gorilla tape is going to fix the seat for now. I'm ready to mow and will put it to the rest here shortly. Here's a pic,

Very cool! Nice job! I solved the back-up problem with a simple utility light...Works like a charm!

I love the look! It's just flat out fantastic

Addictive yes. I've had a 95 520H for twenty years and have done nothing more than regular maintenance. Sooo... I bought a 1988 520H for a spare in case I ever had a problem with old faithful. It came with a snow thrower, rear tiller, 48inch mower deck and I will be spending the next twenty years restoring the new package deal purchases. At the present time all my spare time and money is.............. well you know........

I don't know that the st wh puller show will work on the 520H sw because it is a MUCH different type. Here is a pic of the 520H s/w that I just took off a few day ago. The ALUMINUM center hub of the s/w makes it lots easier....doesn't rust tight to the roll pin. The threaded stem of the shown puller can't get to the top of the steering column due to the plastic center housing of the 520H wheel. Still... DO NOT USE HEAT as you WILL MELT the plastic. I was able to use a pneumatic hammer in conjunction with the 1/4" Roll Pin Punch and the roll pin came right out...not a problem...because of the ALUMINUM center hub of the s/wheel. Older s/w have a steel center hub and the roll pin gets rusted FIRMLY to the hub...like in the puller photos..

And ya don't have to pay property taxes on 'em or pay for license and insurance, and no titles to mess with. Just cash & carry!

Of course we all know what's next. A BIGGER barn!

I'm ready!!

Might try PMing Burly for one...

Here at Bushwood Country Club, we mow at 1 on the greens and 2 on the fairways. For the unwashed masses that don't live on a golf course, 4 or 5 might be the necessary settings.

Hi all, I was finally able to take a week off and lost myself in catching-up on the '80 C-125. I've had the engine sitting rebuilt on the bench - repaired the Hi/Lo last year - and was finally able to run her in last Tuesday after mounting. She only needed rings and a good valve lap. There is no end to the money that can be spent on a restoration or the amount of time in grinding, priming and painting with old Regal Red. At this rate, it will be summer before I'm done but it will have been worth the love. The 42" deck can use some minor welding but I had everything operational before I tore her down. Too much repair to list as this poor girl was buried in a southern backyard. Enjoy the pics - August last year after dragging it onto the trailer, this past Tuesday for break-in and just a few minutes ago. Back to work tomorrow so no more fun all day in the garage but should at least have the covers on when the Jacks belt and PTO brake order gets here later in the week.

Hello All: Guess I'm kind of new here signed up some time ago but never did an introduction so here it goes. I'm retired now was a manufacturing engineer for 40 years, was laid of a few times back when, So I started a stump grinding business( 20 years ago) to fill the money gap when I was not working. I had a Jacobsen GT14 tractor to start with at first with quickway loader ( which was a very good tractor also) but the it was to light to pull for the stump grinder (2000lbs). I did stumps at a house and saw a D-250 with a loader in the back of the house covered up asked if was for sale, he say his father got it new in 1976 cost $6500,and his father passed away and he had no use for it so he wanted $1500 for it so ended up with a D-250. It has been a working tractor ever since. then pick up one with plow again 1976 for parts but put it back together and use it. I sold the D-250 with the plow a couple of years ago because I retired from business all together but still kept the D-250 with the loader will restore it this year I hope. Lately I just pick up another 1976 D-250 for parts. Ed wesolwski

I'd go for it. The only difference between the 518xi and the 520xi is the steering wheel and the seat. The 520xi's steering wheel is one inch larger and it came with the high back seat instead of the mid back seat. Toro just advertised two less horsepower on the 518xi but the specifications are identical between the two models. 900 hours isn't too bad for the Kohler Command Twin. They are also used in other manufacturer's tractors as well as stationary equipment so parts aren't an issue. The 48" deck seems to be the most common size. Just give it a good look. The 5xi are more popular now than when I started with my first (518xi) six years ago. They are pretty well engineered and built. I haven't had any major problems with my three. In fact my 518xi has seen the most use, although I'm using the diesel had the winter off and is mowing this summer. My 520xi has the most hours at around 750 hours.

.... yeah I suppose yours looks like mine

to the She looks like a deal to me....Plus you made a donation to the church. Another WIN-WIN.

Im trying That pic does no justice its dark out and i just got home with it That pic does no justice its dark out and i just got home with it Is that a barn find?

Does look really good... have any picts of the other side to share here too?

Just found this on CL and is 5 miles away -- gonna go look at it after lunch..... whatta ya think??? Asking 250

I just had my steering wheel off an old 1988 520H to replace the steering shaft bushing. My roll pin was sticking out far enough on the right side I grabbed a hammer and large punch and after a few forceful swings of the hammer the roll pin moved flush to the steering wheel. I then used my roll pin punch to tap out the pin. Once you get it moving it comes out fairly easily the rest of the way. At least in my case it did. daveoman1966 great pictures and information. That will help many new members understand the anatomy of a steering column.

Theres a roll pin to knock out. soak pb blaster or something around the wheel. other help might be necessary. you might get lucky to. Shaown are an example. good luck. I would stay away from heat. Glenn

We all keep telling ourselves that but then along comes that one model that just MIGHT come in handy for that certain task and another one jumps on the trailer and follows us home LOL

That's kind of how I ended up with a small herd this last year. I had a larger tractor and needed a smaller one for pulling around a yard cart and doing small jobs. Picked up a L-106 on a fluke. It was too small, so I picked up a 867. Then I just had to have a suburban so I picked up a 401. Then wanted a full size round hood and along came the 702. I keep telling myself there is currently no need for anymore. There is no need for anymore. There is no need for anymore. There is no need for anymore. There is no need for anymore. There is no need for anymore. Hope it works.

I've not had a shop do any small engine work, but most NAPA stores have a machine shop on hand for automotive engines. I'm willing to bet a call to your local store might help. I've used mine in the past for engine and head work and will be sure to be a repeat customer again if the need ever arises. Good luck!

That is nice .. could move bigger trailers around with that! Not as good as standing on my head as you tho! Would work good with one of these

WOW !! I remember that playing on the radio. I must be getting old.

Very clean design. Clearly... an evolution of the ol' Grenade.

WOW...That is a "Bad Ass" looking machine!

Don't forget, you just have to have one of those rain flaps that rattle and direct as much fume as possible back in your face, mmm nice.

Glad to have you and your B-80 aboard.

Nice ... glad you've found us.

That is the rear bracket to attach a dozer blade, tiller, and possibly more.

You know I have been thinking the same thing and I just cleaned the points and adjusted them. I tried a different spark plug but no change. When I check the spark it is a nice blue spark and not weak at all.

Exhaust right at face level and the ability to snag tree branches...Yeah right...sign me up...not!!!

If I have to explain it......you wouldn't understand.