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Here is the Rat Rod that some asked about. This beast was built by Jon Bell

Well for the first time in 6 years I finally get to hear the 1057 turn over. It has been sitting in the garage on a dolly for that time covered up. Because I kept putting it off. To many other tractor projects came first.= redid 3- B-80s 857 2-1257`s a 606 - 607- 657 - a 308-8 . Now I have to put the tank on and put fuel in to see if I can get it running? The carb has been sitting in a plastic zip bag for that long all rebuilt? OOHHH EVEN The cigarette liter works. I hope you enjoy the picks.

Just picked up this RJ! She needs work but that's no problem here. Any idea on years would be great.

Well not quite in yout mirror , more to come !

I get 10 feet of snow. This is what I do:

I picked this 701 up from Steve (wh500special) a couple of weeks ago. I got it running the next day, but today I got it running off the tractor's fuel tank. It has a 8 hp K181 on it now, and it still needs the S/G mounted, and I had to have a bracket made that bolts to the back two head bolts. Right now it just has the cap head bolts, and it needs studs in these two locations to mount the bracket. Muffler is just sitting in the exhaust outlet, which is not threaded but has two threaded holes. So I have to find a gasket and the correct muffler that will mount in those two holes, or make a manifold that will pick up those two holes and then mount a better muffler on that. I'm not sure if I'll keep the 701 and I have my eyes set on a local 753.

I'll see your 520 Jeff and raise you a 1257 likewise more to come when I get back to civilization

Used to be an air base here in Columbus during WWII and Vietnam called Bakalar. Now the municipal airport, there is a small museum located near the strip, and dedicated to preserving the memory of the men and machines that were stationed at the base when in operation. After many years of living not 2 miles from the airport, I took my granddaughter to the museum yesterday to check it out. Manned by a volunteer staff of mostly ex-military men, it was an extremely neat, well maintained, and informative museum. I ended up joining, and will try to help out by volunteering. To get to the meat of this post, while in conversation with the two gents doing duty there, we discussed how there seems to be a rise in the number of frauds claiming military service, and their extraordinary exploits in same. Just pisses me off. This guy claiming to be a Seal sounds like one such individual. Used to, I didn't talk much about my service. Figured no one was interested, as I served at a time when we service men were considered baby killers. Told some stories to the kids, but that was about it. Now that I am 58, I spend all too much time thinking, and talking, about the places I went, and things I have seen and done. I suppose it is a nostalgia thing. I also meet and talk to a lot of other vets who do the same. It isn't bragging, just recalling what once was. Recalling is telling someone I once helmed a 450 foot destroyer in the North Atlantic. Bragging is saying I could still do it. Not likely, as I would probably barf all over the binnacle from sea sickness.

My out of state friend asked me to mow his camping lot with the Wheel Horse yesterday and today we had a little cook out with hot dogs, coke and NO BEER as we planned to do a little plinking. There is one in every group and a real cool guy showed up who was a retired Navy Sea.l He rocked the Do-rag and motorcycle patches and all that. Me, i just dressed like a farmer and rode my old Honda . The trouble is, he talked way too much about how good he could shoot and it just hit me as weird, because most really good shots I know just let the group size do the talking.Anyway, my friend just bought a .45 Ruger, and we all wanted to shoot it. It did shoot nice. I put three in a 3" bull and one just outside shooting offhand. The Navy Seal shot next and nothing was said about his skills after that

hi men, my very good friend RB was a USN seal. we are both members of american legion post 124 in westfield massachusetts. if someone asks RB if he is a vet the answer is yes. what branch RB? answer navy. no mention whatsoever of being a seal. one day RB and i were out on the harleys. we stopped at a local watering hole where a band was playing. across the deck was a guy with a seal baseball cap on. RB said, "be back in a few mike". a minute or two later he was back and said "that guy was not a seal". i asked how he could be so sure. he explained how every seal MUST complete BUDS (basic underwater demolition school) each class has a number. a seal never forgets his buds class number. if i recall RB's buds class number is 93 mid to late 1970's. he said that guy did not know his number. upon further questioning he fessed up he maintained the boats for the seals. what a disgrace. its actually a crime to claim or wear military ribbons for which you are not entitled. smith and wesson is located only 10 miles form westfield in springfield mass. a few years back they had a family shoot day at a local range. when RB got a weapon in his hand i can assure you he really knew how to use it. additionally, he is a hell of a nice guy but, lets just say that in a fight you want him on your side. best regards to all of you. mike in mass.

UMH...Times have changed while she was under that tarp...You need several USB outlets, a portable wi-fi "hot spot", two power "plugs" and a "Vape" charger...

RJ-58/59 Appears to have more signs of a 59 with the solid seat and casting number in the trans but since no one has ever seen an original ID tag with RJ-59 on it, they are all considered to be RJ-58 IMO. Deck is a 1961

9-25-1965 Fifty-nine-year-old Satchel Paige pitches three innings On September 25, 1965, the Kansas City Athletics start ageless wonder Satchel Paige in a game against the Boston Red Sox. The 59-year-old Paige, a ***** League legend, proved his greatness once again by giving up only one hit in his three innings of play. Leroy Page was born on July 7, 1906, in Mobile, Alabama. Page’s family changed the spelling of their name to Paige to differentiate themselves from John Page, Leroy’s absent and abusive father. “Satchel” got his nickname as a boy while working as a luggage carrier at the Mobile train station. When he was 12, his constant truancy coupled with a shoplifting incident got him sent to the Industrial School for ***** Children in Mount Meigs, Alabama. It turned out to be a lucky break, as it was there that Paige learned to pitch. After leaving the school, he turned pro. From 1927 to 1948 Paige served as the baseball equivalent of a hired gun: He pitched for any team in the United States or abroad that could afford him. He was the highest paid pitcher of his time, and he wowed crowds with the speed of his fastball, his trick pitches and his considerable bravado. Just for fun, Paige would sometimes call in his outfield and then strike out the side. From 1939 to 1942, the Kansas City Monarchs paid up for his services and were justly rewarded: Paige led the team to four consecutive ***** American League pennants from 1939 to 1942. In the 1942 ***** League World Series, Satchel won three games in a four-game sweep of the Homestead Grays, led by famed slugger Josh Gibson. Paige’s contract was bought by Bill Veeck’s Cleveland Indians on July 7, 1948, his 42nd birthday. He made his major league debut two days later, entering in the fifth inning against the St. Louis Browns with the Indians trailing 4-1. He gave up two singles in two innings, striking one man out and inducing one batter to hit into a double play. The Indians lost the game 5-3 in spite of Paige’s contribution. That year Satchel Paige went 6-1 with a solid 2.48 ERA for the World Champion Cleveland Indians and was named to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Team for the American League in 1952 and 1953, when he was 46 and 47 years old respectively. On September 25, 1965, Paige’s three innings for the Kansas City Athletics made him, at 59 years, 2 months and 18 days, the oldest pitcher ever to play a game in the major leagues. Before the game, Paige sat in the bullpen in a rocking chair while a nurse rubbed liniment into his pitching arm for the entire crowd to see. Any doubts about Paige’s ability were put to rest when he set down each of the Red Sox batters he faced except for Carl Yastremski, who hit a double. Arguably the greatest pitcher of his era, Paige was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

This will be the first time I've taken tractors to a show. Can't wait to meet all the great people in this hobby next weekend

Cheesegrader, I did the locking collar releasable bearings (same as the single stage auger and impeller shaft bearing and holder) on my new to me 2stage last fall/winter had to make a 1/4" spacer for on the inside and a cap for the out side sealed with black RVT,on my bought new anniversary 520H with cab, now I have a couple more so it has been relieved to snow duty only, also my extra rear weights are fluid filled ags 75lb cast weights and a home built rear suitcase weight hanger approximately 130 lbs, and 2 link chains,Jeff.

I agree thinken putting my TV on there also with a WiFi also.

Jack the wheels off the ground. If you can pull the axle out, then the clip fell off and you have to open it back up. If you can not pull the axle out...you are OK. This is 1/2" l.....l

jdleach - well said and - Thank You - for your service...

Had the 1054 out tonight with the dozer/snow blade smoothing out a little top soil. Why use a rake when you have a Horse .

The 753 was cutting grass 2 days ago so took her in for a good cleaning and oil change today. She sounded Great putting out of the Garage.

I wonder if he were ever a Seal at all.

Well, I picked up a roll pin and got everything back together this morning. The oil was pretty bad anyway so that had to go. I was able to mow the lawn and gearbox is working well. Thanks to all of you for the help. Scott

I have amassed a collection of five 520H Wheel Horses along with a 312A, 416-8 and a couple of vertical shaft riding mowers. Three of the 520's are the later swept axle models with the other two being early straight axles. I purchased the first one about three years ago and paid too much for it, but just had to have one, and they aren't easy to find in Australia - although I have seen quite a few for sale since. My first 520 was in generally good condition, although it had a significant transmission oil leak and the seat was wobbly due in part to a broken tab on the upstand. A 60" deck in good condition came on the tractor. Inspired by some of the restorations on Red Square and my earlier rebuild of my 416-8 I decided to try and refurbish it. I started by completely dismantling the machine and had lot of the parts powder coated. I had a short thread in "Transmissions and transaxles" a couple of years ago when I split the transmission and checked the internals as well as replaced the seals. The bearings, gears and differential were all still perfect. The oil leak was found to have been caused by the oil temp sensor probe which had split. After I got the transmission back together I refitted it to the frame and the project was put aside. I just looked back, and was surprised to see it was two years ago. I did bits and pieces but not a lot of progress was made in between. However, over the past couple of weekends I have been able to make some headway. Frame assembly commenced. Transmission nearly ready to refit. ...more to come.

After I rebuilt / sharpened the cutting edge on the blades for RM 116 mower deck on the Lawn Ranger and got them back on it was time to try it out. Thought you might like to ride along. https://youtu.be/jYz7euN3k3M

You would be surprised how many stock mufflers Harley shops through away. Just have to give them a baffle ectemy if you want load. The hand rail idea works great too, used one as a stack on a Cub Cadet. One tip I want to give: When using stainless or chrome exhaust make sure you clean your pipe off before you start the engine. A finger print on a chrome pipe (especially a new one) will turn blue after you heat the pipe, and will not polish off. Same thing happens with stainless pipe.

Go to Menards and pick up a chrome piece of plumbing pipe it will have a 90 on one end and is about18 inches long? That's what I did looks cool

If you don't have an old Harley pipe hanging around and you want to be LOUD you can go to H.D or Lowes and pickup a Stainless Steel bathroom grab bar; cut off the mounting flange and cut it to the needed length.

@Whbelguim Great find with history , provenance and probably pretty rare in Belgium . How long did it take to track that RJ down ? Also could you post that first pic in the vintage pics thread (it's in the wheel horse tractor section) and any info or dealership if you have any . Look through the photo archive you may find some pics of the exhaust or use the search box and type in RJ exhaust something should pop up . If the I.d. Sticker is still there it should be in front of engine on the left frame rail . Congratulations on your !

That RJ-58 pictured has a 3 piece trans and 1961 introduced a 2 piece trans case on the 551 and 701. Not sure what a 1 piece trans is.

Very nice early machine there! Something to be proud of.

That is a later RJ58 with Suburban attachments. The plow bracket bolted to front of tractor was used to bolt a Suburban 60-61 style plow to a RJ frame....I have one just like it too.....does it have the serial number decal still on frame towards the left front on top?

Seals are like any other veteran. They have been there and done that and know what they can do...they don't have to talk about it, and they won't talk about it...unless they trust you and sometimes they just need to talk to someone. The guy you ran into probably washed out of BUDS training...if he ever got to that point.

I've thought of this for a while, it's not a new idea... But will give me shift on the go, and either speed up or slow down if I'm ploughing and need a little more power. Its a variable speed pulley on the engine, giving me around 20% more speed or torque depending how you look at it. Just the actuator lever to sort, before I need to print some 12 speed decals

Ditto to what @elliot ness said. If it has 3 point, and a rear PTO the parts for those alone would sell for almost the asking price of the Tractor. As they are rare, demand is cyclical and to make that money, it may take a little longer to find the right buyer. Note that a tiller does not necessarily garantee it's the correct tiller so it may not have 3 point and PTO. Pics would allow us to confirm for you.

I keep hearing about the Bee's disappearing, I sure hope someone can figure what is causing this to happen to these wonders of nature. Sounds like your Bees are doing great. Thanks for sharing.

yep, that sounds right since they wouldn't have food over the winter to eat. thanks for the complements, i'll tell rusty them all

I'm pretty sure that my 310 had the plastic pump as original equipment and it is a 1988 ,it has always started right away even in sub zero weather as long as the battery was ok . Anyway I figure 15 years on each of the 2 fuel pumps it's had using ethanol fuel ain't bad as that is the only part I've replaced in all that time. Right now the old girl is doing mower duty with the 48 inch side discharge and she will handle anything either of the 18's will repairs and maintenance over 28 years have cost me under 300.00 pretty impressive imho

I'm so amazed to the point of I don't even know what questions to ask without sounding stupid. LOL , just tell me more, lots more!

That honey, and the ... both look sweet.

Put stainless on mine when I restored it. I like the way it came out.

Old motorcycle parts can be adapted. This is a Harley Sportster muffler. The head pipe is covered with a peace of heat shield, also from a Sportster.

Awesome shop... perfectly organized, everything right where you left it. Would like to see more of that lil' rat rod.

Took a slightly long trip last night to pull another one outta NY. Oh, and now I can mow my lawn much much quicker.

This is how it has been sitting for the past couple of years, on a stand and covered up. More recently I have repaired and refitted the wiring. I have fitted marine sealed fuse holders for the 30 and 25a circuits and just need to get one more for the 15a lighting circuit. I also fitted an aftermarket tacho as the original wasn't working and a transmission temperature gauge in lieu of the vacuum gauge which had broken mounting pins. I also fitted a pair of four stud trailer hubs to the front axle, they fitted straight onto the stock stubs without any modifications at all. Next I bolted on some wheels and took the rolling chassis off the stand.

I like to have the only one of a brand at a show. Been to many shows where I've had the only Gibson, or Leader there. You might want to see if you can find your a companion to tag along to the shows. RJ's or Suburbans don't take up much room on the trailer.

For all of you that were in the military, a sincere thanks for your service. I did not serve but it probably would have been good awakening for a young me.

Did you try alcohol [the rubbing kind, not the drinking kind] and a toothbrush?

BOUGHT IT ! I guess ACman and bmsgaffer were right. I really wanted the 417-8. Decent twin engine WHs are hard to find, and I can't afford a 520, so I bought the 417. I figured that snow throwers are easier to find than 417s. The 417 needs a little work, but the engine runs great, and only has 488 hours. Forked over $600 for it, but considering that I got my 312-8 for $50 last year, I'm averaging $325 each. The 417 will run a snow thrower of some kind, and the 312 will be my plow tractor.

Feeling like a kid again I see . Instead of you pushing a small tractor in the dirt , you're riding a real tractor moving dirt !