Leaderboard

Found some ag tires and rims at a old gas tractor show. I blasted and painted the rims and mounted them on this little guy. I kinda like the look. I'm gonna need a new place to house it though because she will no longer fit through the shed door.

Here they are!

Saw this at a new job today. It needs a hug... I may end up trying to buy it before I leave... I think I saw a deck in the weeds, and possibly a rear blade.

Guys, I finally was fortunate enough to meet and spend time with19Richie66. He is an all around terrific guy and I encourage everyone here to introduce yourselves to him at the Big Show next year if you have not already met him. Richie is hoping to attend his first Big Show, and I sure hope he can make it happen. We did some horse trading and with the help of Richie's Son, hauled stuff off of Richie's trailer and into my shop and Wheel Horse rolling chassis storage building. Then hauled stuff out of my storage building and Wheel Horse Barn and into his trailer. Richie ended up with a complete rear end and hydro pump and tach and vacuum gauge from a 520H roller I had. Also my old 417Hydro rolling chassis that was in the storage building, and the KT17 series 2 engine that was being stored in the Wheel Horse barn. And maybe some other stuff that I can't remember at this time. I happily ended up with a 1989 312-8 that has a fine running Magnum 12. The tractor needs a fender pan, seat, clutch return spring, and some TLC to be a usable working tractor. Buts that's no problem as I should have everything needed right here in stock. The tractor came with a set of Firestone AG's which I've already removed to put on John Robert (my K powered 416-8). The bonus to this 312-8 is it has a stack exhaust complete with a rain cap. Next cool thing I got from Richie was a complete running 10hp K engine mounted on a shaker plate. This engine has a little stack muffler with a rain cap that I may put on the 701. That should make it look even more like a miniature farm tractor. I have a Blackhood roller that needs a shaker plate engine. Then a complete but at the present time nonworking 8 speed transmission that can be repaired or used for parts. We had to part company much too soon, but Richie had to get back home to Florida. Here is a few pics of the things I ended up with.

First time I have had the stable out for some exercise and a photo shoot.They may not be to pretty but they sure work hard. Hope this satisfies the cries for more pictures.JAinVA

Well, I made enough progress to warrant a few pic. I cut the bends off the 105 rocker plate to make a solid engine mounting plate for the 321. I had to shim the plate up 1/2" to get the dropped pan to clear the steering rod extension tube. Got the steering geometry worked out and the engine installed. And got some painting finished. Still have to work out the clutch and throttle linkage. and a lot of body work on the hood and seat/fender pan. Got the snow movers ready and snapped a pic for size reference.

Nice ...I got a door it will fit through...be right over to get it

1980-1984 C-165 Automatic and C-145 Automatic are the only tractors that fit those specific requirements. However, if you are willing to look at the Kohler Magnums which were essentially the same as a K series but had a magneto ignition. That opens up your scope to include 1990 and newer 312-H and 314-H but some feel these engines are a BIT under powered running a Hydro with a big mower deck or snow blower. Also there are koher twins if you dont want to go Onan, like the C-175 Auto, 417-A, 418-A, 418-C. But in reality, the Onans are just fine for many people (and lots of people LOVE them!) They sound really cool, are VERY smooth running and have quite a bit of power. That will expand your search to all the newer 416-H's and 520-H's as well (of which there are very many of these around!) I don't know if you have a specific reason to be going hydro, but most attachments are not unreasonable to use a hand-lift with (and some are even preferred, like mid-mount grader blade). The 8 speeds are just about bullet proof and for ground engaging work cant be beat. The hydros are smoother for cutting grass and (for me) plowing snow especially when converted to foot pedal control. That will expand your search immensely!

I don't know what kind of cast iron the Kohlers on those old 953's are made of but 953Nut recently brought one home that looked like it had been salvaged from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. He put a battery and gas in it and the thing started right up! Amazing

There are 2 bolts in the top of the trans that hold the lift cable tube on. Take one of those out and it will vent there.

Sundstrands all very durable and garden tractor manufacturers started using them over 50 years ago. Most are still in original condition. They are very strong units. The Magnums were starting to be phased out in the late 80s and early 90s. Most manufacturers have already started using the Kohler Command by that time. Toro was a bit behind in putting the Commands in their tractors. Nothing wrong with either the Magnum or the Command as both are Kohler's commercial grade engines. Onan is also a commercial grade engine and are built to last. Parts, though are a bit pricey.

The brake will slow it down but all of mine will turn if nothing is attached. It will stop when you attach the deck

Fuses are a good thing, lots of older didn't have them and should have. Presuming you have a battery ignition system with points and a coil the following simple diagram should be helpful. The wire sizes are not Gospel, if you want to use a larger size (smaller number wire gauge) that is fine. The second and third are for reference for other systems.

Do these new tires make my butt look big.

Yes it was very nice to meet finally. You are a good man! Always nice to put a face with a name. Too bad I could only stay so long. I would have talked tractors and stuff all day. Glad you got the 312 fired up and was satisfied with it. I hope to get the 417 washed down and put back together here soon. As for the firewater, I didn't get to witness it's existence but did hear tales of it's power. Maybe I will witness that next year. The boom sprayer sounds like a good idea. Here is a picture of my load going home. Who says the beverly hillbillies are dead?

At least in my environment, near the Canadian border, both blade AND blower are required for snow removal! Blade will handle light storms and blade will cleanup after the blower moves the heavy snows. Point is that I most always use the blade for final cleanup! Wouldn't be without it! Otherwise the little bit that the blower leaves builds up, partially melts and refreezes and later turns into ice and causes me to fall and brake my ankle... really! So up here I like to try to scrape the drive clean and hope some sun comes through to "burn" off the remainder so I can start with a completely bare driveway again! I'm so serious about this (broken ankle!) that I also intend to add a Sweepster! But blower and blade is a very nice combo until then! Thanks for sharing!

Picked up this 58 RJ today! It has the shower head and the original heat shield and reel mower belt guard. Came with a deck, a tub cart, and a snowplow. Will get better pics later!

I mounted this loader on one of my 520H's, it's a Sears Smipson made in Canada. They are a very good loader. I will post more pics later on how I hooked it up. The rims are altered , made extra wide.

Heat. Preferably with oxy acetylene torch set up

Thanks ACman, I'm glad to have helped get you started into a great hobby. My shop also serves as my hideout, my get away. I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to do so many different things right here at home. It's also pretty amazing what a guy can teach himself to do with the right tools at hand. Maybe I will posts in the new thread one day with a few pics of the shop.

Think of it as having been an organ donor for other deserving projects.

While I am glad to see a C-105 Black Hood gave it's life for a fellow WH, very typical of the breed I might add, my C-105 grieves for it's lost cousin... VERY nice build, by the way...

I too have about a lifetime's supply of projects, but that won't keep me from looking.

If it's like my 312-H,I loosen the oil filter and it goes right in

THAT IS SICK! in a good way. Looks very clean Ed. Can't wait to see more.

Heh Guys -- Be careful with the HCl (hydrochloric acid) -- Besides being corrosive/burning, HCl like all of those other acids is generating hydrogen gas (which is explosive in the presence of an ignition source) when they remove the rust -- With the slow rust removal (i.e. vinegar, phosphoric acid) the hydrogen is getting time to disperse into the air -- With the HCl and a closed up tank you could build up a significant amount of gas which would explode with a spark/fire (i.e. you are making a bomb) -- So the biggest watch out would be to use the HCl in the absence of ignition sources and vent the tank often (or don't close the tank) when using HCl

Any engine, old or new, can backfire if not properly idled down for a minute or so after hard use. I get on my wife and kids for that all the time.

Since this is turning into a study of tractors, I thought that I would add a few things. I have never owned a Sundstrand (yet!) but have a few Hydro tractors. Eaton only manufactured the transmission which was then installed on the three different transaxles made by Wheel Horse/Toro. Tractors with an -A (but not all) normally used the 700 series transaxle with a manual lift. Onan and Kohler engines were used. Tractors with a -H did use the 1100 series transaxle with hydraulic lift capability. Onan and Kohler engines were used. These can be plumbed to eliminate the lift if necessary. It would be best to take a chassis with a manual lift and install the 1100 if a manual lift was desired. The 5xi series all used the Eaton 11 with a re-designed 1100 transaxle. Kohler, Kawasaki, and Daihatsu engines were used. This transaxle added Hi/Lo gears as well as a neutral position along with hydraulic lift and hydraulic power steering on three of the five models. Regarding the 520-H gathering grass clippings while mowing, my 523Dxi with the water-cooled Daihatsu diesel does the same thing. But there are the three screens below the dash plus a removable fine mesh screen (last photo) in front of the radiator. My Kohler-engined 5xi don't have the same problem due to moving less air for cooling.

I'm curious as to why you think this is a problem? On these tractors the hydro is not like a pressure washer, when you are idling in neutral they are running the fluid through the hoses and filter at a fairly low pressure (30-90psi). The fan keeps the motor/pump cool and everything is just circulating unimpeded. They are designed to work or idle all day long, so you should be good to go, don't worry about letting a hydrostat idle.

I had quite a collection of different models, over 30, and started selling them a year or so ago. I sold most of what I had collected except a couple RL's, a couple suburban's, c-120, 520-H, 856 and a 418-A. Know I have my complete workshop back and don't have to move anything to work on a project. I miss some of them, but it sure is nice to work on something without doing a bunch of extra work to get at a tool.

Got the power washer together this weekend and was able to clean up the 520h moderately. Can definitely see the engine and frame better. Was able to get a better look at the engine. Unfortunately when I was taking off the RH side shroud the bolts were brittle and I broke them off in the cylinder head. Contacted Boomer again. Hes sending a Head and the bokts along with a small gasket kit for the heads, intake and exhaust manifolds. Also got the oil filter air seal which I didnt have, a new (used) tested stator and newer starter drice kit in the mail from Boomer as well and he was even kind enough to send the starter repair manual with it. Got that installed in the starter after cleaning it all up. Brushed armature and all. Photos.

Oh yes! I uploaded some a year or so ago and Richard/953Nut commented but then I couldn't find them recently so I uploaded more in the Stevebo Meet and & Greet thread. Rough, sad and only a true Wheel Horse follower could appreciate her finer qualities. Alas I let her go to a better life, I'm afraid only her organs will be brought to life again... If only I had known her many years ago...

Van was all this horse trading with or without your famous firewater?

Used to do 2 2.2 turbos a day along with countless head gaskets, cams, wristpins. We had 2 big binders chuck full with all the service bulletins just with the ones trying to get the Horizon's to run smoothly cold! The absolute best were the 2.6 Mitsujunki's. You had to install a heat shield under the carb to keep it from vapor locking in the summer month's and then remove it when it got cold to keep the carb from icing! You haven't lived until you worked on Renaults though. People say "Why don't you work on cars anymore" and I answer "RENAULT!"

It works!!!! After a month plus of planning and prep, tonight I was able to actually test the Grizzly! I need some more weight as I was lacking for traction but the power with that twin Vanguard was impressive and I was pleasantly surprised with how well the hydro worked (since I'm a dyed in the wool GD guy when it comes to plowing). I had one leak on a fitting that I hadn't tightened like I should've (it's tight now) and I still need a different fitting for one of the hoses that heads to the ram so that I can reroute that line and put the tunnel cover on. It's a sharp little tractor and I think Caleb will really enjoy his seat time on it! More updates following Bluniers plow day!

Weather was great last weekend. I got in a little plowing in the garden with the 854, and got the mower deck off the C-160 and it ready to plow. Plan to be at Blunier's with both, plus my son's B-100, and also my Bronco 12 just for show. Hopefully we don't get too much rain tonight and tomorrow. Otherwise, looks like pretty good weather for plowing. Dave

It's a ROW CROPPER!!!! I like it.

The exception to the -a rule are 417&418 a those have 1100 Eaton and 518h has the 700. As far as the single cylinder kohler engine goes if push came to shove I would put my m-10 in the 518h and expect it to handle the hydro and the 48 inch deck no problem .

Sounds like you have a 1978 or 1979 C-121. Garry

Nice and congrats ! I recently acquired a 315-8 with 400 hrs, I initially bought it for just the 41" deck so my wife could get back to cutting grass with our older 310-8, but it is so nice it has become "her" machine just for cutting grass. It's smart for us to keep the ladies happy !

Van nice looking worker you have there. It is all ways nice to have extra parts for projects like this to keep the cost down. Enjoy Bud.

I got it ... we might need a new lawn sprayer for the show next year . Fill six cups at a time with firewater !

From what I've gathered the Eaton 1100 is the best hydro WH ever used, the best there was at the time, perhaps the best there is in that category. I sure like the 2 speeds! I have both Kohlers and an Onan and again, from what I've gather both are top notch, but perhaps the Onan was not as good a match for "lawn mowing" and doesn't shed leaves and grass clipping as well, a fact that I can indeed attest to! And many have suggested that issue has caused most of the woes Onans have while powering the WHs. Combine the reduced incoming air with the restricted outgoing by the belt guard and one cylinder can overheat. The static debris guard on the Onan does seem to make a GREAT leaf catcher with every leaf you pass over trying to jump out of the sweep of the blades and land on it. I must repeatedly rise up and wipe off the collection every few minutes where the Kohler's rotating debris guard flings off the desperate leaves to once again take their chances. So my first choice for a WH would be a Kohler pushing an 8 speed! Second choice a Kohler pushing an Eaton 1100. My 416H Onan will have a task other than mowing! Seriously! I would NOT make it my mowing machine! It collects leaves and grass that bad! Others have dealt with it as a mower but I have other mowers... Man that could be a Timex style ad for Eaton! Seriously, that is a GREAT way to explain to "us" that your Eaton has taken a beatin' and still keeps on pushing! Especially that "All the blades were broken off of the cooling fan" phrase! I have just recently added a 264 to the herd, and while I like it a lot for good reasons, I will expect less of it than other's in the herd. The PO told me the Tuff-Torq trans got into some mud and overheated to failure. So note that Toro's price point offering, the 2XX series did NOT use the Eaton! Thanks for sharing!

Jim, I use the acorns for bait and launch squirrels with the blower.JAinVA

Unfortunately most of the 400/550s seem to have that issue. Maybe not to that extreme but they all seem to keep the pedal too far back. First make sure the roll pin is in there like Bob pointed out. Doesn't look like it is from the pic. Make sure your belt is a 30" belt. Slide the engine all the way forward in the slots. A larger idler pulley will also bring the pedal up some. A combination of all those things should get it better Or as a last resort, cut and weld the rod a little bit shorter

Not sure about the oil would not think that would cause it, but you should let an engine idle for a little bit before turning off.

I got this nos 1977 snow cab for $100. It's all in great shape except there is a tear in the front window. I had to make the 2 brackets that mount to the floor boards. It's a pain to put that thing together but it's all worth it. I can't wait to blow snow! I've never seen a raider 8 with a cab before either.

I took some time and pulled off the Starter to find a 191-1949-04 starter on this 520h. So it's been replaced. I also found a hairline crack at the end of the starter mounting hole on the flywheel side, on the hole next to the cylinder (as opposed to the outside hole). It's about 5/8" or so long... I slipped a bolt in there and torqued downward on it to see if it was a weak crack and it didn't budge one bit. I'm not sure if the crack was from the old starter and the flywheel was never changed and just deteriorated over time to this point or what. I'm also still not 100% sure if the starter is okay. I'm going to be pulling it apart tonight or tomorrow and give it a look over. It could have just been a combination of the charging system going and a horrible flywheel.... Either way, I contacted boomer and he's sending me a pinion gear, stator and a oil filter air seal, being I didn't have one. That stuff should hopefully get here on Saturday. So a BIG THANKS to him for his time and knowledge!

Definitely the RJ series for me