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Was at my desk working on some work stuff when my youngest wandered in. Snapped some cool photos. Apparently she loves red. She's a real garage rat. She loves to hang out in my carpentry shop. Thia is the first time she was in my " hobby" shop, she was into everything. Needless to say I got a lot of cleaning to do putting everything back in order

Dethatching and aerating this evening. Excited for the new season! My apologies for poor picture quality😕

Heres one of her older brothers. He's probably put more hours on his horse than most of us. He's truly got an addiction. I guess I'm lucky that he's addicted to tractors and not video games!

I like my 314 ! Great tractor! This is my brother's 314 Hydro with hydro lift . (hood was changed)

Like Anglo, I have a passion for the older basic hand tools. It is clear, the accuracy of measuring tools can vary greatly with the skill of the user. The exception would be a robot operated co-ordinate measuring machine with non contact laser probes. Most of us no longer have access to one of these. Here is a picture of the tool case and some of the tools I used for inspection hydro turbines. Probably would have a problem carrying this on a plane as I did for 40 years. And this is probably my most prized possession... A carpenters tool chest hand made by my Wife's Grandfather about 100 years ago. Note the custom cam locks to position and hold every saw in place during transportation to his next job site.

engine is an Onan, color is correct. Engine looks pretty clean

This is what I did. Simple fab job.

Ditto all of the above posts of the Guy's principles and methods. I also tend to be meticulous with checking fit/wear or Go/No go on any engine etc. I also set myself challenges and measure by 'Feel' with inside/outside calipers, then take measurements from those. I then compare with Hole Gauges and Mic's etc to see how close I can discern accuracy by feel. I have a number of items I use regularly for many jobs (Hobby), some of which are shown below. The Lever type Dial Indicator is 69 years old and still good for 5/10,000ths of an inch, or better. I also use it for setting Techy Timing BTDC of the Piston. The Engineer's Blue (paste) assists with highlighting High spots or wear points on Bearing/Crank Journals etc. Nothing in this pic is less than 30 years old- Like most Tools, you get what you pay for and it depends how often you will have a use for them that will dictate what you pay. If you know the source, you could also buy secondhand and obtain high quality measurement tooling for less money. Whatever you get, enjoy using them and get those engines running smooth and sweet.

Takes a fair amount of practice to be accurate with any precision measuring device. I can get a general idea of the condition of a cylinder by using an old piston ring and checking the end gap and looking for light getting by the side of the ring at various points down thy cylinder. Push it down an inch at a time using the old piston so you know it is square to the cylinder. If the bore seems to be needing attention then the machine shop will have to measure it anyway. The caliper will give you a good indication for cranks, but if you use a bit of plastigage that will tell you how well the rod is fitting.

heres a little video of it

If it is as it appears I think $500 would be a bargain and I think more could be justified. I'd rather spend a $1000 on it than something new from a big box store.

I have a set on The Machine I know it's not a 520, but for pulling a plow they pull, no wheel slippage. So far probably best investment on The Machine to date.

Bummer. I've been topping mine off with whatever gear lube I have on hand. 5 years and counting since complete rebuild.

it was basically my inexperience with a throttle and choke - I kept trying to start at a low throttle (made sense to me) or with the choke in the incorrect position. its a bit embarrassing but im used to newer machines with no choke. I knew there had to be something wrong with me because it ran fine at the guys house so I downloaded the operators manual and learned myself some things - there - that's off my chest - don't bust my chops too hard over it.

The superior Onan engines were designed, engineered and manufactured to an industrial level. Made to be repairable. They were also designed to be rebuildable. Onan engines built in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's are still on the job. Why? Because Onan never made any cheap disposable throw away engines. When an Onan is repaired or rebuilt correctly it's a long term investment. Key word: "Correctly". Crappy repairs or rebuilds = crappy results. Here is a picture comparing an "old" outdated Onan and a "Modern" Kohler OHV V-Twin. Onan oil pump is made of steel and cast iron. Kohler oil pump made from aluminum and plastic/nylon. Onan engines have replacable cam and main bearings. The "modern" Kohler? Where are the bearings? Oh! The aluminum engine block is the bearings for both cam and mains. If worn beyond tolerances or damaged what do you do with that "Modern" Kohler engine? Scrap it out, that's what! Disposable! Toss it in the dumpster. Bust off or damage the Kohler oil filter mount? Replace the complete timing cover! Do that to an Onan? 2 bolts and just replace the adapter. If you want to be happy for a day: Drink. If you want to be happy for a year or less: Repower. If you want to be happy forever: Repair/Rebuild your Onan.

did you mean 314-H or 314-8?? A 314 is a fine tractor and will do most anything you ask of it. @PeacemakerJack has got a 314-8 set up for plowing and it's a beast. Get a picture up of it and we can PI (positively identify) it for you. Might not be the worst price pending condition it's in & hours. Serial # will nail down the year.

Darn you Aldon!!!!!! Everyone load up the snow in your yard and send it to Steve!

When I was an Engineman (diesel mechanic) in the USCG, we use to use a lapping plate for injectors, etc. Now I use a piece of glass with wetordry sandpaper. For aluminum, I would start with 1000 grit. Sometimes it is hard to see how much to remove. Spray a light coat of flat black paint on the surface, let dry, and work it until the paint is removed

Thanks guys Some of you tickle the SIT outta me! I have learned when ya hang out with a diverse bunch "O" guys what one doesn't think of the other one will! Thanks Wayne

Just another day at the lake in South Central Pa.

Thanks Glen . My wife said "that proves your not perfect " I like mechanical work so it's not bad at all except the thing broke down on my first pass down the driveway with 2 feet of snow . ED

There is a Toro Wheel Horse 314 for sale in my area for $1500, including a mowing deck, rototiller and snow blower attachment. I was wondering if the Toro branded 314 is still a solid Wheel Horse or if that was already a corrupted model. The master model list shows a 314 from 1996-2001 I don't know what year this one is. I can't tell from the picture if it's a 314-8 or a 314-8. Thoughts?

It looks like this Two Owner 1994 520H with 729 hrs will be coming home to THE Duke"O" minium. This will end up being my Loader Tractor when a ARK 500 will be fitted to her. What I need a loader for with a 100' X 150' City Lot is beyond me? Maybe unloading the groceries or salt for the softener!

Anyone have any experience with one of these? I'm thinking of investing in one to make it easier to pressure wash the underside of my deck and sharpen the blades.

Hopefully others will confirm this, but the engine block looks like it's painted gray. Factory engines were red or black. I've read that kohl er factory replacement short blocks and complete replacement factory engines were gray. It has a tow hitch on the rear. A clevis hitch for rear attachments could be added. it also has a hitch under the rear axle for attachments like a dozer or grader blade.

Idk.. does it say if it runs well? If so I may be low but I would do $450-$550

In all honesty I have no idea haha. I just chomp at the bit as usual. I believe early spring is a good time to do it though. Makes sense to me at least. My dad has his yard aerated in early april so I just followed that lead😀

That is some fine looking equipment!

I found an old horseshoe in my woods and nailed it over the door in my barn. The open side is pointed up so my luck doesn't run out, but I think it has a malfunction.

I would have thought otherwise, thanks for your insight, would take a the rougher ride than a butt chewing from the missus anyday!

Your grass looks good, we need rain here in Missouri.

I used grease because my auger shaft was badly pitted. I polished it as best I could, but didn't think it would ever seal well enough to keep oil in. It should have gear oil in there. These gear boxes only see a couple hours a use a year. If your shaft and seals are OK, just top it off every fall. If you want a good improvement to your blower add a center support to the auger gear box. It real cuts down on vibration. Has to help the wear on the entire system.

Now, that's definitely a calendar shot right there.

I believe the 314s were made in 1993 thru 2001. I have a 1995 312 Hydro and it is a great tractor. The only caution I would relate is , If it is a Hydro and does not have a hydraulic lift, it probably has the weaker Eaton 700. If it has the hyd. lift, it has the stronger Eaton 1100. Of course if it has the gear drive 8 speed, no problem.

Thanks George, confession is good for the soul. And, now when the next NEWBIE has that same problem, We will all have the answer.

The second egg hatched this morning. I might call her Birtha. Or not.

I'vr use Fastenal shipping a couple of times for work and tractor stuff, a . About 18 months ago it seemed the changed to a minimum price of $150. it doesn't appear to matter if it's from the East cost to Texas or the far side of Texas to me $500 100lb or 500lb cost $150 2x2ft pallet or 4x4 pallet $150. I'm sure if it were larger or extra heavy there would be some point to reach an up charge. Overall good service, usually takes about a week.

I have used AG tires for mowing with my B-80 for 20 years. I put them on for better traction on the hills, especially when we have very wet or even very dry conditions. The AGs give me more traction, which means less spinning and yard damage. It takes a little getting used to and learning to not spin them. If they do spin, it doesn't leave as big a spin out patch as a turf tire does I've realized also.

If I used it on most of my tractors there would be puddles of oil, ATF and gas on the floor.

There are several threads on here about doing it yourself. Having it done will be pricey...very pricey. If you want to have it done look around for a hydraulic repair place...look for one with garbage trucks and snow plows parked out side not some place that just makes hoses.

Absolutely awesome Anglo... just learned my weight in gold & points taken!

Great info. My dealer confirmed the info here. Seems input rpm has to be around 700 minimum

SEEMS LIKE THE HORSES HAD THING FIGURED OUT, THE PEOPLE WERE ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Sorry about the all caps, wasn't shouting, just fat finger caps lock.

If the blades are rough I get aggressive with a very coarse hard wheel but never enough to heat the blade edges to any color. Then usually a 120 grit flap disc to touch up the cutting edge. Love the flap discs! And I'm quite the fan of a fine double cut file to finish if I'm showing off. That sharp edge will last and last for about 10 minutes around here! Sand & rocks! I've got to set up two mowers. One for the lawn around the house and another for the trails & less groomed areas.

Is interesting to see all the fancy rigs , 2 stage , Cabs lights etc 20 hp units.. Some of it looks to be overkill for the driveways involved. But these two simple old horses no cabs stock lights, a blade and short chute single stage blower did all this. Mind you the snow was much deeper on Wednesday (26 inches). I just took these. They cleared from the road all the way down to the barn with the snow on the roof and in front of the workshop. still had to work today as the snow slid of the workshop roof. Only real issues were the belt broke on the blower, I had to tight up the PTO clutch. and the hydro lift handle fell of the plow tractor (cotter pin failure)

Starret mics can be picked up at auctions frequently for less than $10.00 . I still have a 2-3" like new Starret I bought for $1.00. The rookie auctioneer sold it as a C clamp. Telescoping (bore) gages and outside mics in the 0-5" range. I have inside mics also, but I feel I am more accurate using the telescope gages and outside mics.

Found this over the weekend, L-157, Everything works great, rearend supper quite, Just needa Hood and decide how I want it to look

I just purchased a set of Duro 10.5's for my project, they measure 10 inches wide... for the price with shipping the best deal out there... for the extra .5 inch I wasn't paying north of 200 for a set of Carlisle before shipping.

Yeah you will want to find a set of rear rims off any 520. You can get the wider tire on them and the off set is correct. This pic show the difference. Left is original like you have now and right is the bigger 520 rim with 23.50 x 10.50 ags Be careful when buying new tires. I have seen 23.50 x 10.50 that were knock offs and were about the same width as the 8.50.