Leaderboard

Spouse and I just got back from a week in Arizona. She's a Jane Austen fan, and we attended the JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) conference in Tucson. She was an official 'attendee,' and I was just listed as her 'companion.' There were over 700 people at the conference, so it was a fairly big affair. I only attended one lecture and the dinner, which was kind of fun, since almost everyone at the dinner dressed in Regency period clothing (including yours truly). I must say that we really looked the part with our Regency get-ups, (even though I don't know how to line dance or play whist). Wife attended a bunch of different lectures and events, and while she was getting 'Jane Austen-ized' I ventured out on my own and visited the Pima Air & Space Museum, which has a massive collection of aircraft, and the Titan Missile Museum (Titan missile silo), which was very interesting but kind of a somber experience at the same time, since it was sort of weird standing in the control room where mass destruction could have been wreaked upon the world. The tour guide had a couple of people in our tour group act as operators and follow the actual sequence that would have been used to launch a missile, which was a bit spooky. Looking down at a disarmed missile in the silo: We had a free day at the conference and visited the Sonora Desert Museum, which I thought was excellent. Here's a scenic view from the museum grounds: We also spent a night in Bisbee, which I rather liked. Very laid-back, artsy-craftsy old copper-mining town. Lots of arts and cultural events for such a small town. There weren't many tourists, despite the nice weather, and it still retains a substantial amount of its old mining-town atmosphere. We may go back someday and spend a little more time there to see if we like it well enough to use it as a winter getaway spot---not necessarily for purchasing a house, but possibly renting a place for a month or so during the dead of winter, since their winters are quite mild, and they rarely get snow. While we were gone, lots of leaves decided to fall here in Maine, and of course they've been soaked by rain, so my backpack blower won't move them very well. I've decided to wait another week (or more) until almost all of the oak leaves are down, and then use one of the Wheel Horses with mulching blades to make three or four complete passes over the lawn to grind them to oblivion, rather than trying to blow them away or rake them up.

This was our first Wheel Horse, bought about 12 years ago. I love this tractor and am feeling pretty proud of how it looks. 1987 312-A, as far as I know, all original. I have a 42" SD Deck to restore to put on it, mule has already been repainted. All done with Rustoleum Regal Red rattle cans. I've been working on this a little at a time for about 2 months. Not as nice as I had hoped for, but I don't have the time to invest in all the paint stripping and glazing to make it all perfectly smooth. Tried some clear coat on top on the fender, and it bubbled so I gave up on that. Maybe I'll give it some wax to make it shinier. The hubcaps had some rust that I mostly got rid of. I still need to do some detailing on the tower tins and engine tins, but am not going to try to repaint those completely. Many thanks to @Vinylguy for the decals!

November 8, 1966 Movie actor Ronald Reagan is elected Governor of California.

One of the few finishing touches to the new shop that has gone neglected to this point is the expansion of the shop air system. Most of today was spent running to the store and back, and cutting, threading, and hanging iron pipes for air. All the new line is installed, I just have to button up a few end-of-the-line (literally) things before I can turn the air on and check for leaks.

Another day another implement, another project. Small one though so that's allright. Bought a grader-blade for the 585, it's about 2m (6.5ft) wide and can be angled both at the tractor and the blade side. This enables me to scrape under the fencing to pull the sand that gets piled up under the wire back inward. Tested it on the riding arena and levelled all of it. Still a WIP here. Then attacked one of the paths and tried to "scalp" it a bit (is that what you call it?).. sides low, middle higher so the water drains to the sides. Worked pretty good for a first try (not pictured). Pretty close to the end result here. Anyway, the blade withstood the first test but I was not pleased the way it had to be parked. There was no leg to park it on and using a car-stand thingy got old fast so I took out the grinder and welder a came up with this.

Good morning Horse Family! Road trip and storytime! I drove 8 hours round trip for this one. It was advertised as a Charger 12 Automatic but, that's not what is interested me. The seller, Mike, worked at a Wheel Horse dealer in Monee IL when he was 16 until he was 22. He seen a lot of tractors in his time and this one in particular had been traded in and motor overhauled. He went to the owner of the dealership and purchased it for his mother so she could mow the lawn and got the snowblower so she could clear the driveway. Purchased in 1974. She used it up until 2 years ago when it became too difficult to get on and off anymore so it sat. It's not pretty but, it's all there. Yes, it runs, yes it mows. Had a carb fire a few years ago and is charred but relatively unharmed. It will take off forward if you are not sitting on it holding the motion lever. Parking brake, hydrostatic disengagement not working. It has the K241 that runs well for burning oil (don't think it was changed often). Now, did this have headlights? I see there's two silver nubs on the side of the hood and a taillight. Is this a 1076? I can read the tag under the steering wheel. It will be steam cleaned and see how good the paint really is. The snowthrower is not doing so well. It's sat outside under a tree for 20 or more years and was sunk in the dirt. Stuck like a hedge post. Not even the idler pulley moves. But, in all, it's was worth the story to me and Claudia made me promise to take care of her kid. Still attached to it and glad it went to a collector. Please let me know if this had lights at one point and if this is in fact a 1076! Myself, I like the original work clothes but, it could be a candidate for a repaint of it doesn't clean up. By the way, I was sent the picture of the Wheel Horse parade tractor that was assembled in the dealership in Monee. Anyone remember seeing this? Sweet set up. Three were gear and one hydrostatic. The hydro pulled everything

I love Fiskars brand firewood tools!

At the Polo, IL plow day 2 weeks ago, the 520-8 started running rough. It would just quit like it was loosing spark. When I got it home, I verified that it was. Ordered the engine ignition system kit and got it installed and back together this weekend. While I had it apart, I figured I would adjust the valves, since I was sure that the PO hadn't done that at 1,000 hours. The Onan 4 piece kit p/n is 166-0785 and is available on eBay. Here's how it ran before: IMG_9315.mp4 Here's after: IMG_1176.mp4

LOL @ Finished One is never TRULY finished.

In the continued effort to make certain parts of my life more physical, I've recently picked up this new 36 inch Fiskars splitting maul. It weighs something like 8.5 lb. Trina just a few weeks ago, picked up the little 17 inch mini ax that it's pictured with. Her mom wanted a smaller ax to use for splitting kindling up. The box arrived with two axes in it, so now each one of them has a mini. I did a couple quick test splits with the maul. VERY IMPRESSIVE. I like it so much I think I may have to get the ax that goes with it and has the same size handle. Here's the maul head in my big mitt. I'm hoping to make this part of my better Fitness regiment.

I figured leaf pickup was a good job for the 502 that I recently got from @WHX??

My 60" deck has the PTO belt on the bottom.

My furnace will burn both wood or coal, you guys just might convince me to order a few tons of coal.

While Knute Rockne, All American may be one of Ronald Reagan's best known films we would be remiss if we didn't include his radio announcer role in "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse" and "Bedtime for Bonzo."

Well, it was actually yesterday... Picked this McLane edger up for $40 on October 27th in Ohio on my way to Cleveland for a business trip. PO said it ran when he bought it in the spring. I didn't try at the time of purchase as I had to keep moving. IT had good compression and oil in the crank case, so I figured I'd take a chance on it. Spent the last week doing cleaning, changed the "oil" if you could call it that, replaced the old gas, cleaned the plug and regapped it (new one in it now). Using the @c-series don method of trying to get a combustion engine running, I sprayed 50:1 gas mix in the carb, and within a few pulls it started, and began running on its own only it I held the governor back, if I let it go it would stall. So not knowing squat about carbs and what to do, I contacted Bob Koch, some of you may know him, he always sets up his tractors right near me and Don at the big show, he has a sweet B-60 that he brings, Bob runs a small engine shop on the side, well in 5 minutes Bob had it running like a top yesterday. Then I had to deal with the broken lever for the throttle cable, ever try to find an exact match of something close to 30 years old... Notta, so I got to looking at the broken plastic lever closer and said to myself, "I can make one", so my new throttle lever made out of 1" x 3/16" steel flatstock will outlast this edger 10 to 1... I brought it home yesterday from Bob's shop and had about 450' lineal feet of sidewalk and curb edging done in 20 minutes! New air cleaner will be here Tuesday and I will drain and replace the crankcase oil again. That's all folks! Have a great day!

Sleeping next to someone you love makes you fall asleep faster, reduces depression, reduces anxiety and helps you to live longer. Until they start to snore & fart in their sleep.

Remember when we used to laugh at the commercial on TV “I’ve fallen and I cant get up”? Well, it is not so funny any more … The lady said she got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. She said it was the best game of “Hungry Hippos” she has ever watched. What did the DNA say during the conversation –“Do these genes make me look fat?” What are the worst IQ test results? When they come up negative… Why cant you trust atoms?? Because they make up everything. Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine… What do you call the wife of a hippy? Mississippi … What is the difference between an outlaw and an in-law? Outlaws are wanted. I started to sleep in the fireplace, now I sleep like a log. If you think I am annoying now, imagine if I could play the banjo!

I wonder if there is a lot “c”.

@953 nut Lets not forget the ole Eyecrometer 👁️ for the precise measurements 😂

Finished the C-145 auto today…she’s ready for battle!! 25# inner and 65# outer weights. Brand new rear Carlisle All-Trails and a 48” 5 sector plow (yes I removed the swept axle extension kit for this install) I have cast iron 8” front weights and a set of rubber tire chains on standby if I need it.

Rubber tire straps/chains installed on 416. New seat coming tomorrow.

Something like this may save the paint on your pretty wheels. Those 60+ lbs weights are hard to wrestle by hand

Shuffling a few tractors around before winter sets in, the C-101, 418-C and 418-8 were in my enclosed trailer. So I took them out for a quick check up!

I'm worried I will fall down the stairs one day... I'd take steps to avoid it, but that's sort of the problem.

And two for the Gipper.

As long as the axle (inner race), the outer race, and the rollers are undamaged by rust, corrosion, or wear and there is no substantive play when assembled, then I agree.

I bet if I write Fiskars on the side of this machine it’ll work twice as fast!

What kind of milk comes from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. What's a sea monster's favorite lunch? Fish and ships. What do you call an alligator in a vest? An in-vest-i-gator. Why are pigs so bad at sports? They always hog the ball.

A newcomer looks around a packed church service and whispers to the usher, "Wow, there are a lot of good people here today." The usher chuckles and whispers back, "Oh, don't let the nice clothes fool you. This is just a massive support group for the spiritually clumsy."

Yup 1076

Not necessarily, harmonic resonances are the combination of vibrations of different parts at different frequencies. That’s why some discerning ears listening to a three-key piano chord hear a fourth tone.

If it occurs to you to ask, are you eligible?

I found a guy on eBay that sells really nice ones for $20. (click photo for link)

Clean it, then clean it again, repeat. It sounds like you might be able to reuse the gasket but I'd get a new one. Install gasket and just snug up the screws. Don't overtighten. Then Red Kote tank sealer. It doesn't take much. I've done several and I use maybe 1/4 cup. I'm still working on the first and only quart I've purchased. I swirl it around the gasket area. Allow to dry. It's dry only when the oder is gone. It will be a permanent fix.

I have used and still use a few knockoff carbs, but whenever I can I clean/rebuild the originals. Once you do a few there really not that hard to do.

My cheapo mentality forced me to abandon the last of my Onan engines. ...But I do love how they run when dialed in. Sure purrs like a kitten!

Very few things on earth can bring more "physical" than gathering and preparing firewood. The last few years that I did it was blessed with the largest hydraulic splitter I have ever seen (my FIL built it). It had a K321 and a two stage pump on it, and hitched up behind my truck. I've split 30 inch diameter sweetgum with it and it never even made a grunt. Even with that, it would make you work like a dog. I don't have to tell you obviously, but you will get a continual workout.

This doesn't always "work". I fell off a 12' ladder onto the concrete floor in my shop in 2024. Initial x-ray led to an orthopedist visit where I was basically told to suck it up while it healed. So I sucked it up until mid 2025 as it just kept getting worse. At that time I was told it was in my neck. After having THAT checked out with nothing found, I insisted upon re-evaluation in late 2025 (by a hand/wrist specialist). New x-rays showed 2 "non-unions" so a date was set for surgery. The surgeon decided he wanted an MRI just before surgery, and that showed 2 severed ligaments. During surgery, another severed ligament was found, as well as a pulverized bone. The ligaments were severed by constant rubbing against bone fragments. My wrist had 2 bones removed & 3 pins installed, leaving me with between 30 - 40 degrees of motion. Also, my pinky is in permanent "tea time" configuration, and I have hugely reduced use of my (right) hand. In short, see your doctor. Even if he or she says all is well, if something does not seem right, get a second or third opinion, and keep doing it until it is fixed or healed.

5:30 to 8:30 this morning. Saw a buck chasing a doe in the cut corn field but 200 yds away. Then a doe and two yearlings. Then this fat guy waddled past. I think he was returning to his den to sleep off a night he spent in the Amish Hen House feasting on wild wings. VID_20261107_083016705~2.mp4

Eye doctors dilate (die late). Eye doctors skip tape measures because they're great at eyeballing Eye Doctor had a patient complaining of a stabbing eye pain during coffee, doctor advised him to Take the spoon out of his coffee mug. Optometrists and teachers both spend their time testing pupils. A smartphone was wearing glasses because it lost its contacts.

Quickie paint job…wiped the garage dust off these 65 pounders and gave em one coat of glossy black. Hopefully mounting em later this afternoon on the C-145 Auto.

I think the question is: Why is the PTO belt on the bottom? The pulley could be inverted to be big on top and small on the bottom to get the same speeds.

Many of us carry a small knife of some sort. I've almost always had the habit of keeping one close, but not in a pocket. Fishing tackle box, work "go-bag," personal vehicle, etc. My S/O Trina has one clipped in her pocket nearly 100% of the time. So did my Ole Man. Every once in a while I could use one right to hand, not just within walking distance. My hands are larger than most. Comfort in palm is a challenge. I wanted a flip open style with a locking blade, hopefully with an easy release lock too. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on a high quality piece only to leave it on the shelf... After searching the interwebs extensively, I found this Ozark Trail brand from Wally world. Several colors available. It has a clip on the back side. Cost around 8 bucks October of '26. Figured I'd share with the class.

I didn't know you had been listening to my wife sleeping.

@adsm08 , I think the cylinder may come apart after taking off the hydraulic hose fittings, I could be wrong but that’s how I saw it in an exploded view picture. I don’t see any welds or snap rings after a quick look.

Okay, okay I know it’s not Saturday so please forgive me! Yesterday I had to move a few tractors to get my Peco vacuum trailer out, so I figured I’d take a few pictures for you boys!