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Good news, guys. The name Wheel Horse and the logo will live on, with new Wheel Horses tractors and implements being built. MTD has purchased the Wheel Horse name and logo from Toro, and will start building new equipment with the famed Wheel Horse name and logo. Ridney Dongerfield, a spokesman for MTD, said, "Wheel Horse never got the respect. MTD is proud to announce that Wheel Horse will be joining our line of garden equipment, joining names like Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Bolens." The new Wheel Horses will be built using MTD's reputation for quality products and is expected to look similar to a Yardman, but with the famed Wheel Horse logo, name and color scheme. Prices to be similar to a new Cub Cadet, with several models being planned. Models will include tractors with various deck sizes, engine sizes and features. Expect new tractors to start appearing February 30 of next year.

To all Vietnam Vets and Vietnam Era Vets, thank you for your service. Today is Vietnam Veterans Day. I was reminded of this by an email to pickup a free sandwich at Mission BBQ today. Just walk in and show a copy of the email or your credentials.

Hi all, started working on my 856, ended up rebuilding the engine and while waiting for parts started working on steering, lots of slop. Pulled tie rods, steering wheel and shafts. Front of frame was wollowed and shaft end worn. Steering block got two bushings and steering wheel shaft cleaned up, installed upper dash bushing, reinforced bushing with steel puddy and new lock collar. Ordered hiem joints for tie rods and will machine new rods when I get parts. Don't forget the green high temp grease.

Pinckneyville, Illinois, I believe.

Put the new shoes on the horse today since the wheels were good and dry. Wheel weights back on tomorrow. And a nice straight hood is in the works. Some minor body work and then prime and paint. Old one has major damage.

The only guy I ever knew that had a Hula dancer in the cab of his snow chucker.

Robert Campbell Davis, age 68, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 9, 1957, in Niles, Michigan. Robert was a man of deep love, kindness, and wisdom. Known by many as “The Duke,” he was strong-willed, dependable, and a lifelong friend to those fortunate enough to know him. If Robert gave his word, he kept it. A devoted Christian, Robert was a faithful attendee of Hope Community Church, where he cherished fellowship with friends and family. He found joy in bringing people together and was always looking forward to his next visit with loved ones. Robert was truly a jack of all trades. He owned and operated Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning, where he applied his skills in HVAC with pride and dedication. He also served for 21 years with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department as a Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, always striving to save the county money and improve operations wherever he could. A proud veteran, Robert served his country in the United States Navy, and military honors will be rendered as part of his service. He had a passion for life and a wide range of hobbies. Robert loved fishing, camping, and traveling. He was deeply interested in technology, including flying drones and 3D printing. A licensed pilot, he owned his own plane at the Niles airport and found great joy in flying. He was also a talented musician who loved playing the harmonica and guitar, with a collection of over 50 harmonicas. In addition, he was an avid Wheel Horse tractor enthusiast, rebuilding tractors and snow equipment, and even contributed writings to Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine. Robert was a dedicated Freemason and Shriner who gave back to his community in meaningful ways. He made multiple trips to Shriners Hospitals transporting children and played an active role in organizing the Shriners Christmas Party. He helped collect gifts and create memorable experiences for children, ensuring the joy extended beyond the event through thoughtful goodie bags and continued celebrations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Mae (Davidson) Davis and William Campbell Davis; his siblings William C. Davis (twin), Pamela A. Roberts, and Brenda S. Leverence; and his nephew Jonathan Latislaw. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Maryjane (Harkrider) Davis; his children, Rebecca L. Davis and Mindy M. Haynes and her husband Ronald Haynes; and his cherished grandchildren Lalique Haynes, Hennasey Mahone and her husband Deshaun Mahone, Brooklyn Wade, and Harlem Wade. He is also survived by two expected great-grandchildren, the Mahone twins. He is further survived by his sisters Dolores M. Roemke and Carmel D. Fey and her husband Curtis Fey; his nephews Matthew Latislaw and his wife Kyanna, Philip Latislaw, Harold and wife (Kali) Roberts Jr (twin) Michael and wife (Angie) Roberts, William Roberts and wife Daphne Roberts; and his nieces Anna Latislaw, Kelly Poulos and Jennifer Robert. Robert’s legacy of love, generosity, and ingenuity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00pm-2:00pm family member viewing, 2:00pm-3:00pm public viewing, 3:00pm-4:00pm Service at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan .A luncheon will follow the service at the FOP Lodge in Niles at 5:00pm. Browns Funeral Home & Cremation Services (521 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120) FOP LODGE 95 (531 N State St, Niles, MI 49120)

Rest in Peace Bob !!

Well oops I did it again! Picked this up today. Runs ok at about half choke but is clearing up so may just be bad fuel. But a carb cleaning will still come. This is the only picture you get today. More to come tommorow.

I have had a few text with Duke over the years. He did a beautiful job on his 520- H Snow Chucker after the C 120 was sort of under powered with the 2 Stage blower. Inside the cab it looked like Las Vegas at night. We both were members of the Masons and Shriners and served as officers and worked our way up to serving as Master of our local lodge's. Quite a guy with many talents as well. I remember he was telling me he had a very bad experience with a Chiropractor and he was never really the same. We never met in person but I consider him a friend. Rest in Peace my brother.

Picked up this ultra rare 520-H, these are a limited edition with only 100 in existence, and I have #77

Today I put the 417-A with blower away for the year, so I had to move some tractors around. Figured I’d snap a few pics, couldn’t wait for side shot Saturday to post 😂 Sorry for the grease on the front wheel of the 418-C I removed it immediately after I took the picture 😂 I figured I’d say that before one of you wise guys said something about it!!

2010 WHCC Show

I’d like to add that “The Duke” was my inspiration for me to get a tractor with a cab and two stage blower. I remember him posting those videos here on RS with his “Snow Chucker” and thinking that I need one of those!! He had all those gadgets in the cab😂 and was the first person I ever saw add rubber paddles to the impeller to get some more chucking capability! So Rest In Peace Bob, your talent and love for these machines did not go unnoticed. Your fellow Wheel Horse enthusiasts will never forget you ❤️ God bless you.

I was able to work on my tractor today. Given this fact I have some progress to share with y'all. Started by going back to work on the engine. Ignition components installed. Engine buttoned up and ready to mount on the frame. With the engine ready I moved on to the chassis. Front end assembled. All the fixen's installed on the tranny. Where I left off for the day. Tune in tomorrow for more progress, hopefully.

Several months ago one of the other drivers at work mentioned he'd been given an old chain saw by his neighbor. He already had a newer one and his first thought was how Trina and I harvest our own firewood. He's been here to help and take some home in the past. Never even tried to start it or compare it to his current saw. He's not normally a person who keeps extras of anything so he offered the saw to us. That saw is a 1990 something Jonsered 2054 Turbo. The numeric designation back then meant Jonsered installed a 20" bar and the saw has a 53.6 cc engine. Round up to 54. No pics of it yet because I took it straight to my favorite small engine repair place. They'll check it over and advise. Likely (hopefully) just needs a tune-up and a bar & chain. I got to texting back n forth with @Stepney about it and he mentioned that he had another Jonsered that maybe I oughtta own. He came up for a visit yesterday and we swapped some machinery around. He showed up with TWO saws & left with a tractor. The Workhorse GT1800. The saws are a Jonsered CS 2171 and a Stihl MS291. Pics below. The label pic is of the Stihl. The 2171 is a 70.7 cc. Currently outfitted with a 24" bar. There's also the original 20" bar. That may end up on the 2054 if it'll fit. Interesting thing about this 71 cc saw is that I've occasionally wanted a larger more powerful saw than my current 49 cc Echo CS490. That's a great saw but every once in a while we tackle a larger tree. This year we're clearing more land and felling several bigger hardwoods. Excellent timing. The Stihl is a 2017 Model year. 56 cc. It'll need a repair to the spark plug threads and a tune-up, at minimum. I'll post follow up info as the repairs are done. With any luck I'll have three saws larger than the 49 cc.

Who's lawn do you typically end up on...?

Instead of doing it while mowing, I make special event of it. The C141 - 8-speed with the tranny selected to Low 2 or Low 1, Throttle set at about 3/4 position, Ear buds in, Beverage in hand & away we go. Usually about a 3 drink job.

You didn't need no stinkin' harness in 1924. The world was a much safer place back then.

So sad to hear. I really need to finish the front end loader he started, I’m so close. He was one of the first few semi-local guys I met in this hobby, and we talked for about 2 hours it seemed while I was picking up a tiller from his house. Momma wasn’t quite impressed with our ability to never end the discussion, and neither were my young kids in the Suburban

It finally warmed up enough to get the tractor started. Some fresh non-ethanol fuel was added to the fuel tank I pumped some air into the fuel tank with a hand pump to fill fuel line and prime the carb. Rear of tractor was jacked up so it would not take off on me since hydro neutral has not yet been set. Engine started virtually immediately. I let it run for a while to warm up and verify it was running well. Air cleaner housing installed. Air cleaner element and cover installed. Air cleaner cover installed. Idle speed base and governed set as per manual. Hydro neutral set as per manual. Tractor rear was then set on the ground and I was finally able to take it for it's maiden drive. It drives perfectly. Here is the manual I use to set the idle and hydro. Wheel horse service manual.pdf

Sent ole Blackie down the road today. Kinda sad as I bought her back in '95 brand new. Brought my second born home from the hospital in it. Dino splilt his wine in it. Cab corners gone and lot of rust but hopefully keep him out of trouble and he's real good mechanical. Sold it to @jeremi3210 's boy Jacob for a buck. Figured what the heck only get a couple hundred for on market. He's a good kid and due to get his DL the end of next month. 'Sides he does a lot of work for me at plow day and camp. Now i can really boss him around! Certain stipulation tho are grades in school and no more missing or tardy! It's more than road worthy yet but Jer got a brand new 10k trailer and wanted to take it's 🍒 Really a nice rig. 20' and very wide. Get a few GTs on it.

Put new seat on the newly acquired 312-8. This seat was not a direct fit for this tractor. It had a bunch of holes but they were about a half hole off . Easy enough to fix because the previous seat already had an adapter on bottom and it fit new seat great. This is a very late model tractor and dont really know if all the 300 series has the same seat bolt pattern. I am very pleased with the seat it has the heavy rubber type cover and sets very good.

Definitely has more traction than the right wheel I had on it.

Met him when I joined in '15. Kinda thought he was a dink at first but then got to know him and he was helpful on a few of my projects. I used his tricks on my deuce. We used to yak about the HVAC trade & the Navy. The 520 the FEL is on came thru him, was so clean and well tuned and the best 520 I have. Now every time I hop on will think of him. RIP Bob.

Got one tie rod done, my son came over with his girlfriend's car (she said it's making a clunk clunk, click click sounds,) well the ball joint was toasted, front rotors and pads, oil change. So didn't get to make two. The steering wheel was brown rusted, well I stuck it in sonic cleaner was evaporust, came out pretty clean.

My favorite memory on Skype. Bob was a big Michigan guy. Had Michigan rugs, blankets, flags and even toilet paper! One night on Skype was me , Duke, Jim D, @stevasaurus and @C101powerplower (Koen) Of course the topic was Big 10 football and Koen made a sarcastic comment about Michigan, Well Duke went nuts!!! Jim D an Ohio St. guy was sitting in one of those old metal swivel desk chairs with the big recliner spring. He started laughing and reared back and flipped the chair over! He completely disappeared behind the desk and his head phones went flying. Never forget that night!

That must be one big bleeping dawg! Today I added a seat strut on my primary worker. Helps keep the barn cats off the seat if it's flipped up... Then the same machine finished the fences, then moved a load of briars and underbrush, then a load of junk moved to the storage building. As always, it did alot! Still a favorite!

Got ambitious & hopeful that the snow is done. I'm sure I'm wrong but took plow off 654 & put on mower deck. Looked at yard, especially the front & decided to mow. Back yard was still wet & muddy in places. Right tie rod broke loose at ball/socket. Had to knock it back in a couple times w/hammer to get finished. Went thru my stash of junk & found a new set of the rods. Not a really pretty tractor but its been a really reliable worker, mowing, plowing, hauling trailers, etc.

Pulled all three tractors out of their trailer today. Need to use the trailer for something else tomorrow, but also got the the Brinly mounted up to the 73 today and switched the AGs over to the 73 from the 77 for temp use.

And women of the world reacted with various expressions that gave rise to many subsequent emojis: etc...

SAE 30wt. This is what I use in all my old Kohler engines. I know it says for diesel engines. It is a close formula to what your old Kohler requires. This may be a better option in your area. https://www.q8oils.com/fr/product/q8-garden-oil-sae-30/

I would if @Achto would quit borrowing it ...

Couldn’t get a good rear shot because of the sprayer, maybe I should have saved this for front end Friday ! I know it’s not a Wheel Horse but I figured you guys would like it. This tractor belongs to a friend of mine who has many Case and International Harvester tractors. Most of which are in this condition!

They finally caught it. It's all safe & sound. I ever mention that I can't eat kangaroo meat? It makes me jumpy

Is that a young @wallfish kneeling on the left of the banner ? @c-series don ? did he need a ride to the show. Doesn't look old enough to drive.

I was going a couple miles to pick up a long shute snowblower and a 42” SD rusty mower. Free mind you!! I got talking with the owner and i said “whats this tractor?” The owner said it was a Sears w/ cast iron briggs 8 or 10 hp, with plow (didn’t run due to electrical issues) and it was free too!! Well, i loaded a bunch of free parts and a sears tractor and was headed off!! I was taking pictures of the Sears tractor and came across this, a serial #. I was wondering what year it is? Im into WH, not much of a Sears guy, pretty cool ol tractor! Im just gonna sell it.

More progress today. Did not get it finished but I'm definitely in the home stretch. Should be able to finish this up with another days work. Maybe It will be ready for some Easter glamor shots.

I also took a photo shoot with the three running Wheel Horses and something else thats pretty special

@JCM When I do finally get up there I will bring my LSE and we will put some time in the clock! I think it’s getting ready to turn a whopping 25 hours on the meter! Also like to bring my 418’s to put next to your 418-A. But I would also like to show you my Work Horse GT-1800 and my restored C-Series and that all original C-101 I picked up last year. Now that I think about it I’m definitely going to need a bigger trailer 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I worked at the Hershey Medical Center at the time and we were given the option of going to work or staying home since we were within 20 miles of TMI. I went to work anyway because I was essential to the hospital and felt it was my duty.

It needs to be put back together.

If you remember, last spring I posted that I was trying to cultivate morel mushrooms. For the past four years, as i find morels, I washed them and threw the water in the area pictured below. I have found 5 to 7 morels the past two years. Last year I expanded my seeding and used a slurry recipe that I found on the internet that utilized karo syrup and ashes added to the morel water and then diluted with water and poured over the ground. Just a few minutes ago I checked and there's 4 morels. They pretty small and are found just left of the wooden fence post. I've left them in hopes of them getting a little bigger. We have been awful dry and I have watered this patch a couple of times from my well. Suppose to rain off and on this week. I think I'll go out and cover them with an aeriated plastic container and maybe give them a little drink.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Duke but wish I had. May God be with his family and comfort them during this time of loss.

A lot done today. Moved the dog cable from one tree to another. Felled two trees in the backyard. Sectioned up and piled the brush. Trina and I have learned to team up over the years and talk over where a tree will land. She'll show me where to cut the mouth and hinge it. Most often she's within just a few feet. This is a large beech that's had some past storm damage and top rot. Not super tall but about 18" across the bottom. She showed me where the cut would make the tree land by the black barrel. That's where I'm pointing 👉 Right where we wanted it.

@JCM I could be wrong but if you could find a nice set, not scratched up and or rusted you’re probably looking at least $350. And maybe when I come up there I’ll bring the ones that I have still in the original wax paper in the original box! Sometimes I take them out just to look at them, then I see the smile on my face reflecting back at me 😂

My 2016 rookie year at the BS when we brought a bike and did a motor scooter PA tour we rode by it. We were on the 441. Quite a incredible complex. I told Cindy to hold her breath. On this date I was a 18 year old kid punching holes in the north Atlantic on a nuclear powered submarine with more than a few nuclear weapons on board. When news of this came over the wire there was plenty of talk at the scuttlebutt that we wouldn't have a home to go to. Since we didn't know exactly know what was going on the skipper assumed it might be a nuclear attack on the US and ordered us on high alert. Height of the cold war back then. We had WSRT (weapons systems readiness tests) every day on every watch for a week until more news came across. Later the Captain said it was good training and ordered steak & lobster for the crew.

Nah, all married women react that way - it's an alergic reaction brought on from the gold in the wedding band!!