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Hello, It’s been a while since I posted… Getting started on the restoration of my 1976 Wheelhorse C160, which is about 30% underway… Decided to finish off the year with some new seat cushions for the old style metal seat-pan/back, and member Matt Castagno made me a beautiful replacement. They are so much better than the original cushions, but look absolutely original installed. Such a pleasure to deal with Matt, and arrived in less than a week to California. Spoke to Matt about sharing his email…here it is…Matt’s contact info is: grnlark@gmail.com Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and holidays. I’ll be posting more in the new year of the restoration. Best, Jason

The only tractor that was designed and built in Texas is this Jacques Mighty Mite model MM and the subsequent model 10. They were built between 1946-49 in Denison Tx. I believe @oldiron has a model Jaques model 10. I've had one of these on my someday list for quite a while. A special thanks to @Chrishar for finding and helping me haul it to the farm for short term storage. Since it was built in Texas, it's kind of on the level of a Pond RS83 to me. I think it is roughly the size of a Pond, and some what similar in design. They don't have the following that a Pond has, so thankfully they are not in that price range. I've read somewhere between 35500 to 5000 were built under a couple of different names/owners The angled bracket on the rear hitch was a plow mounting bracket. The front wheels are a 2 piece split rim, the same as on a David Bradley 2 wheel tractor or an early Sears/David Bradley The front axle has Jaques Mighty Mite cast into it. The original engine would have been a Briggs 23 or some later ones had twin cylinder Wisconsin's. Someone did a nice job of retrofitting an electric start Kohler K301 into it some wherein the past. The clutch linkage is stuck, but looks complete. I need to learn if this is the original "Twin-Disc" clutch o that was done when the Kohler was installed. It has the original foot and hand clutch, but the hand clutch handle has been modified I need to figure out was transmission this is. it is a 3 speed with reverse and a top access gearbox. The rear axle is a shortened Ford Model T "Banjo" axle. The rear axle has drop boxes on it made by Jaques, then looks like it uses the Ford Brakes and Hubs. Lots to do to get it working.

We were aboard the U.S.S. Missouri a little while back, just after our visit to the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. Aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz came into port. I muted the majority of the audio, and chose to enjoy some waves. Some of the mindless chatter behind me seemed to take away from the moment. I thank each and every service member, from the bottom of my heart.

Made sure my plow rig was ready for tomorrow’s possible snow event. Won’t be a deep snow but still needs to be cleared off the driveway. One headlight…but like most of ya’ll I have spare old/used ones kicking around. My 510-8, half the horsepower but twice the dependability!!!

The first notes are on papyrus ... that's an indication of how long @ebinmaine's been "working " on it... Trail cam of Eric ordering the first parts list...

For the little town of Knox local we have already exceeded half the normal snowfall for the season. Several springs ago I picked up this tall chute from a member in PA. The only use it's had was just when I wanted to play with it. That is until this year. A recent snowfall of 10+" of very heavy wet stuff won the battle with the Reborn B-80 blade tractor. I fired up the 05 with the blower and it did the trick. But I was on and off the seat multiple times to adjust the chute deflector. I just eliminated that problem this morning. I didn't want anything 'permanent' on the tractor. The 6" stroke proved to be perfect mounted like this. I did a little video but I can't get it to transfer to YouTube.

I picked up another WH very close to home. 2 miles away. The fellow moved into a new housing plan with very little yard and no need for it. Very good price as it is off season here.He said it was used to mow a half acre field next to his old house about 6 times a year. I think I have to believe him. No rust just dirty which I will address. It will need a new seat and a hood as he said the hood met with a tree limb. Deck shows no rot or rust at all. Oils are clean. He said he serviced it regular. To dang cold to do much yet. Will probably start with the deck first for a good power wash when weather permits. It will be a camp tractor. It does have the 15 amp charging system. It probably will become a Burgundy stripe machine. 1990 vintage.

Maybe not. Looked out in the back yard last night to see a black bear working on the bird feeders. Opened the door and asked him to leave ... he wandered off but was back 10 minutes later.. Today I went out to find the feeders and see where he had been. We are having some work done and the contractor has a dumpster and a porta-potty. set up. Bear tracks went right up to the door of the porta-potty

We got a few inches of snow over the last few days. Not enough for the snow blower on the GC 2410. But if I didn’t clean it up, it would be a mess. So I drug out the 314-8 and took the mower deck off. Put the front and rear wheel weights on and the chains. Gassed it up. Got my 42” plow put on. Couldn’t find the short lift link to go to the deck lift arm, so I made one out of a piece of garage door opener lift arm and a couple clevis pins. Done. I haven’t really ever plowed snow with the 314-8. Have a blower for it and always used that, until I got the blower for the GC. It worked great, and didn’t dig up the gravel driveway much. Good seat time today.

Mine got a work out this morning and they performed great. I got nearly 4 hours of seat time clearing 4 inches of wet snow from 7 driveways and mail boxes.

She plows! Still need to work on the lift stuff. Try to get another inch of lift, check which lift holes were used etc. Cruised down to the old shed to see if I have any “trapped” mice (aka, DEAD!)

I figured we needed a thread to capture some of the boneheaded moves we make when doing what should be routine stuff. I'll start. Note to Self: When you've got your transaxle put back together and you're ready to fill it with fluid - double check your parts tray to see if the drain plug might still be laying there.

Only got a dusting in Tennessee

It was my maternal grandfather "Grampa" that deserves credit/blame for my initial fascination with Garden Tractors. He had an IHC Cub Cadet of the yellow and white variety back in the 70s. Then around 1980 they bought a new (?) IHC 682. A few weeks ago I was perusing the interwebs for an entirely different reason and found a model of just that.

. First run after complete K181 engine overhaul. Always a fingers crossed time hoping no loud banging noises. Don't know what happened to the sound Try again

Yesterday we got some snow. Saturday I put the blade on the c-145 since my C-120 that is supposed to have a plow on it is in pieces. Yesterday morning put a new scraper blade from a public works snowplow on. That should last awhile! Then it was time to shine. Love plowing fluffy snow! And today did a bit more cleanup. IMG_1281.mov

Sunday December 14, 2025 after the big and cold snowstorm! 6 inches of snow and about ten degrees this am. I cleaned off my driveway and my neighbors! The 1974 Wheel Horse 8 hp B-80 worked great! When i went to my neighbors to plow the angle rod push pin fell out of the rod! Went back to the garage to retrieve another! Back in business. I really like the snowplow i have. Only 42 inches wide but years ago i put a five hole sector section in the plow for more flexibility on the angles. I can angle my plow five ways!

Swapped a few things around here. Workhorse GT1800 outta the workshop space. That's staying by the firewood until @OldWorkHorse gets a day to stop by. After Millie was done plowing snow she went in the workshop. Millie needs both belts. S/G and main drive. Gotta diagnose why it's already eaten a main drive belt. May be normal usage. May be a burr on the belt guard. Also did some experimentation with the Super Scooper on the front of my '75 C160 Automatic. I've posted a video in the Implements Section. Got The Ugly Bruce tractor out for a bit to play in the snow too.

December thirteenth is the U.S. National Guard’s Birthday. The U.S. National Guard’s birthday is a significant event, marking the establishment of America’s oldest military organization. It honors the establishment of the National Guard in 1636. The Guard plays a critical role in both community and national security. This day honors the brave people who serve in the National Guard, showcasing their dedication and contributions to the nation. By celebrating this day, we acknowledge the vital role of the National Guard in maintaining peace and stability across the United States a The Massachusetts Bay Colony organized its local militias into three permanent regiments, forming the first militia units in North America. These early militias were essential for protecting the colonies from threats. They set the foundation for today’s National Guard. Over time, the Guard evolved, but its core mission remained the same. Guard members continued to serve both local communities and the nation, responding to emergencies and participating in military operations.

Here ya go:

My 312H came with rubber chains. Using Locally made steel vee bars for years, I was expecting that I would never keep these. I was surprised and amazed. They were as good as the steel except on ice. They were better on the bare pavement. They are still on my 312H.

Yup. Got them on the blade and blower tractors. A must to protect our long asphalt drive. After using them I like them as well and probably better than steel. I do quite a bit of dirt work with the blade in the summer and they are great in the dirt too.

Not a great look, but walk behind snow blower tire make excellent steer tires. No added weight, goes where I point it.

Drain plug in - check Oil in - check Gassed up - check PTO disengaged - check Battery charged - check Fire it up and... it's somehow raining oil???!!! Oops - Dip stick reinserted in fill tube? - Not Check I have heard that can happen...

I looked a little bit for the work your horse thread but failed ... my penance is reading all upmteen pages of this one ... As long as we're wrenching on sno machines. This one in the shop for oil & filter. Is it just me or does a motor just seem to run better with fresh oil? Should have cleaned the carb ... surging abit and seafoam aint workin. Need it tho so after today's cleanup. Grass screen was rusty ... I think they look cool in red ... Do I have a problem?

Great tractor the 312-8. The one pictured I bought new in 1989, My ex wife hated when I bought the 520-H because I then had 2. Got rid of her 21 years ago.

Got some shop time today. Popped a couple 520H tie rods off for a fellow Redsquare member. Trina got the Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" in for a couple belts. The S/G belt was so worn the unit was barely charging. The drive belt was also well worn. We did some investigating here and found that the universal transmission pulley was too wide and also too deep. 68" belt is far too short. 70" too long... Unfortunately the middle option of 69" belt was also about two hairs too long. This tractor has a 6 speed that had no pulley with it. I believe the best course would be to get a bushing from 3/4" down to 5/8" so she can use the original 3 speed pulley. We do need to figure out how to find that bushing/ adapter. @Achto @kpinnc or others? We also found the belt guard is bent and/or has a broken section near the engine. Trina filed that down.

@Ed Kennell says they work great. Was always gonna get a set But believe it or not just plain turfs with weights is workin pretty good. Those fronts Mike are the exact same as what @Achto has on his sno pusher.

This showed up today unexpectedly. 12hp Raider with a box full of parts. Guy I bought Workhorse from felt bad bout motor being bad. Last week we spoke & he offered up the 12hp & 8sp if I wanted them. He said they could offset the cost of replacement engine. Thought it was a nice gesture. Shows up today with the entire tractor!

Last night I put an electric fuel pump on the 855 and still had issues. It only ran for about a minute before dying and refusing to re-fire. I worked on it for another hour before giving up, tired, cold, and mad. I messaged @ebinmaine and got some advice that got me going in the right direction. New spark plug and now it runs again.

Splash lubrication should be kept inside the engine.

Here in Maryland, when I was growing up, because I was the biggest kid on the bus, I was the designated shovel wrangler. School busses ran until there was at least 3" of the white stuff on the roads. If the bus got stuck, the bus driver and I shoveled her out. None of this pansy-a$$ crap that is going on today.

Put custom decal from @Vinylguy on this morning. I wanted a decal that matched the seat latch decal and think he done a great job.

Been working on my 520H this fall installing motors for chute rotation & deflection. Had two 5" wet snowfalls this so far this year. Gave me a chance to work the bugs out of system. Backkground: Had a few wheel horse tractors over the last 40 years. The last one was a 88 520h I built up for snow. Added motor for chute rotation, but had no way to automatically stop rotation when at end of gear teeth. Posted on here in 2020 for help, but sold tractor because we bought a house in florida for the winter. Sold house this year and back in Michigan full time Started buying tractor, cab, snowthrower this summer to be set for winter. looked back at old posts on this forum and found schematic for limit switches for chute motor (Can't find name of person who posted it} Have everything tested working now. Most of the electrical parts were purchased on Amazon or what I had on hand The switch panel is too large & gets in the way when steering and F/R lever, another job for next summer D03F27C8858A20251130120906_album_local_cache.MP4

Must be a real long list for Colossus.

Made one of my faves that I learned to like while in Austria. My pork schnitzel with sour cream gravy.

Yes I just did, home depot sells them 8 inches long just like the OEM tube length is. Works perfect.

As posted in my restore thread, I put down the last of the colour for my bonnet with the black detail. Clear coating later this week. Now that its starting to warm up down here, painting is getting easier.

That oily grunge works exceeding well to control rust and corrosion. Several of my machines have that protection. Almost none of my equipment will ever rust out from the bottom up

Picked up these rubber tire chains at this summers Wheel Horse Show. Anyone use them? Thoughts? Might set up a second plow rig with these on it, see how they “grip”

Started another fuel pump rebuild. This one came off of the C160. Will let this soak until my kit gets here. Still cant get over how much junk is in these fuel pumps. Was going to try and just clean pump out and put back together but tore diaphragm right when I was almost done taking apart

Glad I’ve never done anything silly to be in this thread….

Jim & I went on a short trip to purchase a 520 for $1.00. Guy said that it would crank over but would not start. Pushed it on the trailer, paid the man & away we went. Got it home & discovered that he had hooked the battery up backwards. Placed the cables on correctly & it fired right up.

I plow a large area.. For the main driveway start out down the middle casting to the right turn around out in the road an go back still casting right ..Repeat until you have cleared your driveway.

Pressure washed and mounted some 24-12-12 wheels and tires on Ol Thumper (C160). Almost to cold to play in water and got my feet wet..

Thumbs up makers…

Oh I know what you mean fellows. But I have been around these tractors long enough to know what to look for. There is no wiggle at all at the front hood bottom hinge mounting hardware. No slop in the throttle shaft. My 2000 hour 312 hood wiggles an inch side to side at front bottom hinge points. My throttle shaft wiggled on the carb a good 1/8" before I shimmed it. From what I can see it is for real. And the old fellow didnt strike me as a con man. Hardly any wear on the floor boards. Just some dirt. I took my chances.

I went to start tiny two stroke Toro snowthrower yesterday. Gas full. Check. Primer pumped. Check. Choke on. Check. 5 or 6 starter rope pulls later with no indication of it wanting to start. Step back, scratch head. Ignition on? Not check.

I've definitely done similar. I'm also quite proud of the fact that I have multiple times, attempted to start an engine powered by gasoline without actually having gasoline in it or, perhaps, leave the gasoline flow valve shut. Neither of these things works very well at all.