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Finally got the 953 mostly done. Been a long one but worth it. Still have some small issues and details to get sorted out but 98% complete

To those who gave all for our Country... Thank you.

Who all gets their Horses out in a Parade? I recruit local teenagers and neighbors to drive some and they have so much fun. (It’s also good for when I am out making so much noise working on them that neighbors are more forgiving, lol) plus it gets them out for a good exercising.

Most of you saw the recently posted AI generated video about the history of Wheel Horse. The inaccuracies were abundant and glaring. Having lived a stones throw from South Bend all my life I vividly remember the tremendous amount of manufacturing in the county with Oliver, Studebaker and many others as well as what Wheel Horse went through as it was happening. You hear a lot of conflicting stories about AMC, Munn and then Toro and what they did to Wheel Horse. I stumbled on to this one this morning and found it to be, by far, the most accurate of any I've seen. My awareness started in 1960 as a child but the memories are still there. Sit back and relax. This is just over an hour long but it kept me glued to the puter screen and brought back a lot of memories. The Brand That Big Box Stores Destroyed: The Fall of Wheel Horse I did catch a major error near the end. Since when was the LX420 the last of the models with any Wheel Horse heritage? It had zero. The last was the Classic GT aka 300 Series, aka 315-8, whatever you prefer to call them. Last year made, 2007. Also, many of you want to see the Ireland Road plant on an upcoming visit to the area. No, it doesn't look like this now but you will still recognize it. The picture they used when making that statement was the BACK of the plant. For many years the less faded paint under the Wheel Horse name was very visible.

Spending my Saturday cleaning out a local collection today, previous owner is deceased. Not too much in the mornings haul, mostly parts tractors / decks , tractor in picture 4 fired right up on starting fluid, maybe something better this afternoon....

TRIP 2 consisted of some NOS parts, buckets of used parts, numerous Kohlers, and some more tractors including some little tractor with some kind of cutting attachment on the front of it. Not sure if that's worth anything or not? Best part is that it was 2 tenths of a mile from my house.

Major cleaning of the recently acquired 314H.

We are talking about a manual transmission that never gets hot enough to need additives. In my opinion a tractor that is kept in a garage or shed and has a good rubber boot on the shift lever isn't likely to need an oil change for the transmission. I have put my hand on the transaxle after two hours of mowing and the case it not even warm. If it has had a tough life with being stored outdoor and the rubber boot is deteriorated then the oil should be changed and the boot replaced.

My recently acquired B100 was leaking fluid from the right axle seal. Took the tranny apart today in order to investigate why. Think I may have found the issue. Managed to get the tranny washed out & cleaned up. All ready to put it back together as soon as my parts arrive.

My 8 year old Grandson wanted to drive Papa's Wheelhorse. His Dad just picked up a 85 314-8 a few weeks ago. We let him drive it in 2nd High range.

Mrs Sylvan once again adorned the yard art with spring flowers... looks a lot better than when I'm sitting on it...

While not 100% wheel horse related my 10-8 was definitely utilized though. Bought my first antique tractor yesterday. Flying solo unloading it today I had to get creative. Started pulling it out with a chain and a wheel chock to move it in increments, that got sketchy quick. I then had the bright idea to hitch the tractors together with a hitch pin. That made life much easier. Had to resort back to the chain to pull it into the barn. 10-8 put in some good work today.

This is how Trina and I expanded our collection quite a lot a few years ago. I rented a 26 ft U-Haul which we filled. Then went back several times with our own utility trailer. I have since sold / given away / traded most of those items to other folks.

I put some paint on the wheels

Got some good seat time in today. Started with the garden area prep. Double ripper spikes to use. Before, right at start. After: Couldn't get as deep as I want because of wet slippery ground. No worries. After that I hauled four full 17 cu ft loads of Mackissic chipper shredder mulch from the front yard down beside the barn and to the garden. All hand shoveled. Quite a workout. Feels good to move. Here's the BBT and her momma moving cow 🐄 poop 💩 in and getting it all stirred in. The mulch is about half layed out and some plants are in. This is a teeny tiny red potato Trina found while prepping the dirt.

I would love to find a haul like that to make! Of course it’s sad that someone has to pass to make that happen. Circle of life I guess.

May 29, 2003, 35 U.S. states declare it to be Bob Hope Day when the iconic comedic actor and entertainer turned 100 years old, The intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Avenue–famous for its historic buildings and as a central point on the Hollywood Walk of Fame–Bob Hope Square. Several 1940s-era U.S. planes flew overhead as part of an air show honoring Hope’s longtime role as an entertainer of U.S. armed forces all over the world. Hope was too ill to attend the public ceremonies. Three of his children attended the naming ceremony, along with some of his younger show-business colleagues, including Mickey Rooney.

No flip-flops…seems fine to me

In my opinion that is the first entry for the 2027 Red Square calendar. @ebinmaine, let BBT know that we have the Cover photo already submitter.

I thought it was the storage building @ebinmaine built new for The Colossus back when he started the rebuild...?

A $50 leaf blower zip tied to the front bumper of these $300,000 paint rigs could blow off the trash and road kills. Maybe add a remote switch for the driver.

Surely I’m the last guy that figured this out. But just in case there’s anybody out there thicker than I am, a small thing. Like most everybody I keep various greases handy on the bench. After using them a bit, I started getting blisters on my tongue trying to reach it 1/2 way down the tube. So, I’d stab an acid brush down the well, usually with way more on the handle than the tip. Just cut the tube off & repeat. Unless you have a Gene Simmons tongue. 👅

over recent months i have been going through my Dads old Navy memoribilia to create a summary and chronology of his service to be passed along to future family generations - he was a WW2 Navy pilot in Pacific flying sea planes in 1944-45 - age 22 - around Iwo Jima - Siapan - Okinawa etc - he then stayed in reserves into the 1960s flying one weekend per month hunting for Russian subs off the Atlantic coast - - it is absolutely unimaginable what these young men did in WW 2 -- to think how incredible my Dad was flying Sea Planes in the black darkness at night over the Pacific at 100 feet altitude at mast level of Japanese ships doing bombing runs or looking for downed American pilots - I only wish i understood as a child what he had done during the war - however, it does grant me respect and admiration for what he and his fellow vets did to protect and save our way of life in America. I am thankful my daughter understands his sacrifice and to honor her grandfather takes my two grandsons to his graveside on these special rememberance days so they can be told the stories - - he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal - a memory we will pass through the generations - below are some of the planes he learned to fly in --- and flew from WW2 thru 1960s - and his flight jacket my sister did in shadow box

Back home after spending 5 cold rainy days at my sister's farm in western Pa. Over 3 inches of rain with a 45* high temp. I did manage to fill a spring gobbler tag on Saturday. Sorry, no pictures...wet turkey do not photograph well. Also attended my 65th Meyersdale High School reunion on Saturday. We do something unique, where we have a banquet every year at the high school for the graduating class and every class that graduated on the 5 year multiples of the current year. We had 2 from 1956, 5 from my 1961 class, 8 from my sisters 1966 class, and the numbers increased until a disappointing 8 of the 2026 class attended. The rain did have the forest floors covered in beautiful green ferns. A 340 mile long bike path passes along the farm in Sand Patch, Pa. Probably a 3 day ride for Mike @Sparky. This path begins in Washington, DC and follows the C & O canal tow path to the gap in Cumberland, Md., then follows railroad beds to Pittsburg, Pa going thru several mountain tunnels along the way. Here it crosses the lane into the farm. Stopped by Red Square Corner at the Big Show site on the way home. No bridges out and all roads in good shape leading to the Show.

Well it’s not really what I did today or yesterday but for the past 3 weeks….. is @TonyToro Jr. and I built this little puller! Originally a B60 now has a Predator 212 completely built engine running 7400RPM. I can’t say the horsepower because racing secrets ..lol Thank you @grnlark for the front axle worked perfectly! I might paint the front weight bar and need to make a mid weight bar. If anyone is looking for the absolute best pulling hitch for a WheelHorse check out D&D welding fabrication.

May 31, 1859, The famous tower clock known as Big Ben, located at the top of the 320-foot-high Elizabeth Tower, begins ticking over the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, for the first time.

New tie rods new, spindle belt, new blades and deck adjusted today. Mowed a little spot behind shop that I missed with zero turn mower and it mowed like a champ..

I have too many low hanging branches in my yard to mow with the umbrella, but is nice to have portable shade at the shows.

Put my Wheel Horse canopy on my 314-8 mowing tractor today. I bought this canopy several years ago from Heritage Farm Power. They are the full size and garden tractor size umbrella or canopy people. I was surprised to see they are going out of business soon so i bought a new replacement canvas canopy with the Wheel Horse logo to have a nice spare. I recommend these as they do keep you cooler in the hot summer sun when mowing a big yard or field. They are well made not cheap and do a great job. https://tractorumbrellas.com

My heart goes out to you Bill. My father was a 18 year old farm boy, when on D Day plus three he and many other young men and women went into Europe to stop a mad man. He was a Army combat Medic and served through 1945. Also my father-in-law was a 16 year old farm boy ( he got his aunt to sign for him ) when he volunteered, and was deployed to north Africa. he was an Army cannonier. I know that Tom Brokaw was right when he called that generation the Greatest Generation, not taking anything away from ALL service members men and women who have served and are serving,some giving their All.

I'm a tractor guy, and I am always open to new brands. I currently have a Cub Cadet 129, 1250, 1650 as well as a John Deere 212. I also have 4 Massey Ferguson tractors( 50, 130, GC2300, 1825E), a JI Case SC, a 1946 JD Model A, Farmall Cub, International 184. I was given a C-161 with the 8 speed Hi/Low transmission that was / is quite the basket case. When I picked up the tractor it had 4 flat tires, missing headlights, the hood was disconnected, gas smelled like varnish, clutch pedal stuck, steering mostly stuck, it looked like it sat outside for years, full of leaves, and moss of some kind growing in the cracks of the seat. This one is going to be fun. After digging into it, I found the coil was cracked, ammeter toast, battery toast, wiring was in shambles, mower deck is frozen, the hood was damaged and someone did a real rookie welding job on it :). But, the engine is not stuck!!!! I rewired the tractor, replaced the coil with one off one of my Cubs, cleaned and adjusted the points, changed the fuel filter, cleaned and gapped the spark plug, adjusted the governor and throttle cable, Grabbed an air filter and cover from a Cub cadet, swapped the battery. Now the old girl is running. I need to clean the carb, it's a little rough on the top end. I greased up the steering and it's a lot better, lubed up the clutch pedal and it's now working great. The brakes work as well as all 8 gears and the clutch seems good. Then I removed the mower deck so I can take a look at it and find out what is the cause of it not wanting to spin the blades. I have to admit, the Wheel Horse quick connect for the deck is pretty slick. What I need... Headlight assembly, points cover, air filter (this one is twice the size of my other Kohler filters), air filter cover (the big one), If anyone has any good tips on a good source or 2 for some of these parts that would be great. I wish I would have taken more pictures when I picked it up and to document the progress. I think I might try to make this tractor pretty again. Wish me luck. Eric W in NW Arkansas

Mowed with my trusty B-80 8 speed with a 36”RD today…good time to snap a couple side shots.

312-8 after mounting a 42” deck.

Was debating stripping the hood completely, but I'm glad I did. There were hundreds of little rust bubbles under the paint. All clean now and red oxide primed. Also I have looked for several days for my generator belt brackets. So I just made a set. Once I get them installed I'll probably find the originals. And I'm strongly considering using an electric fuel pump. I have for over a month now played phone and email tag with Newandoldparts. I'll decide tomorrow...

I agree that you'll probably love it. I just picked up a 1 owner (I believe) c-161 but had to drive to northern VA to get it. Well engineered machines

Another C160 in NC? Well done. I hope you can get it! Do NOT let @ebinmaine drive down and beat you to it. He has plenty of C160s!

Get an inline 1/4 marine primer bulb. This is a common issue with any of these tractors with the fuel tank under the seat. 2-3 squishes before before starting and it'll likely start on the first couple rotations. Saves your starter, saves your battery, does wonders for your sanity...

Well finally today I got around to working on the 417. First I drained all the old gas out and replaced the fuel filter. Then took the carb off and cleaned it. And once the system primed it fired right up! I drove it around for a little while to get the oil nice and hot and changed that. I also greased it and adjusted the motion control cam plate. I gave it a quick bath and degreasing. I think when I washed it even though I was careful I got some water in the points so I got no spark now. But tommorow I’ll pop the points cover off then give them a quick cleaning. IMG_2222.mov

At the Big Show Last year I purchased a 42RD Mower Deck from Fast Eddie Kennell ( @Ed Kennell ) I put it one one machine and the grand kids got some seat time mowing the flats. Right now I am taking care of my brothers estate and of course the grass. i have the deck on an old C145 Hydro and it is just dandy. Cuts super nice, not one adjustment necessary. I highly recommend going over to Ed's Trailer, Good parts at a reasonable price!

May 26, 2006, The turn 2 grandstands at Charlotte Motor Speedway were turned into an open-air theater on May 26, 2006 for the world premiere of Disney-Pixar’s Cars. The seats faced four custom-built outdoor screens, measuring five stories high and 15 stories wide, with seating for 30,000. Before the premiere, the movie’s stars—including Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Dale Earnhart Jr. and racing great Richard Petty—walked a red carpet unfurled outside the speedway. Disney Pixar's Cars premiered in the USA with its wide theatrical release on June 9, 2006.

first time to mow with @Coulter Caleb’s JackRabbit in probably five years…it did a great job

Might better get him a red one. The green ones stunt his growth and raise his voice a couple octaves... Of course I'm only joking. At least he isn't playing video games!

Here is my 12 year old Grandson driving a Green Tractor.....

May 25, 1977, Star Wars (later subtitled A New Hope) premiered in U.S. theaters on May 25, 1977, a day that became legendary as it launched the iconic sci-fi saga, opening initially in a limited release of about 32 theaters before expanding to become a massive cultural phenomenon.

May 25, 1961 JFK announces the US goal of putting a man on the Moon before the end of the decade.

I'll have more pics later..... The Trina person and her momma and me and a friend of ours spent another wonderful weekend at Moose Brook State Park in Gorham NH. Woods walking. Mountain biking. Campfire in the 1930s CCC chimney. We highly recommend that particular park. Trina's mom stayed in the camper. We used our tent.

Out getting some fresh air still had 3 more tucked away