30 More Years ...

[Al C. 1,405]

I've been working on my SK-486 and 1067 for the past three years.  Slowly bringing everything up to spec and as close to "new" condition as possible.  Everything works like it was originally delivered.  Both machines have about 1,300 hours on their original engines, frames, transmissions (eight speed), and tires.  The 1067 is 50 years old and the SK-486 is 35.  I put about 15 hours on each of them a year, mowing and pulling.  My plan is to have them 10 more years and then to pass them down to my two sons.  I'd like my sons to get another 20 years of tinkering and light use out of them.  So, what I'm wondering, does this sound reasonable and what more should I consider doing to these machines so they run for the next 30 years?

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,004]

They sure look nice , well taken care of. AT least 30 more years.

[Texas Todd 1,024]

Keep taking care of them like you have and teach the boys how to as well. That should do it! Nice rides!

[BOB ELLISON 2,976]

Very nice machines but I have found that garage kept tractors will fare the best. I think if you take care of them as you would a nice car they will last for another 50 years. I can see 2 tractors for sale and always tell you which one was appreciated and taken care of. And with anything mechanical some things will ware out. I think you already gave them a new life.  

[neil 2,398]

Best way to keep them in good shape is , buy  another one and use that for working and then keep those to for best .

beautiful looking tractors , almost a shame to work them . 

[Retired Wrencher 4,867]

Al C. I always thought that if you do all the P/M`s on these, and as you said used lightly there is no reason why they shouldn't last a life time.

[953 nut 51,381]

8 hours ago, Texas Todd said:

Keep taking care of them like you have and teach the boys how to as well.

Todd nailed it.    Teach your sons to perform regular maintenance and they will be able to enjoy them for a lifetime. 

[elliot ness 1,916]

Very nice tractors, and yes your kids shall enjoy them for 30 years and pass them to your grandkids, they will thank you many time in the future.

[Sarge 3,462]

The only way I see is to start sourcing all the wear parts . Stuff like deck spindles , idler pulleys and such and stock spares for each . Start a very detailed book for each one , listing all replacement part numbers and as much dimensional information as you can - stuff like belt sizes , bearing dimensions , ect . I stock up on certain hard to find parts for the old 1277 since I'm determined to make it to 60+yrs with that one no matter what it needs . If you go as far as axle/wheel bearings and even rebuild kits that potential to serve grandchildren when they are property owning adults goes up a lot . We're seeing more and more younger folks show up here looking for help restoring "Grandpa's tractor" - if you spend the time with them to teach and let them operate it that stuff goes a long way . My daughter came by not too long after I sold the second 1277 - she saw it leave town and was upset about it , thought it was the old original First Horse...lol . My twin grandsons are nuts about the tractors but still pretty destructive and only 4 - but they already have the drive to help their Dad repair his 1067 and God help him if he ever leaves the key in it . They get rides with "Papa" , just like their older sister did when she was their age and the grin on their face makes memories that last a long time .

 

Keep solid records , mark the replacement parts to their respective tractors and take care how you store the stuff - you'll be surprised how much easier it makes things down the road .

 

Sarge

[TDF5G 2,051]

13 hours ago, Texas Todd said:

Keep taking care of them like you have and teach the boys how to as well. That should do it! Nice rides!

  

Keep on doing what you're doing.  

Mighty fine looking pair of horses! 

[Al C. 1,405]

7 hours ago, Sarge said:

The only way I see is to start sourcing all the wear parts . Stuff like deck spindles , idler pulleys and such and stock spares for each . Start a very detailed book for each one , listing all replacement part numbers and as much dimensional information as you can - stuff like belt sizes , bearing dimensions , ect . I stock up on certain hard to find parts for the old 1277 since I'm determined to make it to 60+yrs with that one no matter what it needs . If you go as far as axle/wheel bearings and even rebuild kits that potential to serve grandchildren when they are property owning adults goes up a lot . We're seeing more and more younger folks show up here looking for help restoring "Grandpa's tractor" - if you spend the time with them to teach and let them operate it that stuff goes a long way . My daughter came by not too long after I sold the second 1277 - she saw it leave town and was upset about it , thought it was the old original First Horse...lol . My twin grandsons are nuts about the tractors but still pretty destructive and only 4 - but they already have the drive to help their Dad repair his 1067 and God help him if he ever leaves the key in it . They get rides with "Papa" , just like their older sister did when she was their age and the grin on their face makes memories that last a long time .

 

Keep solid records , mark the replacement parts to their respective tractors and take care how you store the stuff - you'll be surprised how much easier it makes things down the road .

 

Sarge

I have been working under the premise that because of the way the old Wheel Horses are constructed, if specific parts can not be sourced in the future there is a good chance that there are parts that can be retrofitted or fabricate from scratch.  So as a consequence, I have not been warehousing replacements.  What do you think of this approach?  I really appreciate everyone's feedback so far ... thanks!!!