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Had a great time at the meet and and greet. Thanks to scott and everyone involved in putting on the show...there was a great turnout! I took quite a few pictures at the show...thought I would start a thread on them . '

A big thank you to everyone that attended yesterday! I had a fantastic time and was really pleased that all of you took the time to join us for our little show. We had an awesome turnout of machines and so much variety this year which was great. The plowing was a real hit and a big thanks to Lewie Bolinger for putting on a great demonstration and allowing others to enjoy your machines! Thank you Michael Biser for all of your help and your friendship. I could never pull all of this off without your help. My parents and my uncle for their help. I have such a great, supportive family! Stacey Mehlberg is such an amazing wife that helps out and puts up with my hobby. I am one lucky guy! I didn't really get any pictures so thanks to those of you that captured all of the fun! I am still exhausted and will post more later. I just greatly appreciate everyone that attended the show yesterday. Hope you had a blast!

I know I haven't been around much lately, but I have stayed busy with projects. Primarily my old Briggs engines. I've restored quite a few over the last several months. Along with a vintage minibike project for my son Nathan. Here is the first engine I wanted to show you guys. Its a 1941 Briggs Model U. These have a very unique fuel system on them. They use engine vacuum to keep the engine running the same whether the gas tank is full or almost empty. On engines of this era, it was very common for them to run rich with the tank full, and to lean out when they were getting low. This engine was Briggs answer to that problem. Its strange, if you even loosen the gas cap when the engine is running it will cough, and sputter like its going to die. Most of these were sold to Sears for use on old David Bradley walk behind Garden Tractors. Hope you enjoy the pics. Matt http://youtu.be/KUBF3hknpWI

I recorded some video but have a heck of a time embedding here. I figured it out so take a look. It just does not get any better than this. What a great day. Thanks Mehlberg family. http://youtu.be/4gV-3SFUpnA

Just realized, I almost forgot one. This is a 1948 Model N, which was the only year Briggs used an aluminum shroud, start cup, and shiel that the tag is mounted to, on their engines. Not all 48 models were equipped this way, just a few. Matt

This next one is a 1945 Briggs Model N kick start. It is a military engine, and this particular engine was used on old WW2 air compressors used for airing tires, and small jobs. You will notice this engine's fuel shut off goes thru the gas tank, and its ignition kill is actually a button in the shroud, rather than just a piece of metal that grounds the spark plug. You'll notice I resisted the urge to paint this one with a high gloss finish. It was really hard though! Matt http://youtu.be/-NjdrL9wpII

This tractor has been on craiglist awhile, decided to check into it. PO said it would not run, only if gas poured into cylinder. Brought it home, checked fuel line, carb was dry. changed fuel pump and put a filter on it. Started right up purrs like a kitten. Felt like it was my lucky day. I have a pretty small yard had to try out today, bagged all grass and leaves in about 15 minutes. Have a cab and single stage blower, waiting on snow. Tom

Picked this 753 up at a local estate auction was in the family for many years possibly since it was new, brought it home cleaned it up, put new fuel line,plug and battery in it and fired right up after sitting for many years.

Hello All, well after lots of coaxing and watching from a distance as Craftsman after Craftsman and other similar "riding mowers" where blown up, wrecked or otherwise destroyed I was finally able to convince a friend of mine to go Wheel Horse. He picked up a C125 8 speed and a C125 Auto with manual lift and brought them home. Both arguably had been put throgh the ringer and the Auto had a blown engine. He managed to get the 8 speed running but the tractor needed an air filter assembly, hub tightening and on and on an on. After I went out to my "junkyard" several times I was able to get him all the bits and pieces he needed and then I showed him how everything goes together. I spent a couple hours over his place and got the mower deck rigged and the tractor serviced. I traded him a plow bracket and plow frame in exchange for the 125 auto carcass.... not really a great deal for me but I don't mind. Another Wheel Horse has been brought back and put to work, as they all should. His name is Jim and hes from the next town over... I will get him to try and join the square..... He did mention that he moved some big rocks with it and couldn't believe how much guts it had. your preaching to the choir my friend! Tony

Heres my girl. When I bought her in 2011 she was a basket case as you can see. They hydro pump and motor was run out of oil and burned up, car tires on the back, front ones didn't hold air, a seat that a beaver had attacked at some point, no 3 point hitch and a wiring harness that looked like a 4 year old made it, the plow frame was bent and so was the moldboard like it hit something solid at about 10 MPH. But I didn't give up....I tore it pretty much down to the frame, purchased 3 hydro pumps and a motor and Made 1 good of each out of a bunch of parts. Cleaned the tranny completely after finding silicone clogging the intake screen, stripped everything to bare metal and rewelded all the broken parts, fixed all the dents and dings this poor thing got in its previously rough life and started from scratch rebuilding things the way I would have done it if I was Wheel Horse 1973. I added LED lights on both front and rear of the fenders and the headlights. I bought a 520 60 inch deck and adapted it to fit under the tractor and work like it should. I did a bunch of work for a member on here and scored me a bent up and rusted 3 point which I straightened and redid after soaking it for 2 weeks in tranny fluid and acetone. Repainted everything and got a seat that was close to what was offered in 73 on it. I made turning brakes from a bunch of pieces that I got along with some ingenuity and custom fab work from my Dad and myself, 29-9.50x15 Titan R-3 sneakers in the back and a set of 18-9.50x8 turf tires up front. I remade the entire wiring harness and added a multi-fuse block. It was a labor of love from the start because I have wanted an 18 auto from the time I was old enough to read the 1973 sales brochure my Dad got with his 12 Auto. I decided at that point I was going to have an "Estate Tractor" someday. Now she's mine and what a workhorse she is even with a very tired engine she still plows snow like a beast.

In summer 2009 at a family get together Jdog was telling me about Wheelhorse tractors and showed me this website. He also showed me a CL ad with a D180 in Steelton PA......well I scrounged some bucks together and brought this home....with a 48 inch deck (not shown)....I joined up on this site and one of my first posts was about the tractor going backwards when the lever was pushed forward......I got an answer and had it fixed the same day.....I've been active ever since...... Next I got a plow from Dave at Tractorworld.... The engine smoked very badly so I rebuilt the engine......got some rubber....a bit of paint......added a PTO shaft....got a 3 point..... Same tractor....same dog....now with a snow chucker......4 years later....still a diamond in the rough....but it is MINE!!!!

How can you not have a great time. Got to meet Octfst, 55rj35jr, Waynen, kc9kas and a few others. Martin showed up and his wife Jeanine...she kept me in Blood Marys with olives stuffed with blue cheese, DClark showed up and gave me his raffle tickets to hold for him (as he had to leave when the raffle was getting started)...he won 4 times...I won 3...felt like I was wearing a path in the floor up to the goodie table. Jake Kuhn won at least 4 or 5 times (he really gets excited when they call his number). IndyWH decided to make the trip (glad he did, it was good to see him again) and he won the Straight from the Horses Mouth book, Shorts (Paul) and his wife made the trip...these two people are just incredible. Lonny and Eric, Brrly1, Racinfool40 (mike), Jake's dad (Doug) , the McNeals...just would not be a show with out these guys...Scott and his dad Dave.... Vinylguy (Terry) and his wife Lola...a special thanks to Terry ..all just excellent people and an absolute pleasure to be around. If I missed anyone, it is not intentional. thanks to all

This last one is the mini bike project I did for my son Nathan for his 9th birthday a month ago. Its an Azusa frame with an early 50's Briggs model 8 on it, which is almost the same as a model N, but with a bigger 2.25in. piston, as apposed to the Model N's 2.00 piston. The engine is rated a 2.25 horsepower, which is perfect for a first mini bike. This thing gets a lot of ride time on it, and so far that old Briggs is doing great! Matt

This next engine is a 1948 Briggs NS. Its a model N with a suction feed carburetor, hence the S. I really like this engine, and it turned out really well. The first pic is the before. Matt http://youtu.be/CTOfjZig588

This next engine is a 1943 Briggs Model N Lever Start. It was a Military engine, although I can't tell you exactly what its use was. Briggs made many different versions of the Model N for military. I got alittle carried away on this resto, as it shouldn't have been this glossy for a military engine, but you know how it is. You'll see on a military engine I restored later that I resisted the urge, and went low gloss, but not this engine. Matt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTUufejGHjk

I got the Wheel Horse worker that I've been waiting forever to find. She's a Keeper. 1985 417-8 with 555 hours. I picked it up from the original owner.

Got the cub loaded up and on my way to trade it for a 857 Wheel Horse I thought I would like it but guess I'm wheel horse guy!

NEVER...and I mean NEVER have an auction during a home HUSKER football game (for more than one reason) but mainly for my sake. The DVR was getting good use today. Anyway, there was an auction about an hour away, had a '88 or '89 520H on it with 650 hours. You could tell it was taken care of all it's life and in the shed/garage. It came with the following... 1.) 520H with good tires (the rears were bar tires) and a FACTORY foot hydro. 2.) 36" rear tiller 3.) 48" Deck 4.) 46" Bervac 2-stage snow blower 5.) Factory Wheel Horse snow cab (with glass windshield, electric wiper/fan/light) 6.) 2 sets of 2 link tire chains 7.) ALL the manuals in a Wheel Horse three ring binder 8.) 6 25lb suitcase weights 9.) 2 Wheel Horse rear wheel weights (plastic) 10.) 4 Cast iron front Wheel Horse wheel weights 11.) NOS Wheel Horse cover 12.) Brand new tiller belt 13.) A 5 gallon bucket of other misc parts and brackets for??? I bid it up as far as I wanted to go, then it sold on the next bid...I maybe should have went a tad more, but I could tell the lady that bought it REALLY wanted it. What do you guys think the WHOLE thing sold for?????? After the sell, I went and talked to the nice lady and asked her if there was anything that she would think about selling. I told her i would be interested in the cast weights, cover, and suitcase weights. She thought about it for a while and she said she would sell them and we agreed on a price. I had to take one set of weights off the tractor. I hung around for a bit and kind of explained to her how everything hooked up, and what every part was for. Then I gave her my name and number and told her that if she ever needs any help on it, or wants to sell anything off of it, I would be MORE than interested. This is what I ended up with...for $164

Here it is!

I am also pleased to announce that we were able to raise $1200 in memory of Max Nunn for childhood cancer research. The money will be sent out this week to help with the running total. Thank you to all of the great folks that helped by donating some awesome raffle items and those that bought tickets! You all truly made a huge difference! A very special thank you to Paul (shorts) and his wife Sharon for your generous donation! If you ever get a chance to meet these two..........DO IT! I am still recuperating from all the fun! What an awesome day with folks from all over. 140+ tractors on site, swap meet items, tons of fun plowing, and great friendships made and renewed! Hope everyone made it home safely and the Mehlberg family looks forward to seeing you again next year!

I was transforming the 314 from a mower to a blower today. After a really good scrubbing I thought I would tackle all the grease build-up on both sides of the rims, much to my dismay...out of degreaser. I looked to see what I had to use as I was cleaning my hands with Gojo and it hit me. I took a healthy scoop for each rim and really rubbed it around. After a wiping and a good shot with the hose........wow! Better than spray degreaser and not messy at all!

Put a pet or a kid in your photo and you get extra points!

Hello All, Hope everyone is well, over here in the UK winter is coming soon. The met office have said snow is meant to hit Scotland early Wednesday, with all these winters getting worse and worse every year, I have finally managed to get a snow plough........ Looks like more fun this winter for me! Anyway when I purchased it, it wasn't in its best condition.... But it was reasonably cheep at £75.00 (GBP) however it was usable how it was, but... Seeing I had a few spare materials laying around I figured I'd restore the blade, this is the outcome, Now a few before and afters.

A BIG thanks to Scott and his family for hosting a great event each year !

I bet matching the grain is easy... if you don't wear socks while you're doing it.

Sure... JK, it was great seeing everyone as usual. Class A show, even with the monsoon. Thanks Scott and Dave for allowing this to take place.

It was an excellent show...the weather cooperated (excellent weather for Scott's (if you have been there through the years.)) :) It is always great to see old friends and make new ones. Thanks to Scott, and his Dad (Dave) and the rest of their family and friends that put this on. I had a fantastic time.

I think E-lift was added in 1986. I could always swap out the KT for the Techy HH120.

Thanks Terry, I appreciate the encouragement, and anytime you make it this far south, my house is your house! Matt

WOW Matt!!, I'm still amazed at the high quality beautiful engines you turn out. Those would be a Big hit at the shows up here . Next time I'm down in your area I've gotta stop -by and see your stuff. Thanks for the nice pics!!!! Terry

Even more if they're in the seat.

12hp with pulleys changed and a gaspedal its a little scary.

You have to have a trained eye to be able to pick out the right pieces of wood and match the grains like that. WOW NICE

While overhauling the Onan engine, I found the oil leak was caused by a loose supertech filter. While changing the air filter and gasket I found some trash in the air filter housing, the engine didn't smoke when I started it so hopefully there isn't too much engine wear. Frame painted:

If you can fill up that seat you don't need wheel weights.

Very nice work Matt! How many completely restored engines do you have now?

Steve, I only had two wins this week so you'll need to make an adjustment to the standings.

Well I hope it is squared away, time will tell if the motor lasts or not. It was not my intention to do a "build thread" on this tractor, but I thought I'd show a few pics of what I have done in case anyone needs some ideas. I ditched the (diesel) gas tank and went with the stock WH tank under the seat. I used a small electric pump to feed the motor. This allowed me to use a Cub Cadet muffler across the front of the motor. Kept it simple, a 90 deg. bend out of the motor to the muffler. I may do something with the tip of this muffler when I work out how bad the smoke is and where it goes. I think it gives a nice clean look to the right side of the tractor: The aircleaner didn't clear the hood on the left side, so I made a small elbow to lower it. It works but I don't like it so this will change. I want the same clean look on the left side so I need to work out how to tuck it back under the hood. Even considering notching out the side of the hood to clear it in the stock location ! Still need to hook up a throttle cable. I have been trying to buy a cable ready set up that comes on most of these motors, but it seems that none of the vendors want my business as they aren't replying to my emails. Almost there.....

Outstanding work, Matt! I Really..... Really like that mini bike.

Great work on the engines and that mini bike for your son Matt!! There's just something about those 40s and 50s singles, not just the Briggs engines you have done, but in general. Styling and charisma that has come and gone. It's now up to the enthusiasts to keep as many around as possible...,. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

Marvelous work Matt , It's clear why you have been quiet for a while and your Son must be 'Over the Moon' to have a Dad that produces things like that Mini Bike for him. Thanks for sharing .

Hi--very nice, i love Briggs motors... don't have/use as many as I should but thats the way it played out. I did pick up a pair of what I am told are ZZ motors? Both are complete but I only have one of the "crank" handles. So.......... what can ou tell me about these? I'd like to get one running and throw it on a tractor to put around on but that starter setup scares me with the whole "break your arm" deal. Looking like i'm cranking a model T is cool and all but I don't know the proper way to use it. Thanks!! Tony

I know this was a lot of projects to put in one thread, but like I said, I haven't been on much lately. I was recently contacted by fellow members here to give me a heads up on a for sale in my area , and it just reminded me of the quality of people on this forum, so I decided it was time to catch up a little. Thanks Matt

Well this turned out to suck week for me, lol. 2-3 is a pretty poor showing. But how about Northwestern? Damn they came to play tonight. Had me on the edge of my seat the whole game. They have a great program there, a real testament to their coaches. Miller didn't play as well as usual, but Hyde sure made up for him. Bucks win a close one, and the toughest test of the season in my opinion. I also have to say that even picking so poorly this week, I'm still enjoying this thread with all you guys.

Thanks to all of the Mehlbergs for another fantastic day with all of the Red Square people and their tractors, so much fun to be with all of the quality people.

THAT is one bad azz looking horse there!

We had an awesome time,thank you for having us, was nice meeting you and your family and other RS members & fellow collectors,,, we will for sure be back next year! thanks again...Mike & Deb

Thanks Scott & the Mehlberg family. We had a great time.

I had a blast at the Meet and Greet today, a big crowd and lots of tractors. Thanks to Scott, the entire Mehlberg family, Mike Biser and everyone else that helped put this on. Well Done! Here's a few pics.

go for it!!! my brother (Raider10) got a 1970 lawn ranger with no deck here in the UK and copied my sons. We managed to get the spindles and blades and pretty well fab the rest. To the layman it's original, for us it's a close copy and perfectly functional. Only pic I can find is here - wheels were turned out of a piece of nylon mark