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Thanks guys ! Sorry for being scarce, but life has been getting in the way lol. Anyhow, figured I'd post this one up also. Any guesses what this one morphs into? It has big fluid filled tires... ,,,and double hydraulics like a C-195, and a foot operated DCL (from Doc) Electric PTO clutch on a Kohler K341 16hp. If you guessed that it's a C-160 HD, you are correct. Complete 520 chassis with gear reduction steering and a complete mid-1970's C-160 body.

Just wanted to share my initial experience plowing snow with our C-120 which was a learning episode for me. Wasn't sure how 8 inches of snow would effect "Myra" but with the addition of Agricultural rear tires and extremely heavy add on weights,she handled the project with NO problem. Manual up and down and swivel front blade worked great here in Southern Indiana. Never thought I would welcome snow but bring it on! Getting me away from the wood brining stove might be the hardest part. There is also a lot to be said for retirement,which is a blessing.

Well I know he won't post it up, so I will do the honors for him. I am proud to have this machine in my collection, even though I am not the creator of it. Many kudos goes out to TT for this custom build which has provided much fun and enjoyment to our family. The infamous "Drags-tor" (the black beauty)

Spoiler Alert !! If you still believe in Santa Claus, you should stop reading now. Many have said that this is the model that "They should have made". It's built from what I consider the best features from several eras. I give you the 595-HD ... The chassis started out as a C-195: The 520 hood was just a LITTLE short to fit the chassis: The 20hp Onan had to be relocated to keep it centered under the hood louvers: The gear reduction steering had to be stretched a bit also: Stock width wheels? Not exactly... 52" Hi-Vac deck converted from a zero turn model: Size comparision vs a stock 520: It's got to be real... The book says so

'Twas the morning after the storm When out in the shed The horses were all stirring Ready to be fed When all of a sudden I heard such a clatter I ran to the shed To see what was the matter As I opened the door To my surprise I did see Li'l Techy anxiously Waiting for me Full choke, quarter throttle And switch on to run The little horse was ready To go have some fun As we cleared the drive way I heard him say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all Have a GREAT DAY

Etch primer is only to be used on bare metal. I don't use it myself. I found that epoxy primer sticks to pretty much anything, and it doesn't have to be sealed like etching primer does.

I've never understood the hang up some of us have with Toro. They kept a name and brand alive with a quality product way beyond the shelf life...I suspect a lot of that longitivity is a result of believing in the product and being a privately held company. Even the not very adored vertical shaft tractors and riders were good for their designed purposes and were - at the minimum - class competitive. About the only criticism I could remotely offer is that their marketing of the product didn't really seem to catch on. But being the "everything grass" company, they certainly recognized the direction the market was headed and put the energy and resources were they needed it. The 5xi was all Toro. But what a machine it was. Overall, a much superior design to the classic tractors in every functional way. And VERY, VERY heavy duty. They made a lot of them, but they seem scarce in comparison to the ancient design tractors we all love so much. I would venture to guess that since they are so robust and were quite expensive (but competive) we just haven't seen huge numbers of them hit the used market yet. The classic tractor was expensive to build. Lots of castings, weldments, and heavy pieces. The Unidrive transaxle - also used on the 5xi - was very pricey to machine since the case halves locate all the shafts and bearings with precision. There aren't many shims in there, which means tight control was needed. That transaxle was probably (certainly) the most expensive piece in the tractor. That's probably why the 400xt series that was meant as a replacement AND used the same implements was transitioned away from the unidrive and the classic configuration. The classic design was also a bit clunky and not really as competitive as it had once been. The turning radius was huge. The exposed pulley and belts are a safety liability nightmare. It was gear drive. And the styling hadn't changed since the 1984 Work Horse series. It was probably just a tough sell against the likes of the Deere 325/345 type of tractor. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Classic series. But what was leading edge in 1973 (actually, earlier) was already dated in 1986 when Toro took the reins. It was an uphill slog. As for the vertical shafts, these weren't a Toro innovation. In 1968 Wheel Horse introduced the Commando/Charger V series. Then the Rangers in '69. Then the onslaught of A and B series, 200/240/250/260 series followed. Most were WH designs except perhaps the 260 and XL and 400XT series. But then again, even the 260 was based on the 240 which was an extension of the L-chassis 200's. All of them were good machines...some more robust than others. The Toro name didn't appear on the tractors until 1990. I think 1991 or 1992 saw tractor production move from South Bend to Wisconsin (Tomah perhaps?) or Bloomington, MN. If you're a purist and want Hoosier in your tractor, you need it to be a pre-1991. I believe mower decks were still stamped in South Bend (but not by Toro corporate) until the early 2000's. Maybe still today. I don't know. Toro shouldn't have much interest in obsolete product that costs them more than they reap. I am impressed that they offer the downloads and manuals that they do. And they've done well keeping some older parts in circulation. The last Classic GT was released in 2007 and I think they are only required to support them for 7 years, so we may see a clearing house of parts (meaning a scrapping) after next year. Toro has been VERY good to the collecting community. Remember the 2006 giveaway of the Classic GT? And they had been sending Toro reps to the show since 2000. I think we're lucky Toro bought WH rather than someone else. Can you imagine the complaints we'd have if MTD had beaten them? Support them and your local dealer when possible. Best wishes, Steve

Finished plowing the 5" of new snow, then got the snow blower out to clear the neighbors drive. I think I'm done for the day. Two grandsons just got here and they want to play in the snow. I told them I've been playing all morning.

The B-100 is warming up in the driveway now. 3" of new stuff already on top of 8" we got Sunday & Monday. Supposed to get a total of 5" more this morning. Whatever the amount, the old B-100 is ready.

DA BEARS!! i love to see the cowgirls get spanked. good to see coach Ditka get his# retired.

Bob, Just saw your question in terms of owning the tractor. We have not discussed this however I will make the executive decision in saying this... It will be will allowed if you have owned the tractor at some point or if you currently own it. If two members enter the same tractor for the same contest then the current owner will be the tie breaker. I sure hope we do not have to cross that bridge. If two or more "past" owners enter the same tractor and not the current owner then it will go to the most recent owner. Looking at Scott's post about TT's creation I feel he did the absolute right thing and gave credit where credit is due even though he now owns the tractor.

eldon, you definitely know how to build factory looking stunners......... and the 'book' is a really nice touch........ way to set the bar up higher still with the horses.........

Thank you RMCIII, Craig, and Jake for the encouraging words! Thanks to my amazing wife, I had a new set of shoes show up for the Case today. They are Deestone 23x10.50-12 6ply tires for the rear, and two Firestone 16x6.50-8 Tri Ribs for the front. These are my early Christmas prestent, and I must say she has fantastic taste in tires!

Giddy up!!!

FWIW - when I relate my experiences with the other color old iron tractors I have, I can't say it's a dig - though I'm sure in many ways it seems that way via my writings. I guess when you sign-up to own a Cub Cadet, Gravely, Ariens - or Wheelhorse, there's a certain amount of headaches that come with it, but it's all part of owning the tractor. Up until a couple years ago, I was 100% Wheelhorse. I wanted to find out what the fuss was about with the other color tractors and went out and bought several Cub Cadets and Simplicity's. I enjoy the conversation here and on the other color tractor websites as much as working on the tractors. but... ALL of my tractors are workers. I just haven't had the time or resources or resolve in making a show/parade (nothing wrong with that) tractor. My deal is refurb/rehab a tractor into a worker. Being that these are "workers", I have a certain level of expectation when it comes to expecting them to perform and how much time it takes to service, refurb and just keep ahead of the eventual breakdowns. I never imagined how much easier the Wheelhorse would have been than the other color tractors! It has been stunning. It is frustrating sometimes with the other color tractors the hoops you have to run through to make them work for your - no matter if it's servicing, pulling an engine or attaching an attachment - when you KNOW first hand it's much easier/simpler with the Wheelhorse. Add to that, commonality in design, attachments (C series & 3/4/500 series is what I've got) and with the Wheelhorse, the fleet is truly versatile across the years of make. I think I also suffer from "old dogs/new tricks" syndrome in my older age. I was telling my Wife/Boss the other day that on the Wheelhorse forum, I can answer a LOT of questions, but on the other color tractor forums, I ask a LOT of quesitons - LOL. It's all good - but I think as the next few years unfold, I can see my getting back to 100% Wheelhorse. Thanks! Bill

Always been fascinated with things in miniature and seem to manage and learn all things practical with reasonable ease for most of my life. Ended up being a 'Tool Freak' and precision work like Model Engineering. This is my 1" scale 'Still yet to finish Project' - My recent excuse has been The 2 WHs taking up my time and getting the Workshop straight. I have a degree of reluctance to actually paint it due to the array of wonderful coloured metals and finishes, but I will. I also changed the design to improve detail which made more work for myself.. The not-so-good Pics were taken some time ago and some progress made. The Boiler has been Tested and Certificated for 50psi running steam pressure. I just don't learn do I !.

since brian is hogging this month all to himself and nobody else is posting up their tractors (and theres quite a lot of very nice customs by members on the forum)............ edit: i see that fireman just got one in before i finished this post....... i will post one of mine...... most of my tractors have small custom fabrication but look basically oem, the one that stands out the most i guess is my 1057, it sort of fits into this category.... not what you would call a full custom or whatever, but it has a few non oem details, first and for most would be the vinyl 'blackouts' on the hood and seat pan. another not readily noticeable custom touch is all the cast iron has been smoothed before being powder coated. and speaking of powder coat, all the paint on this one is powder, everything, which means all of it had to come apart and be painted individually, because theres a lot of parts on these tractors that doesn't like to be heated to 400 degrees f for 30-60 minutes....... heres some pics of my 1057......

Well heck i'll through my 1967 Diesel Lawn Ranger out there for consideration. It has a 7hp Yanmar Diesel electric start engine with custom foot throttle. I added a voltage gauge, hour meter, key start, master battery switch and electronic actuator to shut down the engine. I had to "shoe horn" in a battery under the seat as you can see in the picture. The fender and seat had to be raised up with stand offs to allow enough clearance so the battery terminals wouldn't touch. The belt guard had to be shortened and tilted up to compensate for the different engine location. The hood had to be raised and steering shaft lengthened to accommodate the engine. It took about 6 months to complete and a lot of fabrication. It's a blast to drive and really turns heads at the local shows. I reduced the pulley on the transmission down to a 2" one so it really moves.

Ok Terry, here you go! Pretty rough looking, but it all works! I have equipped it already with a copy of Scott Moreau's 2" receiver. I have a 12v fan type fertilizer spreader and a semi-mounted liquid sprayer with a 12v pump and both will be attached via the 2" receiver. I will have a 12v accessory outlet somewhere on the rear of the tractor for quick hookup when using both. Lot of work to do yet, but it will be a "labor of love"! I like the look of your 8" wheels better than my 6", but when sitting in the seat I can't see what it looks like, it just performs as I had hoped and like you, I have it to use! Melvin-man

I have one: Mine began as a 1968 Charger 9. I built it about 8 years ago here in my own shop and didn't have access to fancy machinery, so everything was done with my hand grinder, sawzall, Dremel, hand drill, Miller 135 welder, etc. Unfortunately I did not document the build, but I do remember some of it. I removed all of the original front axle brackets and welded a piece of channel iron under the frame rails. I used a modified late 60's (iron) mower deck spindle assembly to mount the wheels to the tractor. All sprockets, chain, (#40 single-row) 3/4" flange mount bearing and upper steering shaft with u-joint came from various eBay sellers. To "slow down" the steering, I also built & installed a reduction (cluster) sprocket midway between the steering shaft and the front end. Using roller chain / sprockets allows maximum rotation - which in my case is infinite because I never got around to installing steering stops.

well I don't really have a wheel horse tractor, but I do have a couple of these Ponds!

Matt, everything about this project is absolutely 1st class!!! Gary picked the perfect friend to carry out his last wishes of having this tractor restored. The Seaton family is cetainly in my prayers, especially as they are close friends of yours. Thank you for keeping us posted of your progress with this special project.

Here you go Mike...... One I just took tonight from my deer stand....saw 3 doe and the same buck I saw last night,but couldn't get a shot. IMG_1950 (640x480).jpg Oh, you wanted horses at work in the snow... sorry, maybe tomorrow if we get more snow tonight. This is just down right comical. Cleveland, is know, for getting lots of snow. IT SEEMS THAT IS NOT HAPPENING, or maybe someone, decided to turn the snow faucet off each time it goes over Cleveland. Either way it certainly is not winning any points with me.

1969 GT-14 Front Wheel Bearings. Wheel Horse Part WH Part # Current Brand & Part # Cone bearing 3370 TIMKEN LM 11949 Bearing cup 3371 TIMKEN LM 11910 Seal 3373 NATIONAL 204005

I felt the same way pulling for the Coke Boys last night. Just watch. Next week when they play the Packers, Dallas will look like the 2nd coming of the Crimson Tide! Stinking Bores! How many teams can have 2 games where they give up over 200 yards rushing in a season and still win?

Got me, where would I measure? Are you referring to the width of the tire, or the diameter of the rim? Does this pic help?

Ya. I will be dong all of the stuf you just said soi! The acme brand paints. Steve, I'm glad we talked on the phone about it because I was ready to at least QUIT for a long time I'm back o track though.

That's it!! Thank a million. So it looks like it attaches to the end of the "Tube and Rod", I should be able to figure it out from there. Said to self: Lesson learned idiot! Get the dang snowblower installed BEFORE it starts snowing.

There should be something on the for soon. Karl had the file so it shouldn't be much longer.

Mike did I miss this? Is there a way to view the calandar prior to ordering? Thanks!

Thanks Scott, I was wondering when you were gonna post that one up... Post em up Eldon! Your tractors speak for themselves... you created and built them so IMO they will always be yours...

sorry fellas, been trying to do pics. no dice. thanks for the comments, this is my worker. btw, i need a seat for it, wheres a good place to search? looked on ebay and cl / no dice. also, the 854 with the stamped pan seat, where can i find the metal backrest for that? imho, that makes the old tractor look. TY Glenn

Hey Eldon it's about time you crawled out from under that rock you have been hiding under the last few years Brian

Speed nut. Most hardware stores would have them.

I plan on going to Tri State Bearing in Jasper Indiana....I work in Jasper.....maybe even get a discount!

Techy power saves the day.

I got a Rock!

this is ludo, our 160lb great dane with my wife from a couple of years ago.

I was a big time Collector/Restorer of Cub Cadets myself. I had my fun with them. Out of all of the Cubs that I owned an Original is one I never had. I'd like too find a nice one of them one day... I played with the round fender John Deere's as well. I had one that I did a no expense spared restoration on. It was a fun tractor to ride around on and to cut grass with but when it came time to mount a snow blade on it and when I used it to push snow I always felt as if something was going too break on it. When I did take that one to tractor shows I sorta got the impression that the Deere collectors were kinda snooty, not for me. Besides, the round fender series Deere's were the only cool lookin ones they made IMO.

I am a certified car nut. Hot rods, muscle cars, street rods, trucks, classics, I like 'em all. I have owned many over the years and still have a few, which is why the WH space is a little limited. I have seen the car hobby change a lot over the last 40 years or so, but the only thing that drives me crazy is the trend to over restore. This in turn leads to cars that are not even trailer queens, they are way past that! I personally like to enjoy my vehicles. They are kept in good condition, and I take pride in them, however, the Trans Am pictured in my avatar currently has rubber stuck to the lower quarter panels! That means it occasionally gets run the way it was made to be run. My point is, I will never care about a benchmark for restoration of my WH tractors. I refuse to take away all the enjoyment of working on them, and using the tractor the way they were meant to be used. By the way, if you see my car in a show, it will have a "Do Not Judge" sign in the window. Just Sayin' Wally

I managed to spend a couple hours working on the Case this afternoon. Finished bolting up most of the accessories to the engine, carb, muffler, shroud, etc.. Also added a few more decals, and I love the way new decals set a tractor off. Matt

Glenn, I got 3 GT14's and i use the hell out of 2. Mostly use FEL and tiller, each year i say i'm going to get my plow on but yet to use it. Haven't had the snow for couple of years so i just use the loader. They are a good strong tractor. Get a good trans and you will not regret it/

After 1985,when WH was bought by Toro, they would have kept operations in the Wheelhorse plant since that is where all the tooling and employees trained in their manufacture were at. I don't know if the 300, 400 and 500's were made there until their demise but it takes a great deal of time and money to shut a plant down and move a product line to another location. The South Bend plant ran well past 1986. The quality of the Wheelhorse "Garden Tractor Line" was the same if not better after Toro became the parent company to Wheelhorse. I think a majority of members here would agree that we owe Toro a debt of thanks for keeping the 300, 400 and 500 series, (what Toro later called the "Classic"), going for all the years that they did. Toro added their lines to the lawn mower and commercial series and of course added the Xi series which was a really nice heavy garden tractor in it's own right. If Toro would have pulled the plug on the "Classic" line, we wouldn't see near the implement availability we see today and parts would have been scarce long before this present day. In regard to why some tractors only had a one or two year run, it all boils down to sales verses profits. I don't know for certain what the cost difference was between a 416 and 418 Kohler powered tractor but if 2 horsepower in a twin cylinder cost many hundreds of dollars extra, it most likely didn't sell as well as the single cylinder 416. Parts availability from engine suppliers would also play a large part in a continuation of a tractor model. We buy, sell and trade our tractors in used conditions. Toro needed to sell new tractors and I can tell you right now that when I bought my first home, I couldn't have afforded a Wheelhorse new. My car and truck were worth as much as a new 416 in 1986.

Good work kudzu3, persistance pays off, I'm inspired and more anxious than ever to get into my project transmission. Just have had @#$$ gettin hubs off. Was originally partial locked up and turning back and forth on input shaft spit somethin out that allowed full turning. It's obvious my input has a problem, too much play/wobble. On another note for pictues have you found how to attach using "more reply options" or is it a size prob. You may have to pick the old loader, pick just under where says "attach this file" (trouble uploading? Try basic uploader)

have a few now, more to come.......

That looks good, as low as that Predator sits your nuts will only be half roasted!

D 250 with Ark loader Had to put a new pump on it. Remember guy's don't use Hyd oil in them PO did burned the loader pump up. It;s for sale kinda lol

More pics to follow.

I'll start off with my own hometown dealer was Lincoln Radiator, Lincoln IL. It was owned by Daris Knauer who was a family friend. I've spent countless hours talking with him about old stuff. He opened in 1959, and had the very first RJ-58 that he sold back in his showroom for many, many years. It was traded in several years after purchase and he never resold it. He had an amazing back room full of parts and older tractors. There are probably a lot of old timers here who will recognize the name and have bought parts from Lincoln Radiator. He sold out his inventory in 2008, coincidentally to someone who eventually became a member here lincolnpower38. That shop has since closed. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to own the sign when it came up on auction. It's really faded, it hung on the west side of a brick building for about 40 years. Who else owns one of their hometown dealer's signs?