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Hopefully this post won't be in bad taste, but..... I have been very pleased see Terry posting again this month -- I always viewed his commnents as being very insightful

Dave! My winter lay off began December 1st. I was quite occupied with "real life" up until that point. I'll get scarce again around the end of January.

Lane ranger you could not have been more correct. 1 washer the size of a quarter and I am in business. Also I figured out how to adjust the threaded pto lever a few turns because I wasn't locking the pto in the on position. I also realized I bent my plow lift lever,I put a piece of fence pole on it and bent it back I to shape, which allowed my button to be able to be pressed. I can't get it to lock in the up position, but I used it and it worked like a champ! I paid 75$ for the 312-8 in the fall of 2012 and the snowblower for 75$ also. But didn't run it last year due to surgery. Man I get it all now. I picked the wheelhorse because it was a great price,but after going thru it and seeing the practical engineering I am so lucky I just kind of To"Forest Gumped" my way into the world of wheelhorse but I am loving it. Thanks everyone

Though I haven't been involved in this hobby recently, I am an accomplished amateur cabinet maker. I used to make reproductions of old hoosier-type cabinets. Here is a link to one of my creations. This cabinet was built from scratch. All lumber was purchased from a sawmill, then worked in my shop/garage. http://homebuiltforum.com/topic/62-reproduction-sellers-kitchen-cabinet/

I dabble in some photography every once in a while too.

I guess I'd better post my Raider 20 6X6 here then You all know the story by now.. It's been dragging on for long enough She started life as a humble and very worn C-125.. A body swap soon had her looking like this... Enter Garry and some beer.. And the idea was born Over four years later she looked like you know her now..

Here's my 4x4 C-101

I just placed my order for a couple dozen caps to start. I am very happy with the quality of the stitching and detail in the sew-outs. These are being sewn right here in my home town and in fact in my old shop. Nice lady and her husband and kids are Garden tractor people too. they build Custom Pullers and enjoy competing when possible. She has a silk screen business that she has been running from her home till she rented my old location. We hope to be able to ad more products early next year.

The 953 and 1054 tractors use a unique transmission. The axles in particular are longer than the "normal" Wheel Horse transmission. and the mounting bolt pattern is also different. Best bet would be to repair the trans that is in it. These models used a spider gear differential which works really well, but is relatively weak. An 8 pinion diff can be fitted with a few mods, and I think this is the way to go.

I did not know that...sorry. I thought that seal looked a little different, and I did see the canister in the picture. I did not know about the seals being different in the hydros. Dang...I just hate it when I learn something new. Thanks guys.

Yesterday was a monumental day for the Tractor Club. Last night I was able to attend, and present, the school board meeting. In order for the new building to be started it must go through the proper protocols and have the donation accepted by the school board as a formality. Though most just breeze through without any opposition, we were somewhat nervous that we would have to come back with more details as it would be a building that would be placed on the school property. I can understand their reasoning to keep the property looking clean and pleasing to the eye. After many different topics were discussed during the meeting it was time to address the club building. They asked me to come forward and share what was happening with our project. The overwhelming support and smiles that I received were amazing. I still feel like this whole thing is very surreal and hoping that no one will pinch me to wake me up from this dream. I did not get asked one detail about the building itself but they were all very eager to hear about what the kids are doing. Needless to say I was on cloud 9 last night as I left the administration building. So good news is............WE ARE APPROVED! Now the building can commence as I do the leg work to get things prepared....ie electric, permits, site work, etc... I am so thankful for all of those that have made this project a huge blessing to these kids. No matter what you have offered up to the group, it is an amazing gesture and one that is very much appreciated!!!!! Unfortunately there will be no club meeting tomorrow night due to the cold weather and no place to work. The good news is...........that will be changing soon! Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year to all of you from the Harrison Elementary Garden Tractor Club!

Heres one of my old hobbies. Sad but true, I actually sold her. Only reason I sold was because I don't always feel right being diabetic, so rather than have something happen at a high rate of speed I opted to sell. Shes not far away at all. John

It's a very kind thing that Lane has stated in starting this thread, along with Craig and Karl's additions. Also that we were given a second chance of having a Euro Section on the Site and to try and make a 'Go of it'. I think I can safely say that we (Euro Peeps) are all grateful and hope that many will utilize it and contribute regularly . I was mainly on the WH.org site from 2008 initially, but didn't get my hands on the WH I had my eye on until Sept 2009. So I had a lot of time to research the whole WH history and Model lines etc for a year. I was directed to this Forum by Members of the other one, and yes, I admit I 'Lurked' until 2010 , then my conscience would not let me keep gleaning info as a member for much longer without contributing. Now we have a good many Euro Members, and I'm pleased to agree that there are also a lot of younger Members in UK and Euro Mainland under the age of 20 ....... Always impressed how they interact on here....... we need 'em. It's good that we're able to interact with people virtually worldwide through a common interest in these Red GTs (and others) .

Here's mine taken a few years in the planning and 6 weeks to build

416-8 FEL & Hoe

Lots of hammering and pounding on this one... the entire build is on YouTube (link in signature)... the ultimate goal was to clone the RJ tractor on the cover of Straight From a Horse's Mouth Second Edition and the original 1955 RJ advertisement. The sad thing about the project... my computer took a dump about a month ago and I lost every pic and vid of this project... at least most of the vids are on YouTube and the project its done, LOL!

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.

here's my RJ58 custom stainless Brian

Hi All, Well using my tractor for hauling trailer loads of mud across slippery muddy areas, has given me the need for some rear wheel weights to give a bit of extra traction. Genuine cast iron ones being rather hard to come by and costing a fortune when they do (if not in item cost but postage), i decided to make some While i was at it, Stigian has been inspiring me with his videos, and thought id have a go at making one of them aswell. Failing the first time due to sound problems i re-filmed it as a silent movie style instead. Its just a laugh so hope you enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbyVW7NaA6g cheers, Daniel

I Love It!!! If you corner the market on 416's you can blame it on me. Give's me an idea for funny but maybe not suitable for posting sticker

Thanks Terry that will be an option if it will not free up.Thanks Again and have a safe and MERRY (CHRIST)MAS. Remember the reason for the season.

This is how I've attacked the steering problem, I've done about all that I can think of and it's better than its ever been, but it still slips some! I really like the roller chain idea and if I had seen that before I bought the snow hog tires I think I would have tried that first.

Good job Zane! I'm sure looking forward to seeing the finished product, but... "you can't rush perfection".

Don't be afraid of aftermarket parts to keep the cost down. If you get junk parts on Ebay file a complaint if the seller won't take it back I always use paypal when possible just for the insurance. I rebuilt a Wisconsin V-4 a few years ago, Wisconsin parts are way higher then Kohler parts trust me they wanted over $400 for a set of rings. I was able to find an online retailer that sold Hastings rings for less then $60 Try here http://www.perfectengine.com/Hastings_Piston_Rings_s/127.htm

Slowly been catching up on what I've been missing on RS during the last 2-3 months. Just read this thread from start to finish and have to say that its an inspired project perfectly executed and looks like a whole lot of fun to ride. Should be a show stopper next season but what are you going to take along to show its capabilities off? Large logs, builders rubble or have you an idea for a fold up easy to transport assault course? 10/10 for this project Mark - Very well done indeed! Bravo! Andy

Here's to ya Scotsman. Luv it when it works. You proved again...... It pays to ask

Yes the hydro's use a different seal than the stick shift's

congrats on winning the boobie prize. one step up from the "thanks for participating" award given to the NFC east champ.

Copy the line below in blue word for word, and place it in the search box on eBay. You will find the correct shut-off valve with screen, plus a new grommet for only $8.99 and free shipping. Toro & Walker Gas Tank Fuel Shut Off Valve & Rubber Bushing •Fits 1/4" LINES To make your tank look like new, clean it good, then coat it with VHT Vinyl Dye. I use satin black. Makes the tanks look like new.

I have been using turf tire with fluid and 4 link chains for several winters and have been very happy with the results. I keep them as tight as I can so then don't sling into a fender. This year, I installed a pair of 2 link chains and was amazed at how smooth the ride is. You have the right size tires on your GT-14 and the 2 link chains, so as others have stated add some weight, tighten the chains and you will have the best all around traction set-up (my opinion). You can't see the inside weights, but they are there.

That washer is despite being so small, and you would think unnecessary, a needed addition!

Great work and build Matt, I like the look and design of the Case Models. They must be rare in the UK, as I don't see any really. Just wondering...how close is the Hydro pump body to the Inner Rear Rim?. Picture look's like it would be pretty close. Never seen a Wrist Pin clip make a bit for freedom like that before. I love the sound of my K301after a 20 thou shave and rebuild. I bet that K301 will look a treat when you've finished with it, judging by your other Engine projects . Love the work and colours. Look forward to seeing your next progress pics. Regards

I like this section as well, and give you guys amazing credit for the fab you all seem to do over there.

I've dabbled in R/C planes and even had one last quite a while without a rebuild due to.....well.....you know....a less than perfect landing. For me, building the plane was as much fun as the flying. But woodworking and firearms have been a lifelong love. My wife love my woodworking hobby since it shows around the house. I just completed what was going to be a facelift in the master bathroom but ended up being a complete gut job down to the studs. Some of them even had to be replaced. There's not a room in the house that hasn't been remodeled to some extent. My other love is firearms. My wife tolerates it but wouldn't care if never bought another one. I'm a NRA Certified Instructor in pistol and reloading and a RSO. I do quite a bit of training and CWP classes. Most of it is strictly for the love of it and not something I'll accept pay for.

http://www.gates.com/part_interchange/index.cfm?location_id=3286 Type in a Wheel Horse (or Toro) number and it will spit out a gates number + specs.

Rexman, I have a 44" two stage as well, and have changed that bearing before, what fun. Blowers are loud to begin with, especially when they are not moving any snow. If you listen carefully to the noise, can you start to get a feel for how fast the parts are moving that are making the noise? The augers and the fan shaft don't really rotate all that fast, so I would think that a noise from them would have a fairly slow frequency. Have you greased the zerk fittings on the fan shaft bearing and the upper jack shaft? The chain drive and it's associated sprockets are moving much faster, and will produce more of a roar when something is failing or too tight. I know from experience that you can vary the pitch of the blowers noise by changing the tension of the chain. If it is too tight, it will let you know, i.e. very loud roar. The manual calls for 1/8" to 1/2" of deflection in the chain, as measured in the long run from the lower sprocket to the top sprocket. I would guess that I have about 3/8" deflection in mine. A bad bearing in one of the idler sprockets could make some noise too. The belt drive is normally pretty quiet. Of course you do have four pulleys with bearings in the carriage, they should all spin freely. If you are working around the blower, make sure that you do not have any loose clothing, drawstrings, etc. hanging down near moving parts. Bad stuff happens fast! Be safe. Let us know how you make out/what you find. Rick

Hey Craig, didn't know there was a Birthday thread going on for you. Now I have to say Happy Belated Birthday Craig!!! And now you are in your Fifties!!! You are in good company Bro' And in only six more years you will catch up with me. Like they say "Fifty is the New Fourty" ....... or is it the new 60??? Uhh whatever I can't remember..... but anyway enjoy, you will never be here again

good deal. Cozy sounds about right.

From my 416-8. Any questions ask. I will post more pics from book. Glenn

As most of you regular forum members know, we have been in a transition period preparing for retirement. At this point we have completed the move from our store to home with all our equipment. We will be finishing up a rather large sign order soon and will be able to attend more shows and focus on our website. 2014 will be a welcome and exciting change in our lives. First part of our plan for the website is to add a clothing category to the webs store. embroidered and silk screened items of all kinds will become available in the coming weeks and months. Also there will be a new promotion for SUPPORT MEMBERS for 2014 (More info on this after Christmas). We have added free shipping anywhere in the Continental US and will continue to do so for the entire year of 2014 Thank You all for you support and patience over the past 6 years. We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the BIG SHOW again this June. Feel free to post any ideas for the clothing category.

Here is a list of Snow Attachment Manuals. Jim http://www.scribd.com/doc/47347681/wheelHorse-Snow-Attachments-Manuals

You can get a sediment bowl at Napa or TSC. I eliminated mine on my 704 and put on a good filter and shutoff. I hate fuel leaks.

Thanks for the comments so far guys! Here's a vid, apologies for the quality.... It was filmed on a decent SLR at 50Mbps by my son. Unfortunately I do not have PC hardware or software powerful enough to work on the 2GB of footage filmed over 10 mins... I had no choice but to re encode to 1Mbps windows style! :/ Enjoy

OMG...I just looked at my Magic Pencil...it was made in Louisiana. It is tied up in knots over the LSU vs IOWA game...

It's been some time since I've visited this thread, and I have to tell you that I've really felt the need lately to get back to counting my blessings. You see, life has gotten back to normal by this writing, and it wasn't that long ago that I was wondering if I would even be here now. The every day tedium and little aggravations that annoy us all in our daily lives have crept back to the forefront. You know how a situation or a person can get to you and make you feel anger, animosity and disgust at times. That, coupled with job and family pressures and commitments at this time of year can be devastating to us, causing even more angst. But it is this time of year that sometimes makes us reflect on our lives, and interactions with friends and family, and to see what really matters. For me what matters is not stressing out over people and things I can't control. Those things will be gone from my life as much as I can make it happen. Family, and real friends who are as genuine as I would be to them are what's important. My impending retirement has also given me pause to reflect on a career that started in high school working at Howard Johnson's on the turnpike to make gas money, to a summer in a cement paint plant, and then on to a box shop for 23 years, then to my electrical contracting business, and finally on to three different machine shops to finish up. I'm so grateful for my wife Karen and my kids who love me no matter how much I embarrass them at times. And you of course, my friends here who encouraged me and also gave me strength to fight and get to this day. I know I'm not perfect no matter what Stevasaurus tells you, and I will flounder and be a grump now and then. Just ignore me when that happens. I promise I'll come back refreshed and ready to make you laugh. So again, I would like to take this moment to thank all of you who were there when I needed you. Thank You, Jim

Thanks Ken! I got to ride it today!! The K301 runs fantastic, and tractor feels great as well. I still have to paint the grill black, and install the headlights. I still haven't started on the mower deck either, but I'll get on that soon. I'm very happy with the way its tuning out, and I know Gary would love it! Matt

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.

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!

Look up the 854x4. That's more what you're talking about.

They are garden tractors, not high dollar cars or trucks, they should be built to your ability and be happy with that, I'm a Body man, I can build the heck out of one of these tractors, but I also have a round hood I spray bombed, I took it all apart but still used a rattle can, My Daughters tractor is a candy red, with $600 worth of paint, primer and supplies, it also has 90% of the fasteners on it changed to stainless, I like it, she loves it because it's different no one else has one like it, it's not a belly button tractor you know everyone has one, to put one back to new condition would be hard because they didn't do a very good job when new, parts where assembled then painted undersides and insides did not get much if any paint on them, on some models, why take the fun out of the hobby from the guy that can't paint like a pro, or don't have tons of money to throw at them, I run a WH show in MI. I tell everyone to bring anything workers, resto jobs, clean orig. even beaters, if you want to bring it to the show it will be welcome, the only real pet peeve I have is if you did not take it apart and you rattle canned it, please don't call it a restoration, call it what it is, a clean up and repaint, there are different levels of a restore, but just throwing paint at a tractor is not one.