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The surprises just keep on coming for these kids! Just received this goody box in the mail here at school and will be passing out these awesome t-shirts and hats to the kids tonight. They have no idea what is in store for them and I will try and capture some expressions once they receive them. A big thank you to Ron Greco and Edward Palmer for wanting to do this for the kids. What an amazing gesture of kindness. Merry Christmas to all of you!!!!!!

Here it is. Many more to come...

After leaving the hospital, the endless doctors appointments began. Primary concern was the facial fractures which needed to be surgically repaired before the bones fused incorrectly. Second is the damage to the nerves controlling my left eye. My eye was able to look right, but there was no signal to move my eye left which resulted in double vision. It was also the same side where my face was paralyzed so not only could it not move properly, the eyelid wouldn't close either. After a 3 1/2 hour surgery, metal plates and screws placed in my face aligned the bones back to where they're supposed to be. The skull fractures were fusing perfectly, or close to it anyway. I still had considerable numbness on the right side where the surgery was, as well as swelling. During the first month of recovery, I didn't notice much improvement. Still had double vision and even though the surgery was successful, the swelling and bruising made me look very poor. My facial paralysis was not improving and in fact, there is now a noticeable drooping on the left side due to the lack of muscle movement. Electrical stimulus tests showed that the nerve wasn't severed, but was damaged and recovery would be long. There was talk of decompression surgery, but the neurosurgeon didn't think that it would be as beneficial as they could have hoped. The second month, I began to notice that my double vision was lessening. If I looked to the right, I could see a single image. This was terrific news because it meant that the nerve was healing and there's a strong likelihood that my vision will return to normal. Not much on the facial movement, but the swelling had gone down and I was beginning to look somewhat normal once again. During the subsequent months, my vision was finally returned (month 4) swelling was gone (month 6) and my face was showing the beginning signs of moving once again. While still mostly paralyzed, there is not quite a bit of movement and best of all I can close my left eye. I wouldn't say that I can blink, but it is a significant improvement from before. While I am still not a good looking guy, if you didn't know that I was run over by a truck, you really couldn't tell by looking at me. There are some indications that I'm not quite right (visually ) but for the most part, I have regained muscle tone in my face. I have a long way to go, measured in months to years, but I am alive and functioning. Every day I am feeling a little more like my old self and I am thrilled at the outlook. That's all for now...

And have a beer or 3

As promised. The pictures aren't the best and I didn't get pictures of everything. But I bet most of you see stuff that I don't even know what it is.

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!

Pewter gray, actually.

i spotted that silver one. i like the silver ones as much as the red........ every bit as good as the red ones.......

Ok folks I am in need of your assistance. I am currently in the planning stages and working out the details here at the elementary school that I am teaching at to start a “tractor club” for boys and girls in the 5th and 6th grades. This will be a unique opportunity to share in my hobby with the kids that I work with each day. My goal is that the kids will be able to get their hands dirty and learn about a vintage piece of machinery while taking pride and ownership in a project that they can see through to completion. I feel that this is almost becoming a dying breed as electronics have taken over the interest of young minds. I am currently on the search for a vintage Wheel Horse machine that is not ultra collectible and one that is fairly simple to work on, gear drive tranny is a must. Since this project will be funded on my dime, I am looking for a inexpensive machine that will fit the bill. I will then be searching for parts from time to time once the tractor has been designated. At the end of the project we will auction it off and take the money from the sale to purchase the machine and supplies for the project during the next school year. We are still working out the logistics here at school and hoping to get this project started very soon. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. I will try my best to document our progress for all of you to follow along and enjoy. I am excited at the possibilities that we may have. Thanks again! ****UPDATE**** David Rice has been gracious enough to get a nice running C-120 in to my possession for this project. A thank you goes out to Terry Dennis as well for the new decals that this machine will have once it nears completion. I am continually impressed with the hearts and generosity that so many of the members have. I am looking forward to this project with much anticipation!!!!!

Thought I'd post what I suppose would be termed an 'e-card' Every year the local churches get together and produce a card which they deliver to every home listing all the services held over Christmas. In the past this has been a cheaply poduced affair but this year they excelled with a proper card with typical photo of Romsey town center which I thought I'd share. The roads leading from the square are all lit with strings of colored bulbs which I've always thought are best since I was a child - part of the magic of Christmas. This year Test Valley Borough Council (of which Romsey is part) said sorry but no money for lights and Romsey Town Council responded with *** you, we'll find it from somewhere and the lights are good as ever. Anyone else got photos of their town at Christmas? Merry Christmas and have a good one from Andy

Many, many of the tractors had/have 16x6.50-8's on them and there are gobs of them on ebay - and you probably couldnt tell the difference once mounted.

As always, nice work Martin! You should have it running in no time, and hopefully the engine is sound, with no smoke or knocks. Matt

Wow was I working my 312-8 snowblower! I smoked of one of my pullies on the snowblower! I smelt some rubber in the dark, but dismissed it thinking it was just working hard! My neighbor who I helped (I.E. did his whole property,but that's the wheelhorse way) found it on the ground. So I found where it went,and was lucky to see that the belt was riding on the outside of the bearing case! It chewed up a channel the thickness of a pencil a little less than a quarter of an inch deep in my brand new belt! But I think I can use it for a little bit. I worked that 312-8 hard last night! I made 80$ and did a bunch of good neighbors driveways for free. People where in their windows in 4-5 houses just watching with awe at the power and speed of a 27 year old tractor just tearing through some hard packed snow! I was very satisfied and basked in the kind of feeling Noah must have had after his neighbors laughed at his the way my brother in law and mother in law laughed at me! Then I watched with quit satisfaction as they both sat there with their jaws hanging open watching ! It was a beautiful thing,and I didn't need to say a word,I just smiled that smile of complete satisfaction. Thank you Mr.Pond.

Man! That is so awesome Scott. Truly makes me want to never "grow up."

If that manual does not work for you I found 4 more. Have a model number and serial number on it? Garry

Well the big reveal happened and they were amazed!!!! I still am in awe of everything that has taken place. I can't believe what this has turned into. We are all blessed and very thankful. Here are two pictures of the kids in their new duds! Unfortunately a couple were missing due to sickness/appointments. They couldn't believe that complete strangers to them wanted to do this for them. The first picture is what I requested and the second one shows their true personalities. They are a bunch of goof balls! As far as I know this will be the last update of 2013. That is if we don't receive any more unexpected surprises. What a ride this has been so far. Looking forward to updating in January 2014! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Harrison Elementary Garden Tractor Club!

It's definitely both, but I can do everything in 40 minutes on a hydro tractor vs. one hour on a gear drive. Saving 20 minutes might not be a big deal to most, but I spend enough time around grass and mowers at work - and I don't drink - so I like to get it over with as quickly as possible.

Here is my sons C-145 with the older C style fenders

WOW! Pink with flames, wait til the girls see those hats... talk about inspiring them. Incredible gesture there. I betting them boys will be jealous.

Well....I had to use the Farmall to get it off the truck I put about 50 miles on it last night and today it was in the upper 30's so the snow is disappearing fast. Kids loved getting a ride and the wife says she wants to try it out.

I'll say it again. Very nice work.

From time to time an old thread pops up near the top of the pile that I somehow missed the first time round. It's pretty much all been said but the key word to my mind in the last post just has to be 'respect'. Since joining RS about two and a half years ago now I've been impressed by the positive and supportive nature of this community in that whether you're expert or novice, seeking to achieve 'factory' and beyond, creating a custom, or just plain restoring a tractor to working order so you can use it you will find kind words and help here. It's a fun hobby and RS is a fun place to be and after all,no matter what an owner decides the term 'resto' means to them, it's another horse saved.! Andy

Karl, I have a friend who might be, yes, I do have friends. I'll get back to you

No sir uncle Buck (I actually had an Uncle Buck) , my tank is plastic and I just need to restore the outside. I used the stuff you're talking about in the tank of an old falcon I once had, it worked well. Just pour it in and shake it around and it coats the inside and seals all the little holes. I believe I got it at an auto parts store.

That is a thing of beauty Matt. Can I ask a few questions about the tri ribs? Who did you order them from and what size are they? My 417 needs them bad. Thanks!

They should have NOT told me how to use the Smilies, you guys are in trouble now!!! I forgot last time but I didn't this time!!! It was like 3:30 or so, moreless sleeping but what can I say. Thats what most people do at that time of day. As always, Go Hawkeyes!!!

Not a wheel Horse but VERY cool!! Jim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPg1ZMiC9pA

Comparing to the axle housing, My calibrated eyes say it is 1 1/8".

Yeah here is my setup Dragging a WH Attachment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI2rdv0u8Ds

Buzz...good eye....I have found (3) WH on top to the junk yard scrap pile ...waiting to be crushed....one was a C-161....scrappers don't care what the item is...all they want is CASH!....another good find was TSC toolbox/fuel tank combo.....tank had small crack that welded up nice with no leaks. You know what they say...poor people have poor ways....that's me!!!.......and I still believe in Santa Cluas!!! should be Merry CHRISTMAS!

Winner picks highlighted in red... Thursday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Detroit Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Pittsburgh (6-6), 5 p.m. (ESPN-25). Poinsettia Bowl at San Diego Northern Illinois (12-1) vs. Utah State (8-5), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN-25). Friday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl at Annapolis, Md. Marshall (9-4) vs. Maryland (7-5), 1:30 p.m. (ESPN-25). Texas Bowl at Houston Minnesota (8-4) vs. Syracuse (6-6), 5 p.m. (ESPN-25) Fight Hunger Bowl at San Francisco BYU (8-4) vs. Washington (8-4), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN-25). Saturday, Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl at New York Notre Dame (8-4) vs. Rutgers (6-6), 11 a.m. (ESPN-25). Belk Bowl at Charlotte, N.C. Cincinnati (9-3) vs. North Carolina (6-6), 2:20 p.m. (ESPN-25). Russell Athletic Bowl at Orlando, Fla. Miami (9-3) vs. Louisville (11-1), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN-25). Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Tempe, Ariz. Kansas State (7-5) vs. Michigan (7-5), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN-25). Monday, Dec. 30 Armed Forces Bowl at Fort Worth, Texas Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Navy (7-4), 10:45 a.m. (ESPN-25). Music City Bowl at Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi (7-5) vs. Ga. Tech (7-5), 2:15 p.m. (ESPN-25). Alamo Bowl at San Antonio Oregon (10-2) vs. Texas (8-4), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN-25). Holiday Bowl at San Diego Arizona State (10-3) vs. Texas Tech (7-5), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN-25). Tuesday, Dec. 31 AdvoCare V100 Bowl at Shreveport, La. Arizona (7-5) vs. Boston College (7-5), 11:30 a.m. (ESPN-25). Sun Bowl at El Paso, Texas Virginia Tech (8-4) vs. UCLA (9-3), 1 p.m. (KOTV-6). AUTOZONE LIBERTY, Memphis, Tenn. Rice (10-3) vs. Mississippi St. (6-6) , 4:00 PM (ESPN) Chick-fil-A Bowl at Atlanta Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Duke (10-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN-25). Wednesday, Jan. 1 Heart of Dallas Bowl at Dallas UNLV (7-5) vs. North Texas (8-4), 11 a.m. (ESPNU). Gator Bowl at Jacksonville, Fla. Nebraska (8-4) vs. Georgia (8-4), 11 a.m. (ESPN2-26). Capital One Bowl at Orlando, Fla. Wisconsin (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2), Noon (KTUL-8). Outback Bowl at Tampa, Fla. Iowa (8-4) vs. LSU (9-3), Noon (ESPN-25). Rose Bowl at Pasadena, Calif. Stanford (11-2) vs. Michigan State (12-1), 4 p.m. (ESPN-25) Fiesta Bowl at Glendale, Ariz. Baylor (11-1) vs. UCF (11-1), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN-25). Thursday, Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl at New Orleans Alabama (11-1) vs. Oklahoma (10-2), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN-25). Friday, Jan. 3 Orange Bowl at Miami Ohio State (12-1) vs. Clemson (10-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN-25). Cotton Bowl at Arlington, Texas Missouri (11-2) vs. Oklahoma State (10-2), 6:30 p.m. (KOKI-5/23) Saturday, Jan. 4 BBVA Compass Bowl at Birmingham, Ala. Vanderbilt (8-4) vs. Houston (8-4), Noon (ESPN-25) Sunday, Jan. 5 GoDaddy.com Bowl at Mobile, Ala. Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Ball State (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN-25). Monday, Jan. 6 BCS National Championship at Pasadena, Calif. Florida State (13-0) vs. Auburn (12-1), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN-25)

yeah, the garage is kinda getting a little cramped these days. last time you were over i still had the trailer in there and we had room to work on the lone 416....... at the moment trailer is outside covered in snow and the horses are nice and warm inside. i moved some around the other day to make it easier to navigate from one end to the other, but i still trip over stuff everywhere...... those darn 416s are multiplying.......

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.

Check the scrap yards. You'd be surprised what people scrap. This is in perfect shape except for a dent in the back where they threw it off the truck. That can be hammered out easy enough.

As a retired heavy equipment Operator this problem is not Unique to small tractors. Many Times in mud , crusher run etc. You have to pick up your blade Just a bit to get some weight Back on the front end to gain Control. You may leave a bit of Material behind, but a quick Clean up pass should do it. Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

as everyone stated..there are parts out there to repair the trans...I have plenty here and I do have 1 bevel gear differential here also...If you do pick it up there is plenty of guys here willing to get you back and runnning.

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

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.

Think that could be the reason why... the manual suggests checking the oil level prior to every use?

Scotsman, Make sure you place a 5/8" flat washer between the lift rod and cotter pin,

Just thought I'd give a quick update. I painted the grill to the OE semi-flat black finish, and installed the headlights as well as the front Case decal. I'm hoping to start on the mower deck tomorrow. HERE IS A VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Innr_zXg-ZU&feature=youtu.be Matt

I just saw this thread. I think its awesome what your doing for these kids. I wish there was something like that when I was in elementary school. And I am very impressed with the group willing to build you a shed to teach and work with them in, more power to you. Sadly something like this would never work in my town. Too many people that are too helpless to do anything themselves, I graduated high school in 2010 and now there is no wood shop and the school is trying to close down the auto program. The auto program gets $50,000 every year from the government to buy new materials tools, machines etc... Well last year when I went to visit my old teacher, he said the school spent the $50,000 not on the auto program but instead on new projectors for every class room. Everything is so geared towards going to college and not working manual labor or learning a skill or trade... We are gonna have some more serious issues in the ext 10-20 years.

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

i have a nice light weight 5 x 8 tilt bed trailer with a boat winch. its light enough to tow with any of the horses & big enough to haul them on. i have hauled most of them home on this . & it carries the 516,518 or 520 18 miles to the wifes homeplace weekly for mowing.

Here are mine both are homemade and can pull whatever i hook up to them.

Well an early update! The bronchitis is about gone and my energy level is finally coming back! Well I know it isn't Wednesday but we have a tractor club update. Due to the fact that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I moved our club night up. Many parents enjoy starting the holiday break as soon as the final bell rings on Wednesday afternoon. The day started off on a very positive note. Through the grapevine a group heard about our dilemma of having a pretty chilly place to work. Needless to say they are willing to come in on a weekend and insulate the entire barn just for our club. I am so very thankful, I can't believe the generosity of so many folks from here on RedSquare, as well as our community. The kids worked hard again tonight and with an extra heater in the barn, it was a manageable environment to work in. I took a couple of videos that show a small glimpse of what happens during club time. I am currently trying to build a YouTube account so that I can share it with the rest of you. I will be sure to post when I get everything worked out. Here are some photos of the fun tonight! Here is a photo of the kids standing around as my dad just finished using a torch to help break free the rust on a very stubborn locking collar. He was able to explain to the kids why the heat was able to loosen up the set screw so the locking collar could be removed. They all thought it was pretty cool how well it worked. My 4 year old is part of the club too! Here is what he thinks about the progress we have been making so far. Tune in next week for our next update!

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

As the saying goes "To each his own." ask 100 people you'll get 100 answers. I have a 655 done up about as close as I can get it to original but with SS fasteners and I am not ashamed to admit that I drive it around all year get dog crap on the tires and scratches on the hood, about a week before the MI show I drag it out give it a good bath and touch up the scratches. From 10 feet it looks great get any closer and you will see the worn and bent steering wheel, wrong dash decal, never did do the rims, a little rust on the hub caps and the deck sounds like hell. But it is still my baby and a trailer queen in my eyes. I also have a few others that go from workers to wrecks to rollers with no engine or non running and a ratty old puller. But the other tractor I bring to the show is my C-125 worker that is more of a C-175, it's ugly, mean, and nasty but boy is it fun to drive around all weekend. Will I ever turn it into a trailer queen..Hell No! And if you try to judge either one I'll probably tell you where to go. Point is this hobby is too much fun to get all technical and the documentation for such probably doesn't exist. Toro can't even track any of the serial numbers cause someone tossed the records out years ago if they were even kept at all. Each dealer did their own version of prep and installed options after they left the factory, and it wasn't as if they were made in the millions like autos or even close to the numbers that the more popular of farm tractors were. They were a smaller regional manufacturer with no distributors out west and in the deep south, yeah they made em under license in Europe but they didn't have the following or backing of a JD, Cub, or Sears. For a company that started out in a garage and was eventually buried and died under corporate greed it is amazing that they are collected and restored at all to the degree that they are now.