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I finally was able to bring home what I feel is the ultimate garden tractor. Ever since getting my 518xi, I have been searching for a 523Dxi. Passed on a couple, missed a few but finally got a fantastic deal from a JD dealer in VA. I already have had offers to resell at a profit before I brought it home! It is a 1998 523Dxi with 605 hours that has a 52" mower deck, brand new snow cab, snow blade (with spare edge) that has been barely used, a pair of turfs, two pair of filled ags, clevis hitch, disc harrow, and rear grading blade. And a picture of: "Poncho", "Cisco", and now "Paladin."

A friend of mine informed me last night of a 953 he found in a boneyard in Lucasville Ohio. We got together this morning to check it out, and....needless to say...I brought it home for $250.00! The wiring is a little messed up, but nothing major. It came with the deck and a turning plow off of who knows what! All the belt guards are there as well as the oil bath breather! Even had the original owners manual! The engine sounds wonderful, no smoke or rattles! Going to have to do something about the Chevrolet steering wheel someone put on it. Lol. I'm tickled to death! Always wanted a 953! Its still sinking in that I now have one! Maybe the 701 won't be so lonley now! Happy Horsing everyone! ;-)

In a 12 volt DC circuit, you must have (+) positive, and (-) negative. From the (+) terminal of the battery, a wire goes to the (+) terminal of any item that requires 12 volts to operate. Some of those item are connected to switches, others to relay, still others to solenoids. For example, the starter is the biggest user of 12 volts on the tractor. The (+) wire from the battery goes to the starter through the solenoid, and in order to complete the circuit, the (-) terminal of the starter, which happens to be the case, connects to the engine block, which is connected to the frame, which is connected to the (-) terminal of the battery. So think of everything that is metal, that is connected to anything else that is metal, i.e. engine to frame, frame to dash tower, dash tower to dash plate, dash plate to ignition switch, etc. all becomes part of the ground system by virtue of the fact that the engine and frame and anything else that is connected to them are connected directly to the (-) negative terminal of the battery.

Here are 3 PDFs. I have included Motion Industries catalog numbers and the size of the bearings in each attachment. If you click on this link, it will bring up Motion Industries web site...type in their catalog number for the bearing or seal that you are looking for. It will give dimensions, a picture and an approximate price. You can also order online. Most of these bearings are also available from your TORO dealer and NAPA. Hope this helps... https://www.motionindustries.com/motion3/jsp/mii/productCatalogSearch.jsp The 1st PDF is the WH # 5003 and 5010 RJ and 3 piece suburban transmissions. The 2nd PDF is the 3 and 4 speeds...WH # 5007, 5025, 5046, 5048, 5049, and 5053 transmissions. The 3rd PDF is the 6 and 8 speeds...WH # 5086, 5073, 5091, 103907, 103916, and 103918 transmissions. 1. UNI DRIVE TRANS 1.pdf 2. UNI DRIVE TRANS 2.pdf 3. UNI DRIVE TRANS 3.pdf Bearings and seals for a #5058 bevel gear transmission. differential carriage bearing (2) WH #1533 From Lowell outer axle bearing (2) WH #1526...KOYO #B-1816 outer axle seals (2) WH #1213...SKF #11050 mushroom gear rh WH#1532...KOYO #M-16121 mushroom gear lh WH#1530....KOYO #B-1612 seal brakeshaft WH#1232.....SKF #9815 cluster gear shaft bearing (2) WH#1529.....KOYO #M-12121 input shaft WH#1508 (1)...KOYO #B-1212 input shaft seal WH#1303....SKF #7410 spline shaft bearing WH#1531...KOYO M-10121 case gasket...#3912 Here ya go...KOYO is the same Torrington numbers. 5/8" input shaft seal 103916 transmission WH # 100442 = Timken 340387 = very similar to original seal. (SKF/CR 6105)

AND HE WAS NO MATCH FOR "THE DUKE"

Title says it all. My intent when I first bought the 312, was to do all the maintenance items, fix anything obviously broken or missing, and use the tractor till this fall/winter when I would do some serious restoration. But these damn things have a nasty habit of growing on you. Slowly but surely, I have repaired, replaced, re-worked, or otherwise restored a significant number of items. And I just can't seem to stop. All I have to do, is walk past the tractor, and notice some little less-than-perfect part, and I begin planning of fixing it. Just this week, I bought and installed a drive belt idler. This is covered in a separate thread under Transmissions. The other undertaking this week was the stripping and repainting of the seat frame. After picking up a new seat at the Big Show and installing it the day I got back, I have been seriously irked by the rusty frame and springs it was attached to. So...last Monday I dismantled the seat, frame, and springs, took them to work, and sandblasted everything. Applied a coat of primer, and painted the parts semi-gloss black. Most all the hardware was wire brushed and painted. Was pleased to note that there was almost no wear on the hinge, and even the rubber bumper caps were like new, no cracking or checking. Pretty pleased with how the seat frame came out. Maybe now I'll just leave the tractor alone till winter..... but probably not. Noticed that most of the paint is gone from the PTO pulley, and the muffler has some rust on it. The Rodent (granddaughter) gave the tractor her seal of approval by making me ride her around the yard.

Finally getting started on some of the walk behind parts!

I have been reserching terminals, connectors, crimpers and the like and found the following thread with additional threads along the way. Due to the information provided and from everything I found online, I have ordered the crimpers that SOI suggested, and have also ordered a lot of "Packard 56" connectors, terminals, and adhesive heat shrink tubing (3:1 ratio). I will try to keep you all posted with the ever requested photos!

Have had a busy week. Anyway here are a few pic I got a couple out last weekend.

Lovin' that collection of yours while I have my morning coffee Bro'

Cut an old leather belt of about 2" wide to a length that'll fit the inside of the metal brake band. Liberally apply an epoxy bonding agent (POR 15 is great) to glue the leather strip. Clamp over-night to let dry.

This is what I flew today (PT-17 Stearman) This what happens when things go wrong. Just a little cleanup on the field.

Midwest, Vogel and others specify Cen-Pe-Co for their stuff. Frank in WNY on here is a dealer and got me started on it. But I buy mine locally

I have 3 predator 212 engines. one on log splitter, one on my WH, and a spare. Only reason I purchased them is because of all the reviews I looked at. So far, I've been very pleased. It will be fun to see how they last! If they don't, I will have waisted $300.00 for three engines. Less than the price of one 5 hp Honda. If they last a few years it will be great, just throw it away and get another. Some parts can be had on feebay. Hi performance parts can be found on go cart sights. They are pushing some crazy hp from these engines for go carts. So far, I've heard very little bad talk. Most, bad talk comes from people who have never had one. Good luck with yours!

Same thing happened to me. But it's fun. Once you get one your finished. Glenn

Like the last pict... of the Rodent and the Horse.

Wait till you have about 3 of them tore a part at the same time. Now I have a 416-8 , 417-8, and a green thing in the shop all in various stages of restoration. The trick is to keep all parts labeled and all nuts and bolts in various tagged Ziploc bags. OH and I happen to have a couple seat frames to send your way... Great job

After having several motor a part that used Penz and QS, I would run it in anything. Including a mower. Nastiest motors I have ever seen.

I broke down and fixed an older craftsman rear tine walk behind this spring thinking I wouldn't find one reasonable enough. Of course the parts for the craftsman were NLA but with several hours of research and looking through all the tiller models available on partstree I found that Husqvarna started using the same gear case. So of course after its fixed I find a Wheel Horse tiller, but its all good.

I was just reviewing Wheel Horse inventory and moving parts and pieces today. Since January 1st, 2014 I bought Five tractors - a 1958 RJ, a 704, a 1992 312-8, a 1975 C-120 and a 1995 314-8! Sold a C-160 hi-low, a B-100 hi/low and a 1965 1054-A that will be picked up later this year. Several plows, belts, mower decks and steering parts were sold also. Good to keep a idea of what is going on in the Wheel Horse addiction!

With the lift strut (Strong Arm F4673) installed. I'll probably wip up some backing plates to eliminate any flex of the pan. It works really well.......

You just continue to get better as you go along.

I think I got it, with your help Zieg, thanks

I'm with Martin on the end moving more on the end than at the case. With that much movement you would see the flywheel move a lot. My money if I had any would be a broken crankshaft.

I know where there is an NOS KWIK-WAY loader for it.

OPTIONS: 1...Take the muffler off of the engine...then you wouldn't hear (here) the squeak. 2...Have spouse or kids do the mowing. 3...Ditch the Wheelhorse and pickup a good push mower. 4...Use hard plastic (nylon? ) wheels with new shoulder bolts. 5...Pour 2" concrete slab over entire mowing area. 6...Just don't do it. I chose option # 4.

Common bro lets think futuristic here not VINTAGE Thanks Hammer! Thanks Bro! You didn't answer your ph the other night? What were you up too?

As a backyard hammer mechanic without a press, I take the shortcut, easy way out and just cut the shaft. Do whatever needs to be done and weld the shaft back together. I understand everyone doesn't have a welder so you if you don't, use a 3/4" shaft coupler ( http://www.surpluscenter.com/Power-Transmission/Shaft-Couplers/1-Piece-Solid-Couplers/3-4-SHAFT-COUPLER-1-1563-C.axd ) Drill 2 holes and connect it with roll pins. If changing steering wheels, just cut the shaft on the new one to the same length you cut the old one. No soaking for days, no knocking out old roll pins, no banging forever with a hammer, no cranking with a puller, no destroying the steering wheel and no aggravation (except for the locking collar sometimes).

The bolts generally provide a good ground. If in doubt, use a little sandpaper on the hidden side of the fastener to make sure that you have good contact to the metal.

I let one of those get away from me right before the Big Show because its really not practical for me to own one. But then after noticing at the show how cute they really are now I'm thinking I should have bought it. I'm glad to see you are bringing that one back to life with a good engine. The clones are definetly up to snuff!

Older 4-sp trans had a roll pin in the end of the axle, inside the differential. Here is one. I think this was a Commando 8 trans that I parted out a few years ago...memory is fading. When it failed, the po was creative with a 1/4" bolt / screw.

ekennell, I am right with ya there. I am still cleaning up from a tornado that just brushed us two weeks ago. I had three big trees go down. One of them was a 70 ft White Pine. Nothing but a super sticky mess. It's like working with rubber cement. Gloves get so bad they just stick to the limbs as you throw them on the trailer.

Looking good Bob! Great line up of WH power! Sweeeeet! I like the 1956.

Kenb and I got out on the lake today for a little cruising and a few cigars. Got a few action shots of Ken driving my boat...

Another option for stubborn pins is a roll pin punch designed to be used with an air hammer. I have one from my import car days and it works awesome.

So far this year I've bought suburban 551 its repainted it and gave to my dad still looking for a deck for it so he can mowe his yard with it bought and sold a 314-8 416-8 c-121 c-85 and a pending sale of a b-60 and bought a 552 with a front mount sickle the mower was for parts going to take the sickle to the mid mo meet and great and almost for got about a 704 I got from bowtie guy that's awaiting a resto its been a fun year so far

That may have been me Steve, or a few others. If the B-111 tranny is the Wheel Horse made cast iron version used in the Commando V7, it is worth keeping. I don't know about the A series, but I like the early vertical shaft models because they were, like the big models, all Horse, just shrunk down. Another feature of the early vertical shaft models, were the heavy bent and welded frames versus the later stamp sheet steel frames.

When I hear "inventory", the first thing that comes to mind is: I've got too much! Sold 6 tractors, 3 mowing decks and other parts and pieces at the show. Wish I could have brought more but didn't have room. Already got another tractor to add to my "inventory". Hopefully it will leave soon with some other bits and pieces. I think Wheel Horses are addicted to me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

DUKE! I need a roundhood fix bad... post more picts of that gorgeous RJ-35 please.

Duke, great display of the herd. Thanks for sharing. Wheres that senior, in the barn? Glenn

Keep us posted, I'm curious to see how those Predator motors hold up. I know it's not for a hardcore resto, but if you wanna get something you can run, what the heck.

He should have sold it ages ago because he's been losing money ever since. He's obviously never heard of inflation. $6000 in 1986 = $13,023.72 today Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

well the lawn ranger repower/respray is almost done.

You can avoid trying to take up slop with shims by taking up any slop with a split shaft collar. And you won't have to trust to a flimsy C clip to hold the wheel on. I switched to these collars some years ago on my two "C" chassis; one of the niftiest ideas obtained here in Red Square. http://www.usabearingsandbelts.com/m7/1SC-075--3-4-single-split-shaft-collar.html

From my notes but do not know if it is correct 1014 spring 4.500" between hooks, .070" wire, .520" coil OD, .380 coil ID, 3.570" coil length, 52 + 2 1/2 coils - Replaced by 83-2730 At one time this was listed 1014 nla Use 108035 OL 7-3/4", 5/8" diameter coil 6" long, .110"-.112" diameter wire. This sounds like the spring used on the later long frame tractors. Garry

took the steering wheel off #1 and cleaned it up to use on #3. out of the three i have this was the nicest one. came up nice enough, few spots where the wheel is worn and a few little nicks from use over the years. seat came today as well. i went round and round about what seat i would use on this one. i really wanted an original year seat, but i also wanted something new as well. i have had a few different styles of seat, the michigan ones I've used for a few years now, the v3500 is my favorite of them..... and this one i used on the c125, a KM 160 unipro seat...... for the 416 though i wanted some thing that looked a little more 'modern'. i liked the look of the mid height toro seats on the new zero turns, but the price at $175.00 was a little out of my budget. KM manufacturing make a seat the same but without the toro branding on them, this one also has a drain that the toro one doesn't. i liked the mid height seat (15" high) more than the 18-20" high seats that you sometimes see used on these tractors. the mid height seat is a KM 123 unipro and was a more reasonable $91.00 shipped from www.turfseats.com (KM manufacturing web store) i fitted the seat today, it has multiple fitment including the 7.5 x 8 that the later WH tractors have. its getting harder to find that bolt pattern, the 7 x 7.5 is far easier, and i didn't want to be messing around to fit it. the only down side that i can see is all of this style seat is a plastic base. we will see how durable it is. heres how it looks on the 416.... KM seat but Milsco branding....... i cleaned up the shifter knobs as well. the surface was well weathered and the smooth finish was long gone. i rubbed them down with 220, 400 and 600 and clear coated them with some rattle can rustoleum. came out nice and the speckled finish they had from weathering seemed to disappear once the clear went on. i thought i would try it and see how they turned out, i think they will stay for a while....... before..... after....

The 420LSE is a great piece of Wheel Horse history but personally, I would get the color pictures of the 420LSE that are still available (I do have a set), frame them, and put them on the wall (have not done that yet). If I wanted a chromed out Wheel Horse I would re do a 520H with a custom seat and lots of chrome just like a 420LSE and I would use it and enjoy it. jmho

I first wet sanded the boat with scotch-brite pads to remove oxidation etc. I then went over the boat many times with my Dewalt buffer using 3M rubbing compound and wiping the residue with lots of microfiber towels. I then went over it a few times with Mothers mag and aluminum polish... When I say its a dirty job I ain't even kiddin... I wear my most worn out jeans and shirts and toss them in the garbage when done for the day. I had a friend that wanted to do the same to his boat. Well, after a half hr. or so he said the heck with this! Determination is key. To think that I polished two boats last yr! Hopefully this was the last one I ever do....

Here's a good reference for you to have: