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We challenged my daughter to read a bunch of books over the summer and told her if she did that we'd take her to Chicago to the museums. She made it, so we made the drive up there this weekend to visit the Field Museum and Musuem of Science and Industry. She really wanted to see Sue, the T-Rex on display at the Field Musuem: But there was one heck of a surprise in store for us. Now, Chicago is a big place with millions of people so I didn't expect to run into anyone we knew. Let alone someone from this forum... None other than Stevasuarus from Elgin was there! What are the chances?! Steve

Great year again at Pioneer Power... The big show's double features were "Classic Tractors" meaning anything made before 1970, and "Vintage Snowmobiles". I thought the turnout for regular tractors/gas engines was a little weak, perhaps due to no specific brand feature. The snowmobiles however filled the feature building and they had to find space for the overflow in adjacent buildings. I think I heard they were expecting 125, and by Friday morning there were already 160 with more showing up all day. The Wheel Horse turnout was pretty good. I never took an actual count, and we were definitely down a few from other years, but we still had a strong showing. It's been interesting to watch how our presence at the show these last 7 years has begun to really draw out other Garden Tractor exhibitors. There were a few Wheel Horse items on the auction... none of which came home with club members. Not that prices were unreasonable... just no one felt the need to own them. Reportedly the D-250 brough $650. Supposedly ran and drove in (don't they all, right?), didn't start at auction. Lawn Ranger brought short money, but no one was particularly interested in it. Likewise with the little dump cart. A few faces.... Joebob ol550 TerryM (and son Andrew) prondzy (and wife/daughter) and shynon Rest of show pics... good turnout of horses and attachments. A few others mixed in here.

I haven't been good at posting pics of what we bring home but am trying to do better. Usually it's just the loaded trailer shots then we're off to get more. I already posted #1 (dads) this one is #23. Will do more as time allows. This is last Wednesday's find from Georgetown, IN, only about 1 1/2 hours away. We brought home a 417A with original WH cover, 2 extra wheels with lug tires, WH wheel weights, 48" deck, 48" plow, plow hookup on the tractor and an extra new mount, 50" mid mount grader blade, an EZ rake with an extra 3' x 5' leaf cart, a Brinley roller, and some extra parts and belts. This was all one owner and we got the manuals and original tags + such as well. Oh, and don't forget the 2 bottles of wine (last pic). I think we're going to keep this one as the snow blower tractor and put the cab on it we got from Don in MD and the snow blower we got from Glenn in Jersey. We had already restored the rear wheels before we took the pics.

Sometimes you draw the worst conclusions in your mind, then, when everything works out in your favor, you wonder why you got so worked up. Glad you found out that an honest mistake was acknowledged and corrected, plus you got to see the personal side of their business.

Are you sure the pin has not sheared and the holes are no longer aligned. On the Raider clutch I just repaired, I could see some movement between the shaft and lever when I applied torque, so I knew the pin had sheared even though there was enough friction to operate the clutch. So I had to tap the shaft out, then remove the three pcs of pin. When I put it back together, I added a set screw and a second pin. This placing of the pin near the OD of the shaft increases the shear area and the strength 2-4 X

Just bought a tall chute blower and a snow plow today. Blower is missing the flag and the plow is missing the operating lever. Otherwise excellent condition. $100 for the pair.

Hey I got it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmEGm-mraE

YO GENE,,,dont worry,,,you will be corrected if wrong. and maybe sent to bed with no dinner. lol Glenn

Yea, he looks a little small to be Steveasaurus. Maybe a Minisaurus.

Just returned from the shop...all is well (I hope) . The folks there couldn't have been nicer and more apologetic. Not sure what the knocking problem is but are going in to find out and fix it. The guys even took me to they're home to see their many tractors and other equipment. They just finished restoring a small john deere , don't know the model, but it was absolutely perfect, and showed me another one that they completed last year, it also was perfect, so I completely trust them to take care of my horse. I'll keep you all posted.

I added wheels to mine - glad I did, has come in handy. After using 2-3 different vacuum systems and not being completely satisfied, I finally got a dedicated blast cabinet vacuum system from Enco, it REALLY works! Like HF Enco often offers % off codes and I grabbed a %20 and free ship, and that eased the cost. I also added a switch to control the vac and light. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=803-0027 Dust --- theres probably gonna be a certain amount of dust, just the nature of the beast. As mentioned, pay careful attention on assy and use caulk or weather stripping on any possible weak areas. For instance, when you open the door there always fallout from build up at the door edge. I have very little leakage on mine, but still, on cleaning the glass and after a cleaning session there will usually be a bit of dust on the glass. I tried using the window protectors and found that with the somewhat cloudy view through them and them further hazing so quickly that I just gave up on them, you also have to have the inside glass very clean or they wont stick. After using the cabinet for as long as I have, I have learned to keep the object being cleaned and the gun positioned to get the best angle away from the glass, if pointed for just a brief time the glass will badly haze. I can usually get quite a good life from a glass. I just buy 3-4 replacement glass at a time and change it out.

Back in December I picked up a WH 876 from a guy who had had moved to NC from NJ. It was used for snow duty up north, but didn't get much use if any down here. Not sure how long it was in the barn, but it was a long time. I plan to use it for mowing duty because my yard has a lot of tight turns. I think the hydro and short frame combo will be fun to mow with. Anyways, after wrapping up some other projects this spring, I started messing with the ol' short frame today. I removed the carb, and was really surprised at how clean it looked! removed the needles, bowl, float, and needle looked great. So I did a quick clean on the float and bowl and put it back together. Next I took the fuel pump off. I knew it was not working when the tractor last ran because the old fuel line had bypassed the fuel pump. What I was not expecting was to see the arm missing from the fuel pump. Not being familiar with these fuel pumps, I am not sure if there are any other parts missing from this side of the pump, I hope they are not inside the engine block.... After taking it apart, I found there to be some corrosion on the inside, but it didn't look too bad. it did seem to have all of the internal parts. Anyways, The next step is to either get a new fuel pump from napa, or try to find a cheap used pump and make a franken-pump. After that I'll change the oil in the engine and hydro and hopefully get 'er crunked up!

Did you have to buy the wine for your wife before she would let you buy another one ! Nice find

Proper sized end mill in a drill. Works every time! Drill through it and put in a new one when ready.

As mentioned above, I used a kit from TP Tools that supplies you with all the hardware. It came with plans to build the cabinet with plywood. I modified the plans to a larger unit. Cabinet measures 24" high, 30" deep and 60" wide.

No need... bring a coffee can. Chock full O'nuts!

Shiny new heart for the old Kohler 16 hp! It works perfectly and it was inexpensive. $52 from amazon

There's a bathroom on the right?

I've got a really used one! CHEAP! It's even clean on the inside!

I made a pivot bar that slides in a U-block. Its attached the lift chain from the pivot arm that's controlled by the hydraulics. The driveshaft was in the way so I moved the gearbox, shaft and pulley over 1". The gearbox that came with the sickle bar was worn out inside (gear and pinion). I found a NOS gearbox for a Ford 2-stage thrower. Exact same gearbox except the output shaft splines were different. So I had to make the first half of the driveshaft. You can tell by the new paint in the photo. The whole unit pivots around the mounting pipe that hangs from the tractors front pivot arm to the rear axle hanger.

I quit smoking to save money....... Then I bought a Wheel Horse. I call it transfer of adiction hahaha

It was him. You guys just don't recognize him without his "coffee" mug.

Theroundhousernr, That is some great info. My little Raider has a 16hp transplant. It's more than enough power. But as with my chopper (I made 7.5" forward controls so I could fit) the little guy is lacking a little in the leg room department. My shin gets abused by the pto engagement lever. I love this little raider, and I love tinkering on it so it's staying. plus the lil woman likes it. I am jsut preping for future purchases. I dont really mind the rareness of a second tractor, I think it'd be fun to have the oddball wheel horses

Lots of room on the GT14. I really like the way I sit on mine. Its a different animal then the C series tractors. It was wheel horses step into bigger estate tractors. Heavy son of a gun. Close to 1000 pounds with out me on it. Then the D series came along to fill that void. Once again most all attachments are different. Only made for about 3 years also. It seems there Is a trend that formed based on wheel horse "bigger" garden tractors. Short production runs upon many models over the years. I guess bigger is not always better...... If you want something " bigger " ( notice the quotes ). Go for a twin cylinder wheel horse or the big 16hp one lunger , whether it be Kohler or Onan. Same ole long frame but bigger grunt under the hood, heavier axles in the rear , different seating arrangement. The 520's newer then 91 would be found with swept forward front axle and heavier 1 inch spindles. See..... "bigger" but not really. Then again , I have a friend that bought a C81 new, way back when. Mows 20 yards and a ball field with a 48 inch deck for 18 years. He will put that same tractor up against any big twin and out pull you any time. The big twins are wasted HP in his opinion. The gearing on the wheel horse transmission really go along way as far as torq. Only thing you really need the big power for is the big 60 inch deck and the two stage blower. Sorry for the long post but I guess you can gather. The bigger odd ball series wheel horses where never a big hit due to the market, demand , or whatever. So less parts and a little harder to find attachments for. If you want to pony up the money and go for something like that. By all means post pictures when you pick one up. Plenty of us do. Just keep in mind down time when you need parts a so on... or even better , have a back up for you back up as they say. As far as the long frame tractors, they where pretty much the same through out the years. Just different tin , motor and transmissions. This is one of my favorite things about wheel horse. I can take an attachment from the late 70's and it will still fit my 1989 520. Very smart business in my opinion. Rant over

You will love that great looking tractor! I love mine and that was before I got the engine rebuilt!

Great find , I just picked up a 417A two weeks ago too but it has a differential problem . I will have to get some input when the time comes. Again Nice find, my wife would sell me if I went much more than the 8 I have now.

when it comes to size don't forget about the C195

That's a beautiful Geno but I just gotta ask, did those 2 bottles of wine come with it?

Nice score

23? Is that all...... Just wondering if there is a record to be beat that I am unaware of ??? If so , I want in on it. I am on the hunt for a 417 as well. Nice find. Looks great as far as cosmetics go.

Now there's a happy face!!!!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mike, The 523Dxi that I recently bought has 23X8.50-12 Ags on it . The PO must have had another brand tractor before or picked them up used as the offset is not WH. They are just to the outside of the fender. It hasn't made any difference - and yes, turfs do provide a softer ride. Why don't you swap around a set of tires from one of you other tractors to try it out. When I need new rears, I intend to try the Kenda Terra Trac (a bit cheaper) or Carlisle All Trail. I believe that Simplicity puts the Kenda Terra Trac on their 4WD Pestige if you want to see them on a tractor. For what it is worth, I like the Kenda turfs better on my 520xi than the Titan turfs that are on the other two. John

Duke, where are you hiding? I bet your having a rough time with the picks aren't you? That Appl. State games got you all up in arms and you just don't know what to do. You've got my number call me and I'll walk you thru it. Call The Dino he's always open for Advice. Where are you at? You've only got three more days. What's the cutoff time Steve 6pm Thursday evening? All of you other guys jump in here also, I think everyone that plays has a pretty good time.

I don't believe it will bother a thing. There's an inch difference between the tires (1/2 inch per side) like I said don't for see any problems at all

Like to see a photo of that setup.

i think having to buy 15 seats is a tall order in anyones book. why not just get a few at a time and when funds allow buy a few more? if you get 15 cheap seats for 15 tractors you will have 15 tractors that are uncomfortable and not one will you want to spend any time on. are you buying seats just so each tractor has a 'new' seat on it to look at, or are you buying seats to make them more enjoyable to ride? comfort is what i am after especially for the ones i really want to spend time on. and while i am always looking for a bargain, the seat i mentioned above is my bare minimum in terms of comfort. the seat i put on my latest 416 was near $100.00 but every time i sit on that seat, i don't feel like i ever want to get off it. the bare minimum seat, I'm done within 20 minutes........ that v-3500 seat is a bargain right now at $34.00 (with shipping 1 is $44.00) the more you buy the more break you get on shipping, that deal would be hard for me to pass up.

If you want a cheaper seat don't plan on much seat time. A real cheap seat won't have much padding in the Fitz M'Tush area.

I'm 6' and it's a toss up between the 1054 and the little 68 Lawn Ranger. Why on Earth does the Lawn ranger have so much legroom?

Me? I'd call the shop and calmly ask... what the blank...you know what I'm sayin'? Ask 'em if they remember if they torqued the connecting rod bolts too?

Not to hijack the thread, but can you post a picture of your hitch assembly on the 520HC that you have the Cyclone Rake attached to?

Haha... I know right.. the garage.. The best thing though, I no longer have a wife telling me I have to do it. Just new forum friends! It never ends! And great Idea.. I do have the original manual for her too and it seems to have a great breakdown of everything. But I still plan on taking pictures of everything. And I also plan on replacing every nut, bolt, pin and rod. I am pretty lucky really. My Dad is a Master Tool and Die maker, so I have no limitations (other than his time, which is tough to get sometimes) to any small part that may need to be repaired or fabricated. Perfect Idea. Yeah your right, there really isn't and dents or anything, just a bit rusty. So I will start with pictures and some light body work just to see if we can get the red out of her.. I appreciate it so much! Thank You guys!! I will post pictures every bit of the way if you would like. AJ

A long overdue shot of my mug with my new Red Square hat that I won in JimD's contest.I know I'm not pretty but the hat looks good.Thanks again Jim for the hat and Karl for shipping it.

Did manage to get two of the wheels painted as well as a lot of other wheels...

There is another thing about the oil senders on these Onans, there were more than one which I found out once. I had an engine that was using quite a bit of oil and I had another P-220 and decided to change them. Swapped the engines and the first time I fired it up the oil light was blinking. So I pulled the cover off and low and behold there was a different sending unit than the other engine had. I ended up having to change the engine wire harness to get the light to turn off along with the sending unit. Just saying there is a difference between years.

You did put 30w oil in it right? Did you put an Onan filter in it or an aftermarket? Just saying if the oil pressure was OK before you changed oil, and now you have a blinking light, I would think something you did caused the problem. I would suspect the replacement oil filter first before I started taking things apart. Over diagnosing a problem is a common mistake you know?

Do you have the tractor's model number? If I remember correctly the oil pressure switch also controls the hourmeter. Looking at the correct wiring diagram should confirm this. Garry

looks like Don came through with a pic. just to be clear, when you turn the ignition on it should blink, then it should go out when the engine starts and is running....... if it continues to blink either you have no oil pressure or bad sender etc....

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.