Leaderboard

I bought this in New Carlisle, OH from a John Deere guy. He didn't know what the big fuss was when my Wheel Horse guys gathered around and started to google over it! haha!! It's a little sweetie! Will be an easy restoration for me this winter.

Well dad and I need another project like we need a hole in our head but what the heck, you only live once! This past Sunday we finally made the trip over in to Ohio to pick up our new Wheel Horse Hauler. We grabbed ourselves a 1953 Ford F500. This is the last year for the flathead V8 and it sports a 4 speed tranny with a top speed of about 48 mph. The truck has the 12 foot script flat bed on the back and the wood is still pretty solid. Everything works as it should minus the cab lights. Those need to be rewired which will happen down the road. All 6 tires are in great shape and it has minimal rust issues.....it has some but nothing too crazy. The previous owner believes the odometer to be correct at 42K original miles. We are currently experiencing an overheating issue which I believe a few radiator flushes will cure. The thermostat seems to be working fine as it won't overheat at an idle. The future of this truck will be..............well that is to be determined. Right now we are going to enjoy it and gather up some things to make it a bit better. This will be a local swap meet and show hauler. Not wanting to travel too far with it as it isn't going to win any races. Here it is.......

Like this? Yeah... they're out there. As for the tiller.... I've been happy with my Wheel Horse one. Digs like a champ.

Hi Everyone, I was at a local fall festival and decided to bring some tractors for fun lol. Here are some pictures. Hope you like them!

Ken- It is the only help I can get around this place.. He really is. I told him I was tired while taking a break for dinner and said I think I am done for today. He said "I will do the hard work, you can stay on the tractor"... What a great kid. We worked last night until we ran out of fuel in the tamper. First thing this morning he said "Dad, we need to go get more gas".

Well I must admit that I have dropped the ball on updates. For our loyal followers, we are still plugging away and making progress. The end is in sight!!!!! We managed to meet the entire summer and only took a couple weeks off. We didn't miss a beat once school began again in the middle of August. Things have been very hectic on my end and I apologize for not sharing the updates that many of you look forward to on a weekly basis. I will try and pick up the slack! We have been lucky enough to show off our projects in two parades, received many compliments, and a group of kids that don't understand the word "quit" Thank you to everyone that has supported us......who would have ever thought things would have turned out the way they have. We are truly blessed! Here is one picture I snapped tonight. The past two days the tractors have been on display in the front entry way of the school so the entire student body can admire the craftsmanship of the kids. We will be rolling them back in to the club barn tomorrow to work on getting these closer to completion. I will try and get some other pictures posted soon! Here you go...........

Found a tractor listed on CL with snow cab and two stage blower, less than 100 hours on unit. Older gent moving from WI to AZ, he had purchased new for $5500 in '96 per dealer receipt, owner's manual, and service records. It had never spent a day outside of his garage. Thought I had uncovered The Great Find, and started dreaming about owning a near mint show tractor driving over to his house, caller #1 baby! As we were opening his garage, he first mentioned that it had gotten "a little rusty" from the salt on his driveway. Soon discovered that would be like saying Dolly Parton is a "little busty." There wasn't a piece of tin on it that wasn't covered with rust and bulged up paint scabs over top of rust; it had even undermined the decals. It started okay, but moved really slow even at full throttle. That is the second 520H I've passed over that went really slow even pushing the hydro lever forward, and I thought they were supposed to go even faster than my 8 speeds? He said; "I didn't bother to wash it because I didn't know anybody collected Wheel Horse." So, for lack of a hosing off each Spring, that ultra low hour garage queen was ruined by rust... I was distressed, and I figured that after the rust pits the metal that bad, and the chrome air cleaner is solid rust and even the hood louvers are all rusty, it wasn't worth even $1K to me. I suppose some would have parted it out and made money, but I was too disappointed and figured maybe someone better equipped could restore it... Sorry if this is posted in the wrong section. "wyzmark"

Was thinking of different ideas for a front weight on my 633 and this is what I came up with. Simple yet effective. It weighs 40lbs and it's made from flat steel stock and concrete filled lolli columns. Just had them around the house. The best part is if I need more I can jus weld on what I need.

Thought I'd use my very original first name nobody else here has.....

I think I like original colors better.... less to distract from the Wheel Horses that will be on the back of it! The bright red would be a great contrast against the truck and really stand out!

Love the older trucks. I've wanted a '48-'51 since I was about 11 or 12 years old. My Uncle next door had one and let me drive it around the yard. Then one day coming back from town he let me drive on our road the rest of the way home. I was in high cotton that day.. Red would look awesome on that ride!

Thanks everyone for the very nice comments. We are gearing up for another night of club. We will be moving the machines back out to the club barn and continue on with our journey. It looks as though we will be adding a couple of members starting next week. I am wanting to fill the vacant spots that were left by the students who are now 7th graders. They will get the crash course and will start disassembly on the tractor the kids won during the essay contest. The kids that have been previously in the club will continue on with the tractors that you have been following. Exciting times and a lot going on!

PAINT IT RED.......

Here we are last week at the Homecoming parade showing off our projects!

Wade, it would have been good for someone who already had a 520. The motor was noisy (very heavy rust on the muffler) but ran well, the cab was white/black and mostly orange colored and did not cover the engine enough to be "heated", but the glass window and wiper blade were nice. The seat was untorn, and the wheel weights were perfect. The back of the blower had been rattle canned with runs and paint over the decals, and the big decal on the impeller body had the Toro half flapping loose. The auger and main body were very rusty, but I like the mid mount design and it would have worked to throw snow I think. The steering had a big "dead spot" on center, is that common with the gear reduction set up or was it wear? He never had a deck on it, so the hours were low, but given the choice, I've learned to go for the mowing tractor with more hours but no salt damage. Probably Martin the indefatiguable could restore it, but the original factory magic was forever gone. So rest easy, you didn't miss out. Thanks for your replies, all.

The 520H snow blower project is finished waiting for snow and the MTD 700 is cleaned and oiled and actually mowed the lawn Sat. So, today was the Commando's turn. This I what I started with. It actually runs and drives. After about 2 hours, I had this. An hour later Some of the crud I found Wonder how long it's been since this horse saw some maintenance. Hard to believe it could actually run in this condition.

Here is a series of photos showing how I mounted three pairs of new tires on new rims for my Gravely Walk-Behind tractors. Instead of using screwdrivers, etc., to align the rims, I made a jig using 3/8"-16 threaded rod, 3/8"-16 coupler nuts, and 3/8"-16 T-Nuts to hold them in-place. Apply a liberal amount of talcum powder to the tube and inside of the tire. Use Ruglyde to lubricate the bead and rim. With this arrangement I mounted four 4.80-8 and two 16X6.50-8 tires in about two hours. It went quicker with each one. You do need to be careful not to pinch the tube though which is probably the most time consuming part.

I agree. I saw that it had been repainted which is why I assumed it was going to be a restore. But pictures don't always show enough. It looks great as is but since it's not original a full restoration wouldn't take the "it's only original once" away.

I say strip it and restore it.... it looks like it's been painted before by the runs on the hood. They taped off the decals... but still seeped a little. There's paint on top of the edges.... that's not factory.

great idea! original thinking score 9.5

I'm betting... not for long. Nice herd.

Just saw this and I also have to agree with the others, Looks very nice in it's original condition!! Nice Find

Yeah i should have known better

To explain what happens here...the belt guard has some tabs welded or fastened on the inside...when you depress the clutch pedal, the tension pulley puts slack in the belt...this slack is funneled toward the engine pulley enabling the engine pulley to turn freely while the belt stops rotating...this means the the input pulley on the transmission stops turning and you can shift gears with out grinding. Try this...it takes 2 people. With the guard off, take 2 screwdrivers, and place the shafts of the screwdrivers (one on top of the belt about 2" toward the trans from the engine pulley and the other one lifting the bottom of the belt on the underside in about the same distance)...start the horse, while holding the screwdrivers in place, the 2nd person is to push in the clutch (while the trans is in neutral) and see where these screwdrivers need to be to funnel the slack so that the belt stops turning. This will give you an idea where the tabs need to be. Here are some pictures of what Walfish did for a guy at the show this last June. You may be able to form these tabs with out the guard, but it would be better to position the tabs in the guard if possible. This will fix your problem. I know this is not the set up you have, but the idea is the same. You will have to do some fabrication, but should not be that hard...the screwdriver thing will put you in the ballpark. Hope this helps. You will also need the right length belt that allows all this to happen...sounds like you already have a couple of choices.

foozerush= Foozeball or fooseball, you know that table soccer game in the dark corner of your favorite watering hole with 2 or 4 guys around kicking a ball with those yellow guys on sticks.... I've been told I'm pretty good at it..... Rush= That awesome trio from Canada . Huge fan. Sometimes I have 2112 on the end and that gives it away. Gregg in Indiana Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome!! One of the last of the "mid engine mohicans!" I love em! Congrats and keep us posted.....with LOTS of pictures! :-P

Prondzy short for Prondzinski nickname from highschool

Purdue, Pitt, Nwestern, wisconsin, MSU, SYR, Navy, Michigan, Minny, Illinois, PSU, Mizzou, Nebraska

That is an awesome little tractor may I suggest trying some rubbing compound on it before you you go tearing it down? it looks absolutely original from here. very nice

Thanks Geno, I'll drill the lube holes today. That's also a good idea for preventing pins from freezing up. After I get the pin out, I'll drill and tap it for a grease zerk. If it won't budge after the soak, I will go to the saw and drill step. I like the pull idea Bob. I was able to free the hitch from the pin yesterday with PB and a 20" bar in the slot hitch, so it won't be a problem getting the two pin pieces out of the slot hitch.

Good time of year to start stocking the freezer.

Scrape, wash, then paint liberally with used motor oil.

Hi Don, Actually I added another label. The black one is from Toro and the yellow one is mine. I bought a nice No Spill diesel can as well. After I bought it, I spent an afternoon trying to cross reference a yellow molded cap seeing as Toro makes diesel Ground Maintenance equipment but no luck. I have also noticed that there are Green caps for diesel fuel now as well. Is that due to Bio-Diesel fuel? John

Not sure if I did this right but thought some may not have ever seen a Wheel Horse with a track. Found it in c/l.

Some may not like the Briggs but I bought my GT 1800 BRAND NEW in 1984 and mowed commercially with it for almost ten years. Also tilled countless gardens, plowed tons of snow. That ole' gal still runs like a top and is currently resting comfortably with a 50" mid mount grader blade that gets some occasional use. They may not be red but those tractors are Wheel Horse through and though!!

Well Craig, I cut the cub metal off the hood. Wasnt feeling it after letting it sit and ferment. I got the dash riser and dash panel mounted just need to weld the hood hinge panel in. Also got to fire up the motor just long enough to make sure it ran. Hope to start kicking it up a notch soon. Been too hot and I have been making "pumpkins" for the guys at work.

Today I was able to get moving on back filling the foundation after the crew removed the forms. I am just about out of the dirt that I dug out of the hole. I will be calling for more fill to be delivered this week.

Sounds like a whopper of a fish story coming!

I have to say it's so nice having a good MIG welder again, as much as I've liked using an Arc welder for many a year, it just can't produce the heat and strength I need for this project... More mounts almost made up.. And tweaked a bit to give a bit more space around the starter motor.. They bolt here.. The only trouble with recycling steel is it needs a good clean up first.. This was part of the filming trailer I built ages ago but never used! Cleaned up and welded on.. More to come in a short while, I need some food!

I think you'll find that many serious garden tractor enthusiasts often branch out and see what other brands had to offer. Wheel Horse is only one design to accomplish the tasks. I've owned several other brands in the past, they usually don't stay more than a couple years (if that long). If you want to truly appreciate the simplicity of the Wheel Horse design, you really need to own some other brands. Besides... other brands are usually good trading stock.

Mmmm the problems of chat rooms and social media.... Sarcasm is often lost. Being on this site and purchasing any other brand is akin to the Ghost Busters and the Stay Puff Marshmallow man. Don't say it, don't even think it..... Well most of us know how that one turned out. Really though best of luck with any other brand. Happy mowing!

Been purchasing Horses for forty plus years, the few I have left are washed, waxed, air dried 'n hugged by my grandchildren. The boys even give the tires rub downs. How dare those who mistreat "our" Stallions!

Can't remember how I came up with mine...... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All decks have a blade or 2 or 3 under them.

Just got home......yes it was a very small show with no vendor area, but it was cool to just hang with the crew and yak about whatever (and tractors). It sprinkled once or twice but not enough to wet anything much. Here's the crew: (Left to right) Russ, Karl, Craig, Jeff and me. I took these before Craig got there: Mike............

Now the race is on and here comes Geno up the back stretch, AMC, goin' to the inside, rmaynard is holdin' back and' tryin' not to fall, squonk is out of the runnin', stevasurus is scratched for Sparky's sake, The race is on and Nylyon's in it, but wait, TT wins it all!! For now,

Looks pretty cool Ed , but too much of that and I'll have to come for your Wheel Horse man card...

I wonder if the site admins could work it out for silent auction bids to be placed here on the Square? I think it would do well.

do you get beaten much? my wife is terrible...... the abuse i have to put up with....... more videos are on there way....... mike, the choke didn't make any difference any time i tried it and that was my first clue that maybe it wasn't a mixture issue....... the second was the fact that i could steady the governor arm and get it to behave itself..... as far as the belt guide, there is a lower one bolted to the engine plate on 416 #3 that the engine came off, so i will swap that in asap and see what difference it makes, i think i have a idler with a bad bearing as well........ back to the engine....... this hunting crap was really starting to get to me...(actually i was going to type something else, but karl would be on my back) i did a little manual reading, and then went and did some investigating....... in the manual....... so i disconnected the linkage and arm and pushed both toward the carb and they didn't line up with anything. so i disconnected it...... this is the linkage that was on the tractor, when i compared it with the older style thick linkage that mike sent me with the carb and other parts, the bends were all wrong. so i swapped out the arm with the older style and lined up perfectly with the middle hole, stole a clip off the linkage on my t260 sitting in the corner and hooked it up...... then i checked where the sensitivity spring was at. when i put this engine back together i left everything where it was at. the spring had spent some time in the hole it was in as you could see wear in the hole. but according to the manual the baseline was the 3rd hole and not the second one that it was in. so changed it to the 3rd...... then i kicked it in the guts and guess what?

Jason, Thanks for posting! Very interesting as well as the comments that followed. Dave