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Well, I have wanted one of these for a LONG time and now I finally have one. This 420 was used. It seems like it was at least taken care of mechanically. The oil was full and pretty clean and the air filter was pretty clean as well. The 20 hp Kohler runs excellent with 250 hrs. on it and its pretty friggin fast!. Cosmetically it could be better.. The paint has some chips and scratches here and there as well as the decals being a little scratched and marked up. The seat has a few tears where you sit. Thankfully I work for a leather company with a 60,000 square foot buiding full of leather so matching it up shouldn't be too difficult. The chrome isn't too bad other than the steering wheel. having EVERYTHING rechromed is pretty much out of the question because I'm pretty sure that will put me in the poor house. I'm not too sure on whether to fully restore it or leave it as a survivor.. I know I won't be able to do it this year as I'm hoping to sell my house this spring if all goes well. There just enough enough room in my current garage to properly restore this tractor. Anyway, here is how it has cleaned up since yesterday...

Finally got the ambition a few days ago to start working on my 702 with HY-2 hydraulic lift.I guess it hasn't run in many years.Plus it lived outdoors.All the normal things wrong.Tranny full of water.Fan gear on the steering broken,Rear hub halfmoon keys just about worn off.Carb full of varnish.I was going to start buying some needed parts,but decided to drag my other 702 into the shop today.Manual lift on this one.Real nice gear-drive RD mowere deck too.Plus all good steering components.Got the mower deck,gas tank and steering column off since I've taken the pics.Some people will probably think I'm restoring the wrong one,but the one with the hydraulic lift came from an old friend .I thought I'd share with you guys here.Enjoy the pics.Love these little red tractors.

Got a call yesterday and you know me... I think I'm just gonna leave the trailer hooked to a truck from now on. Picked up a 77 C160 Auto, 75 C161, (the hoods are switched) 1056, Work Horse 700, and a 12 8sp. It was a nice surprise to see the front weights on the 1056. I couldn't believe they were all there and 4 of them ran and drove and 1 just needs a coil. Also got a tiller, 3 more decks, some extra parts, and something I desperately needed, another plow.

no wonder I cant find any horses in ky Geno has them all

I just bumped into this post- My name is easy- I was recruited by and played football for the Fighting Illini of University of Illinois. My Coach was Pete Elliott. We won the 1964 Rose Bowl, and I was lucky enough to play with men like **** Butkus, Jim Grabowski, Bob Trumpy, and several others that went on to NFL careers. I blew my knee out in a spring game, ending my career. I played left Tackle on offense , because I was a good Pass Blocker , and right Tackle on defense for pass rushing. Good memories and life lessons, good education.

Thanks Guy's Great Help.....I only have the little MF 7 as of now Im in process of restoring it and Dads MF 12 but I can post up a picture of a massey Harris of Dad's we just finished Im going to buy a Lawn Ranger as soon as I get done with the little MF.....a picture of Dad out playing on His triple shorty after I got the paint done this past July sorry no Wheel Horse pictures yet but hopefully next summer I can get one bought and then it's on...LOL

Started another project this fall, I decided to install a 10 HP Chinese Diesel in a rescued C85. I worked a good price from Carroll Stream this spring on an engine and when I picked up the C85 in WV, I thought that would make a good fit. And like everything else I do, it got a little carried away! Frist thought was making a worker, now slowly turning into a show pony. The C85 black hood worked well because of the vast room under the hood. I made up threaded mounting blocks from 3/8†bar stock for mounting the engine. The engine was too close to the top of the hood to allow the compression release to rotate; I made a new hood hinge and raised the hood 3/4â€. A small teak on the side of the hood using a bar clamp and that made enough room to clear the air cleaner. Then came new paint, tires, a stack, (with chrome tip), a sleeve hitch and much more. It is now about 90% now. Hope to be done next month; I will shoot more pics when completed. Thanks for looking. Joe

Thanks for the reply's, I spent some time today cleaning it up with wd40 and steelwool, I also put some MM oil in the eng and let it sit, and then turn it over to check if it was seized up.(all good) I then put a jump pack on the battery cable too check the starter, she turned over fine, ( plug out ). I am going to clean the carb next and then try and start her up. I have a few questions, There was a problem with the steering so I removed the front wheels and started checking things over and found a loose nut at the bottom of the steering shaft. That will be an easy fix, I notice the steering linkage look different, and I wanted to know if this was OE? ( see attached photo 2078). Front tire are filled with cal I think, what is my best plan for them. The tires are good front and back. Rims might need paint, looking for ideas on that. I would also like to see a photo of how the battery was tie down on the frame, if any one has a good photo. Thanks, Dave

I used lots of aluminum foil and in some spots I had to use ultra fine steel wool in extra soapy water. I then put a coat of wax on the chrome.. Nothing got scratched...

It's back together and running. As I had indicated, I was getting anxious to put it to work, so I did not do an extensive redo. I settled for some new paint in the more obvious areas and the rest of the effort was in the mechanics. The engine seems to be in near perfect condition. I changed the oil (which, BTW, wasn't all that bad shape), cleaned out the gas tank and replaced the fuel filter, cleaned and put a kit in the carb, removed the deck lift, adjusted the brake, replaced the tie rods and put 4 new tires on it (I went with turf tread since I don't plan to do heavy work with it). The local power company replaced my feeder pole (about 40' pole) a few weeks ago and just dropped the old pole in the yard (my request). I just tied a tow strap to one end of the pole and put the WH in low-low and walked off with the pole. It didn't even hit the governor. I'm happy with it. For about $250-$300 I have a fine addition to my "fleet".

got some work on the ranger today, seat on, outside pics with juliette and got the deck adjuster but the split pin won and the angle grinder was the only way it was coming off. james

Maryland needs to be kicked out of Div. 1 college football entirely! How do you lose a 25 pt. lead at home on the last day of the season? Steve, I was on the road following the game. But if you and I were watching the game together, I would have been tossing furniture at you the entire 2nd half! I caught the end and couldn't believe it. Watched some highlites and it looked like Christian Ponder and Donovan Mcnabb were at QB with all the grounders. I did see that pass the Maryland guy caught with his feet and knees. Too bad it wasn't called right. SINCE I now nothing about college football I can't complain about the results. My only regret is Iowa is done. Now Steve and Brrly might pick the same teams and take half the fun out of it. New rule next year. Bitten needs to pick first so we know what teams will win!

Excuses!!

Thanks guys! The plan for this one is to totally refurb it... fix everything that needs fixing but keep it in its work cloths. That way I can drive it without worrying about the paint or if grease and oil leak. Even though the tractor originally had a Clinton, I will be swapping a K90 on it... just so I have one Kohler powered RJ35.

thank you everyone I had a nice easy going relaxing day Brian

Yes... One to me and You have one leaving tomorrow. I really think your buy/sell ratio is a wee skewed lol But Still ... Rather see you do what you're doing than them end up .... lord only knows where...

YES!

Gotta make a lectric starter till you getem runnin right Craig.

He has gone beyond collecting......and into the unknown.....me just a owner and only wish I could collect.

We got it together enough to test ride today. The engine is loud, seems to have plenty of power. Will see when we put the plow and tiller on this spring. Hope to finish assembly this week, lights, hitch, and decals. I am attaching a couple short vids of my best neighbor Fred driving around IMG_0348.mov IMG_0347.mov.

I have a 30'x50' shop that's empty and needs some horses in it

its just my name

Here's a update had to paint the back fender the rust was out of control so now it's multiple colors but I like it

The amp meter will NOT show the draw from the battery due to the starter. The starter can draw 35- 50 amps which far exceeds the scale of the ammeter. Download the Kohler engine manual from the MANUALS section of this forum. There are additional checks that can be made internal to the starter if you are convinced it may be fried. Brushes can be replaced, armature commutators can be faced or cleaned, worn bearings can be replaced. Poor battery condition, poor battery cables and corroded cable connections can make you believe you have a bad starter.Make sure you can turn over the crankshaft of the engine by hand to eliminate engine mechanical issues. Measure that battery voltage while you are cranking the engine.

I think you're worthy of the elite position Steve. Just knock on the basement door and we'll let you down. Oh yeah. Hey AJ!!! Nice try in your attempt to get to the donuts but you under estimated the talent a couple of us have in picking the teams.

Bob...you are absolutely correct...it is much better to be in the basement with good people, then standing on the top with only one way to go. I am much more comfortable in the basement then I am on the top. I am out of my comfort zone.

OH...one more bragging rights issue I have to deal with.....wait for it!!! Illinois is going Bowling...Michigan gets to be at home watching the game. Watch out for those cigar store Indians... Who would have thought that???

Some of my favorites A Dino on a Pond My daughter with her lawn ranger Friends at the show And the best one of all

I don't use anything on the inside or outside. I use the correct size chain for the tire, and fit them so they are tight without the need for anything extra.

I love how sweet these 5k generators look not fun to put on there heavy buy what a valuable piece to have..

Went and saved this 308-8 from my sisters house today runs alright but needs sum love and the PTO belt was broken

Looks like you hit the jackpot Sir.

So...did she finish it yet?

Awesome my man!!!

The plaque on the hood only has the original owners name on it. The tag on the fender is hard too read from sun fade. It looks like the last three numbers on it are 022 but I can't be sure, Tomm I will look at it with a magnifying glass. My plans are to bring it to the BIG SHOW.

Geno you must be buying them by the ton! Another very nice score.

Beautiful Ken! It looks good enough to leave as is.

As have I ... and From his own mouth "I have no more room, I just don't know what I'm going to do with anymore" ...

I have been to his shop and I cant figger out where he would put any more without putting up another building.

Having to think on that are you?? Maybe you're building a ramp to the attic? Pallet Racking in the drive?

Probably the worst engine I ever had was a Techy ( I've never had one that would run right ) but since we're talking 18 hp. twins. I bought a tractor once with an 18 hp. Kohler overhead cam that was a nightmare and every C-175 I've ever owned had a broken rod I don't think much of Kohler twins. I have never owned a Wisconsin or worked on one so I can't comment. I have never owned a Honda twin either so all I can go by is what I hear but the cost and the fact you have to modify your W/H to use one will keep me from buying one.. Now we come to my favorite and when it comes to the twins, I have had quite a few Onans but never an 18 hp. but the 20 hp. is by far my favorite. The engine it's self is not a problem at all. The problem is the way it is installed in the Wheel Horse which causes the rear cylinder problem and the electrical problems have nothing to do with the engine. Now for everyone who doesn't think the Briggs should be included all I can say is, for me they are the easiest engines to get started no matter how long they have been sitting out in the elements. They will stand up even when they haven't been maintained to any other engines on the market. Granted they don't have the torque of the Onan but they get the job done day in and day out.

Expect to see a new shed... making it's debut in the near future.

Most of you here don't know that I do woodworking on the side. I have shipped pieces all over the world - and have a nice collection of woodworking tools. However some are used more than others. Anytime I need to do a Hole bigger than 3" but smaller than 6" I have to use a Circle Cutter that goes into the drill Press. Its basically a center bit, and a adjustable Arm with a Dagger Knife on the end. The center bit keeps it located as the Knife swings around and cuts through the wood in a Circle. Almost like a Power Chisel. Well .. this is such a rarely used tool, I forgot one time, about the knife that swings around. My left hand was inside the arc and while I did get it back from where it was, I wasn't totally clear of the knife. It cut my Middle finger from the First Knuckle, up the side, over the big knuckle, moved the tendon, exposed the bone, and up into the top of my hand before I could get it out of the machine. When I first pulled it back I didn't realize the damage that had been done. Headed to the house, Rinsed the blood off, saw bone, and in a panic, wrapped my shirt around my hand, jumped in my pickup (Its a Manual Shift btw) and DROVE MYSELF to the hospital that's 9 miles away. When I walked in, the lady working the desk told me to have a seat and wait that they were a bit busy. I untangled my shirt from my hand and all the could see was blood...I was IMMEDIATELY given a room. haha They Did a Xray to make sure that I Didn't fracture anything, and while waiting for the tech I was running my right index finger up/down the exposed bone (i mean really how many times in our life can we touch our own bones while they are still IN place?). She told me that if I didn't stop she was gonna get sick...haha I really don't recall the number of stitches it took but I think it was around 20 ... he did a very good job of sewing. Three years later, the scar is smaller. I still have almost no feeling on the top of my hand, have limited strength to it, and haven't been able to hold a pinstriping brush, or my airbrush (i'm left handed) since ... Though I plan to start learning again. I also Drop things a lot with that hand ... gets frustrating sometimes. Moral of the story? LOOK BEFORE YOU FLIP THE SWITCH! You're digits might thank you later!

I would think to start all your posts in the appropriate section....if you have a Euro section pertaining to it place it there....we (members) usually are looking at new posts so when you start one it will be at the top.....I sure you browse the forum similarly...... Thanks for all your input....

Hey Ryan, the 312 is bombproof! Welcome to redsquare

I thought you had one of those helium balloon tanks there and were filling tires with that!

Now that I've been here (as a RS member) two years, I am more and more exploring the Euro section of Red Square. The Euro members are a class act, and bring a feeling of harmony to the forum. I will be a regular visitor here as time marches on. Van

Perhaps the reason some people don't want to join the RedSquare forum is because of other forums. I have been on others and fount then to be a nuisance, but this is well run and a great place to share your intrests. Like dodgemike and others have said, word of mouth and personal testimony will work; worked for me, thanks Wild Bill.

I suppose forums are not necessarily everyones cup of tea, I personally think they are a great way to share information and let folk know what is going on. All we can do is promote this forum in 2014 and see who joins up I'll make sure that any WH relevant article I send to Tractor and Machinery magazine (which seems to be well read in the UK), promotes the forum whenever I can

I have been into Wheelhorses for about 5 years now, and have owned a Commando 7 (now sold), most of a Commando 800 (also moved on), a Commando 8 (still got it, it was recently restored by Chris Sutton), a Lawn Ranger L106 (bought restored from Chris Sutton a couple of years ago) and a Raider 10 (guess who that came from ?? ) We did indeed have two successful Wheelhorse roundups in the South of England but as Neil says this won't be happening down here next year, however Mark (meadowfield) is organising a Northern gathering in June 2014 so the Commando 8 will be going 'oop North !! This is a great forum and one I will continue to support, my interests lie in most things Horticultural but the little red tractors have a special place in my collection