Leaderboard

Just got my new Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine today, and our buddy Jake is featured in a very nice article. Way to go Jake.

I was excited to locate the problem and did not properly thank everyone. You diagnosed it early but I wasn't sure what I was looking at. The split was on top and I could not see it. Oldredrider called and talked to me and his questions got me on track. Thanks again to all who had input, couldn't have done it without you guys.

What could possibly make quicker work plowing snow with a horse?.... Plowing with two . That's my fathers 520-HC in the back and my 518H. We have a few inches here in Pa,and my old Hahn blower is working better for what I have to do at my house. So the 518 went back to my parents to make room and this is what transpired.

Air cleaner bead blasted, painted and installed. Decal applied (thanks Terry, this looks great). Rear hitch bead blasted, painted, and assembled (thanks Al). Cleat

It is interesting! The valves are seating properly. I think it's the angle and shadowing your seeing. I see it too now but only on the picture. I put Seafoam to this motor 4 or 5 times when the carb acted up. It doesn't remove hard carbon deposits though once cleaned out, it may help keep it cleaner....longer. There is some carbon on that over-sized valve seat that may have some bearing on the compression loss. I can't wait to see how out of adjustment the valves are. My 416-8 Speed didn't even remotely look like these nor did the spare P220G I put in the loader. Oh well!

Got the new tires on yesterday, a new idler pulley and drive belt and finally took it for a ride. I also put new bearings in the mule drive pulleys, when it warms up I'll replace the idlers, spindle bearings and the belt on the deck and that should make this a pretty dependable worker.

Almost 17

Oooooops... I did it again.

Hey all. Just joined. I have a 312-8 (91) Kohler engine. I also just purchased a 417 Hydro that I think is an 85. I picked it up a little over a week ago. I had originally started looking for a blower unit for the 312 but ran across the 417 and 2 stage WH blower for $850...talked the guy down to $700. Looks like it needed a starter however so its sitting at the WH repair shop down the road getting the starter rebuilt and having all the general maintenance done. I actually work for Sherwin Williams with the OEM division of the company and sell paint in both liquid and powder. If anyone has questions about painting, please ask!

Well, a new Horse arrived in the stable today. 1961 551, and in really straight condition. I believe it to be an early restoration. I need to collect some parts, namely the fuse-box cover, belt guard, and muffler shield. It came with a straight mowing deck, and what I was told is an original seat cover. First, some pics: Mowing deck's tight, but I hope it will loosen up with fresh grease in the spring time. Now, first thing is first... to get the electrical system buttoned up: The tractor came with these parts: I know where the points and condenser go... but not the ignition brake? And can someone tell me what type of fuses I need? Next, why do the front rims only have one hole in them? I'd like to mount front wheel weights if/when I can find them... I assume I'll have to drill the other two holes. One the way here, is seems the trans froze up. I'm guessing water in it. Once it gets above freezing I'm going to drain the fluid. If the trans doesn't look good, I may replace it with an 8-speed. And I spent a little time cleaning up the hood once the ice melted off of it from the trip here... (Not too sure why this one uploaded upside-down, but okay...) Well, goodbye GT-14 and welcome 551! Now to find a brother for it... Thanks!

The KOOL KAR guys add flame throwers to their cars, you already have one. As Theroundhorsernr said, just a little unburned fuel; I would rather have it a little rich than too lean.

Hope you make it Jake. I would really enjoy meeting you and seeing your great work in person.

That smell is forever imbedded in my mind! Unfortunately most kids today are not exposed to any of that stuff. Kids are being raised up learning all kinds of "garbage" that will not serve any purpose in their lives. They are definitely not learning any manual skills. I have a 3 year old grandson that knows how to pull a hub with a gear puller. Not that he physically can do it by himself yet but he knows the process. The reason for that he because he does not spend any time in front of a tv or a video game. So having said all of that I think that engine is going to be a sucess and more manafacturers will pick up on the idea.

D & L Waterless Hand Cleaner. I remember it well. My dad bought it in one gallon size cans. After doing dirty, greasy work, he would hold the water hose for me while I cleaned my hands, then I would hold it for him. I remember the smell, and I remember that no hand cleaner since worked as well.

DO WE HAVE TO PUT SNOW PLOWS ON OUR WHEEL HORSES TO CLEAR THE SNOW AT THE SHOW ?

Just for fun I lined up the wheel horses. The front 520-H is complete, the center one is my 520-HC in progress, and the rear one is my 520-H that will be getting torn down and converted to be just like the front 520-H which is a 1988 model. Cleat

A friend of mine from my other hobby (O-Scale and HO-Scale streetcar/interurban models) sent this link of an interesting convoy parade in England from 08/16/2014. Remembrance of WWI is highly regarded there. https://www.youtube.com/embed/huQhqXiB8O0 Here is the explanation: Amazing GDSF WW1 Steam Convoy - 'Gigantic' bounces around the roundabout! Mark Thomas Published on Aug 16, 2014 The Great Dorset Steam Fair WW1 commemorative convoy from Bovington Camp to Tarrant Hinton, on 16th August 2014, arrives at the roundabout in front of the Bryanston School Gates - just before Blandford Bridge. A vintage (Ford?) staff car forms the escort at the front. McLaren road locomotive 1332, Gigantic, then appears hauling the 72 ton Pickfords trailer bearing the 1914 WWI Holt 75 HP gun tractor, 'Ben'. The strain of turning the Pickfords trailer through ninety degrees gives Gigantic cause to slow down and then bounce forward with accompanying chuffs as the driver expertly brings the trailer around. McLaren road locomotive 1652, Boadicea, pushes from the rear making up the 80 foot train. Burrell road locomotive 3257, Clinker, follows bringing troops. Roger, son of the late Fred Dibnah, is (I believe) at the controls of the 1917 Foden steam lorry that follows. Roger is co-owner of the Holt tractor. Show co-founder, Ronald Harris is with his 1915 Daimler lorry which was army owned in the war. The rear is brought up by the 1918 GMC water bowser owned by Rowley Moors of Bridport. After a stop for sandwiches at the Crown Hotel you will see the lead driver check that all are ready, a blast of the whistles to signal the start and then the convoy setting off for the final leg of the journey. Please comment with any further information / corrections and don't forget to tick on 'Like' if you enjoyed this video. I was lucky with the shots/light and think that I caught the vehicles at their active best - especially the early sequence showing Gigantic being turned around the roundabout. All credit to those who have restored these vehicles and who handled them so well. It was a truly spectacular and memorable event.

This is how added some weight to the front end of my unit. C-85

Probably the best thing to.help steering while snow plowing would be roller chain around each front wheel.

Just like last year. We had 4 or 5 guys snapping them lifting blowers

Keyways are the thinnest part of the crank. I can see why it would go first. My guess is that there was a small defect in that area, and the stress did the rest. I don't think the cold had anything to do with it. "Good" steel can withstand stress far below -20 F. But the thinness of the steel at the bottom of the keyway is questionable.

Enjoy the wedding Ed. We'll catch up with you next year. Sent from my tractor seat.

As you can see there was too much pressure and the lift arm snapped at the keyway slot in the cold. I replaced the arm and am ready for the next storm.

I not only mentioned the bell crank but gave you the part number

The 301 crank has the bottom of the weights milled off and is too light in weight for the 341. The same with the 321.

There is not that much difference between a 4 pinion and and 8 pinion. If you were building a Pulling Tractor you need an 8 pinion, but most things done around the house you won't see a difference. People brag about the old sears tractors and they don't have near as much transmission as a 1" axle 4 pinion 312-8 Wheel Horse.

Yes, the shaft fits correctly in the donut. The set screw end is fine, the pin broke leaving some of it stuck in the shifter, and two additional pieces in both sides of the donut. I would say it's abut .125" dia. The piece in the shifter had to be driven out. I'm breaking out the welder. Nice to know some of them came welded and that's an option.

Tins, starter, bearing plate, fuel pump, dipstick, oil pan, gov gear, gov linkage, etc..... should all fit. Crank, piston, rod, head, valves, carb, air filter tin, etc should be specific to the K341.

Started some bok choi today some arugula and chamomile.

Thanks guys --going to do a diesel flush as soon as it warms up. Too cold for me. Everything is frozen solid, and this tractor needs time to thaw and dry. It's rather cold and damp to work on at the moment. Until then, I'll work on cleaning up other things, doing research, and cleaning up that beautiful seat-cover.

933168 roll pin for the shifter donut 5/32" x 13/16" Replaced by Toro 32121-114 spirol pin Garry

I'll bet that was a real pain in the.. uh.. uh.. pocketbook. Couldn't resist Mike, but you knew someone would go for the carrot. And for GOSH sakes Lars we're in no way makin fun of your past situation. I remember that was around time of Chevy collapse also!

You should get a tattoo there Lars.

HEHE Craig.. i can tell you it was really painful.. not the cut but rest of the leg because i hit the muscle so it was a bit torn.. But as Neil said 2 years ago since it happend... it all fine now just a scar that reminds me of it!!

GOTCHA It's that time again .... out with SAINT VALENTINE In with SAINT PATRICK

The biggest deal is breaking the bead, after that some warm soapy water and taking you time to remove the tire off the rim will get the job done.... few years back I got tired of paying the tire shops $25.00 to do this so I made my own bead breaker out of old garage door rail parts and scrap iron, one of the best tools I have ever created and it works like a charm on tractor, wagon, car and truck tires...

so i shot a couple pictures of my horse there ya go

Imagine he's even healed yet?

This post is 2 years old

Lars, hope you get well soon and I am glad it wasn't worse than what it is. I also want to thank you for sharing your experience because since my accident a couple of days ago my mind is now racing through all kinds of possible injuries and their causes. I am also guilty of using a RJ without belt guards. It happens to be my grandson's favorite tractor and I can't keep him away from it. I have always been self-conscious when he is next to it while it is running, worried about his little hands. Guard needs to be a custom one (longer than stock) so I never got around to make one. I can tell you now, that thanks to you that tractor will never run again until such a guard is in place. However sadly, at least there is some good that comes from our misfortunes, in the form of real lessons learned from them. Get well soon.

Hi RC, I think on the blowers another cause this year besides the more frequent use of our machines during a particularly bad winter is the snow that accumulates on them. After I sheared my cotter pin on my lift tube while blowing snow on my neighbors driveway a few storms ago, I wanted to see just how much weight that snow on top of the blower housing added. The snow itself was pretty powdery but not after it cakes on the housing. I would venture to say I had an extra 25 lbs if not more of heavy melting snow on it. Is it a pain to get off the tractor and push the snow off multiple times? Yes, but after we lifted it dry verses lifting it with the snow on, it would definitely add a lot more stress to the whole lift mechanism. Add in the cold and something is bound to break besides our nerves!

Get better fast Lars!

I'm old enough to remember working before cell phones were in everyones pocket or glued to their ears....seemed to get more done in a day without it (and the wife couldn't bother me!!). Hope ya heal up fast! Mike........

My daughter was married at the Outer Banks in 2009, with the Corolla Lighthouse in the background. What a great place to get married. We will miss you at the show. If there is anything you want me to be on the lookout for you, let me know.

I will unfortunately not be able to attend this year. I say unfortunately only because it's such a great time with great people, but I'll be attending my son's wedding at the Outer Banks on the 25th, which should also be a great time with great people. Have fun, I'll be thinking of you all!

857 and blade from saturday. Do the drive and the street between property lines. Don't mind the ghetto neighbors. Bunch of rentals

I remember the early 80's, eatin pizza with Bud Moore on the pits during practice at Pocono and shootin the breeze with Junior Johnson out side of Martinsville Speedway. By the way, those Buick V-6's were murder to your ears when Martinsville had the roof on the front straight

im a fan since I was very young,i agree about not being the same,but I still watch in winter,and Saturday night,my all time fav was the silver fox david pearson

Hi all, Had a play with the 312-8 today and also got a few jobs on the 'to-do list' completed Parts of the yard are quite muddy but it didn't really struggle much, the ags worked well! Tom

Going to put this one on the calendar. Tom