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Bought this cool little machine today. I do have some fence to install but only need about 10 - 12 post holes and just happened to see this while searching for a hand held post hole auger. It just looked so cool so I made the call to go look at it and came home with a lighter wallet. Another impulse buy. This thing should make quick work of those holes. 4WD (steers like a skid steer), custom trailer, Onan CCK engine and 2 auger bits (6 & 8 inch). Everything works like it should and no leaks so it should be fun to play with tomorrow! A friend who also needs some fence installed is going to be my first customer. If anyone in central New England area needs some holes punched, let me know! I need some jobs for it to help pay the bill. It can come with an operator or be rented by the day. Bet it's fun to use!

Walk into the light, ALL ARE WELCOME, ALL ARE WELCOME if they're WH All of the tractors I bring are rough and always cruise around on a heavily rusted 401 barn find. Even some of the restored tractors might look rough when they're sitting next to Buckrancher's stainless RJ! Bring any WH tractor so you have something to cruise around on too.

Yesterday I picked up a really clean C-145 Automatic. It is originally from Maryland so the score remains the same. I also received the original manuals and registration card which was a plus. This makes my third "Blackhood" as I seem to collect in "3's." It has an original plastic fender so to preserve it, I am going to put a metal fender on as it will be a worker. Overall the paint is in good shape but will take more work than I spent today using polishing compounds. The fender may end up on the classifieds as it is too nice for me with just the paint finish worn. There is also the maintenance sticker under the seat which I had never seen before. A really nice find!

just finished this up my new toy "RAT TRAP" RJ58 RAT ROD

updated RAT ROD Photos notice the exhaust,hood emblem & gear shift knob( just for you Keith aka Hammerhead),,,thanks RS Members for the ideas and input

WOW! ANother Great swap meet. No pictures either, very busy meeting people, and new people, talking, and selling. I got there last night, Friday and had the canopy & tables setup by 9:00, only a very light rain then. Slept in the jeep, woke up about 7am and probably 12 pickups with big trailers arrived during the night, silently . . . must have been 60 sellers all set up by 9am. Seemed like everyone was busy all morning, and it rained and kept raining, sometimes very light, sometimes so-so, I measured about 1/2". Many sellers started leaving about 1pm and the crowds slowed way down. Nice bonfire Friday evening. Excellent large site, very easy to find, well marked, lots of directional signs. Gene & Ken even had rolls and coffee ready very early in the morning, and then a nice lunch (hot dogs, hamburgs, drinks, etc.) in late morning. A very nice get together, lots of tractors and parts, lots of 'regulars' and it seemed to me that there were a lot of new, never-been-to-a-Wheel Horse-show people. Great Job Gene & Ken:

It's the chrome-plated muffler bearings that make it so pricey.

Several weeks back I was searching the net for a thread that might address the question: Will a chrome 520 muffler heat shield fit a smaller series machine? I found a few bits of information here and there, but nothing that really answered the question. With that said, I hope this thread finds some of you well. Here’s what I initially gathered from reading the net and various conversations: the 520 guard is too long, it needs to be modified, they still offer the chrome guard new thru Toro and all guards are the same. Let me give you the accurate answers based on my recent experience. The 520 guard is a bit longer (illustrated below), depending which guard you get, it does not need to be modified at all, the chrome guard is NOT offered new thru Toro – only the black, and the guards are definitely not all the same. There appears to be 2 different chrome guards and 1 black. One of the chrome guards has mounting holes on the outside edges and the other has the mounting holes set in a few inches from the edge (mine pictured below). I imagine they differed based on the engine – obviously. The black guard (as far as I can tell) is only offered with the holes set in a few inches from the edge. When I bought my 310, the muffler was totally smooth with no mounting tabs welded to it for a guard. I was able to get a muffler from a 414, which was exactly identical but did have the tabs. I then took a gamble and purchased the chrome shield you see below (from a 520). I only needed to make one bracket for this to be a direct bolt-on without any modifications to the muffler or guard. 1) Piece of mild steel cut to length with three holes drilled. 2) Bracket blasted and painted with high temp black. I slipped sheetmetal fasteners on the 4 muffler tabs and used stainless 8/32 hardware. 3) I used the factory mounting location(s) for both the guard and the muffler. 4) Both are factory muffler tab locations. On the shield, the 8/32 screw fits thru the horizontal slot without modification. Sure, its not the “correct†mounting location for the shield, but personally, I think it’s fine. 5) Attaches the factory shield mounting point to the homemade bracket. On this screw I have a stainless lock washer and nut (vs. sheetmetal fastener). 6) Is there a length difference? Yes. It is approx. 1.5â€-2â€. Quite honestly, it doesn’t bother me one bit, but that’s me – and I’m pretty picky about this stuff. I’ve never claimed to be an expert about these later model WH’s, so if anything I’ve noted above seems to be in error, please feel free to comment. My hope is that this info helps others out in the future.

The little tractor is really in better and more solid shape then the pictures look. Someone was going thru it and stopped. It has a new coil,condenser,carburetor,voltage regulator,the starter generator looks either new or rebuilt,new starter generator belt,wiring,gas lines and more. It also has NLA Goodyear ag tires on it. With a little tinkering I got it started and test drove it. It mainly needs cosmetics,seat,starter generator belt guard,correct drive belt guard,etc. It came with a rounded small deck that I think if from a round hood (new double drive belts on it too).

Well I just got back from a 5 hour round trip!! Got the whole package for 500 bucks!! One tractor is pretty rough with over 3000 hours on the meter but the other is much better with just over 800 hours. The rd deck is rusty but really solid and seems to have everything in working order. The 48 has 2 holes in typical spot but other then that it's good. Plow is ok but the blade is kinda bent somehow? Also got a set of tire chains. Looking forward to start tinkering to see what I really got. I'm guessing I should have no problem getting 1 good 417 that I'll hopefully refurbish to a really nice machine. I really really like the look and style of these 417's. I intended to pick up a plow before next winter anyway and it never hurts to have extra decks. As u could imagine I'm really happy with this haul. Got a few pics of the loaded trailer and will add more as I go.

Scotty, I may be new here but I have been around tractors for years.The Kohler engines have ball bearings that support the crankshaft and will tolerate a side load such as the Wheel Horse PTO.The Predator engines that have ball bearings should not have any problems with a side load within the limits of an inexpensive Chinese bearing.Any engine that uses anything other than ball bearings should have a side load designed into its makeup to live with the side load imposed by the Wheel Horse pto,such as the Onan P series.I don't think that there should be any failures related to bearing issues with any engine having ball bearing supported crankshafts.JMHO JAinVa

Hey Guys- Back from Mentone- no pics- I didn't melt away but my "Ride" had a hard time-since my knees have decided to give up on me- I have been delegated to getting around on a "Scooter". It usually handles grass pretty well- but today the rain made the going tough- I did get a metal rear fender pan for my C-125 from Kelly & his son and 2 Deck wheels from Dave Coulter. Also met Glen Pettit , he has a great looking trailer & display tent. While Cruising around I met another "BIG Ten Fan" -Burly- from Ohio. NOTICE STEVEASARUS IS MISSING- or at least he was while I was there. I even checked the top of the Cell Phone tower that is there- but Alas- no Dino! Burly looked high & low for him- wanted to meet a fellow "ILLINI" fan. But- maybe another time. Too bad it rained so steady- I have enjoyed Mentone.

Very nice upgrade! Though it does kind of take the eye away from that waxed frame

Picked up this 857 this morning just 8 miles from my home

Here is a pic of my new to me D180, and my youngest grandson

Please keep the Dino from climbing the antenna! No "Monster in the Sky" shots!

A good neighbor across the street from me was polishing up a WheelHorse in his drive way when I came home this afternoon. Well, that gets my attention. My neighbor Mark's father owned this tractor, a C-161 8 Speed since it was new and he had found out his sister was going to sell it and Mark bought it from her. He wanted it to stay in his family and he is going to restore it. He isn't certain if he is going to make it shine or keep the patina of the original paint from 1979. What ever he does, it will be done right. Everything is original except for a 1970's Ford LTD steering wheel. (I think it's pretty nice)! The seat and the single headlight. The headlight bezel is there but under a blank out piece of metal. It runs great. Pulls nice and the muffler compared to other Nelsons of that age is pretty quiet. No noises and absolutely no smoke even on start up. It has a right rear axle seal leak but not sure how bad until he cleans it up and observes it awhile. The gear oil in the rear is full and even looks fresh. His father took great care of it and I know Mark will also. Another Wheelhorse on the block! We will see him here at some point! Here are some pics!

Ken- The 420 needs to lay back and just watch his big brother "big red" pull that off brand around the yard...

I meant the fuel filter. The previous owner moved it and it's almost under the seat....it can't be seen from the rear picture I took. I'm gonna move it back under the hood like it is on my other 520HC. On it the fuel filter is between the engine and the pump, instead of between the pump and the gas tank.

Links to Craigslist ads are not permitted. For anyone out in MO Would love to see someone here get to it!

Figured you probably did something but couldn't see it

The skull is cool but it has been done before, I think the ballpeen hammer head adds a true rat attitude. The hood ornament is a bit too shiny and nice, needs more r​attitude.

That green paint must make them more valuable...or anyway someone thinks they are more valuable!

It'll be for the guys who wipe their tractors down with diapers to try and stop fingerprints from getting on them! Or, to coral the DUI drivers from running into expensive tractors! Killing 2 birds with one fence. The machine really grabs on the asphalt when turning but works easily in the dirt. Scared the crap out me with all that jumping around for the maiden voyage on the driveway to get it off the trailer. Got the brakes all straightened out and adjusted.

Well I've put a K341 on a 520H but didn't have it long enough to thoroughly work it but I can tell you the M14 on my last 414-8 was awesome. It did everything my 520H did using 1/2 the fuel. It cut the same lawn using the same deck in the same time. It stands to reason that if the Hydro's really take up 2 hp roughly the M16 on a 314H ought to work out fine.

I mow with a C145 auto and a 48 deck. Does a fine job. Now if you go out there in 5" tall green sticky grass you might have to raise the deck and slow down a tad bit. I also put a 48 on 314-8 only difference I notice is the auto use's a tad more fuel, ethier way there both better than mowing with my 520. The 520 does not do any better and uses three times the fuel with same size deck. So if the 14hp does ok I am sure the 16 will be fine.

DO IT! I love the sound of Kohlers in the morning! I don't see a downside to any of it I have a K321 sittin on the shelf just waiting for the day it's needed. It can replace my K341 or K301. 2 horses either way shouldn't be a problem!

Very nice... Hey, go to your back yard and drill a bunch of holes and then sell them to folks needing a post hole!

I have a soft spot for C-145's as well

Glad you got it running. Looks good. Just a suggestion, find a way to brace that stack without it all hanging from the threads in the head. Those heads are aluminum and not real strong around that exhaust port, and if you break it, you'll pay a good bit to get a good replacement. Parts for these big Teckys are hard to find.

I was thinking it pulled your eyes away from that decal Seriously Matt, I like it a lot! I'm on the lookout for a chrome shield now.

Update! finally got it all back together and looking good. New front tires and stack exhaust. Got to mow with it first time, did a great job mowing, front tires grip nice, no sliding on corners. The biggest disappointment is the stack pipe, brand new from TSC, after 10 minutes I had to get ear protection or it would have made me completely deaf!

Should be a blast with a beautiful, and spacious, new venue. Folks were rolling I last night. Couldn't sleep so I am up now. Just a little light rain so Steve should feel welcome back here in the Hoosier state. Ray is correct....look for the cell phone tower on the north side of town. You can't miss us. I have a feeling that this will be the biggest event yet. We had of course some Indiana folks there last night along with representatives from Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan so far!!! Looking forward to seeing everyone!

That is one shiny tractor!

Bring what you want, just as long as it's red.

You'll fit in just fine Dave. I'll be looking forward to meeting you. This will be my first big show but by watching the video from last year and looking at the great pics posted I'd definitely say bring what you want. We all just love red. It's gonna be a blast and I'm more anxious than a 6 year old waiting on Christmas.

Rough Stuff is show stuff if you are proud of it, great conversation starters too. Having read many of your posting I am sure you will fit right in.

The 520-8 is a great Horse! Always Kohler, I had doubts 'bout Onan. No longer. Maintenance is the key, Change filters and oil regularly, the Onan will wo.....wo......work!

jack 99% of the time the broken rod is caused by lack of oil in the oil pan. thank you boomer ( the used onan engine parts guy,also NOS and new )

That would be you owing me on the lunch... Snow blade in trade for a lunch? Sounds like a good deal for both of us.. You do know how much I can eat!

Hi all please excuse my lack of manners I am new to the forum but have been a wheel horse owner since 1988 when I got my 310-8 I recently got back into them with a 518h that needed the rear cylinder rebuilt after the previous owner let it run out of oil. I owe you guys a big thank you for the info I got here that made rebuilding it a lot easier. Also I wanted to say don't be too quick to give up on the crank as they are pretty strong mine had a layer of melted aluminum from the rod on it and cleaned up pretty well .Good luck with your 520

That happens a lot to the 18 and 20 horse onan engines if you are lucky the crank is still okay but you will probably have to replace both rods because they have changed them and they would not be balanced. I had the same thing on my 518h when I got it

Between my legs and the "Junk" I haul around.... Now that is hilarious!!!

I need extended cab. Between my legs and the "Junk" I haul around. A regular cab is about 2-3" too short for me. but I hear ya and the room in the bed.

Nice truck, if you like chevy. Did you check for recalls?? Sorry Craig, Mike made me do it!! Lol

1976 Plymouth scamp

Have you ever did something so stupid, that you looked around and wondered if you were on Candid Camera or Americas funniest Home Videos? Well I dug out a old C101 that I put in the dead line because the wiring harness just got so bad on it. I put the new harness on and could not get this thing to run. Oh it would start carry on throw a fit then die. Would not throttle up. Just a totall mess. As I was double checkering that I had everything on it's assigned post. I happen to notice that there was no condenser. Then it hit me I had robbed it last year. So I put a new on. It's amazing how well things run when they have all their parts as designed. How many years have I been doing this? The senior moments are coming in fast and hard. Geez.

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.

Listen, I can tell you are really tore up about purchasing this motor...so If you would like, we can arrange a heist....and I bet the mullet wig wearing perpetrator would accidentally drop 4 Benjamins on your work bench as he stole it....then you could tell your wife what a dumb criminal it was....I'll just need your address.... you know...to pass along to the sticky fingered bandit....

The is an item Chuck "Wheel-Mule" will be raffling off at the swap meet. He will be selling chances to win this item to help raise money for supporting Mentone Swap Meet expenses. He will be donating all proceeds from the raffle. Thanks for looking.