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I am taking my Custom 1962 Army Horse Model 762 to a car show in Mt. Vernon Ohio this Saturday. There is a few tractors that show up every year or two for some reason, so I figured what the heck, might as well try it! Feel free to bring a Horse to the show, maybe we will take over the show one day! My buddy Packrat will bring his Custom 1963 double engine 7763 Wheel Horse too! We will be at Sugarcreek May 9th if you want to see them in person, a lot of details to look at on these one of a kind machines!

Tilled the garden for our tenants with the 416-8, I think I've found my second favorite thing to do with a Wheel Horse. This was the first time that area has been tilled in at least 55 years and I couldn't be happier with the way it came out.

if youre looking for the encouragement NOT to buy more horses you came to the wrong place haha

I offered to repair a 48" deck for a co-worker only because its a and it turned out so good I impressed myself, so I thought id share it here with the horse crowd. He has a 1990 520 so we obviously talk a lot but he isn't nearly as into it as I am, we do gang up on another co-worker who just bought a brand new cub though . Anyway he just wanted it patched to the point it didn't throw grass at him anymore but I generally don't work like that and honestly the spots were so far gone im not even sure I could have done that. It had 3 rot through spots in the common areas, back right, back left, and front middle. I didn't intend on taking it as far as I did and have it come out this good so unfortunately I don't have any before or during pics( I really gotta get better at that) but I think the after pics I took will tell the story good enough. I hope the photos come through well and do it justice. These 2 photos show the rotten pieces I cutout and remade laying on top of the repair. These 3 show the underside which will give an idea on what I cut out. Ive learned after doing a few decks now to weld both sides and leave some weld build up on the inside for strength. I just knock a little off the top of all the welds and make sure nothings sticking up. These last ones are the finished product. I have about 6 hours total into this and did it through my hour lunch breaks only. The piece that I made to replace the entire left corner took me a full lunch break alone. I did it by hand with just a cutoff wheel dead blow hammer, and ball peen hammer. Really had fun making that piece. A tip I have is ive started to use JB weld kind of like bondo to fill in any low areas and mismatches so I don't have to grind the material so thin works pretty good. Sorry I make such long posts but I don't know how to share what I want to share in just a few sentences. Thanks for looking Paul

This really nice original condition cart found me this week. It's a 1 owner, sparingly used stored in a garge since new obviously in near new condition. Missing a knob and hub cap but those are on order already. The original paint shines nice. Couple surface rust spots on id of hopper but thats about it. Tires have some cracking but hold 30psi no problem. Been wanting one of these for some time, always liked the 1 pice wheel barrow type hopper and low profile. Best part is I sold my current cart for same I paid for this so was a wash! The original decal is on an angle, must have been built on a Monday or Friday. Here's some pictures. Still impressed with the shiney original paint! I may clean up the inside and touch up paint. MU

I made the final till today with the little 8hp and had to retire it until some open heart surgery. She started to sound like a diesel. But I was able to finish and installed my mini green houses and got the tomatoes out. I had to eat a lot of ice cream but the pay off is worth it. If it gets cold just put the lids on

Rinsed off three of the 6 Burbs today. The RJ's might have gotten a little jealous. I gotta get the correct decals for the 61 in the middle. I better give Terry a shout.

Bought this at the auction on Saturday. If I feed it will it grow or will I have to throw it back ? Took the plug out and filled it with WD40 All I had figure better than nothing. Motors stuck trans shifts and seems to work Deck turns and came with push blade

So I got the 854 all "de-winterized"...weights off, plow off, tires swapped, etc. Took it for a short ride, and low and behold, my kids want to drive it. Problem being, they can't reach the pedals. Well, they were all into getting it going, and lit a fire under my butt. To the machine shop/basement we go. There was no way my daughter was going to be out done by her brother, he's 6, and she's 8) They did good for their first day driving, and machining. Lots of practice and safety to come. They are pumped to go to Zaray this weekend. Hope you all enjoy the pics.

I like it but..... it is still not a chevy.... Hopefully it will be able to pull that trailer with a little load on it. lol The pic with the RJ in the back looks like it is squatting a little too

Chris- You think it is getting full?

I stopped by a local garage today to check on some work I am having done there. These fellows have been into all kinds of stuff over the years, including garden tractor pulling. They do quality work and when they were pulling, they were winners. They got out of the actual pulling but are still doing fab work and painting. I saw this "custom" hood being made, but was sad to see a roundhood cut up for just a small portion of it being used. Here is the photo.

What...mowing doesn't make your list?

KC9KAS asked what my favorite thing to do with my Wheel Horse is it's blowing snow and we had plenty here in MA last winter, I was in my glory moving it all with my 418-8 and single stage blower.

Those tillers really can do a great job on a Wheel Horse. I like them a lot too! Changing oil in mine right now on the 1979 C-121. I hope to be tilling on some still wet ground by Saturday ! Finally getting some somewhat descent weather days here !

Thanks, Here's a couple more pictures. Will go nice behind our workhorse 310-8! MU

Why oh why would you have to give buying anther WH a second thought?

Real nice combo Will and hey, you even got Stevebo's stamp of approval! I would try at all costs not to use your trailer on wet roads in the winter if they have been treated with the calcium they dump all over the roads. I got caught out in a little storm in Mass. while picking up my 420 and the roads were just treated. I was more concerned about that crap eatin my van alive (I don't normally drive it in the winter) but it was my trailer that went to poop real quick! Its like I came outside and didn't even recognize it one day it was all covered in rust.

I appreciate the concern JA. I have nothing but respect for machines. Just a little backround..I am a third generation machinist and the mill he's using, is the one my father taught me on when I was young as well. I am in my 26th year at Excello Tool, foreman of two departments, and have mentored over 10 kids thru their apprentiships. I have to say that I have learned way more from my father at home, than I ever did in 4 years of machine tool at Platt tech high school. I do understand that pictures don't do justice most times, but my son is taking .040 cuts with a 1/2 stub rougher. Believe me, no way is that thing letting go. If you look at the setup again, I was teaching him to not blindly mill the pocket, and to make sure he was watching the cut. He couldn't have see what he was doing, or turn the handles, from any other position (mostly due to his physical size). Please don't think I'm getting defensive as I do know in the wrong hands, or lack of experience, these are very dangerous machines as I have see first hand, (as is any tool or tractor really). I believe if you introduce kids to things and experiences in the right manner, they will be better off and safer in the long run. I genuinely appreciate your concern, and congratulate you on a successful long career in the same trade.

Thanks for the pics, Steve. I think you would win the "Best horse barn" contest.

Looks great. Like a magazine shoot. And the little horses in the background peeking out. Glenn

Mel- We will have the motor running smooth before that thing is painted for sure.

I found the ad on CL. It looks very clean and well maintained, although the hours aren't mentioned.

That is true... Craig tells the truth. Every one of those on the shelf got there by good old fashion back work. Last fall a bunch of the members come over a few times to help work on this project (which I did not forget) and we figured why not lift them up on the shelf. On that note- I will be hosting a meet and greet this summer/fall. I need to get the year to grow some grass first....

Happy too hear you are up and around! Sounds like everything is coming together on the wifey's RJ.

It's a great candidate for a foot control conversion.

I use to own an '89 and a '90 520-H. In my opinion, the motion control lever on the '89 (like the one pictured) with the motion control between the legs was easier to operate as opposed to on the steering column.

This is either a 1988 or 1989 Model 520-H with the motion control lever protruding from the middle cover plate. The hyd lift lever is on the left side as in theis pic (your pic). There is also a Hyd engagement control lever. not to be used for a PANIC STOP. PARKING BRAKE... the little tab on the tunnel cover plate (as corrected by another member). ps... If you want to UPGRADE to the later model style with the control levers on the steering column, I have the parts to do that from a 1995 model that I parted out a while back. contact me here: daveoman@windstream.net

First day back to work, talked my surgeon into sending me back ahead of schedule, put me on light duty no stairs no lifting etc... Pretty much means just sit there at my desk and watch the clock BUT at least I'm not sitting at Home going stir crazy. Would've liked to gone fishing, reality is the weather here this past week was for the most part just real crummy. Of course my first day back and it's right around 72 and sunny out, lol... Anyway, returned Home this afternoon to find Wifey pointing out a couple surprises waiting on our front dooryard: Hmmmm, what could it be? Hoops! Went with the Carlisle Farm Specialist, just seemed a little beefier without "overkill". Heard from my powdercoater today, says all the wheels should be done and ready to pick up Friday. We chose a high gloss "Traffic White" which, while much brighter than the "correct" white, should really pop against the color Wifey wanted. Slowly coming along...

Yes, they are very nice.

Number 1...blowing snow. Number 2...tilling. I am liking how you think.

Chris, Thanks for replying to my post.It is obvious to me your children have a great mentor and role model.I agree wholeheartedly with teaching the kids how do things safely.It scares me that a lot of people in the hobby jump into machining something solely only on what they saw on you-tube.Based on what you describe as your background and training, the kids will get tutored properly and safely. I was hesitant to post my comments because I didn't want to stir anything up and I am glad that you didn't take offense.Pictures don't always tell the whole story and now I can sleep better knowing that the kids are safe.Enjoy every day with them as they grow up fast.Luck,Jim in VA

Laughed hard at that one. OP, if the engine is seized dump that WD40 and pour in some ATF, let it sit for a day or two then try to start working the crank back and forth with a wrench on the flywheel bolt. It'll come loose.

I probably gave to much for it, but the other bidder is a craigslist parts seller. Not sure what it was worth There was a nice GT next to it, today they have it all in pieces on craigs list They keep buying whole ones and sell half the parts then scrap the rest of them. Luckily I know the owner of the scrap yard they use

I have a 1987 wheel horse 310-8 with a 42 rear discharge. Withe the rear wheel handle all the way up anf the trunk on adjusted to its max with being 1/8 to 1/4 inch higher in the rear and the rubber stoppers hitting the floor boards I'm at like 2 7/8 in the front which is killing my lawn.... I even leave the lift handle up or down same case. Need help..... tire pressure is good .

Very nice find. I am jealous.

My wish list is very short But a 754 was on the short list. Never really thought I could get one. But you never know right. Last Sept. a friend of mine said he had one he was thinking of selling. I told him I wanted it. So then from the guy who bought it. I found out he bought it a couple of years ago. Do to my friends age I figure he for got about selling it. Along comes last Saturday he says I'm ready to sell that 754. Ok when can I come & get it? So on Monday before I leave I call. He says I'm sorry I must of sold it. That's ok I kinda knew this. Then a couple days later one shows up on Facebook. It's in my garage now.

Lookin pretty tidy, but.... Can't ya find some where in the upper barn to store that 4 wheeler?

Ahh! And so it begins, now you have two tractors and all those attachments. Now you will need a third tractor so you can save time switching attachments, and then the Wheel Horse addiction begins............!!!!

Every time I see pics...it gets nicer and nicer!! (Not to mention, fuller and fuller). Sweet!!

Thanks for all the words of encouragement! I really would like to give this baby some paint at least, but I want to ensure there are no mechanical/functional issues at hand. Best way to do that Is put it to work! Long range plan definitely calls for paint. The rust issue in some areas is bad. I want to try to POR 15 a lot of the parts. That stuff is great. Got the motion control all cleaned up with new ball joints and a cam plate. Feels way better. Have to get the motor mounted and running to adjust it in, but hopefully that's is as easy as it sounds. Re glued on the brake band liner and put the new spring in as well. Everything feels good there as well, so for the cost of the spring, very pleased. Hope to have the new ignition switch and motor in this weekend, and go from there. Had to replace the fan. The po had 10.5" wide turfs with chains on the back which hit on the fan. No good. Went for 23 by 8.5 ags for the back. Hopefully that helps with the clearance issue. So I thinks I have a 520 wheel and sheet metal, as well as a front end now. Haha. Should have just gotten a 520! As far as the motor goes, I am eventually gonna pull the heads and have a look, but for now, there is no signs of smoke or rough running. Oil filter plugs and air filter will have to do for now. I will post a cold start and run vid when it's back together. I swear it starts faster than any small motor I have ever dealt with. Has a lot of power too! Ran the 2 stage like a champ, even without a clutch plate! I will post up some pics of that once I pull it off again. The clutch plate is gone and it's metal to metal. It looks like the fasteners are still there, so that is good, but the pto pulley looks a little rough inside and out. Might try to find a lathe to clean it up on and replace the bearings/clutch. That will be a fall project. Won't need it until the blower gets remounted. Well, thanks for checking out my overhaul, and suggestions/opinions/advice are appreciated. This site has given me more than a few slick tricks for these tractors. Thanks guys!

Tell you what. I sure enjoyed those pics. Put a smile on my face ear to ear. Thanks a million for sharing. Glenn

Today was a good day.. The barn was delivered to the house and so was the standing seam metal panels. I had to call in a favor to one of my contractors to help unload them at one of my projects and use his trailer to get it to my house. They plan on starting tomorrow to install sill plate and getting it ready to raise on Monday. My Sthil chainsaw had a small 16 bar on it and the chain was shot. I picked up a new 20" bar and chain at tsc and decided it was time to drop a tree near the barn that had to come down. That saw can cut for sure. I ended up using the terramite with the thumb on it to haul away the branches. It made quick work of it. I had to get it down prior to them raising the barn. Now I can sit back and enjoy....

They sure did !! We were 2-3 inches low on the gravel so a few bucks more and now I have a 6-8" slab instead of a 4" ....

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.

Yeah, I've heard good things about them. Both of my tractors have a lot of Zach's parts on them. He's a good guy.

Looks like this will be an interesting build! Currently building another chassis myself...its a yellow and white one this time

Always timely, no nonsense, sensible non complicated solutions and to the point. A priceless resource in this forum in my opinion.

I think a lot of the issues are covered and there will be more to come. I also think that the engineering of the Wheelhorse Garden Tractor became suspect over a long time line of use and owners! I don't think the engineers in South Bend ever contemplated their designs, (tractors), would be run as everyday tools in peoples backyards 30, 40 or 50 years into the future. And everybody uses their equipment differently. I had a neighbor in a development years ago that washed and waxed his John Deere "big box lawn tractor" after he mowed religiously. That tractor will be around for a long time and someone will say that was the best tractor JD every made! An overwelming majority of people who also had the same model will be junking theirs in 5 to 7 years of use. A decent amount of WH Garden Tractors of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's are still in operation with many being used as everyday mowers and for seasonal ground engagment use. Many had more than 4 or 5 owners. The issues we point out are actually minor when you think of all the abuse and non-maintenance most of these machines incurred. But they are still useable. In a past thread I stated the garden tractors WH made then were a solid simple quality built, well engineered garden tractor that was a high water mark of American manufacturing. BUT......if you use something long and hard enough over a long period of time, no matter what it is, something somewhere will break! A design flaw? Maybe. A lot of issues on these machines can be traced to other companies that WH/Toro used. (Onan, Briggs, Sundstran, weak Eaton pumps, whoever supplied the cheap fiberglass fenders, belts, cheap gasoline with ethanol, maybe the paint and primer manufacturer, etc.). There are lots of "issues" with WH tractors. Same with the older Bolans, Cubs and JD's. But they showed up over time and for many, a long period of time. We can still talk about what we notice because something cracked or quit last night is something to be amazed by and something we most likely will never see manufactured new again in our lives.

When its heavy snow I'm wide open. With a little rolling speed you'll gain momentum and will be less likely too lose traction. My little Wheel Horse 604 pushed its guts out this past winter. Of course the bigger the tractor and the more ponies it has you can tone it down some.