Leaderboard

After snowblowing this past winter and several mowings already, it was time for a bath and a wax. It is a 1990 312-h I got about a year ago, I stripped it down and restored it last spring, 1180 hrs on it now, planning on at least that many more.

In 1985, my Dad decided it was time to replace the old Gravely convertible he had, since he was the only one who could start it, and it was difficult for me, my sister, or my mom to mow with. After considering a few others, he bought a new 310-8 from Hutchinson's Equipment in Hopewell Jct., NY..... In 1985 the 310 had a red grill, and he painted ours flat black, so it kinda looked a bit like the bigger Horses We (I) mowed with that for a handful of years, and made a few bucks from some neighbors, until he bought a Scag walk-behind in '91 or '92. He kept the 310 for a few more years before selling it to a long-time friend of his.... Not sure where that Horse is today. My first WH of 'my own' is the 416-H I have today that I inherited from my grandfather..... Every time I'd help him with maintenance, he'd always tell me I should keep this tractor when the time came. So when he passed, that's what I did.... Kinda feels like he's helping whenever I get to put it to work.... He was an avid (that's an understatement!) gardener, and this year the 416 tilled my garden at our home for the first time!

It's only going to get worse with the total lack of mechanical knowledge of this new generation. The emphasis on "new" instead of "tried and true" is much better in today's society. Forget the fact that the average age of vehicles on the road it 11 years or that the average cost of a new truck is $31,000. You know a friend of mine brings up the fact that the high school he went to was a technical school. When you went there you learned a trade and got an education at the same time. Of course that high school no longer exists. Seems like teaching our sons and daughters something they can actually use later in life has gone out of style today. With all the liberals controlling the schools and curriculum it's more important to be socially aware and tolerant than educated for a useful life. It's just a sorry statement by those who control our educational system.

So with the long weekend, I was able to add some safety factor to my HF lift. I added ramps, rails on the ramp, tie downs to hold the metal ramp to the wooden pieces, stops to keep from rolling too far forward and access to the lift mechanism to raise and lower it. The wrench in photo is only to denote the access hole as the lever needs to be longer to assist with torque. Once on the jack stands, I can safely pull away the wooden additions as it is centered as it would be with motorcycle and similar in weight. All the hardware I had sitting in shop so the additional cost for some lumber and I am still well below what I would have to pay out for for a wider lift. My grandaughter helping me out is a bonus:).

My son kevin bought his first tractor two​ years ago with his own money. He bought a 1975 c160 for $250 and he was only seven years old. That started the addiction. Kevin's first tractor pull photos Fall 2013, Age 7.

Finally broke down and bought a trailer. I've been renting those ugly green ones and well... they're green (and I'm tired of trying to make sure I get it unloaded and back on time). I have been pretty impressed with Sure-Trac, as I remember @shallowwatersailor going through his process and then picking it. There are a few nit-picky things about them that I thought they should have done better, but all in all for the price I felt like I got a good deal. (Middle of the road price point) Its a 6x10, all box frame rails, spring assisted fold-flat gate, LED lighting, set-back jack, 3500lb axle, ez grease hubs (WAY nice) etc., etc. (And it lives at my KY address so no registration required). And I got as spare tossed in for pennies. Already took it on a trip up to the Portland Swap, and its hauled a hefty load of top soil! It tracks nicely when loaded but can be a bit "sprung" when running unloaded. Tosses me around a little bit on the rougher roads. I need some more attachment points, what do you guys use? I was looking at putting in some e-track or is there a better option? I like having lots of options when tying a load down.

I saved it from a trip to the scrap yard. The 3 point is a plus.

​My kids are only in the 2nd and 3rd grade, but they are so far ahead of their classmates in hands-on activities, problem-solving, and reading. Those boys help me with EVERY project from the tractor, small engine stuff, to plumbing and carpentry. They help me with the garden and the chickens...the youngest even asked me the other day if I would still be proud of him if he decided to become a farmer instead of a police officer. These boys are amazing! I grew up learning every aspect of home building from my grandfather. He also taught me how to repair everything he owned, because his generation FIXED things instead of throwing them away. That has carried over to me and will be passed to my boys. I piss my wife off weekly with the "broken" things I bring home to fix. Never owned an edger before, but I've got $5 in the one I fixed this weekend! In high school I took 4 years of mechanical drafting, 4 years of carpentry...was the student teacher my senior year, and competed in VICA competitions for both all 4 years. I went on to get an AAS in Criminal Justice, which led me to becoming a police officer. After 4 years I wised up and became a Fireman! I'm not a rich man, but I am a happy man! I just hope my kids can keep their head in the game and not get caught up on the liberal bandwagon. Oh, don't ask the boys their opinion on the current administration...unless you have time to pull up a chair and listen! Long winded, off topic rant over!

One of the boys must have brought the heat in the middle of the night. The poor Simplicity was missing its head light and was really beat up when I found it Saturday morning! Boys will be boys!

Awesome first ... smart young man there.

I had a very productive last few days finishing the wiring/lights with cousins Tim and Todd. I took the time to really get the barn organized a bit today after all the other work. Here are some pics. Ready for final CO. In honor of Memorial Day I hung the 48 state flag I got from a buddy of mine. I really like how it looks.

some up dates on the db puller

Thought I would share my newest twins that I have adopted over the past year. These both need some TLC, but through my research, there was only 30 painted with this color scheme. Hoping to get one up and going soon and then take my time in getting the other one in better shape. The only thing I am missing is the polo shirt and hat I believe. If anyone has any leads on some of the items, please let me know. i do have the dealer poster already hanging in the barn. If you notice they have some differences in the flames while one tractor is a 15-38 and the other is a 16-44.

Well that settles it....I aint going ! This tractor show stuff sounds dangerous!! Mike....

I don't think I've shared this as I've been pretty scarce on forums since it happened.... but I pulled the trigger on a new trailer. I had the Wheel Horse two-place snowmobile trailer for several years, and while I loved it and had many fun conversations at shows while showing it off, I needed a better trailer to be able to haul to shows and for general use around the home. After long consideration regarding the need of a substantial trailer and the desire not to let this collectible un-restored metal trailer sit outside and degrade in another Minnesota winter I decided it was time. I'd have loved to be able to justify keeping both, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I never officially advertised it for sale publicly, but had told a couple people I was considering letting it go. There was one collector whom I knew was legitimately interested in making an offer if I was ever ready to let it go. We agreed on a price and one of my prize pieces headed for a new home. If he ever decides to speak up on it, I'll leave that up to him, but know that it is in good hands and will be meticulously restored, I have no doubt. This picture really highlights just how small even the two place snowmobile trailer is. With that part of the deal done, I began seriously looking for it's replacement. I wasn't in a hurry as show season was over and I didn't have any immediate hauling needs. It was likely going to just sit in the driveway over winter anyway. I had some bad experiences with a couple dealers along the way, but eventually landed with this 14 foot PJ Trailer built how I wanted. They had trailers in production, and I was able to get a change order done specifically I was able to get the bi-fold gate, removable stake pocket spare tire carrier and color I wanted. Sides are completely removable so if I need to run just the flat deck, I can. I like that because the trailer's stability isn't dependent on the sides keeping it from being wobbly like a lot of them you see. Pretty happy with this, it pulls nice and smooth. Looking forward to some nice trips to shows with it!

Nice! Now put that fender up on a shelf so it doesn't break again!

Craig, check the battery voltage at rest and then again when activating the start windings. If it drops below 10 at crank, try another Battery. If it stays good and high try rolling the motor by hand and trying it again. Possibly a bad spott on the Genny commutator. Or bring it here and I hang on to it for a few years!

Sorry, they are completely different. They are not compatible. 99% of D-250 attachments are D-250 only, but any attachments from the D160, D180, D200, and 18 Auto are interchangeable, I'm pretty sure.

Came with a bunch of extra parts, original reciepts, manuals, brochures... and the original muffler was in there...had it on there last night, but it's crazy loud with it. Think I'll just use if for display only...and run it with the quiet one pictured...maybe turn it upright with a rain cap on it.

New arrival here today.

I grew up with my father's 1979 c121 and inherited it in 1988 when he passed. I still have it and will never sell it. I hope to be able to pass it on to one of my kids some day.

Glad to hear you found it and saved it. Those Gt14s are beats and the three point linkage setup is a bonus! I'm not wanting to take the thread too off topic but I agree with what has been said about some of the current generation not being very practical or not having the desire to repair and fix something and instead just having the "We will just buy a new one" attitude when something breaks. Personally, I love repairing and preserving these vintage garden tractors and with my being only 16 years of age it seems quite rare people my age are into this sort of thing, which is a shame really as I think it's a very enjoyable hobby that can teach you a lot of useful skills. Tom

546cowboy you nailed that one. I wrote a long winded reply about todays generation. I decided to delete it, did not want to open a can of worms. So I will say it again you nailed it cowboy.

Smith Farm & Garden OEM Parts. Similar to Parts Tree Small Engine Warehouse RCPW Parts Tree Motion Industries Milaca Lawn and Garden Jacks Small Engines MFG Supply Foley-Belsaw Kohler Metal Fuel Pump repair kits Small Engine Parts Warehouse Repair Clinic MFG Supply Foley Belsaw Kohler Metal Body Fuel Pump Rebuild Kits Small Engine Parts Warehouse Tractor Parts ASAP OPE Engines Kohler Engine Parts A-Z Tractor, used parts also a vendor Classic Kitchens and More (kj4kicks) Seat Warehouse OEM and aftermarket parts New Haven Power Equipment (NEW attachments will ship)

I am rebuilding a 520H and have pulled the rear axle assembly down to clean, replace bearings and seals and repaint. I haven't gone into the hydraulic unit. The tractor had a severe trans leak, I found the temp sensor broken so that is an easy fix. I am now ready to reassemble everything and have a couple of questions. I have the repair manual for the 8 speed but haven't found one for the hydro transaxle (have got the Eaton pump repair manual) - is there a shop type manual for the axle? Should I use a lubricant other than oil in the bearings for assembly, either grease or vaseline, or is that likely to cause problems in the pump? Does any-one have a torque speci for the casing bolts - the diff centre is 30 - 35 ft lbs but I can't find a value for the housing. any assistance appreciated thanks AussieÂ

Spent the last several days working on momma's butt buggy. She has been helping quite a bit too! Thanks to our good friend Lane Ralph, a few modifications and our buggy and it is almost "show ready"!

Thanks, Guys. I sure do appreciate the input. I'm on hold due to super high humidity. I need to spray the clear, (sounds like I'm a pro athlete taking roids), on the rest of the tins from the 417 and humidity is not what I want. I'm going to finish out the older belt-guard tomorrow night.

Thanks for sharing, Mike. I remember the first time I was there in uniform in 1972 (yes, the Coast Guard sails around the world.) I always make a point of visiting the Memorial and the Punch Bowl every time I am in our 50th state. I find it fitting that many of the survivors aboard the USS Arizona on that day make their last wish to be buried with their shipmates.

Looks nice, I have looked at the same rig and had the same thoughts. Remember, "God hates a coward !! drive fast and take chances !" Good luck with the new toy Jeff

Nice trailer that doesn't look like a landscaper, Jason. I came close to a similar "PJ" with the ATV ramps but with a dove tail end. They are nice with the removable sides. What stopped me was the extra six inch width (77" width) for the roads in my area. I have enough trouble with the 72" width out here seeing as I don't use it every day..

Fender is done!

Brandon, Great choice! I have been very happy with mine. The flip-down gate is really handy. I finally got some flush mount D-rings and the 3-1/4" hole saw to be able to recess them. I plan on putting eight on the floor so that I can carry two tractors (6'x12') in-line. I am also going to install two Pack'Em wheel chocks on the floor as well for locating the tractors. In my opinion, E-track is not strong enough for the forces generated by a tractor. I have also applied conspicuity striping for piece of mind and removed the "Sure Trac" labels. Nice that yours has the spare. Mine didn't have it from the factory so I just carry it in the truck. Good luck with it! .

Stratostar250 is 100% correct.

I can tell you the worst thing is to park them outside or under a tarp. Ruined my commando 8 during a construction project that took 9 months. Had to take it to auction. I did keep a lot nos parts I had been collecting for a restoration. Sheet metal, bracket's, wheels; almost a whole tractor. So when the time comes, I'll rebuild the motor I kept before sending it away and get a frame from another salvage tractor . My 633 is inside but my GT14 is outside for now. As far as the current world goes. Find a quality hand tool to fix something. Yea they're out there, but more and more the tools are junk made outside the U.S.A. as well. Friends an neighbors ask me what I think of the 27 hp. lawn mowers at big box stores. I smile as and say my tractor is as old as me "633" and still working. Not sure those box store tractors will make two years: they typically don't, in our type of terrain. Sad we're becoming less capable in the "make it work categories" in our society. Helped put a camshaft in a ford jubilee in a tobacco field when I was 14.

Just remarkable Steve! A building to be very proud of!

Might be hard to turn a profit on this one. The gas in a V-8 pickup to get 2000 miles from home and back (not really sure how far you had to go) rental cost of that truck plus tolls, food stops.. .etc....add to the cost of that tractor. I'm at around $2000-$2500. Mike........

Started out Friday afternoon with what I thought was a great display. Look what I found Saturday morning! Gotta love my neighbors.

Got a real nice '86 417-A from fellow Red Square member mimmmurray today.This has more dust than rust as it had been stored for 12 years. Now I need to expand my knowledge-base on the KT Series II.

Figuring I was watching the first to hatch... testing it's wings, hovering over the nest today, was actually flying in place. Won't be long before they are slipping the surly bonds of earth.

Banging noise sources: 1) spindle shaft moving up / down in housing 2)Flat bar of idler pulley slopping back/forth or sideways in its stanchions...3)wobbling pulley 4) maybe the spindle belt isn't tight enough and it is banging around. Here is a pic of what the 48" deck ought look like....note how far the spring is stretched, and how close the 4 1/2" idler pulley is to the end stanchion. If you need ANY parts for this deck...contact me at: daveoman@windstream.net

My 42" deck was like that as well after a rebuild including adding a large stiffener plate similar to the 48" deck. The stiffening plate slightly raised the idler assembly and it was hitting the belt guard with the mounting bolt in the idler pulley itself. I ground 1/8" or so off the top of the bolt and problem solved. Cleat

I had this problem when I cleaned up a deck that I got last year. If the blades are hitting something, they will leave an obvious mark on the inside of the shell (like a baffle that is bent or no longer solid) More likely, you have a loose blade, a blade that is out of balance, or a blade that has a stripped mounting hole.

I HAVE DONE A 417-8 AND A 1054 TO DIESEL. I HAVE A GT-14 AND WILL DO THAT NEXT.

Try a coat of this ...http://www.spraymax.com/index.php?id=361&L=1 You'll love the finish, and you can sand / buff the next day!!!

Really makes you think about the greatest generation.... I was watching the news the other day and on average we are losing about 500 WWII vets each day.

My First is a C161 twin 8 speed which came with a 42 inch deck snow blade chains and wheel weights. Traded a John Deere Lx188 48 inch straight across. BEST trade I have ever done!!!! Bought new blades for the deck thinking I could keep up with the 8 yards I mow. I spent 8 days in the Hospital for foot injury and while I was there it rained for 6 of the days and the grass got tall, took me over 5 hrs to mow, Had to mow the yards twice just to make them look good. So I took the deck off and going to use the C161 with the blade only and to move my Trailers around.

That's OK, Steve... I'll go first.

The inside of this rear axle unit was really clean with no discernable wear in the gear train. The two intermediate shafts and gears simply lift out and you are left with the axles and differential. This should now lift out as one assembly, but of course I still had the right hub on there. This is where I got lucky, I was able to manipulate a spanner under the diff centre and undo the four bolts that hold the centre together. I could then dismantle the centre and remove the circlip holding the right axle in, allowing it to be removed from below. A friend took the right axle to work with him and using a combination of heat and a 50 ton shop press was able to separate the hub and axle without damage. I was really happy with the condition of everything inside the rear axle housing. The bearings all felt smooth and tight and no corrosion evident anywhere. I decided not to replace the bearings but ordered new axle and brake shaft seals. I also found the source of the oil leak - the temperature sensor has a brass probe that sits inside the rear axle housing in the oil. This probe was bent, and the brass had split, allowing oil to escape through the sensor body. How this probe got bent is beyond me, there is absolutely no sign of any damage anywhere else. There aren't any photos of the next part of the process which involved thorough cleaning and degreasing all of the components. I used paint stripper and a wire wheel in an angle grinder to remove the paint from the exterior surfaces of the housing halves. Pried out the old oil seals from the axle housing ends and brake shaft, and cleaned the outer ends of the axles up with a fine file, sandpaper and steel wool. I made up a frame from some scrap timber to hold the right side housing on a couple of saw horses for reassembly. Right side housing painted; and cleaned inside, ready for reassembly; and supported by the frame; I repainted the exterior with KBS Paints, a system similar to POR. There are four coats, two primer, a tie coat and the redtop coat, all brushed on. The interiors of these rear end housings are painted with primer from the factory. This was found to be in good condition and didn't require any attention.

Next I unbolted the rear axle assembly from the frame and then unbolted the Eaton from the axle unit. There are four bolts securing the hydro to the axle assembly. The rear axle assembly separated from the frame; And this is the view from the right side with the four bolts and hydro unit removed. My first look inside was positive, it all looked clean and no signs of water up top. Here is the Eaton 1100 hydrostatic transmission; The next task was to remove the rear hubs. I used a hydraulic puller and after soaking with PB Blaster the left hub reluctantly parted from the axle. No such luck with the right side though, despite repeated soaking it refused to budge. Realizing that the cast iron hub wouldn't bend very much before breaking, I was reluctant to apply too much force and finally gave up defeated. I supported the rear axle assembly on its side and removed the bolts to split the case halves. I was lucky that the left hub had come off, as this is the correct way to split the housing - with the shallow section up, same as the 8 speeds. Here is the left side casing half removed. Note that the two sections are aligned by two dowel pins. This next photo is out of sequence, but it shows the complete gear train sitting in the right casing section. I didn't get a shot of this on disassembly.

I was up till 1:00am this morning working like mad to get as much finished as possible. Got up this morning and completed a few other things then rolled her outside for her first official ride with the Onan installed. All I can say is WOW!! does this thing have power. Plus it sounds awesome running open headers . I just have to finish wiring the lights, then weld the exhaust and mount the loader. A little bit of paint touch up will be required to clean up some of the sheet metal mods that I had to make and that should be it. NOTE: to all of you who gave me positive feedback here in this thread. It really kept me motivated to get this project done!!! That's what makes this forum, and it's members so great