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I had the herd outside today to do some cleaning and first start's of the yr. in preparation for the Big Show... Even shot a quick video... http://vid187.photobucket.com/albums/x201/flyinaceman/20150610_180322_zpsxej6u5gn.mp4

Hooked up today to start reloading the trailer.

Someone from RS has offered to take this - Thank everyone for the comments and looking. Denny This little Suburban needs a home. I have had this for 15 plus years and had planned to restore it but I just have more than I can handle. Its time for someone else to restore it to its former glory. I was given this free so I'm giving it free to anyone who comes to pick it up (Brainerd, Minnesota). It comes with a 32" deck. The engine is a Clinton. Everything is original as far as I can tell but the seat is different from any that I have seen as it is solid without holes. Denny (612) 764-2543

Always nice to see someone "pay it forward"

I finally get to do this! Leaving the previous owner: Heading down the intercoastal:

Mine was an ironic start. While visiting my sister-in-laws horse rescue ranch in Tennessee, I discovered a horse in need of rescue. Not the equine kind, but the Wheel Horse kind. So what did I find, a 1958 Ride-Away Jr., RJ-58, of course. The first pic's what she looked like the day I brought her home. The second is the carcass VinsRJ sold me for some of the parts I needed ... ... and the last two are what she became.

Some time ago, a year actually, I aquired a C-121 of The Showman. Not in to bad a condition and ran well, but with a popped seal on the right hand drive shaft. Soon fix that methinks and then it can be second string to the C-125. Yes! Right! As soon as the wheel was off the ground, it could be seen why the seal had popped out. There was a play in the outer needle roller bearing. Actually it was a needle roller without the needles. So this happened. Off came the trans' to have a look. On splitting the trans' I found this. And these. Needle rollers I could get, but the main roller bearings are now obsolete. Any about are like hens teeth. A bit of thinking and metric bearings were sourced. Slightly bigger on O.D and I.D. A local machine shop opened out the casings for me, and I knocked up some sleeves on the lathe. All this took some time, so as I had a pilé of bits, I decided in my wisdom to tidy things up a bit. First chassis. After the trans' was back together. Then the fun started. Painting! Not my favourite thing. But I persevered through the winter. Why black I've been asked several times. Simple really. I'd quite a lot of black enamel paint. Bit by bit things started to come together. The track rods on the C-125 were well past their sell by date. So I put the 121's on the and made these ones. Eventually 12 months later the C-121 looks like this. Apologies for the rather condensed version. A more detailed thread can be found on our sister site, Myoldmachine.com.

You lasted 2 years without joining? I'm also a new member and I had to join within a month then had to become a supporter quick. This site, the members, with unmeasurable knowledge and skill and the management team are bar none the best.

Evening from the UK. Just wanted to share a photo of my recently acquired 32" sickle being the implement section. I hung it under my RJ today (see Euro section) to see how it fitted, a bit snug but does fit. Pedal & spacers are present. Something else to restore. Regards, Philip

we had our UK meeting last weekend and after a few beers we decided to see who was the daddy ​http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7PV3UYBUdM

I'm waiting for Craig to post a pic of the "Magic Shed" with wheels sticking out to resemble an enclosed trailer.

It doesn't haul a lot of tractors, but it'll be a great place to sleep

Someone could " learn " from this!

Ok, now you're just rubbing it in.... a beautiful F450 and a trailer to drool over....

No, I'm quite sure. She'll always be...the Mrs Rules.

Evening all, Having acquired the front blade over the weekend i thought i'd share a few photos of it complete; for now. The rear plough is the one that the previous owner used with the RJ & appears to be a Barford Atom item; minus it's disc which may still appear. The RJ will probably go to a couple of shows this year before restoration although sods law it will snow when it's in bits & won't get a chance to use it clearing snow. When the blade arrived home my 5 year old boy was chuffed to bits. His 2 year old sister joined in with the happy jumping, not really understanding why. Regards, Philip

Yes Mike, I was real pleased with the DVD and seeing it when new. The Deck (same as the L/Ranger 5-2322) is the original. Modified to fit the Tractor at the Assembly Plant in Belgium. Euro models were adapted to use up the old versions unsold in the U.S. Belgium also used up all the old Short Frame Hood Decals from the Named Models. This Raider 12, being one of the new (ish) range of Long Frames had the front Tach-a-Matic mount, but not used. Also the rear pivot Frame holes for the 'T' bar Lift, near the Transmission were undrilled. It had the Belt Tensioner unit fitted where the rear bolt fits in the Mid Mount Bracket on the R/hand side. See next pic- Here's another blurry Screen Shot of it in 1982 (best view I could get) where is was used for Stump pulling !. It is now looking a bit of a sorry state with no Deck or Lift Lever and the rear light is damaged and obviously used for general labouring/towing before being laid up around 1988 - And just a reminder of what it now look's like and the only change is the use of the U.S version of the Long Frame Hood Decals (Ed Mayhews) and Stainless Button Head Screws on the Grass Screen-

51chevy, I really like your suburban rat rod. For some reason, these Wheel Horse Suburbans really look sharp as hot rod versions. Another one that caught my eye at the Big Show was this purple Suburban... I apologize for not remembering who owns this one, but I'm leaning towards painting the sheet metal on mine in candy apple red. Wonder what Cecil and Elmer Pond thought of their old horses being turned into hot rod tractors. Does anyone know???

As seen here, opposite Dave's "Wildfire"... which were both featured in Wild Bill's first annual, 2014 Crackle fest.

I have a key fob like the one that came with the 420 LSE's, some of the black is missing so I may have a go at touching it up a bit.

I picked up this, what was left of a 1961 model 551 Wheel Horse, out of a wooded lot about two years ago. This was a local c-list find for $75. She was pretty much a basket case left for dead in the woods but I really wanted the square pan seat for my dad's 1962 restoration project. The seat you see in the first pic is now on my dad's restored 1962 502 Wheel Horse that I have shown in my avatar. Everything was rust locked solid on this tractor. The transaxle/drive pulley/brake drum does not rotate even though the gear shift is in the neutral position and won't go into any gear. Found a lot of issues to fix including three holes being busted out of the transaxle mounting flange on the back of the main frame... I was pretty much undecided what to do with it until I saw a 1961 Wheel Horse hot rod tractor at the big show this past June. That was all the inspiration I needed. So, I have since started tearing the poor thing down and am building what will become my one-of-a-kind 1961 Wheel Horse hot rod tractor. I have been working on the front end and have painted everything so far in metallic black paint... You can't see the metal flake in the black paint in the pics but up close, it really looks cool. I have mounted 10 x 4.5 x 5 quarter midget wheels/tires on front and installed a racing go-kart steering wheel so far... Next, gotta work on disassembling the transaxle to figure out what the problem with this is...

Well lemme start by introducing myself. I live in Indianapolis IN and I work in aviation building interiors for private airplanes. I'm 29 and I think my love for Wheel Horse's started way back when I was very young. I spent every summer at my grandparents house and one thing that has always been a great memory to me is Grandpa's tractor. He always owned a Wheel Horse from when I can remember. I remember many days after riding on his knee mowing the yard we would stop for lunch and you'd be sure to find me sitting on the tractor eating mine. I would do anything I could to ride on the tractor with him, who can resist such a cute face :). Many times me and my older brother would sneak down to the barn just to try and start it with out Grandpa knowing about it. We would wash and wax the tractor any chance we could get. I'm sure he was appreciative of that since it kept his Horse clean and kept him from having to do it! We would ride around in the cart hooked up to it until he kicked us out! So many great childhood and teenage year memories were made with Grandpa and his tractor. He sold his Wheel horse in about 2007/08 and got a zero turn. He couldn't swing his leg over the shifter and steering wheel anymore. This is me and him on what I think is his old C-120. Here is my older brother on the same tractor Here's me eating lunch as usual on his last Wheel Horse. The same model I picked up , a 312-8 Me (in the red hoodie) and my Cousin riding on Grandpas lap on his C-120 My mom is driving in this picture. She thinks its around 1975-1976. Not sure of the model tractor. Heres me and all the cousins getting pulled in the cart with his 312-8 One last one, me on his lap, my brother on the bar and my cousin in the cart. Grandpa passed away in 2010 and life kinda went on for me just enjoying those memories. Until recently. Me and my wife moved into a house in October of 2014. We got a decent amount of snow her in Indy and there was no way I could shovel our driveway. So I decided I could just smash it all down with my truck. That worked kinda until I got the car stuck in the driveway on my way to work one morning. After about 20-30 min I was able to get out and once I was at work I text my wife and told her we are either getting a new car, a snow blower or a tractor with a plow. Well, she wasnt going for the car and a good snow blower will run you $450-650 so I opted to find a tractor with a plow. I knew it had to be a Wheel Horse since I knew how reliable and versatile they are. I also have a soft spot for them since I have so many good memories with one. To Craigslist I went and until two weeks ago I couldn't find a good deal. I found this 1990 312-8. I came with a snow blower a 42" deck, wheel weights, chains, and all the original owners manuals. Tractor ran great and started right up when I went to look at it. By no means is this thing pristine though, but it had everything I needed and it was all in working order. Here she is on all her glory. Only paid $450 for everything. I will upload many more tomorrow, but for now I have to go, the wife is requesting my presence! Hope you guys enjoy and hopefully this turns out as nice as I hope it will!

Great thread Duane! Now Ya'll don't laugh! 06 Tundra 168.000 mi. Just spent a grand on new sneakers and some super whoopy Bilsteins. Trailer is a Lowes Special Sno Bear Strong Box trailer that has been modded to fit 2 Horses Nice and light. I'll be cruisin to XM Deep Tracks and Outlaw Country!

I don't often post photos relating to military vehicles (one of my other hobbies) on RS but when I saw this at the first show of the 2015 season I thought it might attract some interest on the other side of the big pond. At first sight I thought it was probably a 'fanciful' resto but it turned out to be authentic. Officially designated Chevrolet 15cwt. (3/4 ton) General Service Van, the chassis and running gear were produced at the GM plant in Oshawa Canada and shipped along with an engine in a separate crate to other British Commonwealth countries (hence being RHD). This one was assembled at the GM-Holden plant in Perth Western Australia where it was fitted with Holden's one piece coupe cab all steel utility body. It's been through a very high standard ground up restoration to the original spec which included the original engine, gearbox, axle, brakes and suspension all being rebuilt. The bodywork is in Forest Green, the color of the home service in 1945, and has been given the markings of the 9th Australian Division, 2/7 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. My vehicles are in matt green so I'm spared having to work to this exacting standard (thankfully). Andy

​Hi. Thanks for the information re pedals. I did wonder where the little chain went. I had also noticed 1 little S hook on the blade & again wondered what that was for. I can just about see from your photo where the chain attaches to the pedal. I'll see how long my chain is tomorrow. During restoration I may revert back to one pedal to keep it original. Philip

5 grills? Come on Steve! No one should have more grills than DVD's of Nude Yoga!

Personally, I'd clean it up and leave it. It looks great!

Yeah, I think Duane has set the bar way tooo high Karl. I'm embarrassed to put my puny F-150 and 15 ft. trailer up here.

I don't load up until the Wednesday before. I'll try to remember to post some pictures at that time.

Once you bolt a tach-a-matic to your frame you can use most Wheel Horse decks. The drive belt arrangement on the earlier decks (1967 to 1973) can look a bit strange, but once you have used it a few times it will seem natural. You could also attach a mule drive to the front of the GT-14 to use a later model deck. The correct deck is 5-1201, take a look at the manual for it on this site. Hope this helps.

I totally agree that you would do well to attend a welding class at a local community college.Your choices on equipment is almost endless.There are a number of good MIG units that run on 110v.I personally don't care for flux core wire in a MIG unit and use sheilding gas.I looked at a number of DC welders and was put off by the price of most name brand units.I finally bought an Everlast 200 for less than $350 and love it.They make a DC unit that runs on 110v for less than $220. Once you get a chance to run different types of welders by taking some classes you will better be able to make choices based on your likes and needs.You can do a number of repairs with a good DC stick machine but MIG or TIG are better for thin metalsLuck,JAinVA

imagine the news headlines "local police deputy outrun by lawn mower... air to ground team clocks the red blurr at triple digit speeds"

if you are not familiar with welding you should look into a night class on beginning welding ...maybe some local tech school in your area offers a class? i'm not a big fan of flux core , but if done properly it can give ok results.the 110 volts limits what you can do , but i think most decks are of thinner material so you may be able to get it done after you have educated yourself on welding and tried a few machines you will be able to decide what welder is best for you. my advice is buy the biggest one you can afford. and don't by that cheap crap...buy a name brand that has factory backing and you can get parts and service for one of my mig welders will run on 110 or 220 volts, it is twice the welder on 220. it is fine on 110 doing up 3/16" material. my tig is 220 and that is what i use on most critical things

I should be there Saturday. Not sure if the '73 will be ready, but me and the new girlie dog will be there.

Just had the same problem with my new to me C-175.I pried the round rubber part out of the dipstick and very gently touched the raised portion to my grinder wheel.Put it back in the dipstick and now it fits all the way into the tube .

Awesome story Mike.

and if you were watching for 2 years, you know we want pictures!!

Getting back on my 1961 hot rod tractor build. Just got the 5007 transaxle disassembled. Not pretty inside the case. It's no wonder everything was locked up, lots of hardened gunk stuck in the gear teeth. This is my first transaxle tear down so I am hoping this will all clean up good with no major part failures discovered.

Dino's don't float. Hope you had your swimmies on!

​Nice tractor! Also I like those wheel weights in the front.

Nice tractor! Have you considered putting tubes in the tires??

c160 is my favorite too, you`ll love it!

c160 is the perfect tractor

​Thanks Callum. We have a couple more possible options for high speed testing that are worth looking into. But no rush for the high speed stuff, best take my time and get WN operating good to start with. Evening guys, today's "to do" list looked something like this.... Find out why the fuel tap is leaking.. Fill diff with oil. Finish the wiring, it's about 90% done. Finish the prop shaft.. About 50% done. Bleed the brakes again to get the last of the air out. Warm the engine up and change the oil. Set the front end up. Get WN off the bench.. Go for a test drive Well, I didn't quite make the test drive deadline today, but getting very close.. Due to a measuring problem I had to make another sleeve to join the 2 parts of the prop shaft together... For once I can say the measuring cock up wasn't down to me but measuring calipers.. Nigel will vouch for that as well! Getting the engine running again was fun.. The spark at the plugs which was there yesterday had vanished today!! After lot's of searching and ing I traced the problem down to the run/stop switch which had decided that the run position just wasn't an option any more! So sorting those two problems kinda killed any chance of a test drive today But there's always tomorrow The amended "To do" list.. Find out why the fuel tap is leaking.. Fill diff with oil. Finish the wiring, it's about 90% done. Finish the prop shaft.. About 50% 90% done. It just needs welding and fitting. Bleed the brakes again to get the last of the air out. Warm the engine up and change the oil. Set the front end up. Get WN off the bench.. Go for a test drive With WN off the bench it only seemed fair that I rolled her outside for a few photos.. For me... This one really hits the spot

Very nice new Member. Thumper!!

Put the old girl to work. She will love you for it.

​The hood is yours Van ...It stays with the raider....you may have the skills to save it..I don't. Just saw your post Richie....noooo problem on the wheel. Mine is not correct for the Raider.

I FELL OFF MY GT-14 WHEN I WAS SNOW PLOWING AND LANDED NEXT TO THE MUFFLER. IT FELT VERY NICE AND WARM UNTILL IT GOT TOO HOT. WHEN I GOT UP I HAD BURNED THRU MY HEAVY COAT INTO MY BACK. I HAD THE HOLES OF THE MUFFLER BURNED INTO MY BACK. MY WIFE TELLS ME I AM TOO OLD TO PLAY IN THE SNOW. (I AM 86) RUSS

By the time you buy the deck, bagger and blower you would easily be at or over $3300 though.