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I just completed a hub conversion on my 312-8 with 520 front end. Being unable to find 520 front wheels, I decided to go with trailer hubs. I could not find a good write up on the swap, so I am posting this for anyone who wants to do this swap. All parts (minus tires) came to about $100, so the conversion is around the same price as a set of clean 520 rims. Parts List -Trailer Hub Kit, I bought this off Ebay From Elgin Trailer Parts, This includes 2X 1000lb 4 bolt trailer hubs, bearings, 1" x 1.25" seals, and dust caps. (Fits BT8 1" spindle) Cost- 57$ shipped -Wheels, I ordered 5-3/8 x 8 rims (standard for 400 series). A big benefit to trailer hubs is that they accommodate a wide variety of rims/tire sizes. These hubs use a 4 x 4" bolt circle. Cost- 32$ shipped -Spindle Washers, 1" x 1.5" flat washer, 14ga or 18ga. I bought these from lowes but These can be sourced anywhere. Qty 2 needed. -Hub End Washers, .75" x 1.25" flat washer, 14ga or 18ga. I bought these from lowes but These can be sourced anywhere. Qty 2 needed. -Bronze Sleeve Bearing, 1" ID x 1.25" OD x .5" Long, I bought these from Mcmaster-Carr P/N 6391K281 Qty 2 needed. -3/4-16 Slotted Lock Nut, Mine were missing. I bought these from Mcmaster-Carr P/N 95030A270, Qty 2 needed, Sold in 10 pack. Installation is straight forward. The pictures pretty much sum up the steps. The bearing need to be hand packed with grease before assembly. Install the inner bearing before inserting the seal. The hub nuts are not intended to be torques very hard. Just snug them up and install the correct size cotter pin. The hubs are very smooth and solid. I am very happy with the results. Thanks, -Justin

Post 'em up here... any picts to share of your 's flying the ol' RWB glory today.

Now that's calendar material right there ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Your neighbor's must love you!

I'm interested in participating. The show before this last one, my brother came to the show without a tractor so we bought all the parts at the show and built one. We did it right in the dirt road in front of our display area. It did take some time away from doing other things around the show but that kind of stuff is fun for me. We had a couple of spectators and few hecklers as we did it plus quite a few people stopped by to check it out so there was plenty of interaction going on. After getting it all together and dumping about a quart of water out of the engine, we had it running and driving. It actually ran pretty good without cleaning the carb and didn't smoke. Cost was about $375 but Jdogg (Jordan) hooked us up with some real good prices on the engine and MANY of the small miscellaneous parts which made it possible. We could've just bought a $250 or $300 tractor and drove away with it but doing it this way was MUCH more fun!

The wheat harvest was in full swing today in SC Pa. With 2 JD combines w/30' heads, 2 grain haulers, 2 balers, and several grain trucks. I know this is a small operation for you western guys, but this is a pretty big operation for the rolling hills of SC Pa.

111-6 with 30" single blade deck 416-H with 48" deck and bagger 520-H with 42" deck 520-H with 60" deck 520-HC 520-HC is still awaiting his arm rests but is otherwise complete. The 48" deck that came with it is partly restored and will be ready for next year. Thanks, Cleat

I can now say it's completed! Even cut the grass with it today.

Greatr video Craig!

loojs like this "bloody" horse needs to find a vet...lol

Precisely why I got it Mike.... for, you know...that off brand guy next door.

Here you go Mikey... enjoy your holiday bro.

At the show we walked around and took a few pictures of custom/modified Wheel Horses, what we looked for mainly is what need/ reason was this machine built by the owner. Now keep in mind that a "custom built" Wheel Horse could just mean the owner added two cup holders but I think what Eldon and others would like to do is build a custom/modified Wheel Horse that can do a special work task that a stock Wheel Horse could not do. Some of the "rat rod" Wheel Horses are neat and well built this can be easy to due being that one can bolt any part to the frame . My Mighty Lawn Ranger Six Speed was built to have the extra gears to get the most amount of work from the 6hp Tecumseh engine and the rear axle brakes were added so the tractor would not spin the rear wheels while working in the culvert in my front yard. The 1/2 Wheel Horse Lawn Ranger I built was for driving around the Portland, IN, by welding two frames together I could haul parts and people at the same time in the show grounds. On another note the put together/ scrap parts Wheel Horse could be done but even then time is an issue. Years ago I gave two brothers a (I think it was a Raider 10) a running Wheel Horse, drove it off the trailer Friday night took it all apart, cleaned it, painted it and put the tractor back together (running and tuned) by Sunday night. .......... it's more parts then you think. I do love my restored Wheel Horses but I'm a hot rodder at heart and like the custom/modified Wheel Horses too. It will be interesting to see just what shows up at the 2016 Wheel Horse Show

In a previous post of my Commando 8 redo, I discussed repairing the wallowed out key way in the axle. Instead I replaced the 3 speed with one I had on the shelf. Today while rooting out some potential items for the SHOW, there was that 3 speed. So today I made a stab at the repair. I made a dummy key from a piece of 3/16 brass , welded around it, and ground/filed it down. Only time will tell if the weld will hold up to the torque.

It was great to finally meet so many of the great Red Square members at my first Big Show! Everyone was so friendly and there were so many great tractors and things to see and do-it was really a fun day! I actually got so caught up in the excitement of the show that I bought my first tractor from JayinNC- a WH A-81 mower - within 10 minutes of getting there! Thank you very much for your hospitality! Sincerely, Mrs. Rules (Linda)

I just bought myself a 16th birthday present and it isn't a truck its an rj35, I have been looking for one and asking around shows for awhile now and am very exited to have found one In this good of shape but I am not that familiar with the rj's yet, what do I have? from what I have learned so far its a late '55 to early '56 and is mostly complete except for a belt guard,cast steering wheel,reverse pulley and air cleaner. it came with the on/off switch and throttle cable, I cant wait to start up on getting this going!

I managed a few... Here is Squonk at the bus stop... A great shot of Zeek Mike sitting on this year's Raffle Tractor Bob Maynard taking a spin around the ground...stopped to talk with me and my wife Chris This is Howard.....857 Horse from Virginia. Terry and Lola with Granddaughter...that's buddy under the table. Howard and Don ...varosd Vinsrj RacinBob...Bob and Nancy...it was excellent spending time with them this year. Jay in NC, Jack (wishin4a416) and Bob Maynard SteveBo Nylon (Karl), Fireman (Jeff) and Vin RWilson, Stevasaurus, KenB and RacinBob... Me and Cas (formariz)...holding up a couple of plates for Koen... Me, Birdie (RedBird) and Brian (Buckrancher) The rest are various attempts at getting a good group picture for this year...hope you enjoy.

Pretty busy at the show with the great unexpected weather on Friday. didn't get a lot of people pics as most were off wandering the show as well. Thursday night I realized I never took the phone out once. Tried to make up for it Friday. I hope someone got a pic of me trying to "Hitch Hike" during the cruise: Mirror shot when I left home. Where's The Dino? Here he is out at dinner! Got Racinbob's wife Nancy in a candid shot! Great people by the way, awesome meeting you! I took a pic of my tractors in case no one else did! RS First Dog Pepper! Karl at the controls! Tractors lined up Comin at Ya Steve campaigning again. I think with R Wilson A Wallfish inspired Hot Rod Zeeks Masterpiece. My favorite tractor at the show! Well done neighbor! Steve's Heavy Hauling! That blower and tractor fit like a glove on the vintage trailer! Looks like Lane snagged someone's skivvies during the parade! YIKES! Bringing up the rear of the parade. Pics from my Hitch Hiker seat at the cruise Lights are on but nobody's home!!!!

Lets see some burnouts with the flag waving! So far my independence display consists of sweeping the dead grass off of the yard now that's it's finally dry enough to do it and picking up dog poo. Oh and cleaning the tractor after I missed some. I' ll have my tractors and flag out tomorrow providing the weather man is right this time.

Great pictures Steve. Nancy and I had a wonderful time hanging with you and Chris as well. We sure had some good eats too! The internet and phone service was so bad in the Tennessee cabin we went to after the show I gave up and was RedSquareless for a few days. Still had fun and survived everything. Gotta bail the hay today but I'm looking forward to looking at all the pics and videos. I had such a great time meeting so many RedSquare members at the show.

Welcome Mrs Rules ... most of us have sheds, but not one that totally engulfs wheelhorses'. Beware of anyone willing to store it for you. Rick

still pretty big operation for me, i'm used to see one smaller combine with two tractors with trailers that go directly to the farm

Guess we all use unleaded gas but.............there was the day, long ago, lead was added to gas to help lubricate the engine. I don't use a lead additive but do add on occasion Berrymans or Seafoam to my fuel. Recently started using only non-ethanol gas in all my engines; 2 and 4 cycle engines. Tired of too many carb issues. One 16 hp Kohler in my '85 was runnin' not so good. Seafoam down the carb throat and non-ethanol gas fixed the issue in a jiffy! I couldn't believe how easy and how well the '85 engine is running, like new. Same routine for the '90 520-8 Onan. Fixed. Lucky me! When 1st pouring Seafoam down the carb's throats, smoke like a diesel. Then, like magic, clean exhaust, engines purring. Lucky me!

This was my 2nd trip up there to the "big show" and it was just as awesome as the first time I went. I didn't bring any tractors home, but I saw some cool stuff, and got a lot of miscellaneous parts for the ol' WH shelf, and most of all I got to see some old friends and meet new ones! big 12" meats on the back Cool vintage bicycle headlights. Pretty much the most awesome vintage sign ever. This was for sale at Dale's. I'll have one one day! White walls!! Shoo-fly pie! Mmmm! Craig test driving/cutting his wife's new A-81 from Jay. This is John's (wallfish) 401. I got to ride it around a little bit and it was so cool! Ice cream social Friday A little sun set action This is what it looked like on Saturday morning at 6:00am Looks like Rich's 953 was following me in bumper to bumper traffic on I-95 going home!

Buddy and our granddaughter Taylor getting ready to head out to the Big Show, she was sitting in his seat.........lol Buddy stole a hat as soon as we got to the show, his friend from 2 years ago came by to see him. Buddy wanted his hat so he gave it to him lol This is the gentleman that came by to see him........I think Buddy remembered him from 2 yrs ago Getting everything set up and looking handsome.............Taylor was looking cute to... had another friend stop by and see Buddy, she met him 2 yrs ago also and was hoping he would be here..........I think he likes her this sweet little girl just wanted to give him kisses................. he loves our granddaughter Taylor........................

I had a great time and even enjoyed walking around in wet socks for a change! Rain did not dampen any spirit at this year's show! The variety of tractors and attachments were great ! Glad to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones Too!

here some pic's the wife took Mike ,Steve and me Steve ,Mike ,Karl , Steve and Doc me and Vince guess who sneaked in this shot My wife Jo on the 854 Brian

Nice AMC, thanks for the link. I did use a plate some years back with a similar setup. I did, hate to say, break a hub long ago using a 3-jaw puller. Ouch! While the hub is off, you might try a quick little change. 7/16-20 x 1-1/2" long bolts, 7/16-20 open ended acorn lug nuts. A little blue Threadlocker where the bolts sit in the hubs.

I used to live down that way. North Cove north of Marion. If I can figure out a way, I'd love to attend.

What nice clear pictures Craig!! Thanks.

As an aside...how about the long distance award? I think it would be neat to recognize individuals who have traveled the greatest distance to attend our show.

Odd pulley set up. Maybe for some other attachment?? Looks like it has had other attachments bolted to the front of the frame. My 867 for your view. Day I bought it. Mower drive system. The red idler pulley retainer strap should have been on the outside of the belt.

That's what it was. The lower temps and the valve seats. Was taught that back when I was in automotive school in the early 80s. My teacher back then had worked for General Motors in the 60's and 70's so I don't think he would have steered us wrong in class. It up to you decide wether or not to use it. But like I said, for the cheap price of what it cost, it can't hurt to use it in any of your earlier engines. Like the old saying goes "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

Looks like its more comfortable to drive now Mike! BTW, one of my coworkers brought a homemade cake to work today with rhubarb and strawberry topping. It was de-licious:)

shaft extended 2.5 " Wheel won't hit hood no more!

Made short work of that job didn't they. I have never seen the mid mounted disc setup, looks neat.

Some pictures of it if it helps. Do they normally come with the idler wheel by the idler pulley? Confused on how to hook up the belt to drive the deck.

Its a fairly well debated topic, but most seem to disagree according to my research. General consensus is: K series engines had a higher grade seat material than competitors from their inception (some say the concept was originally designed to run on white gas, a low octane lead free gas)TEL (the lead additive) was never actually as lubricative as they though. There was a campaign (by people that had a stake in TEL) to convince the public that unleaded was bad for engines and that gained enough traction to cause the myths that stand todayTEL did lower combustion temperatures, so when the temps went up with unleaded some of the cheaper valve seat combinations were having issues. However it seems like the K series had been designed to take the heat.Anyway, just some food for thought!

engines before 1970 that do not have harden valve seats require lead additive which is most early K series Brian

The Kohler manuals recommends unleaded in all the K series engines and I don't believe the design changed over the years so this would be their updated recommendations. I don't know about Techs. The oil is of a much higher grade now days and I don't think the lubrication that was provided by the leaded gas is necessary.

Hi all, I have question that only you guys can answer for me. My name is Tony and I am from Australia. I live on small acreage and I need a ride on that will pull heavy loads, like the log cutter, log splitter and the tandem trailer loaded with split hardwood and still cut grass. I have killed my 5yr old MTD 20hp 42in cut, it will cut grass but only if it is real short and on the flat.As I am an ex Canadian so I know of the wheelhorse lawn tractors and I have found one down here, it's a TORO WHEELHORSE 312-8 RIDE-ON MOWER, 38" CUT, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, year unknown. I have loaded a photo of the wheelhorse below that I am looking at and a photo of it needs to do.So my question is this wheelhorse up to the task or will I kill it as well?All advice is greatly appreciated.Regards Tony

anything older than 1970 Brian

Wasn't that the time Wallfish(John)... was caught swilling gasoline he had hidden in an iced tea bottle?

That first photo of Taylor looks like a Calender photo! I was trying to sell it and after seeing all the kids driving around, I asked her if she had ever drove a tractor and she said no and I handed her the keys. She rode it around until it ran out of gas! She had a great smile on the whole time (now if Terry and Lola had a little more room in the magic van...!)

Great to meet you Mike. Thanks for letting me have some of that rhubarb pie!

That Steve is one great guy! (but never trust a flamingo!) Mike..........

All good suggestions. If you ran the tractor for 45 minuets without any issues by cleaning/leaving the cap loose search no farther. If you lost your keys and found them, you wouldn't keep looking for it so leave it alone unless you have more issues then dig a little deeper. A lot of times fiddling with many things at once will only get confusing and you will never know what the cause really was, not to mention it may cause other issues and more frustrations. There are a lot of great guys willing to help you out on here if you get stuck. If you do ever remove a spark plug to check for spark, keep it away from the hole you removed it from, spark + fuel air mixture equals flame. Not to mention you may have to clean your shorts afterwards :-). And be careful, coils have a nasty bite so make sure you have it grounded good. Or even better go to your local auto supply store and they should have a test spark. It looks kind of like a spark plug but has an alligator clip so you can ground it, just have to remove the wire and you don't have to worry about either of those two conditions. another way is to buy an inexpensive inductive timing light and you will know right away what you are loosing if you run the tractor and know when it is about to shut off.

Yeah, his dad wasn't lying, he's sick. http://www.showmeboone.com/sheriff/offenders/registeredoffenders.asp