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This 1963 Wheel Horse 953 was at the Illiana Antique Power Association Show this weekend. Owned by George White and still in very original condition (only missing a few minor items -a lens for rear tail light but still has all other parts and an original grill) ! It has the original steering wheel and insert ! The tractor is numbered 62-168 on the shifting decal ! I am posting for all those 953/1054 fans on Red Square !

This hobby of ours (read that addiction) sometimes makes us, and others, happy in ways most unexpected. I've posted pictures of my recent '73 10-8 refresh, but there is an underlying story to all of this which many don't know. When the engine blew (due to a unbeknown broken dipper) and needed to be rebuilt, my original intention was to simply rebuild the engine and put my "worker" back to task. During the rebuild stages something unexplainable kept nooging me to do a restore, so following my gut that's what I proceeded to do. While doing the work I was updating both Red-Square and Facebook with the progress. Some background is required at this point to explain the rest of the story. In 2007 I was reading through posts on another tractor forum at about 10pm on a Friday night and had just exited a thread-group when I noticed the thread-group I'd just left was highlighted again. Not knowing what thread within I might have missed, I went back in to look. The poster must have added the new thread just about the time I was exiting, and his post read that he had a '73 10-8 for sale in my zip-code. I messaged him immediately, we messaged back and forth several times, and scheduled a visit for the following morning. I went to look at the tractor, which had been sitting in a shed for almost five years untouched, and talk to the seller. The neighbor saw me arrive and came over to replaced the battery. Together he and I filled the gas tank, got everything primed, and the tractor started on the third turn of the key. I decided right then to buy the tractor with pretty much no hesitation. Later on, when I returned to retrieve the tractor, I found out the "rest of the story". It turns out the man who owned it before me, Victor "Cody" Pavolic, Sr., was a Freemason like myself (as are several of his sons), and he had purchased the tractor and all its implements brand new from a local WH Dealer in 1973. When he passed away (from a massive heart attack in 2002), it had taken his widow five years to bring herself to sell her deceased husband's "baby". He was one of those 1970's Wheel Horse owners, like the guys in the red striped shirt advertisements, who really understood the quality and value of these great machines. Knowing how expensive they were for the times, Cody took out a loan from a local bank, and then proceeded to take unbelievably good care of the tractor over the following 34 years he owned her. When I picked up the machine, I departed with the words that I would eventually restore the machine and would also let her know when I did so. That was almost eight years ago. Fast forward now to a month and a half ago ... Since our first online discussion in 2007, I have been friends on FB with the second oldest son, Victor. We would say "hey" every so often, and Victor would ask how "Dad's Tractor" was doing. I'd give him the latest news and that would be it for several months. I'd only met the wife/mother, June, in person. Victor was the only family member I had any contact with, of the 6 children in the family, and had never met him in person because he lives in an adjacent state. When I started the restoration I posted pics on FB and tagged him on a few so as to keep him abreast of my progress. Victor messaged me one night and asked that I befriend his sister Sissy on FB so she too could watch the progress. Sissy and I messaged back and forth several times throughout the following weeks, and along with Victor, I could feel and sense a level of excitement from both which I'd never quite experienced from a "Non-Wheel Horse Collector". Though I couldn't put my finger on it, I knew this machine had a very special meaning to these individuals, and for this family. Little did I know! Once the machine was nearing completion, Victor messaged me again on FB with a special request. His nephew Zach had graduated High School this year and the family was having a graduation party on Saturday, July 18th to celebrate the event. He invited my wife and I to come to the party, and if possible, could we bring the tractor along with us as a special surprise for his family. My wife and I accepted the invitation, and I proceeded to prepare the machine for the "surprise visit". Not knowing what to expect, I simply polished her as if we were going to a show, and figured my wife and I would find out how this would turn out while there. Yesterday we loaded up the machine in the morning and went over to their house a mile and a half away at the appointed time. When we got there and Victor met us in the driveway as we pulled in. Most of the family had yet to arrive, and even in the little time of our brief introductions, my wife and I could tell this was going to be something different, and something special. Victor asked that I put the machine in a spot practically in the middle of the party area, in plain view of almost every corner of the property and the street, almost like a center piece on a table. As each family member arrived they were presented with a view of a brand-new looking 1973 Wheel Horse 10hp 8-Speed which they recognized immediately as "Cody's, Dad's or Grand Pa's Wheel Horse". It seems this Wheel Horse had played a very prominent role at every family event and get-together for the 34 years it resided at their home. This tractor was there during most of this family's entire life, all the way down to the grand-children now in their late teens and early 20's, and played a central role in many of the events held there. Everyone in attendance had a favorite story to tell about their particular recollections of good times with Cody and his Wheel Horse, and nearly all had some mutual stories to tell. You know how family stories are, especially when you come from a large family. The story goes around and around, with each family member adding, arguing and laughing, over every detail. My wife and I just stood there, practically in shock, with quick glances of amazement at each other, and listened in awe as the stories were replayed by each and every family member. We could see and feel the joy, and the sorrow, as the stories played out before us. Each family member truly loved their Husband, Dad and Grand Pa, and the machine that was "his baby". My wife and I are so blessed to have witnessed this outpouring of love, affection and admiration, and to receive all the compliments and thank yous for bringing the machine to the party and bringing it and them back to better days. They were all truly appreciative, and it was quite humbling for us to say the least. Sometimes things are just meant to be, and this is most definitely one of them. Below are some old and new pictures from the party. Victors family had put together a poster of images from a 1999 family party where all of the grand kids were in attendance. This gave my wife and I a feel for how this tractor played a role in this family's history. The family and kids even recreated some of those photos they had on the poster. Enjoy. I know we did! THE POSTER IMAGE 1 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 2 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 3 - FROM THE POSTER IMAGE 4 - FROM THE POSTER VICTOR TAKING A SEAT IN A FAMILIAR PLACE THE GRAND-KIDS RECREATE SOME OF THE IMAGES

All my 7 hp round hoods together. 701-702-753-704-754

This picture were my dad's. I grew up on the 753 and he got the Raider 12 in the 80's. He gave me the Raider in 2005 and let the addiction begin. I had to trade a 753 I bought & restored for his 753 he sold to his best friend.

Today JimT1971 and I got to mark a Wheel Horse off if the list. We have been looking for one for a while, but unfortunately when we would find one, it would be out of our price range (worth the money dont get me wrong, we just could not afford it). Well today the tractor gods smiled down on us. The guy was a day and 5 hours late to a show (which we just happened to be at and arrived late to due to a late night of tractor pulling). We were sitting at Warren's tent when Jim popped out of his chair and said, I'll be back...see something come in I have to have, we chased the truck and trailer, even knocked on his window, helped him make a tight turn and followed him to the tent. Once there asked them how much for the Wheel Horse (Jim and I had a game plan depending on how he came at us, but didnt need it) he told us the price and Jim says, it is sold!!. We gave them the money, rolled it off the trailer and then got a tow tractor (thanks Warren) and brought it back to the campsite. A wet butt and a short ride later we now had the task of trying to figure out how to get the beast home. Again due to the late night and knowing that we would be getting to the show late, we did not want to chance a trailer and not able to find parking. We also had all of the tools, an easy up and chairs in the back of the truck..uh oh...well with the help of Warren, his friend Jim, JimT1971 myself and a stranger, we were able to push the tractor up into the truck bed. (Thank God for the high top cap). We even fit ALL of the tools, ez up chairs, hand truck ect back in the bed...I know that I have not said what the Wheel Horse was...it was a C195!!!!!!!!! Here are some pictures of it stuffed in the truck, I will get more once we have it out and can do more pictures.

Sold my Dakota a few weeks back, was very disappointed with it and I wish I had never sold my full size truck to move into the Dakota......so.....I bought this today. Its a 2004 with a HEMI, auto tranny and 4 wheel drive. The off-road package gives it 3.92 gears so it'll be a great towing vehicle (think tractor rustling!!) Mike.........

Ironic, he is an Ohio cop

Is anyone concerned about that unit having the Eaton 700 light duty transmission? Im surprised its still moving. Definitely not made for loader duty, but maybe its been replaced with the eaton 1100? Check to see if it has a hydro filter on the back for the transmission...

I'm on the same 27 8.50-15 skid steer tires. They look good, but at 8 ply the rides a bit rough!

This is close to as far as I took the unit alot of curve balls came my way welding , voltage regulator , bushings , etc washing before prep and paint .

painted the wheels, panels and hood on the C-145. but when I pulled it outta the garage I noticed orange peeling on the instrument side panels. my fault, I didn't sand them down before painting. I'll strip that down and re paint tomorrow. at least the rest came out decent. http://c-145.weebly.com/

Just wanted to get a price check from the experts here. This came up for sale next to me, it's a 518H with the Kwik-Way Loader. The machine is in good condition. Hoses look good, welds on loader look good, bucket is straight. Seller wants $2500, but he is known to negotiate (bought from him before) so it could be gotten for less. Also are those the right sized front tires for this model? Thoughts?

Well... at least it's the right color Mike.

there was no ffilter. Might be better to buy this, transfer the loader to a 520, and sell the 518?

This seems like a good article for the WHCC.....

Craig, give it a little time, maybe after I am back from Vacation in a few weeks Better idea, maybe the club's picture area can be a link to RedSquare show 2015 show pictures. We probably have more pictures than the WHCC anyway and it's updated already

Here are photos of the 13 Wheel Horse tractors I found at the 29th annual Menges Mills Historic Horse, Steam and Gas Show on July 17-18, 2015.

Short little video of Skonk puttin around sweeping. With the seat up high and all the leg room I can almost lie down and drive! Follow the video till the end for the "POP" Can't believe how the grass keeps growing and July is half over.

Had a big club meeting / ride / lunch today .

Gorgeous survivor Lane... what the heck is that thing on the steering wheel?

Looks like the end of the splines to hold on the c clip broke off, I would find a new/used axle and hub and replace if rest of trans is good. Also double set screw the hubs. By the way from a fellow Minnesotan Tom

Good looking truck!

N I C E !

here's a video I made from Saturday's show: https://youtu.be/NhdXCPWRZuI

I may be mistaken, That ARK loader on Craig"s tractor doesn't seem to "Hang Out" in front as much as the Kwik-Way. Maybe it's an optical illusion The bucket on my PK sits out quite a ways and I can really feel it when it's full of wet snow.

Yes the 702 was an electric start from the factory...I have one...there is no 752. You have to remember that the garden tractor industry was kind of new and not an exact science. A lot of parts were used in the next year's production (to use up inventories)...don't even want to talk about how they did things over seas at the Belgium plant. After 1962, Wheel Horse used a system that a mother could love, but those days were numbered...it all changed again after 1967...when we went to AFL football team names. That is why so many people put their horses on this site and ask what they are...and that is why it takes a bunch of us to come up with the right answer.

Great story. Glad you could make new and share old memories for this family.

Thanks decals is ordered

hi this is dave in A.P. my yahoo email is d5az1975@yahoo.com i live 45 min from you. maybe i can help. i have a parts tractor but dont know if trans is good, but it has 1"1/8 axels

Just when there's finally a good clear picture you knock it out of focus. A number of sources, (none first hand!) suggests that a 752 would be an electric start and a 702 a recoil. Now I'm sure that swaps and upgrades exists so I would not be at all surprised to see a 702 (emphasis in the "0"!) could today be an electric start. But you are saying that a brand new 702 was equipped with electric start?

http://www.redoyourhorse.com/wheel-horse-1054-or-953-decal-set/

Though originally intended for light duty materials(like mulch)... within reason, they will still pick a healthy load.

redoyourhorse.com or restorationdecals.co.uk

They have aged better than me!

I'm thinkin'... picts like these evoke the stories Karen's looking for.

Now that is a great Wheel Horse story Mike. These little red horses really do have a way about them...so do the people that own them

Very humbling indeed. Was very happy with the experience. The cart, an LTD-242 or 243 apparently and unfortunately, had been sold along with his other implements before I got to buy the tractor. I asked who had bought them and it "was just someone who called in response to a local paper advertisement". Whoever it was came by, handed money, loaded up and left. They said the buyer really didn't say much, just took the things and left. Me, I was thinking I could find him and trade one of my newer carts for that one. The oldest son, Carl (In the last picture), asked me if I would sell "Dad's Tractor" to him. I very gently declined, of course, but said I could find another for him. He said, "You find another '73 and restore it like that, I'll buy it off of you!" I warned him what the cost might be, and he said he didn't care, he just wanted a tractor like Dads. I guess I have a new quest and a new project coming up in the future.

I'm betting...the 7hp ones.

What a great story Mike. You had to feel good about that.

Just joined up. Been a long time waiting for a simple method to pay for membership. Took all of 2 minutes to join.

Good news! 520 is running & sounding better than it ever has for me. I mowed with it for about an hour & I couldn't believe how quiet it is. On a side note I was mowing with my 74' C-160 8 speed, (while repairing 520) which does a great job mowing, but getting back on the 520H is like climbing on a Cadillac.

Tractor really looks great Jason, nice work so far.

Looks pretty darn good Jason. I think you might find that when you do all the tearing down, fixin and repainting yourself you get a little more attached to them. You don't see too many GT 14's out there all prettied up...

It is easy to rule out an ignition problem. Connect a test light or voltmeter to the ignition coil (+) terminal and see is you have a constant power supply with the pto off and on. Garry

I would have to agree meadowfield! Then again the GT14 never did ride quite like a Cadillac.

I love the raincap on your stack exhaust Mike. Sooner or later I will have to put one on a Wheel Horse. I do have a stack complete with a raincap on my 1958 Case 300. Its very soothing to watch it in motion and hear the "tink tink tink" sound it makes after a long day at work.

Hopefully the blast cabinet will be finished next weekend. You are a brave man. I learned a long time ago to say yes dear. I love you. Then just continue with task at hand.

I thought he wrote "its all about the POOP"!!!

Had time today to clean it up just figured I'd post some pics of it now Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure about the wife... but, I do know I'd..... keep those tires.