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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

The Blackberrys are finally ripe. Now Mrs. K can do her magic and make one of her "to die for" Blackberry Pies.

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.

Here Ya go Craig.

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

It's 88 outside with high humidity. I'm not retired! What would be a better time than to start fitting this cab I got onto Ezra my 73 12 8 spd for this winter's snowblower duty. As some of you may know I got a really nice cab this spring for a 300-500 series tractor http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/54600-snow-cab/ Problem is this cab will not fit without some mods done. I knew I'd be drilling some holes in the running boards and I didn't want to mess up the original boards so I "Thought" I'd pick up a pair at the show. Well I found the left one. I couldn't believe the right side was no where to be found. I found one that fits correctly on flea bay. Pretty rusty but I'm going to be drillin and hackin so I'll clean it up later. First issue is the lower mounting bar is too long or the boards are too short. notched the boards Frame is just about in the right spot now. There is slight interference with the PTO lever as well as the lift arm. something will need to be done about that after the rest of the frame is fitted. That's it for now TOO HOT!!!!

Good eyes Brandon.....That rogue strawberry plant sprouted in the blackberries and now must think he is one of them as he bears a fruit one month after the strawberry season is over.

It's amazing how some of us made it out of our youth alive. Glad you saw the light and didn't go over to the dark side.

Here's one for you... who's got one of these in the back yard?

Seems as though a strawberry missed the memo...

Grill was different and I forgot to mention it! I told George it was just missing a few items! Light switch was changed too -no doubts about it. Very surprised to see such a nice survivor ! !

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 !

Eric , I have a 1 1/8 axle , good condition thats measures very close to 11 5/8" . If it will work, it's yours w/ no charge. if interested let me know......

I love my York Rake, I have the TA-1 with the optional fold down grader blade.

This was my second year at this show......and it did grow some. Also, Nice to see some more wheel horse people come this year . Just took some random snapshots of the show including my Andrew who spent about 75% of his time there hanging out in Joebob's new camper. Planning on going again next year.

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.........

Aren't you up jogging on that thing yet... how's it going John?

Had the same thing happen on a 314-Hydro with a bit over 1000 hrs. The fuel pump was just wore out. Replaced it and it ran like a top again....

Looks good....A little vanilla ice cream...WooHoo And beautiful tomatoes too.

Masmedia...cool video.

HEY NOW! Looks like you've got two of 'em there Ed.

I like... to die for pie.

As usual a top notch restore on the tractor, but even better is the back story. What you shared with them and they with you will give you all fond memories and new friendships for years to come. Ya done good Bunky.

That was the first thing I did,in side of carb was spotless,but I went ahead and sprayed carb cleaner through all of the ports and needle valve. Everything looked great .

I agree with Kevin. The 5xi series have the good design features of Wheel Horse with added improvements. The Hi-Lo range on the Eaton 11 along with a Neutral position allows it to be moved ( level surface as it is 1100 pounds) by hand, lengthened wheelbase, step-though open station, rocker pedal control (allows easy hydraulic braking), and tight turning radius. All of the 5xi series, including the 518xi without PS and only the Mid-Back seat, are great tractors. The price, if in decent shape, is about right for all that you mentioned. The hours on the Kohler Command are starting to be up there but parts will be cheaper than an Onan.

That's what I get for not realizing that this was the second page of an old thread!

Just so you know. This issue with the insulator is kind of like the issue with a GM ignition module in the distributor. The difference is GM does not use a material insulator. When you buy a module it comes with a little package of grease to be used on the bottom side of the module. If you do not use this grease the module 'WILL' fail and I have seen that happen. People buy one and think " what's this for and discard it" the next ting you know the vehicle won't start again. Time for another $60 for a new module plus the trip to the shop, towing charge and the labor. So you see not using that little packet of grease could cost you upwards of $200 to get it fixed. Just saying "pay attention now or pay someone else later".

Whenever I see pto and 60" deck come up I think of this service bulletin. The early 520-HC models in 1988 required the pto clutch plate be replaced with what must be one with a larger friction area to drive the 60" deck. http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1760-wh61-90-418-520-hc-pto-clutch-plate-when-using-60in-sd-deckpdf/ The available parts list for the 1988 520's is a later 1989 version so the original clutch plate does not show up. The 114881 plate has been replaced by 94-6650 which is the same one used on all later models with a manual pto. So the current 94-6650 replaced 103140 facing only, 103477, 103817, 111238 and 114881 clutch plates. The 1988 300-Series used 111238 clutch plate. The 1987 418's used 111238 clutch plate. The 1986 420-LSE used the 103817 clutch plate. Garry

Congrats on the new purchase. Looks really nice. 3:92's should pull real nice for you. I understand the mileage deal as well. My little ranger gets about 13mpg around town, while my 383 Camaro with 3:90's gets about 10. (a lot more fun driving the Camaro around as well). Wish you the best of luck with it. Just watch out for bit of rust around the wheel wells.

If you are not getting the speed out of the inner pto groove the belt is slipping - not tight enough. Since the drive is working harder when it is spinning faster the belt needs to be tighter than it does when it is in the outer groove. The pulley circumference is roughly 3 times the pulley diameter. Say the outer pulley is 3" diameter so one turn will advance the belt 9". If the inner pulley is 4" diameter (1/3 larger) that same one turn will advance the belt 12" (1/3 faster) Garry

I picked up a new 48-inch deck today. It has never seen grass! The downfall is that it is for a 270 series machine, but, it has all the mounting holes that my current deck uses so it looks like I just have to swap pulleys and the attachamattic system to the new deck and I'm set.

Love it! Ive been in my '08 Ram since 2010 and I LOVE it. Mine is 2wd with the high output 4.7 and 3.92 gears. (The 4.7 prior to 08 were anemic, they redesigned them and with a tune on 95 gas i was running 310+hp). Still isn't a HEMI but it will reliably pull whatever I throw at it! Bought it with 28k on the clock and just turning 117k.

Also the pto clutch getting worn down with often start to slip and sing. Check that your PTO has plenty of clutch lining left.

The rears look to be B.F. Goodrich Silvertown Power Grip ag tires, size 6.40 x 15 original, as pictured in the 953 manual.

ok so my son must have the lucky touch... I went down and it was set on the smallest pulley, the outter most. I started the tractor engaged the pulley and nothing. My son walks to the front of the machine and turns the tensioner twice and the belts grip and it takes off at a high rate of speed that you would expect for a mowing deck. Vs the inner most one where it spins but not fast enough to cut grass. So tomorrow will be the first test run to see if it will actually mow.

It goes on the inner pulley.

Loosen the gas cap and see if it does the same thing.

I just spent some time searching specifically for electric start 702s. No problem finding confirming pictures and comments! Seems that 701s are also electric starts. Gads this identifying is time consuming! And yes indeed, having one helps but you never know for sure what is original. Anyway, thanks for helping me NOT spread incorrect info!!! Guess I better put my chisel up and go back to caulk... Now where is my eraser? Dennis in Upstate NY

By the way, don`t wait too long. We can see the phone # in that first picture, lol!

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

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

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

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.

Hard to believe... the last show photos they have in the gallery are from 2012. We realize that the site has been neglected for a while. All of the information pages should be up-to-date now. Club members can submit photos via email link on the Photo Gallery page. Yes, we could post pics that were taken by us, but can't use photos from anyone else without permission. That section is next on the "hit list" because I would like to see it also. Also please note that the membership year runs from June to June. Sign up soon in order to receive the next newsletter.

the first year for the 416-8 was 89 a year before toro put their name on the side but a few years after they bought wheel horse eric j

Government waste and red tape. Found it kind of funny when the GOVERNMENT sent out all of that active anthrax recently, they use FedEx for shipping stuff instead of the US post office.

That's great I paid 30.00 for it lol guys thanks so much for the help I greatly appreciate it

there's a solid refresh for sure! nice work

More pictures from the show, This was a great show I think total count was around 550 garden tractors in attendance. I am planning on attending next year again. Would be great to get some more Horse's to show up next year. Thanks for looking.