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Finally a topic I know something about. While I do not ride around with a beverage, unless it is a trip around the block, I always have something before I start and it sits in the garage waiting for me when I return. Understand, it only takes about 10 minutes to mow my yard, and I do not want to run over any flamingos...while mowing the obstacle course. But having that cocktail waiting for me at the end, is like having a cigarette after sex.

If set up correctly, you should be able to drive in the garage and grab a cold one without getting off the seat!

this is probably going to be just another one that we miss catching up with some of you guys this year........ other priorities have to come first. come to think of it i don't think I've dropped even a dime on anything for the tractors this year so far, very unusual. did get one of the 416 tractors out for a spin the other day though, so all is not lost just yet.....

To celebrate the D-200s return to working order I thought I'd show it at Netley Marsh this year, first time I've taken a tractor, usually it's military jeeps. There'd been no real rain for pretty much two months in this area, just the very occasional light shower or drizzle so the ground was rock hard and the grass not exactly lush. All that would change though and it rained pretty much all day Friday with no vehicle movements on the show ground and no arena events so the D stayed in it's trailer. Friday is generally a pretty quiet day at the show anyway so I could see the logic of preserving the site. Saturday the weather was good so off to the tractor display area first thing where tractors of all sizes were gathering including the little ones. Met Charlie who'd brought along his Cub Cadet, his Grandad with a Wheelhorse, and Charlie's friend with another WH. I think in all I counted six WHs, a few years back I think there was only one, possibly two. Charlie's response to the D - I didn't realise they were that big! We'd just started talking when it was time for the off round the arena led for some reason by the big JDs. Too early in the day for there to be many punters round the arena to appreciate the big turnout of agricultural machines of all shapes and sizes - but here's a selection.... That's a friend of mine, Ashley, with his combine. Heavy rain again Saturday night and showers on Sunday. Where the ground was so hard from previous lack of rain it wasn't draining. So no arena events on the Sunday in fact it was a wash out really and most exhibitors were leaving from midday onward. Always a shame when the weather does this as the show is put on to raise money for charity but although it was crowded on the Saturday I'm pretty sure it will make a loss this year. Andy

Sometimes there is nothing more soothing than the putter of a Wheel Horse. Some people just don't understand.... IMG_5387.MOV

Dennis, that is why you have more then one horse. I have 2 with the hi / low gearing, 2 with the 3 speed forward, and now...finally a hydro. I use them all...none of them are pretty...but they are all beautiful.

A 'new' k301 will set you back far more than $450... Swap in a predator engine and then you can sell the K301 cheap. There are plenty of people who would rebuild that to spec. Then you don't have to worry about tools or experience

Personally I would rather buy a tractor that I knew had a wallowed out key way that I could fix right rather than have someone who is trying to sell it put a "quick fix" and ask for more money which I would regret spending later when it all broke out. Just be honest, and price appropriately. The next owner can pull the axle or do the proper welding and get a new seal.

No. It's been done many times. Depending on the tractor model and the transmission there likely will be some mods to the clutch/brake setup and to the sheetmetal to accommodate the hi/lo shifter but nothing too difficult.

So... The maiden voyage. Well, the first attempt at a maiden voyage didn't go so well! As I was backing the boat down the ramp when I had it in deep enough I went to hit the brakes that was a no go! I'm pushing the brake pedal down and I'm thinking why am I having to push the pedal down further than normal? Yeah, no brakes! (Blew a front brake line, kinda surprising because underneath my van its spotless.) The ramp is kinda steep and you'd be surprised how fast you pick up speed. Luckily I got past that WTF moment pretty quick and dropped it in drive pretty quick. Of course the ramp is slippery as all hell so there was a little spinnage but I didn't float the van. So, I pull out a cigar, light up, re-secure the boat and say to myself, now what? Screw it, I'm only ten minutes from home I'm outta here. hey, ain't that why they put e- brakes in cars? I get home and decide to hook up to my Grand Cherokee. I haven't driven it for a few months and when I put it in gear, no go! Front caliper is locked solid! I just replaced that caliper last summer. I pulled it apart and the pistons on that caliper wouldn't budge. Ist attempt at a maiden voyage TOTALLY UNSUCCESSFUL. I figured I'd tell the whole world before some other clown does... So.. Second attempt the next day was almost as crappy as the first one. The motor fired right up, which is usually a good sign. I'm pulling out and as soon as I hit the throttle its banging out of gear. More than likely a bad clutch dog in the lower unit. I turn around and head to shore. I think to myself, let me call my son and if he's home little does he know it but he's gonna earn some keep. he's home and he is going to run another motor down to the ramp for me. Thatta boy. I put the Evinrude on and after one pull of the recoil I'm holding the rope in my hand! So, off comes all the covers and I wrap the rope around the flywheel and after the 50th pull it decides to start. It usually starts in the first or second pull. It ran like crap and started hard every time I shut it off. I met Stevebo on his yacht and we hung out for awhile, thank God he had some ice water! Yesterday it rained, So I rebuilt the recoil and took the carb apart for a cleaning. I guess the old sayin is true, third time is the charm. Today I went out and the Ole Evinrude started on the first pull and purred like a kitten all day and I was able to get a pretty good feel for the boat. Its a lot more fun than it was the second day when the motor was running like a turd...Next I will try my Mercury and I think that one is gonna go pretty good.

My friend likes to have a drink or a few while mowing. Not sure what happened maybe his horse got drunk from the fumes. Another neighbor told me his C-175 climbed a tree in his yard. The Wheel Horse wasn't hurt as I have seen it since. Here are a couple pictures of the Tree Climber.

I've had both 4 & 8 speed transmissions. unless you are operating a tiller, I don't really see the need for an 8 speed. I would occasionally put my 310-8 into low range to push some yard debris into the pile, but that was really just to prevent wheel spin. my little 5hp 4speed will push the same pile with ags and wheel weights, in 1st gear. I find the 4 spds more than adequate for what I do.

Get yer own beer fridge for the garage Lager

WOW, I am soooooo happy that I am not the only one that does this!!

The C-121 has a battery ignition. Before you start jumping through hoops, hook the battery up and all the other connections including safety switches if you didn't do so already. Make sure the connectors are clean and not corroded. And your battery needs to be fully charged to make sure that isn't the issue.

I noticed that my horses don't run properly unless the correct liquid is in the beverage holder.

Oh... hell yeah!

I'll be there.

Well my production efforts drop off the cliff when the temperature needle hits 90 or above. I also had to deal with sale of the tiller today and you just have to take opportunity to show and tell and talk tractors....that's a lot of what the hobby is really about so between selling off redundant implement to make more space, general housekeeping and shoptalk, I was able to organize a bit. I almost spent time and effort sandblasting a body part that was unnecessary. Risk of having parts tractor, limited space and pace that I am going at. it was good to inventory as part of housekeeping. wish I had one of those shop AC units. But then I would need to insulate the garage. Yet another project to add to list:-) The obligatory pic .....

I'm lucky enough to have some access to a workshop, and have utilised the sand blast machine. So far I done the rear cover, seat support plate and spring bars, the foot boards and belt cover, the opposite side cover, the piece over the sticks. I would have done the bonnet/hood but it was to big for the cabinet . Some bits have ben primed already, I've painted the hood (all rattle cans) quite pleased with the finish, no filler just primer an good ole hand sanding.

Trying to get this cool looking rider only pic i have right now, no motor but has a cool design, did google searches but came up empty anyone have any idea on make and approx year Thanks

On vacation this week in Maine. Did a bit of fishing this morning and hooked this (purple rubber worm). About 15-16" long. I'm gonna hate going back to work! Mike......

I just scored this nice find today. Looks like it will go directly onto the belly of the 520-H. It's in great shape, and all the parts are there. A little paint and it will be good as new. I've been looking for a 50" mid grader blade but haven't had any luck in my geographical area until now. I can't stop collecting (and using) cool attachments for my herd. I think I officially have a problem... haha

It's our last night here and there's a full moon.......pic time! Mike....

I use the same stuff as Cleat. Works fine and the plug removes easily. Never use Teflon tape, if a piece breaks off inside the trans and floats around to the wrong place, you will not be pleased.

You know , the wife bought a small frig for overflow room for the veggies coming out of the garden, think I'll offer to get that out of her way in the wash room

Well its close to 90 so slow going is the rule. I figured I would need tires in the near future as I hope to get the frame and Hydro prepped and ready for paint. am planning on tackling this and then continue on blasting, priming and painting the myriad parts since i am not a paint and body guy I am planning for worst and hoping for best. Worst case is I head into winter with way less done than I hope and I will need to move the tractor around from time to time. And I really want to see the Vredsteins and New Old Stock tires on thhe freshly painted rims. Morale booster! So I started yesterday prepping tires by giving them a good scrub with soap and water then again with BleachWhite. They dried while I was at work. This afternoon I set up to coat them with RyGlide(sp). This stuff is mentioned in other threads as a tire treatment. I was at Napa a couple days ago and figured it was worth a shot. It cant hurt my older treads and if it helps preserve the old stock rears in any way, awesome. So got everything situated and started by pulling the new old stock tires off rims. Then coated everything down and sealed in bags for the next couple days, For those who have tried this yet, if you have 15 inch rear tires, get ready to wrestle. proverbial 10 pounds in 5 pound bag. I was tenacious and only murmured a few choice words. Well a lot but no grand kids to hear me:) The old tree falling in the woods thing. As far as G'children are concerned I am not a potty mouth. Yet;-) Some pics I remembered to take. Tomorrow I need to do maintenance on the blast cabinet, and if not too hot, start tackling pulling the rest of the parts tractor apart as I unfortunately need its frame or I take the other one into a welder. I have not yet taken the time to get welding stuff going. All I have at moment is a used wire feed welder a buddy gave me. BTW, Trying to tackle these projects and juggle work and family makes you realize why these restorations can take as long as they occasionally do and makes you realize just how dedicated and industrious those few are who can turn them around fast. First pic is set up. Second Pic is showing a closer pic of HF tool removing rear tire from rim. Third pic are best 40 plus year old rears off the two GT's. These will hold for a while with Tubes but have significant cracking. Fourth pic is of the new old stock tires I was lucky to get in tractor deal from Forum member Fifth pic is nice set of older fronts. 18x8.5-8. I think these will last for a while yet. last pic is showing them bagged to soak.

Nothing that I can see, the 161 had lights. Did a bit more today.

It's from a Lawn Chief lawn mower... hardware/farm store kind of brand.

This town has a population of under 1000 people and there is not one single restaurant in town...not even a gas/convenience store. But the next town over has pretty much everything you could need. We only ate out once. Cooked all the rest of our meals here....did a half dozen lobster last nite YUM! I'm useless in the cookin department, so my wife, my daughter and her boyfriend have done most of it......I do most all the dishes. Mike....

Rusteolum " Sunrise Red" nice color for sure. and I have a metal fender pan I am going to put on here also.

The hydro is so much better with foot control. Why Wheel Horse stayed with hand controls so long is beyond me. I have Matt's kit on all 3 of my 520's and driving them is nice, the 416 on the other hand with the control just under the steering wheel just does not work as well. Cleat

I've been doing this with mine I also pull started my farmall cub and a Porsche diesel junior with it. Pulled a big trailer that was on handbrake, the farmall cub couldnt get it off it's place

Good point . I am not trying to put anything over on anyone. I would not have put this post up . I just ordered a new key, seal and set screws . The only other thing wrong with this tractor is rusty floor boards and I am sanding and painting them. I have owned this from 35 hrs and have always kept up with the maintenance . By the way check out the Belzona site and see what the product can do. The cost was just to much. Thanks for the input .

Power King folks say not to bother with the tiller without at least a 4sp and preferably the tandem 3spds. I don't use Low/Low all that often but often enough that I think I would sorely miss it. I suppose what I'm asking is while I do see quite a few folks that are very proud of their big 3speeders I've not noticed any so far complain or say that a trans transplant is on their list. It's just so contrary to my thinking that I had to ask...

I disagree. The throttle has no bearing on safety if your key switch and clutch work correctly... I cant see any situation where the throttle would be a safety issue. That's a pretty slick idea, looks a heck of a lot easier than drilling out and replacing with a bolt and lock nut. Does it slip at all? Like, do you foresee it falling out at some point? The E-clip fits fairly tight against the flat spring and the throttle handle doesn't drift downward as it did without the clip. I don't think the clip will fall out but time will tell. The E-clip came from the WH 310 hood's pivot shaft that was replaced with bushings and shoulder bolts with nylock nuts. The clip just happened to be handy at the time.

The 857 - do want...

I have a beer and watch mine mow the grass - 315-8 has a cup ( beer ) holder put a few in a 5 gallon bucket on ice at the garage so I'm not tramping dirt though the wife's kitchen when it's time for a fresh one .....lol

Looks like the serial number decal was changed out along with the hood side decals. If you had an early 953 project or wanted to go to some shows and swap meets to sell parts I guess $ 100 or less would be a good price for both. Otherwise you would be best off taking picture posters along to shows to find them a good home, hate to see rusting away.

Any shop that would say the BS your shop is telling you I would avoid.What do they think other engines are speced with,a measuring tape?If you can get the necessary tools and have any experiance with machines you could do a satifactory rebuild on what you have.Used engines and alternate replacements can be had for less than a rebuild.You pay your money and takes your choice.Luck,JAinVA

Unsafe how...it is easier and quicker to pull a clothes pin off than to twist the correct locking throttle to the unlocked position and push it in....

thanks. I checked it out and downloaded several manuals. I didn't see an owners manual, maybe I just missed it! Could someone point me in the right direction? Is there a pdf service manual available for my tractor? I I dumped the tranny lube this morning--nasty looking. Likely hasn't been changed since day one. Went to my local Toro dealer and worked with a young guy behind the counter. I told him what I had and asked if he could get me some parts. He said "that is an old tractor, I don't think most of those parts will be available!" Well we looked up headlight bezels-check, shifter dust cover-check, drive belt-check, lift cable clevis-check! He looks at me and says, "I guess that stuff is still available!" Awesome! Then I picked up from our local Fleet Farm, tune up parts, tranny lube, lights, and a handful of small parts. By next weekend, it should be ready to rock and roll!

I'll be there all weekend...too far to drive for just one day. It looks like we are going to do the golf thingy on Thursday (the day before the show) this year...because of some commitments on the Monday. Let me know if you want to golf with us. As Tom said in the next thread...Golf on Thursday...not Wednesday. Thanks Tom.

I use a little white liquid teflon on mine for good sealing and the ability to get it out again. If it in less than perfect condition I would recommend replacing it as a stripped out plug that cannot be easily removed is a real pain. Cleat

Might be a possibilty??? I know the chrome horse is up to it...

You need to get yourself one of these... http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/store/ then, you'll have no problems posting your picts here.

OK Dennis...I am by no means an expert on Wheel Horse tractors, but I feel your pain. If there is one thing that this site lacks, it is the ability to pull up good pictures of horses with an explanation of what is different between the years. Case in point...on the main page we have "Picture Gallery" and the sub-category, "Wheel Horse Picture Horse Gallery" For the most part you can go in there and identify a horse...the problem...I think through the up-grades and from the old "Forum-er Site" a ton of pictures have been lost. Another thing that never happened...the folks that posted these horses only posted maybe one shot (usually the left side) when it would be helpful to show at least 4 pictures showing all sides of the horse. This could be my next project...delete the worthless posts that have no pictures and set it up to have pictures, of every horse that is correct...and if it is not correct...why not. We could go to the members that did have posts in there and see if they want to offer up those pics again. What do ya think?? On a serious side...if you do this...a new member can go into this section...identify his horse and never post anything. In other words, if you have all the information available...you lose the back and forth that so many of us love here on Red Square...that includes the banter. Personally, I think it would do us all a favor to clean up the Wheel Horse Picture Gallery...I think that Brrly1 even started a thread concerning this. Understand that this could become a huge undertaking with a bunch of knowledgeable members weighing in on what is correct and not. If I had the admins blessing on this, I already have some ideas on how to go about this...you have brought up something that , I know, a few of us have been thinking about. I was looking for something to do.

thats a beast of a gearbox!

C-160, 161, or an sk486