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This is one of my late 55's but will give you a better idea of how it should look.....this one is all original down to the paint and has the plow bar bolted to the frame but the actual plow is put up.....

This horse was found upside down in a dumpster by my friend(tunaslayet). He brought the oil-covered 312-8 to my house with a crushed hood, broken steering wheel, and crushed center console. The hour meter read around 1000 hours, but the engine ran with little effort and the transmission shifted smoothly. I quickly began disassembling the horse and fixing/replacing any damaged parts. Sourcing a steering wheel proved to be a challenge, so i retrofitted a boat steering wheel which came out great and was very inexpensive. I cleaned up and repainted the entire tractor and freshened it up with throwback redo-your-horse stickers and fresh turfsavers. I initially began to set this up as the mower that it once was, but shifted my focus to creating a front end loader after my friends father hooked me up with a great selection of hydraulic equipment in exchange for a custom cabinet. I quickly found a loader on craigslist in Maine. The loader was properly sized, in great shape, missing most of the hydraulic components, and well built from PF engineering plans. I quickly picked up the required steel and began fabricating. Here is the 312-8 the day I got it. The loader on the day I bought it in ME. It is nested with a Kwikway that my friend (tunaslayet) purchased on the same day. We both sourced loaders in ME and took the road trip from Southeastern MA to pick them up. Very exciting weekend. Initial mock up of the loader on the 312. I sacrificed the attach-a-matic and welded it directly to the frame. I decided to modify the support trusses to allow for better PTO clearance and maintainability. I added a slight bend and welded a support gusset to add strength. The PTO and belts are completely serviceable without removing any components from the loader. The back of the frame is supported by 3/8-16 carriage bolts around the rear axle. The weight box is small, but designed to tightly hold a 220lbs stack of exercise cable weights. The weight box alone adds another 40lbs. Wheel weights will soon be added. Here are all of the loader parts painted and ready for assembly. Upgraded to a 520 swept forward front axle with gear reduction steering (Thanks Dennis!). I used trailer hubs instead of the 520 rims. After countless hours of wire-wheeling, grinding, welding, painting, and day-dreaming, my re-rehabilitated 312 is ready to do work for me. I just had to lift something for fun, so i threw my troybilt commercial walk behind mower in the bucket and took it for a ride. The loader lifted the mower with no effort at all.. I may try to lift my 416-8 for fun. Thanks everyone for the help. -Justin

Good poll. I hate body work. I can never leave it alone, I can't stop playing with it, I always have to touch it before it is dry, and I hate sanding. I would rather change out a kitchen faucet and I hate plumbing. My blood pressure is up just typing this response.

Hi Everyone, I haven't posted here in awhile. Here are some pics of my 1957 RJ35. Hope you enjoy them!

The only body work I do is with the ladies!

I just picked this up a few miles up the road. Owner says it's a 1948 Wheel Horse. I didn't agree or disagree. It's mine now. No motor and maybe something missing. Take a look. I can't find an ID tag.

Great weather just a tick windy. My friend Butch was here today with his 1067. Couldn't get a good pic of the site because once again my nemesis, the local IH club, parked a truck and trailer right in front of my canopy. Had a handicap sticker in the window and an old guy drove it in. didn't have the heart to ask him to move it so we used the trailer for a bench! Lot's of pics Pic of the site. Couldn't get Butch's tractor in it because of the trailer Shot with Butch's tractor HIGH NOON!

I'm lazy. I leave the dents in. Adds character. Just got home from the steam show and all the Farmalls have dents. I got turned off to body work in college. Saw a guy sit on a running body grinder! When ever I buy paint, the dude mixing it always adds the runs to the paint to make sure I have enough. At least with mechanical work, if you have problems you can blame it on the metric system. And if your working on a MG, you can curse George Lucas

I guess I'm the odd one out. I'd rather blast and paint.

I have to agree with you Steve. When you tighten a bolt, you know it's tight. I don't know how many times I've left a finger print in uncured paint, or sanded a little too much on an edge. Although most of the time my end results look like I know what I'm doing, I am just too impatient to be a good body and paint man.

You guys who mention guns bring up an interesting point that I tried to drill into my B-in law a while back. He's been known to fly off the handle at people. He runs a used car shop and no garages want to work on his cars anymore. Anyway my wife and I broke down in her car a few months back. We called him to give us a ride home. It was a Sunday evening around dinner time and she called AAA. They told her about 45 min. My BNL gets there and we wait. he mentions how long it's taking for the tow truck. I tell him when the guy gets there just stay in the car. Let him hook it so we can get home. Who knows where the guy is coming from and what he's doing when the call comes. Tow truck gets there about an hour and 15 min. My BNL jumps out of the car. I stay in the car and think, here we go. Tow truck driver isn't out of his truck 10 seconds and he's screaming at him about being late. A 5 min. argument ensues until my BNL got back in the car. I read him the riot act and almost decided to walk the 14 miles home! The point I was trying to make to him was with all the crazy stuff in this world today, you never know. That tow truck driver could have had a gun and been on something .who knows nowadays. If something bothers you just walk away. I told my BNL someday you going to piss off the wrong person and I'm going to be visiting you in the hospital or even worse.

Yeah.... I didn't think it was a 48 but it doesn't say "Wheel Horse" , only "POND". Here's pics of the deck and plow that came with it. And it has wheel weights.

Paint the Bears logo on the bottom so no one sees it and gives you a hard time!

Well, hi all, Wonderful resource here! I'm Marc from Georgia USA. Letting y'all perhaps rejoice in the likelihood that a 1980 black hood will be restored. I've done everything to the house, yard and cars and have time on my hands. An old friend (92) gave me this 125 he had sinking in his yard. Said he rode it there two years ago - not likely. His mind's really clear, otherwise. WWII Lexington - Hellcats. OK, I dragged the poor thing onto a trailer with a come-along. Wanted to get her to run to see if she was worth restoring, although I kinda know this is going to be a labor of love. I grew up with a Simplicity 707 and love the old tractors. So... Pulled the frozen 42" deck which can use a minor weld on top and some bearing refreshing. One of the pulleys ahead of it from the PTO, the return, is frozen... Two rear tubes and she rolls, a coil to solve the open primary, repaired ignition switch, battery, bypassed open ammeter, drained and cleaned tank, repaired fuel pump, pulled a piece of rust from the main jet, filed points - starts! Runs around the yard like a banshee and charges. Starter sounds hellish, though. Sheet metal over the head missing... Front left wheel/tire looks like it's off a Ranger - tall and narrow. Front right looks original. Bad Hi/Lo so pulled the trans and find the Hi/Lo fork separated and rattling. Oil is caramel colored but not so water filled to do damage - good bearings and only some wear on the inner Hi gear. Good news if the parts come in so it's now hurry-up and wait. Had loads of fun pulling those hubs. The first one the puller actually snapped - even with heat - so I'm in the market on that one. Second came off easily enough. I'll put her together and will start on the deck. If I can cut grass, it will be time to tear her apart for a full restoration - something I have never done before - more a mechanic than a restorer. If I do a nice enough job, maybe he'll give me the older one with the 8HP Briggs. There, you have it! I'll be spending plenty of time here gaining knowledge. The youtube vids on trans assembly from Stevesaurus will serve me greatly, thanks! Here's the going-home pic. Right now, she's at the end of the driveway covered and the trans is in pieces on the bench.

Ok I just bought a 1967 877 for my son and I too retore... I have no idea where to start? Any pics or information would be greatly appreciated ., It has the 8 horse kohler and mowing deck runs great still

Definitely mechanical work. I'm not that good at it, but I can usually figure things out (especially with help from RedSquare), and I usually know when to stop. That's definitely not true of body work. I'm so anal, nothing would ever get finished. I get frustrated trying to get JBWeld to do what I want.

Thanks Tuneup and Welcome to Red Square. It is a feel good when some can use my videos to save or fix a horse and it is always nice to get some good feedback. Thank you and good luck with that horse.

All you need do is take a quick look at a few of my good running twenty footers to realize that I am much better at wrenching than hammer and dolly work!

I'll take a wrench/ratchet over the sandpaper and fumes any day of the week.

Go ahead ...... ask me how I know that.

You may want to try an easy out. They usually get the job done.

So much for trying to buy WH parts to help make sure Toro keeps making them... Ordered another 5999 gasket last week for a different project. After a few days the dealer called back and said they were discontinued. At least it wasn't too hard to make. Also ordered 2 axle seals which thankfully are still available. One of the Chicago Rawhide ones I put in was already leaking, so I will use the Toro ones from now on. Dave

Welcome to Red Square I don't know what you know about hydros, but if you want to push that horse around at all, you have to open the tow valve. Lift up the seat...it is a 1/2" bolt on the left side down between the pump and the tool box. You only have to open it about 1/2 to 1 turn and then you can push or tow the tractor. Be sure to gently tighten again when you want to ride it...the hydro works better when closed. Don't ask how I know that...I just bought an 876...it is just one year older then yours. You guys will love this horse.

I just picked up this 1990 Wheel Horse 520-8 and was wondering if it came with the 5073 10 pin limited slip transmission. Also slipped in a picture of my 1969 GT-14.

Eastwood.com sells a fuel tank cleaning relining system I have used on a Case VAC Tractor tank and some other smaller tanks. Messy and time consuming but it works and lasts. Had to do a generator tank once rigged up a bracket on the rear hub of my Lawn Ranger jacked her up clamped the tank to the bracket put some rocks in it with the East wood chemical and let her run for about half an hour...got some strange looks from the neighbors. http://www.eastwood.com/gas-tank-sealer-kits.html

welcome and best of luck to you and your son! nice ride you got there

Yes it was and yes I do. If you can zoom in real close on the 520 I bet the wiring looks real familiar.

Like Jake said....1956 for sure with that one year only style frame....the 55,57, and some 56 years had the thicker solid channel iron frame. That year would be more correct with a Clinton 1200 3.6 HP engine and more than likely the smaller cast iron steering wheel was what it had originally.....the engine pulley would have a brass reverse disc built on to it to match up to the variable speed pulley that's on it now for reverse when you pull the speed selector all the way back to make contact with the brass disc and the skinny groove on the speed pulley. The deck and plow is completely original and correct for that tractor too...square gear covers are a giveaway compared to later decks having rounder ones. It's got the very sought after brake kit option too! The variable speed pulley is flipped down and should be up and will need a belt guard too....

Thanks. Tires on this machine are original. The tires are not mismatched. It may seem like they are but it's the angle I took the pic from. Thanks, I try to keep my yard looking nice.

Yes sir, address on map, alarm set ..!!

Always glad to hear about a father and son project. The first place to start is to see what you are starting with. Get it running (if it isn't) and see how strong the transmission is. We have lots of restoration threads on this site and plenty of folks that can and will help along the way. Be very methodical when you disassemble and as "kudzu3" said take lots of step by step photos. Download the manual from our Manuals section and label parts as you go along using the numbers and names from the manual. Use storage containers and put labels on them too. Share progress reports and photos as you go along and best wishes.

TO Print out a manual from the manuals section. Make several copies of the exploded parts drawings. Use these to ID, label, and bag all parts and fasteners. The manual will also show you the parts that may be missing from your tractor. I can see on your photo, you are missing the starter/flywheel belt guard. I just bought a 1965,875 with a broken connecting rod. I replaced the rod and tuned it up and it runs perfect. And that little rear discharge deck really cuts a nice lawn. Best of luck, have fun, and keep us posted ....

Hey now...we at should thank him for inventing the internet.

Now that's funny! You must be feeling better Jim!

On the list today for my possible acquisition was a decent little 312-A, and a latecomer--a C-141. Both of these were posted on Craigslist. I will try to keep this brief. Maybe all this was caused by the recent blue moon... I went to look at the 312-A that was supposed to be a "come and get it--I don't want it" transaction (gas to get there, and a minor amount of sweat loading everything). I get there, go through my process of assessing the Horse, do a test drive, and check all functionality. Everything was good, the hours were at a so-so 1150--but it's a Kohler Magnum 12 and I wasn't too concerned. No leaks, no smoke, no problem. I had pre-arranged the deal over the phone and the owner was glad to have me pick it up... so I thought. Suddenly the price went from "can't you load it any faster?" to $400. It had but one attachment, the tiny 37" rear discharge deck. I drove 3 1/2 hours to get to that one. I left without it. Here's where it gets really strange>>> On the way back home I stopped to see a C-141 that popped up on CL late last night. It was equipped with a snowblower, a 42" rear discharge deck and a 48" side discharge deck, extra set of AG tires mounted on rims, chains, weights, and about three of every necessary belt as a spare. I called this morning and pre-arranged a time and a price--only if everything was as advertised. We agreed to $300, and my adrenaline was pumping. I think that's a steal for a clean and working C series--especially one with lots of extra horsey stuff. So I get there and wait for 45 minutes for the owner to come out of his house (he was home, he knew I was there). Pretty creepy. During that time, I gave it the usual inspection. At about the 30 minute mark, and after knocking on every door I could find and pressing every doorbell button... I couldn't take it. He had verbally given me the OK to test things out as much as I wanted (per our phone conversation). So... I pulled the choke and put it at mid-throttle and cranked it up. It started a little hard--but it started--and purred. There were 2 immediately obvious issues: the motor was loose on its mounts (or broken mounts) and the drive belt and pulley were shot and whipping erratically and causing the drive clutch to jitter. The owner actually had to bungee the drive clutch release in the operating position because the shaking was violent enough to pop the clutch release. The oil was new and fresh, and the trans fluid was clean with a new tranny filter. But--the whole bottom half of the engine block, mounts, frame, and snowblower lift arm were covered in black oily sludge. It did not leave a good impression. It looked like he NEVER wiped up anything in the 25+ years he says he's owned it. He never came out of his house. I had a trailer and cash, and was willing to deal with the issues because they are all repairable. $300 for a C-141... I thought is was worth the price of admission. I knocked, dinged, and called him one last time and then drove away. Super creepy... I got about a mile away from his house, and he called my cell phone. The conversation went something like this... "Hey, are you the guy with the red truck?...Yes...Well, you just left my house...Yes, I know, I was there for 45 minutes and despite all my efforts to contact you, you never came out of your house..." Then it took a very unexpected turn. The next thing he actually said to me was, "You have some kind of balls to show up at someone's house and start his tractor and drive it around his yard... some kind of balls, buddy!" Umm, I was literally speechless. This guy knew everything about our arranged meeting and what I intended to do once I arrived to check out the tractor. He knew I was there, but completely avoided me. So, I left... what else could I do? I won't get into the rest of the ensuing conversation, but let's just say... I politely declined... ...And drove like a bat out of hell away from Wheel Horse Deliverance. Two nice finds, zero horsies on the trailer... crazy people everywhere! And a weird guy ("It puts the lotion on the skin" kind of weird) who couldn't come out of his house to take a handful of cash. I hope the next horse finding expedition turns out much better. WOW!

Anyone else going to the show this year? I will be there on Saturday. I know that @buckrancher will be there all weekend, and I usually see @ericj, @jimt1971, @kthack657, @Cable, @Zeek, and others. Hope to see you there. Here is the link to the show info. http://oldetymedays.org/

I like both! (but I'm not an expert at either) like to make everything work and fit just right! Then I equally like to blast sand & paint, I just wish I knew more to move from the Rustoleum to the automotive paints After a hectic day at work i can sit and sand furniture or tractor parts all evening long!

A bit of both, 1st mechanical, if it doesn't work right why make it look right? A good lookin' Horse that isn't runnin' great is a waste.

Sounds like you have the bug, they are addictive you know! Look forward to seeing you at the meet and greet.

The Tecumseh and Kohler engines both have a mechanical compression release built into them to make them easy to crank over, the down side is that this also results in lower vacuum on the intake stroke. Since our carburetors require a great deal of air flow through the venturi to draw fuel from the float bowl into the compression chamber the reduced air flow requires a little human intervention, we need to pull the choke. I you are running a little on the rich side you may not need to.

Not sure how that's gonna help ya clear snow this winter... . Mike........

It would look better in my yard

TO

did it start allready? damn still gotta get my woodshoes painted with da bears on them

If you are planning to use it I would go with a 63 or 64 model, they have better steering than the other ones which you will want for mowing. But the 702 I have is a very nice work tractor too, i use it for plowing but I like the steering my 854 has much better. I'd look for a 753 or 854

Clip Round hoods are fun, I have 2 702's (one of which has been in my wife's family since 1965), a 502, and my 854. Any will cut grass and plow snow - within limitations. There are 2 styles of gear driven rear discharge cutting decks that fit, either 32" or 36" - nothing bigger. The plow is 42" wide and even the 8HP 854 can only handle that, nothing wider. The 702's have the one piece fuel tank with removable dash plate, the 502 and the 854 have the leak prone 2 piece bolted and gasketed tank with fixed dash panel. My favorite is the 854, as it has the K181 motor, cambered front axle, and the adjustable down stop on the implement lift - great for skimming the plow over grass at the end of the driveway. I swapped the tired 4 speed in it for a good 8 speed from a C 81 - that gives the rear a wider stance for better stability on hills. Funny thing finding round hoods, they seem to find you when you are not really looking ....... Bill

I got this hitch pretty cheap at last years show.

I had heard a rumor that Michigan was trying to move to the MAC Conference. The thought behind it was to not see such an upsidedown score each time they lost. Not sure how true that is, but it sure is funny.

Yup, very common. A welder is your best friend.

The body of the switch is where it gets it's ground. It won't kill unless it is mounted to the grounded dash.