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There's quite a breadth of models with the 200 series and thei offspring. When the letter series (A, B, C...) tractors were replaced with the numbered "hundred" series tractors, the new 200 series with the new hood design were largely carried over from the previous B's and vertical shaft Work Horses (e.g. B-165, LT-1137, etc). The upper end of this range were tiller capable. I think they were all gear drive. A special YT-12A was also offered with a Tecumseh and a hydro. These were the B-chassis tractors. In 1987 a completely new 200-series was introduced. These are the L-chassis tractors like the 212-6 pictured above and are identified by their "aero" headlamps. Initially, all were gear drive but eventually around 1990 (when the Toro decal appeared) hydrostatic transaxles were offered. In 1989 - I think - the hoods on these 200 series were lengthened to allow for a bigger muffler and the eventual Briggs twin powered 216-h. Occasionally you'll see the suffix "SB" on these, as in the 208-SB. This meant it came with a standard 30" single bladed mower deck and dinky tires. These were the Super Baggers (yes, seriously). In 1988, the continuation of the B-chassis was reintroduced as the 250-series. All were hydros with single cylinder a Kawasaki engines. Either 12.5 or 17 hp. Great tractors and were marketed as "yard" tractors instead of "lawn" tractors. Interestingly if you look underneath them, you'll see that while the engine has a vertical shaft, the eaton 7 hydro pump in the rear is a horizontal shaft input. Classic WH shenanigans with twisting V-belts. For whatever reason, the max speed on the 250's is quite slow. Attachments from the L-chassis 200- Series and the 250's do not interchange. In about 1990, the 250's were cancelled and replaced with the 240 series. These looked the same as the smaller 200's but were longer and had a unique, heavy duty chassis weldments instead of a stamping. Onan single 14 hp engines and Briggs vanguard v-twin 16's were offered. Gear or hydro. 244-5, 244-h, and 246-h models. The 240's look like 200's, but nothing interchanges between them. This tractor was short lived and not particularly common. They were updated and restyled and reintroduced as the 260 series with new styling Fully enclosed, stylized hoods that you'll recognize The 260's persisted a long time The top of the line models had a cool electric-hydraulic lift. Originally the kohler command vertical topped out at 19 hp so the top model wasthe 269-h. Later kohler gave it another hp and the subsequent top dog 260 series became the 270-h. Yes, seriously. The 260's eventually were replaced with the 400-xt series. 260's and 400-xt's could take a tiller. The 400xt's could accept cSeries implements believe it or not. 260-series attachments are - I'm pretty sure - backward compatible with 240's. the light duty Toro-WH "xl-series" share nothing with any of these. The Euro 220-series were improved versions of the old B-chassis and looked like 250's I'm obviously a fan of these things. steve

You are in luck. About an hour from you on the 1st Saturday this October we are having a Meet & Greet at Scott's in Leesburg, Indiana. Here is the link... http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/57977-6th-annual-north-central-indiana-meet-greet/ Bring the horse and sell it, or meet the guys and learn why maybe you should keep it. It is a great group of members with about 200 garden tractors showing up. Good food, good company...lots to look at. Welcome to Red Square

The more I read your comments the more I started thinking. I truley have become a better person as a result of doing my project. I had NO patience, and was a results oriented mind all the way. But those little issues, which you seem to be experiencing as well, have made me a new person!! At first, they just pissed me off. But after awhile, I began to accept them, and ... waaalaaa ... a new attitude!! And I like it!! Hope you feel the same!! Nice project by the way!! bob

I have a 252H, a 257H, A 216h, a 211-3 and a few others. Here is the 257H with a plow. The 257H feels like something more than a 200 series but not quite a 300 series. It has the coveted Kawasaki 17 hp engine. I believe it has the largest rear tires of any 200 series and the same steering wheel as my 1989 520 HC. The tractor has a little over 100 hours on the meter. It is in very nice original condition. It is perhaps the king of the 200 series?

My '92 246H, bought it used around 2002 with 500 some odd hours on it for $850. Now has 810 hours on it. Has the 16 HP Briggs Steve mentioned earlier. Very little problems with it other than minor stuff and the PTO clutch. Went thru the deck once. Just put new rubber & semi sealed bearings on the front and shimmed the spindles/axles. One of my main workers This bugger has been the only real problem. Bearings where shot in it and it was rusted & siezed on the motor shaft. My own fault ........too much wash water from washing deck. Had to wreck it get it off and replace it to the tune of 283 bucks. It started growling again this year so bearings were going out again. This time it sild right off....thanks Permatex anti-seize. Ground out the stakes holding the bearings in and with some heat got them out. Two bearings later from fleabay and nice and quiet.

Just finished a repaint on my brinly toolbar that I picked up a couple weeks ago. Just thought I'd share a pic of it behind my 856.

After a dipper broke off the connecting rod, which caused the engine to throw a rod, it was time for a rebuild. I also decided, since thre engine was out and looking so good, I'd do a refresh of the entire tractor. Below are the before and after pictures of the engine refresh. Tractor pictures to follow.

I couldn't find any pics with the blower attached. but I did find a pic of the blower separate as well as a pic with the good seat I kept and with both sd and rd decks I had.

That model looks good all black, Definitely meaner looking than the green or the traditional red. Maybe someone should start a thread entitled 'Horse of a Different Color"? Besides black there is army green and grey and camouflage as well as darker reds that may look good on certain models. Pullers are often painted in a variety of colors.

That is a CLASSIC response to a moron and the idiot he is married to...I love it!!! Can I use that sometime or is the response "copy righted"???

Looks like a normal F 150 to me!

Muz, It will take some time and digging for pics but what I can tell you that the blower was the common 60's-80's blower that Simplicity/ Allis used. It was for a horizontal shaft engine. I took a heavy plate and made the same holes in it as the 210 snowplow had to mount it. Welded a plate on each side of it with a hole to accept pins to attach the blower and make it pivot up and down. Took a heavy piece of flat stock and made a "Y" with it. Mounted that upside dowm on the blower. One side was a pivot for it and the other side was mounted a flat pulley. The opposite end was drilled a hole to hook a tension spring. The other end of the spring was hooked to the plateon the tractor. Then the belt was just a single twist to go from vertical to horizontal. Worked very well After the storm of 93 I went to the dealer I bought the tractor from and told them I wanted a blower. They were JD guys and told me even though a blower wasmade for it the tractor wouldn't have enough power to run it. My neighbor had a pile of Allis attachments and no tractor and sold me the blower for $100. Best $100 I've ever spent.

we need to go back and check for proper operation of the pressure switch by using the resistance range on the multimeter engine off - no wires connected to pressure switch - multimeter set to 200 ohms range - measure from the metal switch body to each terminal one terminal should show a near 0 ohms reading, the other should show an open (over range) reading start the engine - the two wiring terminals on the pressure switch should REVERSE their resistance readings - 0 ohms should go over range - over range should now read near 0 ohms simply put, the two screw terminals on he switch should never have the same resistance value engine on or engine off let's get these switch conditions verified before going any further.

What model do you want?...pm me and I'll put it on the trailer when I go to Slammers M&G next month!!

Reason I was asking is if you are looking for a good comfortable no-nonsense tractor I was going to recommend a 312-8. Find one of those with low hours and you've got something good.

Several years ago when my bride and I were combining households we had a few yard sales to liquidate our duplicate stuff. After substantial negotiations a used dryer was purchased by a neighbor for $20, about six weeks later she said she was not happy with it so we took it back and refunded the $20. The lint filter weighed about five pounds, no wonder it wasn't working well. What she didn't know was that our son's dryer had stopped working a couple days earlier and we were kicking ourselves for letting it go for so little. Some times God answers when you haven't even asked!

I think I still had something missing, so I contacted the folks at the Badge Factory and they sent me this the other day. I think I can finally say I am done with this one.

Knobs and final engine and deck decals installed. All decals by Denny Clarke and http://www.RedoYourHorse.com! Finally done!

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

Hello. Yes i am here!! i have been away for a while and some of you may know my ranger progress was stumped by that tecky engine i had so i tried and tried for ages with different options and in the end i decided for a different engine, so i got myself a copy Honda GX200 to squeeze into the ranger and i have to say its amazing, i have completed mock up and i am very happy with my setup i am just now going to take it apart and re paint it and then put it together again but this time its happening, took it on a few drives and it actually rides quite nicely and that engine has plenty of power and overall its nice to drive. i have also recently doing lots of adjustment on the tractor to get it driving just right so i don't have any more troubles when it goes back together. i am going to make the original fuel tank fit onto the engine with some mounts, but for now the Honda one is staying. there are a few littler bits i still need to do aswell. but this is the new restoration topic area as i cant find my old one. glad to see you all again. And its good to be back working on the tractor james for some reason my computer wont allow me to upload pictures onto this page....... i will look into that but for now here is a link to my photo bucket http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1660_zpsbinptjdi.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1659_zpsnc42xtme.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1644_zpsvbxycajf.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1652_zpsb2ur6mpc.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1651_zps5gckgmkx.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1648_zpsp2si5hkl.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1647_zps4ljsq26l.jpg.html http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/jparkes43/media/IMG_1646_zpstktakaau.jpg.html you will see a lot more of me around here soon and i am sorry for my absense

Well I started on another project yesterday, really should finish some others first but didn't have anything to do for the day, and this one was on the list of future restorations. I picked up the 400 at the big show from Scott Mehlberg as just a roller, and found most of the parts it needed at the show or already had them. I got it complete and running, and now I'm going to make it nice, the hood and fenders had been repainted, but weren't very nice, they were just rattle can and the hood had fish eyes in the paint. Here's a shot of it as I got it together and complete, not sure if I'm going to use the weight, think I like it better without but that may change down to just a roller and most of the parts are in this pile I won't be using the motor or trans out of this tractor, I already had a motor torn part way apart that will be going in this, don't have any pictures of it yet as its in a couple different locations....and the trans is already done and it was in its own seperate topic in the transmission section Hope to get most everything blasted tomorrow besides wheels, frame and hood, and start on body work, this will probably be a slow project, but should be able to get most of the body work done in the next month or so as its not in too bad of shape.Will add more pictures as I go along. Thanks, Jake

Cutting and hauling logs today. Used the FEL to carry logs and lift for easy cutting. Many have said these FEL can't pick up much, well I say many just don't have any idea what these are capable of. The short 12' log is an Oak the large end is 16" the other is around 12". The long log is a Jack pine very wet. Close to 30' long.

I know what most of the readership is thinking. Another KT Kohler with rod damage and the owner wants to transplant another engine in his 417. Well...no. I have a 2nd 417-8 Speed but it came to me with a 60's vintage 14 horse Kohler K under it's hood. Bought a KT17 Series II from Scotty the other week to drop in it. Hopefully I'll have another 8 speed with an electric lift soon. I got both the tractor and the engine pretty cheap so I won't have much in this machine as opposed to the refreshed one I did in June.

I had a post about buying a drill press during our town wide yard sale...Well, my wife had a 1st time yard sale and a lady that lives down the block bought a food vacuum unit from my wife. The lady calls today saying she can't make the unit work. My wife said she used it 2-3 years ago without any issues but didn't remember exactly how to do it. She told the lady the instructions were included in the box. Everything on our yard sale worked, and we had an electric cord set up so anyone could check any item before they bought it. The lady just couldn't figure out how to load the plastic bags into the machine so she didn't want it. The lady's husband brought the unit back and wanted their money back. My wife said not a problem because training to use the unit were not included in the $15 price. What a Moron................

I've used u-ship a number of times and it's been economical for me. Always was cheaper than a road trip, but you have to be flexible on your timeline and be ready to strike when you get a bid you can live with. As examples, I shipped a c195 with deck about 220 miles for $175. A big aerator the size of a wheelhorse about 500 miles for around $200. And a 16' boat 800 miles for $75. The $75 price was an anomaly as the hauler just happened to be in exactly the part of MN where the boat was with an empty trailer on his was back to St. Louis. You can turn down bids. And there is a feedback system like ebay. It can work, but patience is the key. Steve

Looking sharp man.

Agreed. 1k would have made me choose the road trip as well. its looking like I will be doing a road trip. He is compensating me and I get a road trip which ordinarily I would jump at. Oh well. I am sure I'll make another WH friend and spend half the day chatting about tractors. Probably be a blast and well worth putting off the list of other stuff stacking up:-)

That is putting it nicely!

I am thinking that you have received no answers because I am stumped also. Understand, I know nothing about automatics, but I do know the guys that do could use a little more information. Have you had this horse and now it is not running...did you just get this horse and you are trying to get it running?? A little back ground sometimes goes a long way in getting someone to offer help. If I read what you are typing literally, it sounds like it should be...don't know. Anyway, Welcome to Red Square and I hope my response will initiate some responses from the people that can help. It should have the Eaton 6 transmission.

Mike, I wanted to throw a job well done compliment. Looks fantastic, just luv looking through the pics again. glenn

Good morning. New to the forum and thanks for all the information you have posted. I live in Northwest Indiana and I was wondering the value of what appears to be an all original 653 in running working condition. The only thing that is not working properly is the starter. It was given to me not running and I cleaned the carb and it fired right up. So I am contemplating selling or keeping it but curious what it is worth. Thanks.

I believe that round thing is called a stator

Had to get up, run back out there, and do just that yesterday Van. Guess that's why the PO had the STOP key chain installed.

I'm searching for words! The usual ones don't seem to be adequate! I'll get back to you...

Aldon, reminds me of the classic statement, "the best laid plans of mice and men." What stories we wouldn't have to tell if everything went "just as planned"! I'll be watching your every post on this resto. I have a GT-14 that I purchased last spring, and I'm trying to decide how im going to approach a resto on it. I'm debating first doing a sound mechanical resto (engine, hydro, cat O, and attach-a-magic) including a complete overhaul of the drivers station (dash, tunnel cover, controls, steering wheel, and seat) but leaving the cool patina on the sheet metal for now in keeping with the rat rod craze! Someday, straightening the sheet metal and detail painting it if I so desire. Keep Up the good work!

Theres something about those old K series Kohlers

Here's were i'm at with the lawn ranger still need to buy a new carb and my new deck belt showed up yesterday but thats going to be a winter project.

Is that snowblower correct for that tractor? Or was it modded to fit? Its looks huge on that small tractor. Mike......

Drop the oil pan an plastigauge the rod...then you will know for sure.

That's just to keep someone from stealing it Jim. Oldest trick in the book.

Hello guys. A little update for you and some more pictures. I have now put the seat on the tractor just for more comfort when driving/testing. I have adjusted my brake/clutch so both work perfectly now I have also Turned the exhaust around 180 degrees so it face the other way to give me clearance on the bonnet (it now faces backwards) and subsequently it has given more air flow to the engine so its all good (as in its previous position it covered up the cylinder head) I have had to cut out a small notch on the carb side to clear the carb when the bonnet is in place. But it doesn't look to bad. I have sorted out a air box assembly (will show that when it arrives) not gone for originality but it will clear the bonnet. I have made a mount for the bottom of my bonnet as it sits slightly higher and got all the necessary bolts etc and it works quite nicely. I have also looked into making the old fuel tank work with a few mounts so it goes through the original fuel tank filler hole. (but the Honda one has been put back on so i can run/drive it) I have started to make a flange and pipe etc for the pepper pot exhaust but i'm not sure if i will use it now. It may just be for shows but i will see how it performs with it etc. That is all for now. More pictures to follow of the bonnet attached etc (i can't for now as the Honda fuel tank gets in the way). Thanks James

Weather permitting, I might get the top coat on mine this weekend. I decided to completely strip it down to the bare metal, prime and repaint with acrylic urethane. That way I can get it assembled and put the decals on without having to wait 30 days for the paint to cure.

I feel your pain, Bob. Been there many times. It'll come, just don't force it. Hell, I was thinking I didn't get all done I wanted to get done this weekend. I didn't get the hood and pan buffed out! LOL

Got a bit more done today. Belt Covers and Foot Rests installed, Foot Rest Mats fabricated, a few more decals attached, and .. oh yea, the Fender Pan and Hood are in clear-coat. Tomorrow starts the harness fabrication and buff out that clear-coat.

That's the funny thing Bob, I sanded and spot primed, then finish sanded to 400. I wonder if the 400 wasn't "mechanical" enough? You'll see at the show perhaps, it "pruned" in several places on the frame. Since this is a refresh vs. a restore, I'm really not sweating it that far. UPDATE: Just enough daylight left to get one more part ...

Final coats of paint on the hood and fender pan. Dashboard finished and pre-fit to control tower. Seat brackets and hinge restored and installed awaiting the fender pan.

Moving right along ... Frame, Hood and half a fender pan today.

The man who owned it previous to me had taken great care of this machine and was the original owner. I have the original loan document as well as the original manuals and bill of sale. I bought to in 2007 after he'd passed away in 2002, and it sat untouched for over four years in his shed. The day I went to see his wife and look at the tractor, a neighbor had installed a new battery, we fueled it up, and it fired immediately. To say the least I was quite pleased and have been ever since. It's simply an honor for me to return this machine to its original glory.

Well, here's what I'm starting with. The first 4 pics were taken 7 years ago (when the machine was 34 y/o) when I first picked up the machine from a local seller. Been cutting with it every weekend in the summer, and throwing snow every winter. Time to refresh this baby. And the last 5 are as of this afternoon ... More to follow soon.

Little more progress done this week, hopefully in a couple weeks it will be running.