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Things are finally coming to an end. With a bunch of mishaps, trials and errors, this machine is just about done!!!!!!!!!!!! For a while, I thought we would never see the day. We have had interruptions in regards to the summer, getting started back to school, and vacations. But we have persisted and are just wrapping things up on this 2 year project! I am sorry that I have neglected to keep this thread going. Time has been an issue, and the time I do have has gone directly to updating our club Facebook page found here: https://www.facebook.com/HarrisonGTC I am excited for the kids and we are planning on getting some photos of the C-120 soon so we can finally find a new home for this beauty. I can't thank the members in the Wheel Horse community enough for their support, encouragement, and praise for what the kids have been doing. It has truly been a huge reward to me for having the opportunity to work with these kids. I have a video from last night and will try and get it posted of the tractor running correctly for the first time. What a glorious sound that was!!!! I will be checking back in here real soon.....be sure to check back!

I took the truck to a few area exhaust shops to get a few estimates on a dual exhaust system... The last time I had custom duals put on it set me back 350 bucks. That was quite a while back though. I took it to one shop and they were giving me the run around, he really didn't want to give me an estimate because he didn't know how long it would take. The second shop the owner looked out his office window to peek at the truck and told me 1400.00. No thanks. On my way home from work i stopped at one last shop and he told me 500 if I supply the mufflers. I told him they were already in the bed of the truck and if he could do it right away he had a deal. I couldn't stand to drive it another mile with it sounding the way it did...I've also since added a trailer hitch and hauled my first small load of wood...

I would like to sell one of my tractors to purchase another but am not sure the exact year or model. So not sure what kind of value to put on it. I was told it could be a 1960 based on the serial number. It has a 3.5 hp Clinton. Can anyone help. Thanks

My granddaughters came over today to celebrate Papa's birthday and brought a little something with them. What a great day. Thanks girls.

I have three (1998 518xi, 2000 520xi, and a 1998 523Dxi) and I am happy with all of them. Don't let the lack of power steering be an issue with the 518xi and 520xi. They have a cross between the 520-H steering reduction and regular steering. I pull my Cyclone Rake with the 518 (13' total length!) without a steering issue. Other than the base 518, they have cruise control as well. Because of this Toro equipped them with a mechanical system to automatically lower the speed (7.2 mph in Hi) when turning. You could be potentially thrown off the tractor otherwise! The power steering is a hydraulic system done without a mechanical link so more parts. Not to say I don't like it on the diesel though. It is nice steering with just using the spinner while clearing snow. The tractor portion is virtually bulletproof with normal use. In that regard it is just like a classic Wheel Horse. The Eaton 11 is improved with a Hi-Lo range along with a neutral position handy for pushing it around or even towing. If pushing, it does weigh approximately 1100 pounds bare (add the deck of about 200-300 pounds depending what size) but I can do it. The step-though platform is nice for getting on or off. The attachments go on the same way as a Wheel Horse, some even easier. The engines are what differentiate between the models. Brandon already mentioned the Kawasaki-engined 520Lxi. I don't have one so won't comment. With the three Kohler engined models, I feel the Kohler Command has less issues than an Onan, but more than a Kohler K-series. I would say that these are the most common and readily available. Also easiest to own. With technology improvements comes more technical/fit issues. Kohler recommends that the engine shrouds be removed every 100 hours. The problem is that the engine needs to be pulled from the tractor to gain access. It is four bolts for the engine, two bolts for the driveshaft, electrical connections, and throttle and choke cables. But the engine needs to be pulled vertically because of the oil drain spigot. Most owners don't know this maintenance requirement until they start questioning the oil temperature gauge rising.This is more an engine issue than tractor problem. That said though, the diesel has become my favorite. I bought it with 605 hours and have used it for approximately 20 hours removing snow. I was in the midst of changing over to mow with when I was laid up with a broken ankle. At this point in the season, I'll just put the Winter equipment on again. The diesel does have the potential for being the most expensive to repair if the engine develops any issue. The injector pump, for example, is rather pricey! It does have a water/fuel separator so with normal startup procedures, it should not be an issue. I garage mine in an unheated attached garage but never failed to start last winter. Attachments are out there. They seem to be more readily available today than when I got my first five years ago as these tractors age. Toro also produced a clone tractor for New Holland (black attachments) so they are another source. Good luck in your search!

Sure thing J.....did I say I paid $5....maybe it was $50.

Thank you, and I plan to leave the patina until one of my boys wants to fully restore it. Or they will be like me and leave the stories on it. ha

I think the only thing you would hear if I could get it up to 35 mph in granny gear is BOOM as the engine grenades! I might get 15 mph out of granny if I'm lucky...

Hey I was looking for Lawn Ranger Parts. Trying to save another. Uncouth? I knew hanging around Bus Stops would link me to the un-savory crowd!

Is it just me or in that last picture did that horse look embarrassed? Lol!

I will be that guy to blow by you sitting in the sidelines so you can hear it...

This $5 48" blade followed me home from the auction this morning. No frame, just a blade that needs a new scraper bar. It'll replace the 42" on the Yammy and give me the width I need when angled.

Well Howard, you're the one that let the cat out of the bag.........

Brought the old girl home for some much needed attention. And finally got around to ordering a hitch from Tom, RS member n1defan. I asked him to ad a tab to the bottom of the receiver to accommodate a Clevis. With the ballast box my biggest complaint was that I didn't have a good spot to tie a rope on. I tow a lot of trees around the property and its a bit of a neccessity. It was a tight fit and probably overbuilt so it should work just fine. Now to build another weight rack. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think $700 is a bad price for a new cab. I paid $125 for the used cab I bought at the Big Show two years ago. It was all there and in fair condition. I did paint all the framework. I modified the right front side to collect the heat from my vented belt guard. I would not have been able to do this to a new cab that I paid $700 for.

You'll probably hear me coming...

Today I was able to finally stop down and see Ken's new ride. As usual he was detailing and getting it right. I could not believe how good the paint looked after he buffed it. We went for a little ride and let me tell you something... this truck is tight and right !! When we got back to his house I decided to see if I could get any shine on my truck using the wheel and compound and you know what ... it shinned a little. I plan on buffing my entire truck as well now Here are a few pics of them together.

I was looking for a small tractor with FEL and came across this honey hole,only interested in the D-160 but offered to buy them all to help out the owners son,father is not well,only thing I know is the D-160 (350 hrs on tractor)was re-powered a year ago with Wisconsin engine,no specs on that,supposedly they all run,414-8 has a belly mower so gents judging by the pics what's a decent price for all three tractors. D-160 W/FEL 416-8 414-8

Something has been following me for a while.... It's a 1996 520-H with 414 hours. There's a 48" deck, 2-stage snowthrower, and snow cab in the back too. Needs cosmetic work and a thorough maintenance session, but the price was very good. It shouldn't take a lot to get it back to "like new" condition.

Good work getting back to the gym! I'm not a muscular build of a person so weight training doesn't do much for me. I have been cycling 5 miles each way to get to work and it's amazing how I felt when instarted in April to now. It used to take me a solid 28 min (moving time) and I'm down to 17-18min range depending on wind. I've enjoyed it so much that I bought a fat tire bike (I'll post photo once I get to a computer) to commute on this winter (weather permitting). I found the hardest part was the filrst two weeks.

Herbie's Tractor Cousin..... Also, The Wheel Horse tents started filling up along side the building today at the show grounds......and it looks like when I left the JD tractors were starting to fill in across the way....

I imagine next there... will be a cigar ban too.

Well I made some progress this week in spite of work and family obligations. I managed to get the parts tractor torn down to frame. Degreased it tonight and should be able to get it blasted and primed in next day or two. I will lose a few days next week as I am headed to Indiana. My next step is will be to measure and fit the attach-a-matic brackets. Also take a crack and adding foot pedal hydro control in that has a factory look to it. Then I should be ready to start painting or and I am seriously considering at this point, taking it to have it powder coated. I will probably take it to get it quoted and let price dictate paint or powder coat. At the pace I am going I figure 6-8 weeks to be done with tractor. Looking like an early spring wrap up unless I go powder coat route which may also factor in.

Absolutely stunning The second pic is about a golf balls distance from where I work now & in the first one , I can see "chinamans-lighthouse" . There is a coast guard base there now . Wow , again . Very cool !!!!!!

Most of these pictures were probably taken with a large format camera. The negative itself was 3" x 5", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", or 8" x 10". Minimal or in some cases, no enlargement was necessary. I once took a class on old-time photography and have taken pictures with antique cameras onto 8" x 10" glass plate negatives. Then a contact print was made. The clarity was amazing. But... thank goodness for digital. Now the newest digital pictures can get pretty close to the quality of the old large-format contact prints.

You may find some of this helpful/interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnIWNnM79J4

An average day becomes a great day when the grand kids show up, Happy Birthday.

I have mine hanging from the rafters of my barn on a rope and pulley system. It only takes 10 minutes to unbolt it from the tractor, then a few pulls on the rope, and it can hang all summer. 3-400 used, so 700 new seems like a good deal. Mine is 20 years old, and the windows aren't bad, but the fabric is starting to wear through where it wraps around the frame in a few places. I'm going to give it to my brother this year. Once you have had the luxury of a steel cab with real glass windows, a wiper, a defroster fan and lights, you can never go back!

Right on Bob as my early '60 has the Clinton but this is a '61 fer sure...note the 61 style dash.... so maybe someone swapped the motor?? The other alternative of course would have been a k90/91. This gem should have had the fenders/box so thats a minus. What is the other motor you have Joe? If you are interested in selling let me know as I would be interested in taking a look at it. Your affliction is showing Brian .... course being quick to a find is how we get them!

Ok folks I am in need of your assistance. I am currently in the planning stages and working out the details here at the elementary school that I am teaching at to start a “tractor club” for boys and girls in the 5th and 6th grades. This will be a unique opportunity to share in my hobby with the kids that I work with each day. My goal is that the kids will be able to get their hands dirty and learn about a vintage piece of machinery while taking pride and ownership in a project that they can see through to completion. I feel that this is almost becoming a dying breed as electronics have taken over the interest of young minds. I am currently on the search for a vintage Wheel Horse machine that is not ultra collectible and one that is fairly simple to work on, gear drive tranny is a must. Since this project will be funded on my dime, I am looking for a inexpensive machine that will fit the bill. I will then be searching for parts from time to time once the tractor has been designated. At the end of the project we will auction it off and take the money from the sale to purchase the machine and supplies for the project during the next school year. We are still working out the logistics here at school and hoping to get this project started very soon. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. I will try my best to document our progress for all of you to follow along and enjoy. I am excited at the possibilities that we may have. Thanks again! ****UPDATE**** David Rice has been gracious enough to get a nice running C-120 in to my possession for this project. A thank you goes out to Terry Dennis as well for the new decals that this machine will have once it nears completion. I am continually impressed with the hearts and generosity that so many of the members have. I am looking forward to this project with much anticipation!!!!!

I have read alot about them, and I think you would be hard pressed to find a huge "common" failure. They have a unidrive axle with Eaton 1100, which is the same setup thats been bulletproof in every hydro horse since the early 80's. They just added a high/low gear and mounted it inline (so there are a few extra gears). I think the V-twins have pretty good reputations, the exception being the early kawi's in the LXI's having a plastic cam gear that may have been prone to failure (I think this may affect the 1998 ones only). There is a steel replacement available, but a decent amount of labor is involved replacing it. There are a little higher maintenance costs JUST from the extra complexity of the units, all the models you mention having power steering and the 523dxi having the three cyl diesel. I havent heard of any common electrical issues, but if you do have them there are a few more wires to trace out. I think the biggest issue with them right now is (depending on your area apparently) that they are hard to find and the accessories can command higher prices because they are more rare and newer. If I didn't have a good selection of classic attachments already I would own one for sure. I just cant afford to replace all my attachments unless I sell all my classic attachmatic tractors, which I cant do!

Per the 1961 brochure fenders and the tool box were standard and I believe foot rests were too. Both are not all that hard to find. According to the lists, Clintons weren't used after 1959 but the common talk is that some leftovers made it to 1960. But a 1961 . With that being said, yes it's a 1961 based on the hood and belt guard and a beautiful example at that. It's in great shape aside from the steering wheel. It sure looks original but is it? Probably not as few if any are after 50+ years. I would have to agree with Craig on the pricing.

They were gone by mid day Friday. If you went back, you'd be dissapointed.

With all the lights and accessories you've added, will the charging system be able to keep up? I don't want to see you melt down the stator and/voltage regulator.

Yes, sorry picture was cutoff a little, will try posting better one tomorrow.

Awesome find!

Thanks again, Paints dry so it was time to put the weights and blade on it and try a little light yard work. After I figured out I needed to change the position of the springs in the blade (after pic), and lower the air in the rear tires it did ok. Not crazy about these deestone rear tires, there supposed to be 10.50s but are tiny. My local hardware store's flyer has rv anti freeze on sale so I believe they are getting filled...... I ordered up some of Miller's 23-10.50 Firestones for my C105, I hope they bite a bit better.

The Resto: It will be a little strange writing this part of the story since we have finished the resto already but I will still write it in the present format. Hopefully it will be easier to keep straight from the past story part of this thread. There are many more stories to come and still a few more old photos and slides. I keep "unearthing" them as I search through hundreds of old photos in my parents basement! It should has been a ride down memory lane. I know it is mentioned here on this site many times over but make sure you take lots of pictures before you begin an every nut and bolt disassembly of your tractor. Especially if you have never done it before! You may think that you could NEVER forget how it goes back together, BUT... I will make some casual observations about some of these prerestoration shots: Notice the duct tape holding the SR handle to the steel lever. Dad didn't want to lose it and so it was a quick "temporary" fix that went on in about 1995! Notice the "boat" light attached to the back of the tool box. I remember after we sold the IH Scout in 1992 (a decision that we all regret to this day), dad needed to place the Horse back in primary snow removal duty. Much of that is done in darkness, either before or after work. So, we went to our local store and picked up a fog light kit for the front and this light for the back. The switch to operate it was drilled into the tunnel cover. Here you can see the effects of 25 years of hard use by two boys! The tractor was always stored inside and well maintained. I wish I could say that we never abused it but that would be a lie! I'm pretty sure that all the while we cut the lawn with it, my brother and I went from full reverse to full forward in one simple motion. It was worked! Here you can see the bite marks on the steering wheel from the only other owner this machine ever had and that would be dating back to the early 70's. The switch where the cigarette lighter used to be is what operated the fog lights They don't build them like they used to! This is the original delco-remy SG. Up to this restoration it had never been rebuilt and was still doing its job. Dad replaced the regulator back in the early 80's but this thing had never been serviced during the last 50 years! That 875 decal is the original and in great shape. We are going to tape it off and keep it! A keen eye will pick up Cub yellow under some of the parts. Dad worked at the IH dealership and so there were times that he was able to get a necessary part from the used stash there... That old Sundstand is a great hydro! I can't say enough good about it! Not a big fan of the Fram "oil filter"! We will replace it with a correct Hydraulic filter before the restoration is finished! A discerning eye will notice the cast stamp above the pulley on the engine. Dad repowered this tractor in 1979 with a 12hp K301 designed for generator usage. That enormous oil pan holds nearly 3 quarts of liquid gold to keep this engine lubed and running cool! The original exhaust elbow that dad made to hold his "then new" IH Cub muffler. It served the purpose for 30 years plus but that will get discarded and a new one made that is cleaner looking and promotes better exhaust flow! These detail shots show you our starting point but every scuff and scratch tells its own story and we will continue to cover some of those along the way. Stay tuned in...

Howard did they look like these? Bud Makes these. He's working on a Hot Rod Horse now but when he's done I hope to get some from him when he makes more.

Today I finished up detailing the outside of the truck. This truck still wears its original paint, it came out pretty nice and I'm very happy with it.. Under hood it needs the most detailing and repainting of some parts. I'll be replacing all hoses, they are the original hoses with original hose clamps, I will save the clamps and reuse them, I like the original clamps much better. One valve cover gasket is leaking a little so new gaskets will get done as well. Hopefully Monday a new dual exhaust system with some throaty mufflers...

I live in a small (700 population) community and this weekend (Friday & Saturday) is a "Town Wide" yard sale. There are about 75-80 different sales going on and folks sent in a list of goodies they would be selling so a map could be made for "out of towners". I saw a drill press listed and was at the guys house before sun-up this morning. I got it or $50 and I know it isn't the world best, but I feel I got a decent deal. I know how everyone wants photos, so here is my new drill press..Oh, the rust is only surface rust and comes off with a little WD-40 and fine grit sand-paper.

This is your "official" spoiler alert, as they say these days! It is time for me to resurrect this thread and finish the story now that we have nearly finished the restoration! We have a little fine tuning to do to the carb and then "letter" it and this Iron Horse has a new life for the third time!!! It has been a great project to do with my dad and my boys, now we get to enjoy playing on it! ...more pics and story to follow! I just wanted to let you guys know that we hadn't given up!

It's the first time this winter that we finally got a decent amount of snow to try the 523Dxi. I had been predicted that our area was to be in the 4" -8" band. It ended up to be about 4" or a fraction more. It was nice, fluffy stuff due to the cold. I was out for almost two hours doing mine and five neighbors driveways. I'm happy with the tractor and cab but due to the design, I don't get the heat like the classic Wheel Horse. The airflow is moving forward for cooling on the 5xi series. With the fan drawing the air from the cab cooling the radiator for the diesel, there is quite a bit of air passing through the cab. On the 5xi cab there are actually two vent instead of windows on the rear to draw air from the outside. One advantage though is I don't have to deal with fogging the windshield! I have ideas for next winter on how to reroute the airflow. The single stage snowthrower is everything everybody says it is. A useful piece of information by JerseryHawg/Glenn though. He found out from a dealer that the torque produced by the engines used in the 5xi can tear the single stage apart. This is especially possible with the diesel so I am going to install a tach. I have actually been using a 1/3 throttle setting wihich seems to be the right amount for today. The diesel has been sipping fuel I am glad to report. With four hours of use, it has used approximately 2-1/2 gallons. My Kohlers go through a tank (4.5 gallons of Premium) in the same amount of time! Today's setup. Starting down my one neighbor's long driveway Why you need a cab. A nice plume. On the return. Looks like a toy against the trees A job well done! My Wheel Horse "Gate Guard"

Repainted and with new decals. She still looks real good!

Well operation Harrison Elementary School Tractor club has begun! I took an early morning drive yesterday to meet David Rice (RCTruckdaddy) I believe that is his RS name. He was nice enough to meet me half way. We swapped the tractor over on to my trailer and then had a great conversation. Headed back home and let her sit. She is a great candidate for the kids to get dirty with. Most of the parts it needs I believe I have on the shelf, but there are few things I don't think I have so I may ask if anyone has those items available for a small fee. Many folks that follow along on my Facebook page "Wheel Horse Junkies" have jumped in to lend a hand. Terry Dennis (Vinylguy) has willingly offered up a new set of decals for the machine. Bud Andrews is going to get me squared away with a new battery when the time comes. Daniel Aungst is sending a gift card to TSC to help me with costs of materials. I am trying to work with some local groups that would be willing to chip in as well so I don't have to cover the entire project out of my own pocket. Our first meeting is this Wednesday after school. We will be focused completely on safety as I continue to round up the much needed parts for this. The kids will get a chance to see the tractor for the first time and we will talk about how we are going to tackle the project. It should be a lot of fun!!!! Here it is after David so proudly presented it to me. Thank you again everyone that has given encouragement!

I have both a 522xi and a 523Dxi. Even though my diesel presently has injection pump problems, I'd still choose it over the air cooled gas tractor. Fuel economy is better and the engine has more power than the 1hp difference would suggest. The biggest mower I have is a 52-inch and the diesel doesn't even know it's there. These daihatsu diesel engines are supposed to be quite reliable. I will say that at least in my part of the United States that finding a shop that specializes in them is difficult. They were used quite extensively here in the US in equipment other than Wheel Horses. Toro used them in some commercial mowers, simplicity used them in their Legacy XL tractor, Exmark used 'em, Cub Cadet...I've watched eBay for them and they do show up being parted out from time to time, but certainly not any more regularly than a Yanmar or Kubota. I say it over and over again and it looks like other guys agree too: The 5xi's were the best tractor to bear the Wheel Horse name. They are very comfortable to operate and are incredibly durable machines. It's a shame they didn't catch on. It's not obvious from photographs, but they are actually quite easy to work on. Sure, the engine is enclosed in sheetmetal but the hood opens wide and the side panels remove without tools. There is a removable access panel on the transmission "hump" and the air intake screens under the steering wheel and on each side remove quickly with a couple of Torx screws. The entire seat and fender assembly is quickly removable too in case you need to access something in the transmission or fuel tank. You can tell these things were designed with solid modeling software. The only frustrating issue I have encountered so far has been on my 522; I needed to access the ignition modules on the engine and that required removing the engine from the tractor. Not a big deal, but certainly not as easy of a job as it would be on a classic C160. You're in Sweden, so this may not apply to you. Implement/attachment availability isn't as great on the used market as for the older types of tractors. So if the seller of either machine has optionally available equipment that you may need in the future, you should consider that as part of your purchase too. I'd go with the diesel. But the gas tractor is a fine machine too. Buy 'em both. Steve

Hi all, Here are some pictures of the restauration process for my 523Dxi and the 52' mower deck. I shall post pictures of the finish product later on. Still working on the mowing deck. Ltr, Didier As it was when bought. The underside and top. Must have been well cared for!