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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 bought 2 sets of 8.5 wide rims from a 520 and a workhorse 1800 this weekend, and tonight I was looking at how clean rust wise one set was well I should say no rust, then I saw a scrape in the paint and it was shiny under it so I grabed a rag and some thinner and cleaned the paint off, mind you it took a hour to clean what you see trying not to scratch the chrome yes I said chrome, they look to have been painted when new primed and painted silver I think these are 420LSE wheels, now if I had the fronts I ask the seller if they have them. I guess buy enough junk you get a prize now and then.

The 5xi cab is even easier to install but has the the same pieces. Like Mike said, pop the top, remove the doors, I separate the ends from the top frame, and store it in the basement. I did replace the bolts that I need to loosen with stainless steel bolts, and the four bolts that tighten on the floorboards with stainless steel socket head screws. Spend the money on the glass windshield but shop around. It is a generic fit for all of their GT cabs and I got mine from a JD dealer for about 27% off MSRP with free shipping. I found the wiper kit from the supplier to OTC for about $100.00 less as well. I just needed to fabricate two spacers.

My limited experience with one cab. Dedicate a machine to snow chores and leave it on! my 2 cents... Of it that just isn't going to happen... Try to have overhead space where you can lift it up and off and hang it until needed again. Now that's 3 cents!

I'm loaded be there in the morning

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.

Had 4:10s in a '59 3/4 ton Chevy with a 283, As you said, 60 MPH top end but in granny first with 1000 pounds in the bed you could pull down a barn!

This thread is not to be looked at a "bragging", but maybe will cause some members, to get off the couch and back in shape. That shape can be anything for running, cycling, walking, cross-fit, whatever - just get off the couch YOU CAN DO IT! A LONG TIME AGO, 16 years to be exact, I walked away from becoming a professional Bodybuilder. < THAT is a long story why, but it is also a part of my testimony. Regardless why after 16 years I looked at myself 1 day and thought to myself, it's time for a change. I had let my body completely go. I had not seen the inside of a gym for 16 years. That all changed in late April this year. I decided to go at it 1 more time. This time without all the steroids, growth hormones, pain killers, insulin, diuretics, and whatever else was new at that time of my life. After 4 months here is what the accomplishments are: Started with a 36" waist, now down to 34.5" waist Weight was 230lbs. when I started, now I am 240lbs. That is after losing 10lbs right in the first 3 weeks of training and changing my diet. Jacket size varied between a 46 athletic or 48 tall, now it is 50 athletic Arm size was a soft 16.5" bicep, now it is surging to almost 18". When I walked away from bodybuilding I had a 19.5" arm Body fat was almost 13.5%, now it is down to 10%. The best I ever saw when bodybuilding was under 4% and it may have possibly been under 3%. Still have a ways to go, but feeling like I may be able to see a decently "ripped" physique at the age of 47 without any supplements at all. Just plain ol' dieting and 100% egg white protein powder. I promised myself to wait until 6 months to share any photos so please refrain from asking to "see" until I hit the 6 month mark. So what can this do for me you ask? Well, I thought it may be a positive way to help encourage others to get up and do something that you enjoy doing to help keep you fit. I like to help others with diet suggestions and meal plans. I can also suggest workout plans if that is your "cup of tea", others may have cross-fit experience they can share with the group to help out. Whatever it is, get up, and get going! YOU ONLY GET TO LIVE ONCE< MAKE IT COUNT! I will continue to post updates, and I hope others will chime in and do the same thing. Rob

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

8-4225 Electric Lift Parts List and Instructions Attachments_Electric-Lift_8-4225_sm_PL&I.pdf

lol

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

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!!!!!

You can go to Brian Millers site and read the whole thing. To put it in a short form, on Mag 14 and 16's if I read it right you should not remove the balance gears especially if you change from the Mahle Piston that was in there like I did. Says you will get a terrible vibration. I can sure attest to that. That Mahle Piston is a lot lighter in weight than the Stock old Style OEM piston that I used. I never even gave that a thought. Guess that's why I don't build race engines for a living. Side note, on the 16 mag that i mention I rebuilt for a friend, we had to use the Mahle piston because OEM standard old style was not offered or was discontinued from Kohler. Can't remember. The balance was not upset thus no vibration. Also the cost for that piston back then was about 45% cheaper then to.

Pop the roof off (4 bolts) Pop off the roof frame (another 4 bolts) remove the back half (another 4 bolts) and remove the frt frame (4 to 6 bolts) After fitting the cab this took 20 minutes. Not really that hard to take off. The key is not to take the front frame completely apart. doesn't take up a ton of room either. If you have a cordless 3/8" impact gun easy peasy. If you have a teenager staring at a phone near you even easier. http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/57793-snow-cab-project/

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.

I would have no problem paying 400$ - $500 for something like that if you have a original engine and a deck to go with it but thats just my 2 cents!! if you look at my profile pic its the same model wheel horse thats the main reason i knew what it was

I am guessing only. But I wonder if original cab company makes them for vermont toro? You can see Original cab company charges allmost 200 dollars more. With the savings from ordering from Vermont you could get the optional temp glass windshield, but then you need to order the hundred dollar wiper option to clear the window. Here goes another winter season coming up where I wrestle with the idea / thoughts of that big pile of cash flying out the window,,,,,,,,so I will probably be getting snow blown in my kisse ragain this year. And then like allways I piss and moan and go dam,,,,,I should have got that cab enclosure again. Decisions decisions decisions, best of luck with what you decide. glenn

Hey !!!!!!!! i ask first.!!!!...... But seriously......i did see them at the show...Bud was off the front desk ,,,,,i walked away...my memory being Schnizzle...( i forgot to go back...3 days !!!!!! and i forgot ??? Not sure there is a pill for this.. they look very cool.....and perportunal to a small tractor.........

Lol sqounk cracks me up...reading down the thread...the felker wants advise on how to fix an axle coming out of tranny and all sqounk says is "let me know if you part out the lawn ranger" lmao

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...

Hrmm... yeah, I could see where that might be difficult.

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.

I see three, why not bring them all?

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...

If I can carve out the time from my crazy life...there are more stories to tell and many more pictures to share. The iron horse has been in our family so long that the memories abound! There is the time that I took the key as a little kid and hid it who knows where, there is the effect that a timed RD deck can have on a vintage Schwinn bike when accidently backed over, there is the feel and sound of using the same machine for years and years. After all this time, I've been at my own house for 15 years, when I get on that little tractor, it brings all those memories back.

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!

finally an update with pictures! so i got the bracket and drilled the holes to mount it to the front of the tranny, this was harder than it first seemed as the i couldn't mark out the holes by wiggling a pen from the other side like i would usually do. so i thought i could measure and mark out but there is so much to go wrong! haha. in the end i found a bolt that fitted the threaded holes, stuck it in the lathe, turned a point and ground to flats on it. it turned out the bolt was grade 8 so it was pretty hard. the idea behind this home made tool is that i can thread it into the hole, get the bracket where i want it and hit it with a hammer. the point on the threaded point acts like a centre punch which i can then drill the hole and move onto the next on. here is the tool in action, needle nose pliers are used to remove and install it, a proper tool can be made using rod and slotting the end then drilling the holes this is what the assembly now looks like, pretty heavy now! and in the tractor i haven't drilled the holes for the 90 degree gearbox yet as i haven't got the pulleys yet, this will determine where the gearbox is mounted. thanks for looking and i hope you have enjoyed this update. now, I'm off to buy some pulleys Callum

My Originl Cab has both... snaps, and a zippered bottom, on its replaceable windshield.

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"

Tractor club was back in action again tonight. We didn't head out to the barn but rather took our first field trip of the school year. This has become a lot of fun and very interesting for the kids, as well as the adults. Unfortunately we were missing a couple of members due to some conflicts but those that were there were able to get bombarded with a wealth of information. The night was spent at Warsaw Buick GMC here in town. One of the club members has a father that is a service technician at the dealership. He set up the appointment and took us on just over an hour tour of the service area. The kids were impressed with the technology and were blown away on how much the tools cost to be prepared to do a good job. Here is a photo awaiting our tour! Here we are on our tour getting a peek at the day to day operations in the service center along with the tools and equipment and tools to be successful. At the conclusion of the tour the kids had the opportunity to meet Mr. Nine who is the owner of the dealership. He asked them some questions about what they had learned and then presented them with their very own set of over 200 tools that is exclusively for the club. We are very thankful for the generosity of yet another donor that has supported our program. Here they are receiving their tool set! Of course the night wouldn't be complete without a chance for one goofy photo! Next week will be Fall Break and we would be unable to meet. The kids were so bummed that we agreed to try and meet on Monday so we didn't miss out for the week. These kids are dedicated!

Here's a vid I took two years ago when he first brought the wagon. He'd been there with just the trike before that.