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Beautiful 70F sunny day here in SC Pa. Good day for seat time. I put Mad Max to work retilling the strawberry beds and planted 50 new plants. Then he got the veggie garden ready. Then the raider and the 312 hydro took turns mowing. This is the first I mowed with the 312. It had a cab and plow on it when I bought it last fall. I took the cab and plow off and put on a 36" RD deck, and I really like this combo. This may be my go to mower. The high back is really comfy and the hydro is great for juggling the deck over the roots of the 30 spruce trees I trim around. I may have to get rid of those puny 6" front wheels though.

I finally got the weather to get some work done. My new acquisition was put to good use.

Some of you may remember the sign I picked up at the auction a few weeks ago. After I got it straightened and cleaned up a bit, I decided to hang it on the Horse Barn. But the Wheel Horse lettering was overshadowed by the TORO name, so I knew I had to make the horse more dominant. So this is what I came up with. Was a fun little project.

I put the front hitch to work today helping to clear brush. Is it ever easy to back a trailer exactly where you want it when it is hitched to the front. Krista's little 111-6 even had a trailer hitched to it and was helping out. The 520 even pulled a pine tree up out of a ravine with no issue (not shown in these pictures). Man that thing will pull.

Ed, your's is even nicer than the one on my barn.

So it's starting to warm up here in the Adirondacks. Likely have to start mowing in 2-3 weeks. As such, since it was really nice out I took day off of work and determined to get Lazarus set up to be primary mower. My C161 is too needy and needs its own restoration at this point. Too unreliable. In preparation for the long day's wrestling match, I decided to get the tractor up off the ground a bit by making use of these wooden pieces I use along with my HF motorcycle lift. I removed all the old style attaching system. Then using the C161 for reference came up with a battle plan. Luckily one of the prior owners had beefed up the front by welding a piece of 1/4 or 3/16 steel across. Ordinarily that front piece of steel is too flimsy. The side to side strength on GT14 is the 2 cross pieces that are fore and aft of the axle pivot...thingy...lol that's my scientific term. So I had good set up for the front attachment. I had procrastinated a bit starting this thinking it would be a real challenge determining where the brackets for mid mount should go. The frame mounting holes from the old style bracket lined up so I made the assumption that they were ok. I believe they will work well. i don't really like the rear discharge deck but it's the one in best shape at moment. I am going to install a restored 48inch side discharge on the GT14 Restomod. Have new old stock deck shell and an older deck which I'll pull spindles off of but that's a project for later this summer. Deck lift works. Clearance is good. I will need to add a spacer which I picked up tonight to gain some clearance space for belt to clear the nose and fuel line. Only problem with this set up is that it will require a very long belt. I can't recall how long the belt was when I had it on the C161 but I am guessing 88-90 inches. Pretty sure that's close. It is way short. I ran a string and measured 115 inches with mule fully retracted. So I plan on ordering one online around 116 inches. May take a couple attempts and send backs. Tractor supply only had up to 107 inches. I ordered side frame pulley bracket like the C195 uses. I have a C195 style mule. If bracket arrives, I may try this route as it would be more in keeping with the original style GT14 system. In short, I am better than 90 percent there. For anyone thinking about doing similar, note that the mid mount brackets I used are from the C105 parts tractor. So narrower than the Large frame like C195. So frame on GT14 is about 5/8" wider than the frame on C105 so I needed to mount bracket on the inside rather than usual outside of rail and also used 2 grade 8 washers between rail and bracket to center the mid mounts and make the bracket function just as it did on C105. I am pleased with how it's coming together functionally. The deck is a lot easier to attach using this set up than the original method.

Great weather just south of Allentown, PA. Mowed last week, ran the dethatcher again today. Going to spread weed 'n feed this week. 7 days without veggies makes one weak! Garden this week too.

See anything that looks familiar Terry ?? Here's a closer pic. Can't thank you and Mrs Redo enough.

Just picked this one up last weekend. No model tag but I understand its common. SN# 31395 closest I can figure it's a 1963 33r . But would like to make sure. Has a 6 hp Tecumseh.

Found a large WH auction on AuctionZip ( http://www.auctionzip.com/ ) in Ohio on May 21. Auctioneer: Farnsworth Auctions LLC Looks pretty impressive to me. Look it up yourself, or PM me for details.

For want of a fitting, the job was stopped. I put the new pulley and collar on the pump, installed the fittings, only to find the outlet from the pump ended up at an angle that prevents me from being able to attach the hose, so I need an elbow. I'll have to buy it locally from ferry hydraulics, can't wait to see how bad they rape me for it. It's a $3 fitting, I'll bet I pay $15 or so for it. But I did get some stuff done.

We've had a nice couple of days here too Ed. Got the B60 fired up and hauling brush to the burn pile from the blow down pine a few weeks ago in that wind storm. A willow came partially down with it so we have more work to do cleaning that one up. It was fun being "back in the saddle again" . I didn't get any pics but I should have. You have a fine group of ponies there!

A real advantage to any of the vertical shafts for a young kid would be that the belt is under the tractor and is well shielded from fingers, toes, and dangling shoelaces. Much unlike a Lawn Ranger or most of WH's other contraptions. Just an observation...4 year olds have poor judgement. So proceed as cautiously as possible. Steve

I have 02 that has done that since it was new they told you thearlier right thing it seems to be normal for some of the 5.3 litters I have never had a problem with the truck and I like you got told the same thing I also checked out quite a few of the over the years biggest majority of them done the same thing

All of my 520 now have a thrust washer under the steering spindle that did not come with a thrust bearing. If they come with a thrust bearing (swept axle 520's) then they get cleaned and regreased. All steer easy. For non-reduction though I must say the 416 steers easier and it has not been upgraded yet. You can just make out the teflon washers under the spindles. This makes a world of difference, I am sure a bronze thrust bearing would do the same thing.

4-15-1947 Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson, age 28, becomes the first African-American player in Major League Baseball when he steps onto Ebbets Field in Brooklyn to compete for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson broke the color barrier in a sport that had been segregated for more than 50 years. Exactly 50 years later, on April 15, 1997, Robinson’s groundbreaking career was honored and his uniform number, 42, was retired from Major League Baseball by Commissioner Bud Selig in a ceremony attended by over 50,000 fans at New York City’s Shea Stadium. Robinson’s was the first-ever number retired by all teams in the league. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, to a family of sharecroppers. Growing up, he excelled at sports and attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he was the first athlete to letter in four varsity sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. After financial difficulties forced Robinson to drop out of UCLA, he joined the army in 1942 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. After protesting instances of racial discrimination during his military service, Robinson was court-martialed in 1944. Ultimately, though, he was honorably discharged. After the army, Robinson played for a season in the ***** American League. In 1945, Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, recruited Robinson, who was known for his integrity and intelligence as well as his talent, to join one of the club’s farm teams. In 1947, Robinson was called up to the Majors and soon became a star infielder and outfielder for the Dodgers, as well as the National League’s Rookie of the Year. In 1949, the right-hander was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player and league batting champ. Robinson played on the National League All-Star team from 1949 through 1954 and led the Dodgers to six National League pennants and one World Series, in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility.

That 35 had part of a Wisconsin engine and a 3 speed transmission mounted in front of the seat when I got it, The picture I saved from the classified ad:

OK...Phase Two begins.

Wheel horse working hard pulling John Deere around!! Lol

You guys are having too much fun. Pollen down here is so bad I have to stay inside for another 10 days . Did go by HF and pick up a mask with removal filters going to try it out tomorrow I hope. Phatboy have you had time to put the disk together?

I knew Him. A great guy that would do anything for you.If he didn't have it he would make or find it for you. Wait till you see all his little buildings and basement. He worked all winter on his tractors he loved them. A soft spoken man without a mean streak in his body except for cancer. I will miss him.

Ed that's just a very nice example of down home craftsmanship. Hat's off to ya. You did a beautiful job on it and so did Dick on the one on his barn. Very crafty, gents!

I hate to say it Rob, but I think you should pass that one up. It's a D series. Great tractors but as I think you'd be better off with a B, C, 300 or 400 series, maybe a 500 too. They are simpler and more than enough for your needs. That D is also over priced from what I'm seeing.

I need parts for it I'm not really sure of the year or the model any help would be greatly appreciated. The engine is not part of it it's just sitting on it

That is my 1986 Mustang GT convertible with around 36,000 original miles. I only seem to get it out once or twice a year. Hopefully more this year. That pic was during the rebuild. Unfortunately that one has been at work all day today hauling brush so it likely is not as clean at the moment.

Nice looking herd.

My son already drives my all my tractors.. With me walking with him and there is absolutely nothing that can happen... There is kids his age doing garden tractor pulls. Moderators can just delete this thread. Not that I put my kids in dangerous situations but I want him to learn early as I did. If you don't like my decisions sorry. I'm usually a easy guy to get along with until ppl tell me how to raise my kids... Keep that for Facebook

I think I'd wait until my son was older. 4 is too young for safety reasons in my mind. Look at battery operated toys for him. http://www.walmart.com/ip/21012098?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227015564347&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40334963912&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78294970112&veh=sem It's just too easy for something to go bad real fast. He's got to live the rest of his life with it if it does, as do you.

The lifter tap is annoying. I discovered years ago to turn it off and then restart. No tap on restart.

Best looking wooden horse I've ever seen!

I cant figure out how to rotate the one picture but here is a couple shots. it measures 37" at the widest point

"Lifter tapping noise" take a flashlight or some kind of light and really look at all the exhaust manifold bolts especially towards the rear of both sides bet 1 or more have broken or desinigrated from rust at least that's what was making on my 2k 4.8L as you can see I replaced the whole truck whether for the better we will see.

All sucked up fluid will eventually pass through the filter, you are correct. All of the old machines I have dragged home have had clean looking fluid in them. I do not believe that they had proper maintenance either, likely the filter old as they were, kept the fluid looking clean. Of course they get new fluid and filters as soon as I get them.

There are lots of unique touches on hay mows of horse barns in the area, Some have a semi-circle with a sunrise surround, others have a chevron following the roof line, seems the farmers had fun building their barns. The porch had been a covered area where the horses entered the stalls, I put a floor and sliding door on the other side for the to enter and since the barn overlooks our creek I built the porch, good place to relax.

Nice job! You should make them and sell them.

I was just able to slide it in between the hub and the axle the long ways. I think it will help alot just to take some of the slop up. I figured the tighter the better. I was able to slide most of the full shim in and I just cut off the rest that was sticking out. Then again I don't know either way if that will help but in my head it did lol. I put the biggest shim I could fit in it. I would think the thicker the shim the easier and farther you could push it in.

I like the rocking chair on the porch.

Stupid people do stupid things.If were not for them where would we get all the nice toys to play with.Dragging one back from the brink of the crusher makes my day.JAinva

I don't agree with that Dick. Yours really looks good . That fan shaped gable end is really unique. Is that a typical local area design?

Motor mount holes and oil drain hole. All other holes are PO installed.

Sure, I totally understand where you're coming from. I hope your 520s keep on going forever. I take it from Phatboy's posts that he is the type that likes to get everything as perfect as he can, and is willing to find out what is the best option and follow through with it. In this case, he asked whether it would be better to disregard the Toro recommendation and follow Eaton's recommendation about tranny fluid, specifically the John Deere Low-viscosity Hygard (jd20d). I have some customers that are exactly like that. Some folks would call them OCD. Then there are the folks who just do a good job at general maintenance, don't abuse their stuff, and generally have great success. (I like to think of myself as falling in this category.) Then, there's the guys that keep driving it until it dies and then seem to have no clue what happened or how to prevent it next time. Trying to explain PREVENTIVE maintenance to them is like singing to yourself in the shower. It sounds good to you, but really doesn't help anyone else that much. The line between too much attention to detail, and expensive failures is often pretty thin and seems to be a moving target. If I could figure it out in my business, I'd be able to retire. That being said, always keep looking for ways to improve. This forum, and the swapping of information is a good place to start.

I'm afraid to have one. I had a motorcycle and jet ski, almost killed myself on both. Something in me is wired to only be able to go full throttle....

Al I would say that your steering problem can't be fixed and you should sell that beautiful machine to me!!!

I can send you a copy Jim. But you can also just goggle "wheel horse emblem" , blow it up to whatever size you want, and trace it off the screen. This is what I did in the first picture. Let me know

Nicely done Ed, now... if you could just think of some way to make that ag spin in the wind.

That one is close to the 520 Jay in NC had at the show a few years back! Here's Marvin before his transformation:

The other day my I looked at a truck with my 17 yo son to buy for him and he says but dad I don't know how to drive a stick. Well I was driving a stick when I was six so I musta been amiss in my dad duties not teaching him to drive a stick at an early age. Every kids gotta know how to drive a stick right?? So I said to him well you is gonna learn then, sides it ain't no difference than running a tracter and you do that. I guess what I am saying I think kids are like training dogs,I believe ya have to start early. A wheelbarrow full of common sense is required on the adult side in the way of teaching proper operation & safety. Throttle limiters/stops play an important role as well as no steep grades. I had to have a throttle stop on my atv till my kid was 16! Start small and work your way up, a lawn ranger is an excellent starter choice for youngsters. Stay away from light front ends although suburbans or RJ's area good choice if you can weight them. Also all kids are different so some can do pulling and drive tractors while some can't. Heck a buddy's kid could operate heavy machinery when he was ten, my kid never could do that. Farms around here I see 10 year olds running the really big tractors like a natural! At four my kid would have been on Red's Walmart tractor and might be till he's 64 if he doesn't show reponsiblity. I don't think whspecial or Red are telling you how to raise yer kids Amc..they are just raising safety concerns which is only right and I would bet my bottom dollar they don't want to see anything happen to your precious ones any more than you do. I say get him a tractor and start him young if he can handle it. Only his mom & dad would know that. Just my and I will get off my now!

Sure looks like a 1963 serial number but with electric start it would be a 33E. Recoil start is 33R Garry

Don't take this to the bank as I'm am no C series expert by any stretch but many of the guys here say you can't beat a C-160 for a good all around tractor. @Rob55