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What? I don't mean to offend anyone here, but that certainly doesn't make me want anything produced under Toro licensure! I think our machines deserve their place in history as Cecil Pond made a HUGE contribution to home and garden care! Kind of offensive if you ask me

Some day in the future after Toro is acquired by a bigger conglomerate, maybe they will be dropped from "big conglomerate's" timeline as well. Karma.

Was checking out the Toro website the other day and noticed their history timeline had no mention of Wheel Horse - at all. Somewhat surprised, I sent an email to them asking about the omission. Very quick response... Thought you all might find their response interesting: Mr. Schafer, Thank you for your inquiry regarding Wheel Horse and our company timeline. When a company has been in business for 100+ years it is a challenge creating a timeline that is informative yet concise enough that people will read it. Through the years we have many achievements and have made a number of acquisitions – some acquisitions helped transform our businesses and industries - others have been moderately successful – and others outright mistakes. Since we have so much material to deal with we had to set some guidelines as to what to list. When it came to acquisitions, we limited the listings to those from which we continue to derive business, today. I believe we listed the following: · Whirlwind – We gained entry into the rotary mower business and through a series of important innovations increased customer demand for rotaries and actually revolutionized the industry turning a once small niche product into a dominant product segment. · Moist O Matic –We gained re-entry into and established leadership in the golf irrigation business and revolutionized underground irrigation systems (consumer and professional) through the pioneering of plastics. · Lawn-Boy – still an active brand under which we sell walk power mowers · Exmark – still an active brand and leader in the professional landscape contractor equipment business · BOSS – a recent, and so far highly successful addition – gained entry into the professional snow and ice management business (snow plows, salt and sand spreaders) We proudly sold Wheel Horse/Toro Wheel Horse products for nearly 20 years until overall market demand began to fade. There were and still are many loyal Wheel Horse fans, but new sales dropped precipitously. Since that time, we exited the lawn and garden tractor segment in favor of consumer and professional zero-turn riding equipment. Since we no longer sell products related to the Wheel Horse acquisition, it, along with the vast majority of acquisitions we have made over the years, did not make the timeline. It may seem harsh, but we could not publish every highlight or accomplishment on the timeline. However, that does not mean we have forgotten Wheel Horse. As you can see in the image below, we have the last 300 Series Classic GT to roll off our assembly line on display in our vintage equipment collection at our corporate headquarters. Thank you for asking.

Just found this on CL and is 5 miles away -- gonna go look at it after lunch..... whatta ya think??? Asking 250

I didn't mean to imply that they don't make a profit on their parts business. A business should be able to charge to maintain their business. Just that with profits they can afford to still stock parts for out-of-production equipment. Toro does recognize the contribution that Wheel Horse made other wise it would have disappeared a lot sooner. It is just as the Toro reply stated, that there essentially is no reason to tout a line that doesn't fit their current business plan. Toro has elected to not be in a market of throw away tractors. The throw away society has driven the way businesses are run today. Has anybody gone to the local Ford dealer for Edsel parts? How about getting parts for a Xerox Micro Fiche reader? How about tubes for a 1960's era television? I'm beginning to have trouble finding parts for my 15-year old GMC.

If Toro wasn't making a profit on the parts they sell you can be sure they would be discontinued too. We all know that the line was built to last and that is contrary to today's planned obsolescence business model.

Don't forget that those profits allow Toro to l stil stock parts for Wheel Horse tractors. They could have easily dismissed maintaining availability, if they felt like it.

Kind of a reflection of the throw away world that we live in. If it's not the current "in" thing, then it doesn't matter! Sort of a revisionist view of the past - write it until it suits one's current needs or view, forget about the actual past.

Sad but very true!

It's all about the profits not the product.

Last year after the WheelHorse Collectors club show in PA the club made the announcement that "Customs" would be the feature tractor for the 2016 show. Man was I bummed that I had sold the Rat Grenade. First thought was to build a copy of it or to buy it back. I really hate to duplicate some projects and ruin their originality though sometimes it happens. After some thought and a suggestion by my friend Terese Emmory LaPree- I formed a new plan. At first the suggestion didn't... interest me but the following day it sparked an idea. So thanks Terese!!! This idea of a project rolled around for a couple months and I bounced it off a couple friends and they seemed to like it so I decided it had merit. I have to give some serious credit to Kevin Townsend for his help in some of the chassis design. No doubt after a couple failures into the project he was most likely getting sick of my texts for help! He added his ideas to mine for the creation of this project so my Thanks goes out to him as well! Also Thanks to Michael Biser for supplying a custom built 8-speed that gave us some flexibility in the width of the tractor. Also Thanks to Lonny Eskridge for the D-series pcs involved.This is one of 3 custom projects that we will be bringing to PA in June. So I guess here it goes- Fellow WH enthusiasts here is what has been dubbed as D-Rod Its specs are as follows- 16hp Onan Performer, Biser WH 8-spd, 4 gpm pump,power steering,hyd 3 pt hitch,16in front rubber ,17 in rear rubber on BlackRock wheels. Chassis, body and driveline all 100% handmade with exception of the D-series grille shell and front inverted axle. D-Rod can also do a couple tricks-but I will show them in another post later

5-3-1986 Shoemaker becomes oldest man to win Kentucky Derby On May 3, 1986, 54-year-old Willie Shoemaker, aboard 18/1 shot Ferdinand, becomes the oldest jockey ever to win the Kentucky Derby. The victory was just one of Shoemaker’s 8,833 wins, a record that stood until 1999, when it was broken by Laffit Pincay. William Lee Shoemaker was born prematurely on August 19, 1931, in the West Texas town of Fabens. He weighed just two pounds at birth, and doctors predicted he would not survive the night. Even as a full-grown man, “Shoe” was just 4 feet 11 inches tall and 98 pounds. When he was 10, Shoemaker moved with his father to Los Angeles, where he won a Golden Gloves boxing championship in the 95-105 pound class. Seven years later, on March 19, 1949, he first rode a horse professionally; he was 17. Shoemaker won his first professional race a month later, and soon became known for his patience and great hands. He rarely used his whip and instead relied mostly on the bit and the harness. In 1953, Shoe set a record for most wins in one year with 485. His record in Triple Crown races was similarly outstanding: He won a total of four Kentucky Derbys, two Preakness Stakes and five Belmont Stakes. He placed or showed (second and third place, respectively) in another 14 Triple Crown races over the course of his career Shoemaker’s most famous run, however, was one he did not win. In the 1957 Kentucky Derby, he mistook the 1-16 mile marker for the finish line and stood up in celebration. He and his horse, Gallant Man, ended up losing the race by a nose. Shoe responded with characteristic calm, explaining to fans and reporters that the course had been changed and that he’d been confused by the lack of a finish marker. After recovering from a broken leg that forced him to miss a year of racing, Shoe broke the career record for wins on September 7, 1970, passing Johnny Longden with his 6,033rd victory. Shoe’s last win, on horse Beau Genius, came nearly 20 years later on January 20, 1990, at Gulfstream Park in Florida. It was his 8,833rd win in 40,350 races. He collected nearly $123 million in purses in his 40-year career. In 1991, the year after Shoemaker retired from racing, a single car drunk-driving accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Though he was unable to walk, he retained his sense for horses and returned to training them from his wheelchair. Shoemaker died in his sleep on October 12, 2003, at his home in San Marino, California.

Yea - My sentiments exactly...My reply to them was that a lot of folks would be interested in the complete history, including the cast-offs etc...Makes one wonder what's in store for Lawn Boy, X-Mark etc...

Just hit the restart button.

Awesome! You need to bring it to the big show. It would look great behind the RJ and you could give me a ride

It's been discussed various times, about the demise of Wheel Horse under Toro ownership. Just as older cars were all steel, new ones are not. Much of what we call quality, was simply the way of making quality things to last. The garden tractor market is dominated by mostly those that are designed to last only a few years, and cost about $1500 or less. Most of the WH tractors were upwards of $3-4000 in the later years, much more than folks want to spend now. I think if they had moved towards the SCUT market, they could have done great, as Kubota and others have done. since most only mow their grass, the ZTR has taken over. Many of the classic brands, Case, IH, Cub Cadet and many others are not the same companies they once were.

If tree branches are that low, I'm thinkin maybe it's time to trim them.

If it's a uni-drive, Lucas 80/90 should be fine. The recommended oil is SAE 90-140 API GL-5 gear lube. The tricycle front ends are all custom-made.

Hi all, I was finally able to take a week off and lost myself in catching-up on the '80 C-125. I've had the engine sitting rebuilt on the bench - repaired the Hi/Lo last year - and was finally able to run her in last Tuesday after mounting. She only needed rings and a good valve lap. There is no end to the money that can be spent on a restoration or the amount of time in grinding, priming and painting with old Regal Red. At this rate, it will be summer before I'm done but it will have been worth the love. The 42" deck can use some minor welding but I had everything operational before I tore her down. Too much repair to list as this poor girl was buried in a southern backyard. Enjoy the pics - August last year after dragging it onto the trailer, this past Tuesday for break-in and just a few minutes ago. Back to work tomorrow so no more fun all day in the garage but should at least have the covers on when the Jacks belt and PTO brake order gets here later in the week.

Hello i just came to this site earlier today and i already love it. I currently own a 1975 B-80 wheel horse and use it every day.

I think we're overreacting a bit. Dropping WH from their timeline isn't the same as forgetting about your middle child. The Toro reply was comprehensive, well-written, and realistic. To survive and thrive Toro really needs to focus on their current customers. Their website reflects the current lineup and the things that give them the most recognition with contemporary consumers. Unfortunately that evidently doesn't include our brand. Ask around your workplace, kids' school, or church how many people know what a Wheel Horse is. Unless I'm living in a bubble, not many pedestrians have heard of them. Toro is guided by profits. Just like everybody else. Heck, I love my job but I can guarantee that I'd stop showing up everyday if they stopped paying me or removed the incentive to perform. I agree, it would be nice if Toro cited Wheel Horse on their timeline. But given the current markets in which they compete it's not unforgivable that they don't. Few of us bought a new Wheel Horse when we had the opportunity. Maybe the simplicity and durability of the product had a lot to do with that, but they certainly couldn't wait us out and keep producing them until we did. I'm not being argumentative for the sake of it. Just offering my perspective on the current state of things. Toro is just doing what the rest of us are doing. Your mileage may vary, Steve

Much better to go through the hood rather than around it!

I did TDF....He was pretty firm on the price tho but I got him down to 240 ...ohhh big savings there...but I did get some side work from him so will get it back. Was a real nice guy who has/had a penchant for the ponies mainly 520's & xi's. Had a nice chat with him about Onan's & such so overall is was a good CL score. @Shynon said his boy @prondzyhas got a fleet of them and this guy is a little high but he told me that AFTER the score....thanks Tom . Anyway it's only money and I got work out of it and sides it looks better at my ranch. I put it to work already! If anybody could tell me the year be obligated Sorry about the tire...dang phone!!! Dang touch screens...outta be a law! Dang touch screens...outta be a law! OK good...edited the tire out!

I made it to TSC and got me some tires and tubes. What a fun job of changing them was. I was going to repaint the rims but I'll save that project for a later date. TSC had everything else too except the brake band. Looks like Partstree has that part. Gorilla tape is going to fix the seat for now. I'm ready to mow and will put it to the rest here shortly. Here's a pic,

I like it because its cool looking and keeps your hands and face warm in the winter.

Here at Bushwood Country Club, we mow at 1 on the greens and 2 on the fairways. For the unwashed masses that don't live on a golf course, 4 or 5 might be the necessary settings.

Steve,that's what I was thinking, but always like to check with the experts, but you'll do. Thanks, my brother. Chris.

I don't know Jim, you may have done yours first. I was thinking the POR 15 was pretty high at $28.50 a quart but I just checked Herculiner. I did the underside of my mower deck with the POR 15 rust coating and I'm very happy with the way it's holding up and how it acts kinda like teflon. A pint of it was more than enough for a 42" deck. The heck of it is they say a gallon of POR 15 bed liner or one Herculiner kit does a 6 foot bed. It won't be cheap to do a trailer floor but it sure won't be 2 grand like Line X. Here's another one I just found but I'd guess it would be priced like Line X https://www.armorthane.com/ I see you latched on to a RJ at the show. Have you posted pictures of it? Is it in driving condition? I'll be picking up a 5kw Wheel Horse generator and I'm pretty excited about that.

When you enter your model number 21-10K805 with a dash at Partstree the same parts list will come up. Just be careful selecting parts because it includes the 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 or 416. Look down each parts list for the same item number as each will have a different part number but fails to identify what model uses what part. https://www.partstree.com/parts/toro/mowers-lawn-garden-tractor/21-10k805-310-8-toro-310-8-garden-tractor-1988/ Each page you look at will come up priced if Toro still carries the part. You may have a local dealer you can support. Garry

Thanks for sharing the reply from TORO. That was good of you to contact them regarding this matter. It is sad, and I can't help but feel that Wheel Horse was slighted by Toro. That explanation is mostly corporate mumbo jumbo IMO. It's just a polite way of saying we only listed current brands in our company history even though was a huge part of that for 20 years. I didn't know TORO sold golf irrigation equipment either. They claim that sales dropped for lawn & garden tractors and they exited that segment of the market in favor of zero turns. But I see commercials on TV for the green & yellow and white & yellow lawn and garden tractors still being sold today. I know former owners, (relatives, friends, and neighbors) that now purchase new green ones and yellow & white ones too, only because is no longer available to purchase new. So there must be a market for lawn and garden tractors. That's my and....

I don't know if you have done this already or not, but look at section 9 of the Kohler Service Manual. It is a complete explanation of the ACR with drawings. Before digging too deep, read and follow the procedure for checking the ACR operation. Link:

I'll be doing that. Not to mention rolling it on requires a lot less work protecting areas you don't want coated.

try it on a bit that can't be seen, like the underside of the fenders

Welcome to the forum. Not the best parts list but all we have There is not a service manual for the tractor but there are service notes through out the parts lists. This old service manual for the C-Series which became the 300-Series has info that still applies. The wiring for most models, engines and transmissions have their own manuals. Garry

Before you go crazy taking this and that apart ,, start at the source,,, is your fuel pump providing enough fuel to the fuel filter ? Then next is the fuel filter clogged or vapor locking ? You can check this by simply removing the filter and putting a piece of tubbing in between to ends of hose and try running like that,,, if it runs good like that try replacing with a new filter,, if the problem comes back then the fuel pump is not providing enough fuel pressure for the filter,,, so you then need to check the vacum line that goes into the back of the fuel pump and check that you have proper vacum.. If not follow the hose back to manifold and check hose for cracks or leaks,,, also check fuel pump to make sure none of the plugs came off the pump ,,, vacum is a big thing with onan engines, also there is a rubber diaphragm in the fuel pump and if it gets a pin hole in it it will cause a lean mixture and act like that because of lack of fuel (rail) pressure , it is not your valve adjustment,,, it is either a problem with fuel pressure to carb ,, some dirt got in carb,,,or the next thing if fuel checks out would be if the electronics behind the. Flywheel are working properly and firing cylinders correctly ,, sometimes that module can go bad and misfire when it gets hot.. But i would start with fuel first and work your way from there,, if you have any questions or if i can help in anyway just send me a pm ... Good luck..

toro 8411 Gate truflex 2770 True blue 1/2 x 77

The place I lived at in West Virginia where/when I bought my 520 I used #2 almost entirely through out the year and whatever grass was planted there never burned/browned in the 8 years I mowed at that setting and usually got how do you get your yard looking like a golf course, now here in Virginia is 3 and 4 depending where I mow close to the house or out in the rough "field" (neighbor's paid mowing service last year asked me to quit mowing so low that it made them look bad like they weren't cutting the grass low/good enough for the price they asked I said you don't pay for my gas and my highest setting is still lower than their cut height)for 18 years since new IMHO it has never mowed worth a dang on 5 even with brand new blades seemed to streak but 4 or lower no streaking (the Xi deck has 7 settings), Jeff.

I once used #1 setting to blow a light snow fall off the driveway, worked great. Not enough to plow but was melting while temps were plunging; needed to get it off so it wouldn't freeze over night.

That is the rear bracket to attach a dozer blade, tiller, and possibly more.

now wouldn't that be a sight Bob! It's pretty clean you wouldn't get dirty!

1s of all, You can find manuals on Red Square manuals section. Some parts are still available from TORO, other parts have to be found on EBay, Craigslist, or in our "Classified Ads". I see you have good taste in motorcycles!

On the tractor, yes. Degreased and polished. The deck is a restoration though. The tractor looked like yours when I brought it home. There's good color under that faded/chalky top layer. I cringe at some of the guys repainting when it is not needed.

I believe there is quite a differencebetween spray can and roll on. I like the texture of the roll on. Trailed will be at the Big Show if you want to check it out.

Hot tip: Use aluminum foil when masking areas for painting. Foil can be crumpled around odd-shaped parts, gas lines, axles, etc. and hold itself without the need for tape.

OK but... You can't really do an accurate compression test on an ACR engine so it's best to do a leak down test. The ACR is Automatically Compression Releasing like it's designed to do. If it is "running perfect" after you get it started, then I would assume the valves are working properly. I'd guess it would probably backfire if the intake opened when the exhaust is open while it's running .

If a tree branch hits the stacks on any of my tractors, it's going to hit me too...

The grandsons "need" the BIG RIG look?

What a Smarty Pants! I'm sure you're curious why I have a big honkin door on the floor. It is going to be bolted onto a Harbor Freight motorcycle lift table so a tractor will safely fit . No balancin act's for me! I'm just leaving it on the floor so I get used to tripping over it once I get the lift.

You got a few to many stuffed in there Tom... better not get caught over crowding horses...better come get a few from ya... I did find my trailer I think Tom... he was just a tad higher than your man but by the time & gas to make the score it wouldda been the same & my guy threw in a brake controller. Nobody could beat Marvs prices.... now Just gotta figure out a way to pay for IT. Gonna do the bed liner & some e tracks