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Looked at this one a couple years ago, guy wanted too much so I passed. The other day he calls and wants belts put on the deck, well long story short I traded a c175 for this one. I'm happy with it, looks like original paint but no hood or fender decals. Gave her a bath tonight, cleaned up pretty nice. Need to find a seat cover.

My Dermo. Keeps telling me to stay out of the sun or he's going to have to freeze off another chunk of my face. No one likes to wait for cloudy days to mow , so time to put a roof on the mower. A little PVC frame and Mrs K sewed up a cover. I stopped her just before she put on a pink fringe.

6-14-1777 Congress adopts the Stars and Stripes During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” The national flag, which became known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. According to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross designed the new canton for the Stars and Stripes, which consisted of a circle of 13 stars and a blue background, at the request of General George Washington. Historians have been unable to conclusively prove or disprove this legend. With the entrance of new states into the United States after independence, new stripes and stars were added to represent new additions to the Union. In 1818, however, Congress enacted a law stipulating that the 13 original stripes be restored and that only stars be added to represent new states. On June 14, 1877, the first Flag Day observance was held on the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. As instructed by Congress, the U.S. flag was flown from all public buildings across the country. In the years after the first Flag Day, several states continued to observe the anniversary, and in 1949 Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance.

I got lucky. 77 hours on this one a rugged machine. I bought it for the cyclone rake. Had 72 hours when I got it. Sad but true. Seems there shutting down. Any of you would like it cause its real. Just like wheel horse. Glenn

Picked this Green machine up today. 112 JD total rebuild from collector that is fussy, it has not had oil in the rebuilt motor yet. he is getting out of the GT collections. come with a sn. blower and a nice deck.

Well I am going to start small and go for some good, well planned results. I have spoke with Glen, and will be using some of his original style casts in my attempt. It will save me several steps in doing so too. If I can perfect and repeatedly replicate a cast and I feel we can tackle the horse head, I will see if Glen would like me to attempt that as well. I am sure he and I will work close on this.

Here's my before and after

Anyone know if there are any Wheel Horse Tractor clubs that do this? Looks like a club only event to register. Looks pretty cool. September 8-10, 2016. http://www.mackinawcity.com/antique-tractor-parade-187/

just became a red square supporter! let the games begin!

Prepped the hood, steering shaft and seat spring. Painted underside of hood, the seat spring and shaft this morning.

When I was 14 in 1984,I bought a Work Horse GT-1800 brand new.(no B.S.) My Dad took out a loan to help me with my growing lawn business. Also to stop me from wearing out his B-115 5 speed!! 177 dollars a month, seemed like a million! Anyway I remember the dealer saying "son if you take care of this machine your kids will be riding around on it" Damned if he wasn't right. Now I believe someday my grandkids will be driving it, God willing. On the rare occasion I go to a box store and I go over to the tractor section my wife will say " don't go over there, you know it's going to get you all worked up and mad!" Yup they just don't make em' like they used to. Ok now I feel old!!

Toro ended the Wheel Horse production in 2007. To most of us, this was a sad day. We would love to see the brand carried on, and on, and…..But, was it such a bad thing that Toro shut down the Wheel Horse name? Let me explore the possibilities of what could have happen if Toro continue by exploring what has happen, not only in the Toro line, but to other brand names. Lawn and garden tractors were built in the past to last a lifetime and then some, as a lot of the tractors made in the 50s, 60s and 70s are still in use today. This was a testament to, not only quality, but the extensive use of steel, instead of plastic. Engines and transmission were cast iron. Dash panels and pedestals were steel. Fenders and hoods (except for Deere) were metal. Even Deere used steel side panels and grilles up to the late 80s, and on some models into the early 90s. Tractors of the past were overbuilt and were hard to break, and could take abuse of some extent. But, over time, engines became cast aluminum, as well as transmissions and differentials. Hoods, dash panels, pedestal surrounds, and on some, fenders, became plastic. Even Deere started to make their fiberglass hoods with steel grilles and side panels into all plastic. Cub Cadet, Toro, Simplicity, etc., followed suit. Frames became less thick and not as heavily made. Things like hydraulic lifts that were commonly on certain models, have disappear from the replacement models. Overall tractor weight became less, as more and more electronics started to appear on lawn tractors. Take a look at this year’s Deere models with their all electronic dashes. And to top it all off, Toro contracted MTD to build their lawn tractors……oh, how despicable. If Toro had continued the line instead of killing it in 2007, would they still build the Wheel Horse that we know? In the 90s they introduced the 200 series and the 500 series tractors, complete with plastic hoods and plastic dash panels. By 2007 only the Classic 300 series in the model of a 315-8 was being made with Wheel Horse’s patented frame design and 8 speed transmission, and it’s familiar engine/belt arrangement. More than likely that tractor was becoming too expensive to make, so I’m sure Toro would have just slapped the Wheel Horse name on some MTD product and killed even the 315-8. The only tractor that still remains true to their roots is Ingersoll. Thank goodness that Eastman Industries rescue the brand several years ago after Ingersoll went bankrupt. If you want a new garden tractor that still features all steel construction, minus the cast iron engines, you have to buy an Ingersoll tractor. Unfortunately, they are expensive to buy, 2 to 3 times the cost of other brands. Oh, btw, I don't work for Ingersoll or Eastman Industries. I just based my opinion on what I'm seeing in the L&G industry. And I don't have an Ingersoll or Case tractor either, though I wouldn't mind owning one.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I knew you weren't saying they were plastic, I was wondering if the original poster was correct that some model of the 500 series had a plastic hood and I just wasn't aware of it Frankly, my 522xi seems more heavy duty than my 520H

Good news Benji

Wish you would consider casting Glen's horse hood emblem... and offering some chromed versions of them here too.

I love the 8hp short frame horses. I have an 855 (my profile pic) and I absolutely love it! It is my favorite horse so far!! Did a thread on my resto of it:

Duramax Longhorn MPGs: AC Sound System Brakes Comfort Reliability 1970 Chevy C/30 longhorn with period correct camper pulling a trailer full of old wheel horses. Priceless. Chevy Duramax pulling an enclosed trailer, not so much... -Chris in Florida

I know some people who have done this and said it was way cool. It's not often you get to drive a tractor across five miles of water . If you haven't visited (up north ) the upper lower peninsula , or the ( U.P. ) upper peninsula, it should be on your bucket list . IMO it's one of the most beautiful places I've been ( not just saying it because I'm a Michigander) , and you have to visit Mackinaw Island . It's a 15-20 min boat ride and there's no motorized vehicles (gas) allowed . Just horses, and bicycles, it's a step back in time.

That is gonna be awesome! It's even better when it's for your daughter that wants to have her own! My daughter love these tractors as well..

I wish I had the money to buy this one. The '68 Commando 8s are one of my favorites, next to a 753 and 854.

Unfortunately when Toro killed the Wheel Horse brand, they also stopped producing the 5xi series as well. I remember 16, 17 years ago going to the Toro dealer in downtown beautiful Desoto, Missouri and looking at the new Wheel Horse, and the 5xi did looked to be well built. If I had the money, I might have bought one myself. I don't know for sure that Eastman is shutting down the Ingersoll line. The only Eastman Industry that shows up as closing down is the Kodak Eastman Industry, which isn't the same company. I sent THE Eastman Industries an email as they always responded back to me in the past. Ingersoll Distribution 52813.pdf Ingersoll Pricing and Attachment Chart 121814.pdf Ingersoll Attachments 2009-10.pdf Ingersoll Tractor 4000-4200Series.pdf

Gonna look great Tom... all done up, next to the 1045.

Wow you did get a deal. Love the lawn rangers. @AMC RULES is correct. They work wonders, i've used a lot of them! Now, wheres my pictures for inspiration. when i got mine (pictures make it look a lot better than what it was) but still gives you an idea to as of yesterday. not original i know but wanted to have something a little different. good luck with your project @Fire_fighter625 and i tell you now you wouldn't find one over here in the uk for $60!! James

I'm sure Terry @ redo your horse can sort you out a nice set o decals love those short frame tractors .

This is what T-mo is sayin Russell. ..good thing Toro killed the brand. ...to avoid plastic hoods and cheap engineering

You better try out a 5xi before you call it junk. The frame is serious. My dad had a 96 520H, and side by side he or I would grab my 522xi any day of the week over the 520. Power steering, tilt wheel, foot control hydro, 2 speed trans, cruise, etc. The only thing the xi didn't offer as a true GT was a diff lock. Yes, the deck wheels suck, I'll give you that. But somebody doing a wiring hack job rather than fix it right has no reflection on the tractor itself. And oh yeah, the hood IS not plastic. It's steel just like the rest of it. What is sad is that my Dad just replaced the 520H with an X758 JD. Diesel, 4x4, it's a nice big machine overall. But it weighs the same as my 522xi................................ My brother grabbed the 520H. Had the XI line continued, who knows where it could have went. But the big powerful garden tractor is a dying market. The only ones still making them are Simplicity and Deere. All my neighbors would just rather buy a new little box store junker every 5 years than pay up for one that will last.

Welp after I got done with the restoration on the plow... I got an idea to make a stack for the ol girl. I went thru 3 set ups and finally like how it looks. The first one I tried was the chrome angled pipe that I was forced to put 4 clamp on (looked like an eye sore). The second was a 1 inch iron pipe that was too small (looked like a small @$!# poking out of it lol). Finally... the last try was stepping up to a 2 inch iron pipe 30 inches high, flat black flame proof paint, and a top rain cap flapper. After wasting $ on the ones I didn't like.... I finally got it how I like it. I also have a small brace from the bottom of the smaller pipe before it adapts to the front of the engine block. It's not much of a brace but it's enough considering the stack is solid tight as it is. Was thinking about a muffler from tractor supply but I wanted it straight and seems everyone gets those mufflers lol.

If the steering wheel is original to the tractor ,you have yourself a 1968 Lawn ranger. Other than the engine, looks like most of it's there. I'll also add, well worth the $60...in my opinion .

So there is a new powder coating shop in town. I was quoted a price of $18 each for rear wheel rims. For those of you that have had powder coating done, Does that sound like a fair price?

I have my engine taken apart and cleaned. And I have repainted almost everything except the block. The block has been bored to .020. The cylinder wall isn't scarred, maybe just needs a good honing. My connecting rod is destroyed. I soaked the crank in muriatic acid and it did a fine job removing the aluminum residue from the crank. Then I guess the fumes off the acid made the crank turn darker. Brushed it off and applied a coat of oil. The crank lobe looks good, has no visible scars and feels real smooth. I downloaded the 321 manual from here and it looks like it has the specifications I need. Good thing about having a print shop, I was able to print the manual so I would have it handy when needed. Can anyone help with what kind of over haul kit to purchase? Some complete kits on ebay are from $100.00 to $120.00, but I suspect they are not manufactured by Kohler. I have no plans to sell this tractor, I plan to work it until one or the other of us cannot go any more.

I just picked these both up the other night and I'm planning on everything I'll need to restore them. I plan on working the 656 and basically just gonna keep the 702 for fun. But anyway theses tires are slightly dry rotted and I believe there original, so my question is there a way to kind of restore rubber or at least maybe save them to keep it original as possible? And also how can I stop the pictures from uploading sideways?

Be aware different materials shrink after casting. For instance aluminum shrinks 5 percent pot metal 7 percent And others shrink differently. I know this since I worked in a model shop for many years. Blueprints had to be increased by the amount the casting metal Will shrink.

Yikes, sounds like they wanted to pull one over on ya

If I were you I would check the crank pin diameter in several spots to make sure it is not out of round or worn below specs. If you end up ordering from psep.biz you could order the basic .020 after market kit and a Kohler rod and still be under the ebay prices. If your piston is still good you could also go with the rering kit and new rod and be way under ebay price.

Your 100% right. Love these old machines but when you watch your kids enjoying it... Priceless!

Round hoods got me hooked, but I'm really liking the short frame square hoods . Nice score !

Im just waiting to see how the gloss looks when it's dry. I'll see tommarow Morning. I'll paint the top of the hood Wednesday. I know, makes the hobby even better when you can spend time with your kids doing it.

Doesn't get any better! Save a Horse, a classic great worker too!

Good looking

Very clean ride,,!!!!! Neil is right ,,,,,Terry has those decals.....

Nice machine.

i was wanting them to still make them then i though the same thing. you can see how cecil wanted a mechine that would last he could have made them cheaper but he choose not too. my a-100 is built to be a mowing tractor and i can run circles around the new tractors, the one day i hook a 12 foot by 6 inch round log on the back on my tractor and had it trottled way down and i feel in a hole and didn't even budge and i followed the trail for a short distance and now that would be considered a garden tractor. the c-160 can pull like a mule whole parts of trees hook on and you can pull it anywhere, things i do with the c i would ruin the 520xi. some people think their new big box store mtd with a 42 in deck is somthing to be bragging about and i sit their like give it 10 years it will be long gone. people think im crazy for have 7 wheel horses, the thing is we have a 1276 that we use it has mowed 2.5 arces since it was a fresh off the line, doesn't have no problems what so ever. toro unlike cecil i feel wanted to pump them out and make the money and not worry about how well they are built. look at their stickers the whole horse can be rusted and the decals look great still, to me that show only useing the best. Wheel Horse has shaped so so many lifes in a good way and made memeries that will stick with us through our lifes. Just my

Glenn , How big a gun did you have when you stole that unit. Did you give PO a kiss when you left. That is nice even without the Cyclone rake ( which I have always wanted one , but could not afford)

Roadapples..... I know I know but in my defense could not find parts for the oilbath so had to do something..guess I should have gotten a can of red paint. Man I new I should have closed the garage door.

Indeed. Tough as nails, you want some-come get some tough. Tough stuff. Think your tough? My can beat up your (insert any other brand of garden tractor ever made) **** ***** any time, anywhere tough.......That's Wheel Horse tough....... And that's tough enough to get the job done, any time any place any where.... But we all know that already....... Don't we.......

I'm pretty green to a restore this in depth. You will have to stop by and educate me, Lane. It's going to need a lot of work. Figured I'd make it a slow project. Wasn't sure if I got hurt or not.

Looks like a good starting point for a restmod. If the trannys good I'd say ya done well !

Sounds to me like you are about to paint it the right color now. Her color.

Got everything power washed today. I'll start paint prep this Sunday on some of the parts. I'll get the frame bare start on that part of the project next week. Gas tank is in great condition, and held water too.