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By definition: When you have all your 'stuff' hidden in a shed, or even off-site of your domicile, it is called 'collecting'. When your wife finds it, that's when it becomes 'hoarding'.

Just picked up this Tecumseh H30 to replace the dead H60 my new to me suburban 550( aka killer ) had on it. $50 and it says 3.0hp but it's built as it was a race cart engine. Runs awesome... It also fits better. Didn't have time to finish it today but soon!

The clutch/brake rod is 21" overall and the engine pulley is 2.5" diameter. I don't have a mower deck. Here's my 400 that I recently finished.

I say what every make a person happy, so be it. I have a lot of tractors, and I like them all.For me it's about the hunt the chase and finally home with or with out one. Fact is I made a trip of 8hrs for an old sears yesterday, but it has a great loader on it. [ a Simpson built loader of Canada] and all the great folks I have met buying these old irons, well that is priceless.

I don't fall into either category I'm and owner who uses mine for it's intended purpose. I also use it like any other thing I own as a teaching tool when doing a repair I try to have 1 of the grandkids help me. This helps them learn the proper way to use various tools that I own. I will say that I do keep checking CL to see whats out there for sale in my area even though I have no intention of buying another. And I love reading many of the threads on red square that give me knowledge about these tractors that may help me solve a problem in the future. So I guess I have caught some kind of Wheel Horse bug.

I don't know yet what category I fall into, but I know one thing for sure, and that is I won't show this topic to my wife! I'm pretty sure I know what her answer will be. I have a large "collection" but I don't feel like that makes me a hoarder. I pretty much stopped buying tractors a few years ago when the round fenders were all collected. My personal feelings about these two subjects is this: Hoarders have a condition that can't be controlled. A hoarder will buy just for the sake of spending money, however most hoarders want everything for little to no money. They also don't have intentions or goals of restoring or repairing a tractor, has no real interest in going to a show, and nine times out of ten, don't even know what he has. They just like to accumulate whatever they can, because they enjoy seeing clutter. If they want something in particular, they don't care about how much money they spend on a piece, aren't concerned about originality or condition, and will more than likely die before the piece is ever sold or given away. Hoarders don't usually have their items covered, and their junk usually just sits where ever they decided to unload it. Collectors can stop buying when they know there are other things that are more important. Collectors also have a goal in mind whenever it comes to purchasing a certain piece. They intend to restore, repair, or just get their latest investment running. Some collectors will take their prized pieces to a show, as this gives the collector a sense of pride. Yes, some collector garages are cluttered, however most collectors can't stand to see it for very long. A collector not only knows what the tractor is that he recently bought, but could probably tell you the serial number, the year, and be able to name every attachment that was made for the tractor. Collectors do their homework or research on a certain piece, and know what the value of the tractor is worth. A collector will sell if the price is right, and in most cases, a collector will be willing to help out another fellow collector if needed or can. Collector will also take care of their stuff, usually tucking it away in a garage, shed, or home built lean-to. So with this all said, how do each of you look at yourselves now? Does this make the decision of which group type you are any easier?

I just like um.(Red tractors).....and my dog likes old trucks and me............ So,he gets to argue with the wife...lololo Gonna pass on the topic.... its all perception and it can become politics.... 2 things i hate to bruse,,,,,,feelings and my tomatoes............. and these are my buddys,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,dancin fools.. lololo

I was getting ready to rebuild this carb and couldn't get the bowl off without excessive force. So I soaked it a couple days in Berrymans and she opened up. Think it needs a rebuild or is OK as is? It's a Walbro and had been thinking about a replacement but I'll see how this cleans up. I think I'd win a dirty carb contest

I don't think I'm a hoarder but maybe a collector with hoarder tendencies. The difference for me I guess, is that everything has a price. I have stuff I say I would never sell, yet if the right cash was in front of me it would be gone. I go back and forth all the time if I should just sell everything and do something different. The problem I have, is that the stuff I say is "not for sale" is stuff that I don't think would be easily replaceable if at all. Folks that know me, know that aside from WH's I also like the small three-wheeled Hillers. Who else has 13? And who else has every production color they came in (even a 1 of 1 baby blue)? In reality they are useless. They sit in my garage under covers and occasionally see a show. But I thoroughly enjoy walking into the garage and seeing them all lined up I have to admit - so maybe that is a bit of a hoarder. Lol. The real problem though is when you collect many makes and models and get a few crown jewels in each category - then space becomes an issue. That's where I am now.

If you've lived with the same women for more than 25 years, just ask her she'll tell you which one you are.

i tell myself I'm collecting, but I feel like I'm hording. Now that I brought everything home from storage last week I've realized I need to concentrate on certain models and let some go.

Hello everyone, I have a nice Suburban 400 basket case that I am trying to get assembled. I am missing a few parts and was hoping to get some info from someone who owns one. The engine pulley, clutch/brake rod, and deck lift rod are missing. If someone is cool enough to measure these items I think I can make the rods and pick up a new pulley someplace. Thanks

Just put the old Horse up for sale.

I thought this would be a fun thread. What is the difference between "collecting" and "hoarding"? Is there a fine line between the two? I am looking for your opinions. In speaking about the wheel horse line of products, I believe when someone buys everything they can with no intentions of using the item nor any plans of selling it and just to have it to say they have it is considered hoarding. On the other hand when someone buys a item to to use it, show it or resell it then I would consider that a collector.

where's WALBRO ?

That is actually a great idea. Have them both side by side in the garage all shined up. I can see how easily this grows into an obsession. Oh boy,my wife's gonna be mad lol!!!!

Lots of good insight from you all. When I first began in this hobby I would buy package deals (mostly on workers) that I could refresh and sell for a profit. Other times I would buy a package and sell off attachments to pay for the lot. This is how I was personally able to build my collection at a low out of pocket cost (not including my time or labor). Over the years I have been able to build my collection to what I have today and in all honesty outside of a nice 754 I feel I have every model I could want. I even have a few that I would sell if I replaced them with same model in better condition. I also have some rare models like Matt said I cannot replace (original 56' SR, 4 Rj 35's LSE and 520-8). Those are keepers. I see the newer members here doing the same thing I did and just kinda watch from a distance. I am beyond having the desire to hustle that hard at this point but then again I have been there. I did the same thing a few years back with the old antique outboard boat motors and have since reduced the number of those as well. It has to be a special motor or tractor for me to pop on it. At the show this past June I bought a parts 35 to complete one of mine and I sold the rest to 3 other members while at the show for them to complete they're projects. In the past that entire machine would have been back at the house sitting on the shelf. I also made what I considered a very solid offer at the show on a 754 but the owner wanted that one as a keeper which I respect.

There's a fine line indeed. I have traits from both. I have a bunch of stuff that I viewed as "keepers" but I have also bought and sold scores of them through the years. A few regrets on letting hard to find things go, but none of them took any emotional pieces with them. But the difference in collecting vs. hoarding kind of reminds me of the difference between a church and a cult...a church is where you go on sundays; a cult is where other people go on sundays. Eye of the beholder and wildly subjective. Steve

I like the part about meeting people when out buying. Like the time I drove out to the middle of nowhere in OH, to my surprise, the seller was a 13 year old kid! The high light was when his parents saw the PA plate on my truck, as it turns out, they used to live in the town just over the hill from me. Talked a lot about what is going on back home! I really can say I have not had a bad Wheel Horse experience. Some buys are better than others, but over all folks that own these machines are pretty cool.

, I consider myself a preserver of quality , finely built , pieces of Americana !!! Mostly Horses of course . Just today one of my cousins told me I need therapy . I told him I belonged to Horseoholics Anonymous !

I would take that 1054 off your hands; but, that would make me a hoarder!

Just like you guys to look at a pic of a girl in a bikini and wondering what brand of beach ball she is holding! ....is a nice truck tho JA & the cubs are cool!!! Sounds like you got it all figured out @Johndeereelfman and I agree with you 100%! In fact I agree with just about all of the above... Life is all about balance ....between work and play, being a kid and an adult, wife and hangin with the boys, buying and selling, workers & trailer queens... you guys get the idea! I am a collector...hoarders don't line their tractors up on their front lawn for photo ops or have well kept barns for that matter!

I feel as long as some one takes care them instead of rotting and rusting away in a field or a back yard. And enjoy them. Because They are part of our Industrial history or Americana. Some people say I wish they could talk I fell the same way. It`s the story behind them and the chase.

1968, 43,000 miles That's why all my stuff stays inside

Here's a pic of a snow plow frame Notice the holes for changing the mounting bar for short frame and long frame tractors. Nothing wrong with a little fabrication on them either!

I am getting this c195 for $500. Comes with a 60 inch deck as well. Looks rough but runs great. I would walk away from the one you are looking at.

Yes they have showers for the wife...you may want to join her!! Joe does bring a cart, but you can ride around with the horses also. A cart is nice for the 2 of you going to the showers and such...if you go together. I will have to talk to the golf course to see if they will let us have a 3rd cart on the course...we do have a 4 some...no promises here...this is up to the golf course and is subject to what they say. I get to make that call tomorrow...let you know. Call me if you want. BR549

Heading through WashPa this evening. High winds and monsoon rains. A little break in the action though.

A racing cart engine would have a modified governor for high rpm. How fast you planning on mowing? Better install a seat belt and wheelie bars....

I can see why it didn't want to come apart, it had been hermetically sealed......... Only Carnac the magnificent knows the answer.

Yes they will. They fit 300-500 series.

Not at all! Many owners have more than one or even several. You can't have just one! Some guys keep one tractor set up for one particular chore, such as a mower deck on one, dozer blade on another, one for towing carts, etc.

That may qualify for the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY contest Bob.

Looks like its been sitting at the bottom of a pond

Just asked the wife of 39 years, said I was a cohoarder, combination of both.

Hello everyone,first of all thank you all so much for the great responses,input and opinions. I appreciate it bigtime! I am absolutely going to pass on it. He told me when we were discussing price the he supposedly turned down a $1000 offer from a WH collector. If so,he's absolutely CRAZY! My search continues. I may be looking for more opinions/input from you all during my search. I found a 1989 518h close by that i'm looking at on Sat. 450hrs,no attachments,just the mower deck. Been sitting in a shed for 4yrs needing a fuel pump. He's asking $300. I hope it's nice. In a new house,grass is 1' tall lol! Thanks again for your help,have a good one!

8-17-1933 Lou Gehrig goes the distance On August 17, 1933, New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig plays in his 1,308th consecutive game, breaking former Yankee Everett Scott’s record for consecutive games played. Gehrig would go on to play in 2,130 games in a row, setting a record that would stand for over half a century. Henry Louis Gehrig was born June 19, 1903, in New York City, the only child of German immigrants to survive childhood illness. His doting parents stressed education over sports, and he attended Columbia University on a football scholarship and studied engineering. After his freshman year, Gehrig played for New York Giants Manager John McGraw in a summer league under the name Henry Lewis; he lost a year of eligibility at Columbia when his ruse was discovered. Gehrig was then signed by a Yankees scout while playing first base at Columbia, much to the consternation of Giants fans who believed their skipper had let the talented slugger get away. Gehrig joined the Yankees in 1923, but didn’t see any action until 1925. According to legend, Gehrig stepped in at first base when star Wally Pipp benched himself with a headache. Gehrig didn’t miss a game for the next 13 years, and Pipp never made it back on to the field. To this day, to be “Wally Pipped” is to be replaced for good. Gehrig set his endurance record against the Browns in St. Louis more than eight seasons after the streak began on June 1, 1925. He was honored after the first inning, when Browns and Yankees players surrounded him at home plate and he was presented with a silver trophy by American League President William Harridge. The Yankees went on to lose the game in 10 innings, 7-6, in spite of home runs from Babe Ruth and Bill Dickey. For his career, Gehrig’s offensive output was as extraordinary as his consecutive games streak. The left-handed slugger led the American League in RBIs five times and drove in at least 100 runs 13 years in a row. He led the AL in home runs three times, runs four times and in hitting once. On June 3, 1932, Gehrig became the first player to homer four times in a single game. In the Yankees first golden era, Gehrig batted cleanup, right after Babe Ruth, the bigger star of the two. It was Gehrig, however, who was named American League MVP in 1927, on a Yankee team considered the greatest team in history. He won the award again in 1936, another championship year for the Yankees. In all, Gehrig helped the Yankees to six World Series titles. In 1938 Gehrig’s batting average dropped below .300 for the first time in his career and he began to experience chronic illness. As his strength continued to dwindle and doctors struggled to diagnose him, Gehrig took himself out of many games. He was eventually diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare degenerative disease now often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He retired and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939 and died just two years later.

When it comes to tractors, it collecting.........having anything else is hording! see that was easy!

I concider myself a collector where my wife thinks I'm a horder,she cant understand things like keeping blown engines for parts,but I cant understand 10 purses either

I noticed collectors take car of what they have hoarders just let it all sit outside and rot and never sell unless it's for a hefty price. My dad bought his 551 from a guy like this and it was sad to see all the WH's rotting out side. I kept his number for awhile and called time to time trying to buy a lawn ranger he had and needless to say the lawn ranger is still there. Too each their own I suppose

Yes to much for it. It sounds like it needs 1500.00 of work, and you can buy a good one from 1000.00 to 1800.00

A little more evolution. All Done. I think? I hope? Blasted and painted all rims. New tubeless Carlisles on rear. New tri-ribs and tubes up front. Added a Seat back and square pan seat with correct spring. 5 bolt hubs on rear. All new bushings in steering. Transaxle has all new seals and was flushed. Replaced shifter. Rewired entire tractor. New switches. New lights. New engine. New belts. New exhaust. New fuel lines, filter, and bowl. Added pulling hitch. Added mid mount. Gets expensive real fast. Gotta love those duals! Does anyone else get a smile on their face looking at these old round hoods?

Excuse the choppiness I am still learning how to use my new Camcorder. I guess it is back to the book . I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Lol your right Doug.. this engine revs to the sky!

My belt had the same groove. Maybe these pics will help. There is a tab with a 1/4-20 tapped hole on the bottom of the guard....no idea what it was for as it doesn't match any holes in the frame. The bolt in the top tab also holds the cable support and a tab that is welded to the PTO lever support.

Hey all, I have found a wheel horse 416-8 for sale. I was wondering what you all could tell me about them in general. I am mainly looking to turn this into a pulling tractor, would this be a good one to do so with? If not, what would you recommend? Also could you tell me what you know about the engine, it has a Koehler 341S one cylinder engine. Many thanks!!!!!

Good plan JD. I had the same thought in mind over the years with the 312-8 that I bought new. Here is a list of upgrades that has brought the basic tractor to what it is now; 520 rear wheels and tires Wheel weights from a Simplicity walk behind tractor. These weights are just enough to give more traction. Upgraded the front wheels and tires to 8 inch. Added the rear lift for using a tiller and other ground engaging implements Replaced the original seat with a nice high back seat from NT and redrilled the seat mount to move the seat further back for comfort Replaced the 12hp Magnum with a 14hp Magnum. I did this because I use 48" SD mowing decks. It's good to have the two extra horsepower in tall grass. Hopefully this list will help you with your 312 upgrades. What I did was all easy bolt on stuff. PM me if you have any questions.

Van, I intend to use this Horse till they pat me in the face with a shovel. I totally enjoy using it. While a "total" restoration is not in the cards, as it is a working machine, I do plan to incrementally improve both its operation, and appearance, and keep them in as high a state as time allows.

The C-160s are the BOMB.