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Or am I just being extra anal?!?!? I have one of these for all of my tractors and find it handy to keep install instructions, manuals, receipts for parts for the tractor, belt sizes, notes about work done on it ... you name it. Heaven forbid the tractor gets sold the book goes with it. Nice to have in the barn for quick reference.

Okay, after deciding to get a swept front axle for my 95' 312-8 that use a plow on, I figured that I'd jump, get a welder (Lincoln Dual MIG 180ampDC 240v) and see what kind of fabrication I could mock and put together for the Plow/ Dozer extension kit... TOOLS LIST: 1. Ch. Elect. Chop saw and metal cutting disc 2. Ch. Elect. 4-1/2" Angle Grinder 3. Flat File 4. Ryobi dual drill/ hammer drill (not on hammer ha ha) 5. 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" drill bits (I really need to a get a drill press. Almost got one to face twice) 7. Vice 8. Tape Measure and scratch all (nail ha ha-don't worry I have a soap pen now) 9. Lincoln 240v Dual MIG 180amp DC welder with .035 FC wire 10. Can of Pam cooking spray to help limit spatter. I used the measurements on the site, got some 2.5" x 3/8" Flat stock and 3/4" round stock. I don't have a torch so I couldn't get the bend to work but I decided to try and weld the shift in the sidebars together. Unfortunately my stock was limited and I had t patch a 1/2" piece at the end of one of the side bars. It's not on high pressure point though. I did end up getting a little to high current on a couple welds but was able to get the welder more dialed in today and finish up the unit with better beads. I know they are not perfect but will get the job done. This is my first go round in welding so be gentle on the criticism (which is welcome). It's only been 2-3 days. Have a look. Piece that was but welded and then ground down to match and cut at the proper length. A little to much amperage. Thought about running two more beads on top of these after getting the welder dialed in for 3/8" which was WFS-3 and Volts-C with .035 FC wire. Lock slots... 11-7/16" at the bottom outside measurement (at the removable 3/4" lock bar). 11-1/2" at the top inside measurement. I simply placed it all on the plow and clamped the side bars to the plow rails and then set the top (rear) 3/4" bar and tacked it. Post welding fit... It's nice a snug on the plow frame and fits perfect on the plow bracket on the axle. Last this to do is drill the cotter pin holds. Next will be the lift bracket. Will use a sanding disc on the rest, prime and paint after that. More pics to come...

No idea what this is but seen it on the inner web and had to share. Anyone have any idea if this is home made or factory ? Thx.

so this weekend a good friend and my next door neighbor of 30 years crashed his truck into a bridge and died instantly.as some may have read earlier we got hit hard by the ice storm last week,well then it warmed up and rained,making the roads and driveways a nightmare,probally the worst ive ever seen,my friend was coming home from work at 5 pm,turned onto a gravel road near us,sped up,hit someice on the road and swerved out of control and died hitting a concrete bridge.still in shock,he was a mechanic for large equipment and had a liking for the horses,he couldn't believe how many I have,and was allways amazed at what they could do,we deweeded his pond years ago with one and a drag harrow,and when id plow his drive he just shake his head and say I cant believe what those little tractors could do,he will be missed greatly.his wife will have to move,ill never get neighbors like them again,my wife and his wife are close so its real tough on my wife,you never know when its our time,so enjoy every day

I think it's perfectly normal Jim.

With the warmer temps the past several days I've had a chance to warm the engine up a few times and today I checked the torque on the head bolts, I've also replaced the bad volt meter and got the foot pedal linkage adjusted properly, the more I drive this thing, the more I like it. I might have to stick a deck under it this spring so I can get some seat time. For now, this project is done.

My wife spent most of the time chatting with Mrs. Stevasaurus and the many that wandered through the canopy. She's not a nut over Wheel Horses but she does appreciate them and enjoyed watching all the kids play with them, big and little, old and young. I'm pretty lucky. She even told me she enjoyed seeing me have so much fun.

I have seen a couple of Green orchard models made up but this is the first I have seen done this way. It would take a spry young person to drive it; or you could lower me onto it with a crane!

Count me in. First day of the show is my wife's birthday, guess we will have to celebrate early, then she can enjoy some quiet quality time at home!

I ahve all the hyd lines from a 520H.... both the steel lines and the rubber ones For further info, send me an OFF-SITE email... my address is: daveoman@windstream.net

Besides Wheel Horses or garden tractors in general, what other hobbies to you all enjoy? Mine is model trains, and it is my primary hobby/obsession. The trains and tractors are my two primary autistic obsessions and being able to enjoy each is critical to my mental stablity, or so says my therapist. I started with Lionel as a young lad, eventualy ending up with my father's set from teh late 1940's(still have it and it comes out of the cupboard at Christmas time). I moved into HO scale in my teens and joined the local club, then in my mid teens my aunt and late uncle got me an LGB starter set while on a trip to see his family in Germany. This started my years in G scale, in my early 20's I got my first live steam locomotive in G scale. As my eyes got worse in my late 30's making bi focals needed to see ho scale on a layout, I gave up the smaller scale and concentrating on G scale and live steam. I have both a railway in my garden, and one overhead in our living room for winter time use. The live steam runs primarly outside, but I have run it once or twice on the overhead loop. Here is a pic of my railways pride and joy, made by Merlin Locomotive Works in Welshpool, Wales UK in the in the mid 1980's. Butane gas fired, made of brass with a copper boiler. The engine house is one of my newest finds and will go on the garden railway when spring warmth returns. Cheers Mike the Aspie.

I collect a "few" Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars! These pictures were from about six years ago, but currently the collection has tripled. At last count, there were just about 3,000 cars total. I also collect 1/16th scale farm tractor toys, and currently have a little over 2,000 pieces of those.

Well this was the colour combination I settled on, having highlighted the silver weights with red I then 'had' to do the the same for the red set (highlighting in silver). I still think the red looks better, but the silver front rims, engine block and wheel horse logo just about let me get away with it. Sorry but I just couldn't bring myself to go with black.

I'll be there on Friday for sure depending if and when wife has back surgery this year. She wants to tag along to check out Mr. Ed's candy and nut store and any and all flea markets, yard sales and another place that sells C* * * no body wants or needs.

I have a notebook for every horse, running or not. I keep track of everything. My notebooks and manual on the El Camino measures 5 inches in thickness.I have two plastic file boxes with hinged lids for all the other stuff , saws ,drill press , nailers, etc. As my old man said" Don't throw it away, you will need it in the future " .

You may consider having custom axles made, like I did when I wanted to have a pair for duels. I had a fellow member make a pair using 4140 and then having them induction heat treated at the bearing and seal areas.

I checked the hardness on a 1-1/8" axle with splines. The readings were 20Rc at the splines and the hub area. The area where the wheel bearings run were 62 to 69Rc. The area where the seal runs was worn and hardness dropped off there. Had the hardening been carried out just a bit farther, the wear would have been minimal. Apparently they are induction hardened in the bearing area only. For reference, drilling and machining with conventional high speed bits can be done up to approximately 40Rc, carbide can be used up to about 62Rc. Harder than 62Rc usually requires grinding or EDM. 20Rc is soft and very easy to machine.

Good call on that bumper!

Here is a picture of the steering wheel and cap on my 1067. Both are original (my father was the original owner). I have added the decal in the center of the cap - not sure what decal was on the original cap.

looks like your doing a fine job to me, as you weld more you will get more comfortable with your welder and settings but so far what you have done is just fine.

Man, it just keeps getting tougher and tougher to come up with new customs that haven't already been done. Scratch armchair fire engine off the list. VERY creative build, I love it. Thanks for sharing that!

My daughter asked to take my tractor for a cruise toady and she thinks it has cruise control. 😂 IMG_5843.MOV

Bob,,,i never has occurred to me I might miss the SHOW...... I remember the first time we met.....Your trusted pony reared up on its rears.......and you STILL made it.... Thanks for the vote of confidence Bob...........

I wish I could, those live steam engines are expenisve! Here is a couple shots of the garden railway from last summer. Mike

As long as the surgery is after the show or 8 to 10 weeks before, she (and you) should be good to go.

Nobody said that Jim. It's just that making the binders isn't what caused it.

Just a word about camping. Camping is free on Friday night. If you come on Thursday, or stay until Sunday morning, there is a charge of $20 per night for those nights. Even though some members have "assumed" squatters rights, there are NO reservations, and if you get there early, you can't hold a spot for someone else. There will always be enough room for tent campers as there are many large open fields with lot of room. There are however, some electric sites for large campers and motor homes. They are limited and fill up fast. A local church group has concession rights and provides food from Thursday through Saturday lunch. They have terrific breakfasts, lunchs and dinner. They also have a great value on ice for your coolers. So, no matter what you decide to do, it's always an enjoyable time.

Nothing like tub rides on a 520! Mine with their Dad! @Rp.wh

@fireman NEEDS this!

Nice job -- if you can pre-determine where you need to drill holes for pins etc. it will be easier to drill before you heat the metal up with the welding ( gets a little harder to drill after heating )

Hello all, I am in the process of fixing up my 1067. It is in great shape and looks to be very original. just needs little things here and there. It is missing the center cap in the steering wheel and I am having trouble finding pictures of what it is supposed to look like. I would appreciate of someone could show me a pic. Thanks

The overlap and welding on both sides/ends is just as good and if not stronger than the bend itself you did good with your limited tool supply I work in/around a industrial machine shop and sometimes overlap welding is the best option,Jeff.

Ahh, the infamous back-flipping Commando 8 incident... No matter whether she has her surgery before or after the show, I wish her well. My wife has had both knees replaced and she does not regret it for a minute. If you have to miss a show, it's not the end of the world. We will miss you, but there is always 2018 and beyond. Your wife's health is much more important.

Thats why i was lucky to get an MRI sooner then I was originally scheduled for thanks to my wife. I will find out more tomorrow. Sorry to hear about your nerve damage.

I'll bid on if it if I can get some haulin help or a member that can pick it up and barn it for me till I can come get it.

@slim67We are not sure what is going on. She had surgery in Nov 2015 and every was fine. This pass Nov her back started acting up again . So we are back at square one as far as insurance goes. See your Primary Dr. get shot in case it is muscle related , have X ray taken , have physical rehab (surgeon said probably won't work ) before we can get an MRI to find out exact problem. No wonder health care is so high.

Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Didn't even consider,,,,,,Wife is headed into a knee surgery,,,,Still don't know a schedule......other than that,,,,,This is my only plans for this summer,,,,,,Fingers and eyes crossed !!!!!, Yep....she fell on our street last January..........Knee has not been right,,,,,never considred I might not make it,,,,,, Untill I hit this thread,,,,,,,,I am redoing an 867,,,,,,everything red,,,,wheels are done,,,,,, Of course I hope for the best on the knee......Surgury,,,,(new knee) might be after June,,,,,,, I hope all goes well your way......and thank-you Howard 857 Horse in VA

Someone (maybe on Red Square) posted a spreadsheet several years ago and I have that on my computer. I have all my tractors and my wife's Gilson, and my step-daughters tractors listed. I add service that is done as well as parts and prices. This is how I know we spent WAAAAY too much $$ restoring the GILSON that you see on the front cover of Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine this month!! I can "re-post" the spreadsheet for anyone that thinks they would like to use it, but have to do it from the desktop computer, as I do not have it on the laptop.

I really like you binders!

Wow I guess I ain't anal then ...I was gonna say I do the same for other outdoor power and even tools but I didn't want everybody to think I am a freak of nature! I hear ya Tuna! you mean you gotta have pics! Shhh I won't tell yer wife you had to stop and ask for directions! I hear ya there too Bone... I download everything from here on a flash drive then eventually put it on my phone. Never know ya go to a bro's house to wrench and ya need a manual or three. BTW @JeanUKWildcat

I haven't bound my Wheel Horse stuff, yet, but I do keep any kind of documentation I can get my hands on and keep it fairly well organized. I love having manuals for everything I own, I'm just one of those "gotta have something physical in my hands to read" kind of guys. A few years ago, I found, printed and bound a complete service manual for my old Honda motorcycle. I don't do anything major on the bike, but I do find myself referring to the manual fairly often for routine maintenance and service, it comes in real handy. And if anybody thinks we're being anal... Whatever.

Im the same way, all my lawn mowers, chain saws, weeders,etc. I have the manuals for them all even if I have to go online find it and print it off. So good idea that you do that.

Remember to tighten all lug nuts!! I have a big folder box for all the paperwork, and I have a book that I write down whatever I do to each horse...like batteries, oil changes, etc. Otherwise, I would not know when I changed the oil in one particular horse.

I am in the far western end of North Carolina; about an eight hour drive to the outer banks. My wife is an avid quilter, two or three times a year she and her friends go off on quilt outings, she has her thing and I have mine. When we go to the Florida Flywheelers show (once every three or four years) she seems to enjoy the flea market, knows it is just one day.

Camping on site. I will be there. Probably camping again this year.

Garry

Another home made masterpiece. Where was this and the fire engine for last years custom theme at big show? How many more are out there...

So sorry Don. Great neighbors that become friends can be hard to come by. Mike.....

Here is a pic of one of the two dealer decals on the side of my Commando 8's hood. Mike\