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The time and interest for these machines has dwindled away with family commitments and job requirements. Though there is little to no time left to head out in the barn, the tractors are still there and I still get much joy from picking up different machines. There is just really something special that continues to draw you back to them. Here are a few that I have picked up over the last year. Beautiful 701 Previously restored 603 Some nice patina on the RJ 58 A custom touch to a Lawn Ranger A fairly clean 855 Straight Raider 9 A pieced together 551 with some wrong parts And finally my most recent toy......I mean Swapmeet buggy! Though things have changed, I still enjoy these things. As much as I would like to move them on for someone else to enjoy, they just can't be replaced. Hoping that someday the time will be there to play with them a bit more. Until then, the search always continues for the next bargain!

Well it's been slow going getting anyone to start on the 520H or finishing the shop , but when ACcuz said he'd go half on a office/man cave I was all in . Been slowly collecting the materials for the shop (hey I'm cheap) . We got whole complete bundle of 12'x4'x5/8" drywall for $2 bucks a sheet (said they were damaged) every sheet useable. They also told us we could grab all the insulation that was laying around that they bring back from jobs . Cheap and free we loaded up . So when my son and cousin went to the local lumber yard to inquire about a window (got a brand new one $50) they asked about plywood prices . They told him prices are going up daily due to some change of fireproofing the wood and prices are going to go through the roof ! I don't know if there's any truth to this but I figured out what I needed plus extra and purchased 20 sheets . So here's where we're at , a 16'x10' room . We're going to make a sliding door and trim and paint it up like a barn . So hopefully soon we'll have the new headquarters for AC Stables . Got to say ACcuz being in the construction field has its perks , especially commercial tearouts . Free desk , fridge w/ice maker and a whole lot of cabinets . My other cousin just sold his body shop and had his computer just updated and cleaned and asked if we wanted it ... So I'll keep updating as we (should say they as I just watch) progress...

The boy just won his 4th state championship title last Sunday. He just turned 10 and is really a good kid. He and I are done for the season and going to get back to our tractor hobby together.

So a guy in my town leaves a note in my neighbor Tony's (Docwheelhorse) mailbox saying he has some tractors he would sell and gave a phone #. Tony calls and it sounds like there are 6 machine, so he asks me if I want in and I said sure! We get there and the guy gives us a tour of the Wheel Horses he has for sale and except for a couple 310-8s it's all for sale. We asked how much for it all and in the end we settled at a fair price and today we hauled it all home. What did we get? 1979 C121/8 speed with 42" deck, wheel weights and plow bracket 1968 or 69 Charger 12 Auto with 42" deck 1990 or newer 416/8 speed with a nasty 48" deck 1977ish D-160 with 48" deck and a huge snowplow (no engine) Mid 80's rear engine WH 108 with a deck. 1983ish C-125/8 speed Huge Bolens 32" walk behind snowblower 42" long frame snowplow. The C-121, 416/8, rear engine rider and the Bolens are all running machines! I'm keeping the C-121 and Tony is keeping the Charger 12....the rest will be going up for sale (can't keep em all!!) Mike.....

Looking at old photos and reminiscing I realized that it was 14 years ago that a Wheel horse first came into property and unknown to us then, it was about to change our lives for ever. In the photo of me looking back on the first ride down the driveway I probably was looking how life used to be up to that moment. Even the happy boy did not imagine that 14 years later, he would have 3 children, 3 tractors of his own and another 10 tractors here.

All nice tractors Scott. I'm really starting to like the patina machines better than the restored ones...maybe its because my old face is starting to get "patina'd" ! Mike........

Not really a big deal but I got the plow out and used it on my neighbors garden. It was a lot of fun but I quickly realized that my right tire is too wide for plowing. I can plow about 6 inches deep but the furrow isn't wide enough for my 10.5" true powers to fit into. Consequently my tractor stays fairly level and I don't get the soil to turnover like I would like it to. I may put one of my narrow tires on from another tractor the next time I try to see if that improves anything.

Took the herd out for some sun this weekend!

Painted Parts - All Rustoleum with a little work after spraying with a gun. The PTO engagement lever and the and the transmission lever are bare metal coated with Sharkhide Seat - the frame is an original I picked up at the Wheel Horse show in PA. The cover came from the same place from a different person. The frame needed rewelded and I used the padding from the seat that had been on it with a little trimming. Hydro lines came from Surplus Center Decals - Yep, Terry I worked it until I restored it. Now it's too much of a pain to clean it in detail so I only show it and run it in parades where it won't get trashed. That and running it around my yard/driveway/street just because I like to drive it Thanks!

After countless hours of turning handles on the lathe & mill, I'm ready to show the fruits of my labor on the transmission. First pic is of the bearing plates, I was able to save these and install new bearings in them. This is the shift pawl shaft. I was very fortunate to be able to save the shift pawls, I dread to think how much time I would have had into making new ones. The original shaft is at the top of the pic, as you can see it was very badly pitted and would not allow the pawls to move smoothly. I made a new shaft and installed new detente bearings and springs in to the pawls. Next is the input shaft, this was the most challenging to complete. After I completed the external machining on my parts I bored a 3/4" hole in the sprocket pieces, weld the sprockets on and then installed 5/8" i.d. bushings. The engagement pieces were bored to 5/8" i.d. and then had a 3/16" key way cut into them. I don't have a broach set, nor do I have access to one so I had to out source the internal key ways. First pic is an action shot while I was cutting woodruff key ways into the shaft. The second pic shows the original shaft with the new one laid out below it. Next is the reversing shaft. I purchased the spur gear then I turned part of the collar portion down so that I could weld a 25 tooth sprocket on to it. Then I bored the hole to 3/4" and installed 5/8" i.d. bushings.The shaft for this was drilled and tapped on both ends and had a washer welded on to it for a stop. Original with my new replacement. The out put shaft. I decided cut full length key ways in this shaft, this allowed easier placement of the sprockets and spur gear. The spur gear is the same as the one used on the reversing shaft. I had a 3/16" key way cut into this spur gear, then I drilled and tapped the set screws for it. You may have noticed the the sprockets are faced thinner by the teeth. The reason behind this...? I originally planed on using #40 chain. When I started to assemble the trans I discovered that I had some clearance issues. After some investigating I realized that the factory had used #41 chain. #41 chain is narrower and the o.d. of the links are a bit smaller but the pitch is the same. So by facing down the sprockets I was able to use #41 chain and solve my clearance issues. What things look like after being assembled. I also found a little time to do some grilling this weekend. There was only a vertical rod in the grill when I got the tractor, but I could clearly see indents for cross bars.

Circa 1994 Circa 1989 Circa 1989

This will be the thread we use to post anything you would like to buy/sell or trade at the big show this year. Please only 1 post per member. If you have to add or delete your post it is better to do it that way rather than having multiple posts. Update: We need to change the rules for the buy and sell thread, as members only have a day or so to edit their posts and supporters 30 days. After 30 days, 99% of the board can not change their threads (except Moderators and Vendors). That being said it is ok to add another post if you cannot edit your first post. I will start.. For Sale- 1- COMPLETE 400 series rototiller with ALL mounting brakets etc to mount to your machine. In good lightly used condition. $450 for all delivered to the show. -SOLD 2- 953 complete and original mower deck $200 delivered to the show (Mower Deck Only) 3- Set of original 953 rear ags mounted on rims $150.- SOLD 953 NUT 4. Fiberglass 300-500 series original cab company cab roof only $20 - SOLD to 953Nut 5. Front Mounted Reel Mower off RJ (99% sure) $275- SOLD Wanted: Original or nicely restored 754 tractor. Prefer original work clothes. 1961 551 in orginal work cloths 1057 steering wheel in very good to excellent condition PM me if you are interested.

There were a couple things that needed attention on our 856, and before we knew it, it had gotten prettied up. Thanks to Glen Pettit and Vinylguy for their great products. Out of respect for the previous owner, hardware bits came from Grainger. The paint is Ace Hardware rattle can Regal Red and Ivory White for the wheels. Built for mow, not show, it’s enough to get the neighbors jealous. Ready for the grass to start growing. Before= www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/67501-hello-from-illinois/ Thanks, Chuck & Sally

I never knew that the Kalamazoo River was that wide; not to mention having Palm trees.

Well here it is! Decided to go rear mount. Complete with wireless remote winch! Gotta add some front weights next haha

Hi all: Just received my new fuel pumps for my D-250 4cyl Renault engine, total include shipping was $121.28 for 3 pumps. just opened the box took 14 days to get here. Also 3 weeks ago I bought a brand new starter for it for about $119. Found that I also can get new water pumps for this engine, but need to buy them over seas.

I agree. I wish I could find a nice set like you have there. If you want to part with those, send me a PM. I finally had some time this week to install matching sneakers on the front of the 1276. The front never matched the rear and I just never got around to swapping until now. After that, I threw the hub caps on. From what it was to what it is now

For those of you that opened this wondering what is a McLean, here is a link to some history on the tractor. It is also the most information that I have found on the McLean.http://www.tractorfriends.org/lawngardentractors/mccleangardentractors/mccleangardentractors.html Last year when I bought my Suburban 400 I also saw this strange little tractor sitting off to the side. I had no idea what it was but my interest was peaked. I took a couple pic's then kinda forgot about it for a while. Eventually it came back into my thoughts and I decided to do some research to find out what it was. I posted my pic's on here hoping some one would recognize it but I seemed to have every one stumped. After a few days of searching I finally found a picture of one on the net. Great! I thought, now I can find some info. Well there just isn't a lot of info out there on these thing, unfortunately. I did manage to find the owner of the one in the link that I posted above. He's a great guy, I spent some time on the phone with him and he was willing to send me some pic's to help me out with my project. Below are pics of when I brought my McLean home. Really rough shape, probably not worth fixing but it's a rare tractor so I was willing to give it a shot. A tractor needs an engine so I started there first. The K90 that was in the tractor was locked up of course, but after a month of dumping ATF down the plug hole two times a week it broke free. All of the tins and the bearing plate were junk so I started to look for parts. Then I found a K91 close buy and decided to go with that engine instead. I will tackle the K90 another time. There are many great engine rebuild posts on here so I'm going to keep mine real simple. 1 2 3 Next was the tear down on the rest of the tractor. Most of this went well, a PO had made a lot of changes that I had to cut out. I will share those as I go along on this resto. First thing that I tackled was the front end. The steering shaft had an aluminum pulley on one end and an aluminum steering wheel on the other, both of which were locked on to the shaft. i decided to cut the shaft in half so I could deal with removing the pulley & wheel on the bench. The steering wheel I did not remove because it is wrong anyway, but I needed the pulley. A little wax and some heat helped start to get things moving and then "Sha doobie Shattered Shattered". Well I have no way of casting aluminum but I did find a nice chunk of aluminum stock laying in my garage. It was 3 1/4" dia, I needed 2 1/8" dia. Time to make some shavings. Finished product next to original. A PO also cut part of the steering arms off that will be required for the differential to work. I made new pieces and reinforced the axle where it was worn. Then carefully measured and lined things up so I could weld every thing back together. Removing the old steering arm was great fun! Front end mocked up and looks ready for paint. Next it is on to the transmission. What to do with this mess?!

Stay away from Stevebo and the salad dressing!

A Man Cave is not complete without a refrig for the beer, and heat for those cold winter days. Nice. Jim

Seat is finally back in place. Onto next project...

I would be interested in the 1984 style. Maybe you can just leave it complete and the owner can cut to fit either 83 or 84 style?

Search 2017 Big Show buy/sell/trade tread. Started one there.

Excellent photos Scott...love the 701. Good to see you still hanging around.

@Sparky That isn't patina........just experience and wisdom!

This is actually the first I ever saw the 4 bale hay hook. The only one I used was for loose hay. And it was powered be me and my pony..Bob. He was also used for cultivating corn and pulling coal from a mine my Grandfather had hand dug. Bob was a good worker, but I think he enjoyed stepping on my feet as I led him between the rows of corn. circa...1946 Grandad came out of the mine every day for lunch and spent this lunch with his new daughter....my mother. circa.....1924

Growing up we used Mule Power for a few jobs and putting hay in the loft was one of them. We didn't have a tow-able baler at the time and used a belt driven stationary one similar to the one pictured below. The Hay trolley was originally designed to place loose hay in the barn, but ours has been modified to lift four bales at a time. I would guide the mule forward as the hay laden trolley went up and then went over the loft. The man who was placing the bales would trip the mechanism to drop the bales near where he would place them. Once I heard them fall I would back the mule up ( that was the tricky part). I was probably six or seven when this was replaced with a new baler and an elevator. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

In action.

Here are the pics. These are all 4 of my RJs. 2 with Kohler, 1 Clinton and the most recent one with no motor until I find the correct one for it. The first pic is the lawn ornament I picked up last month which has the plow on it in the pics

Wow nice find, good project looks like a 1979 or 80 missing parts but don't worry they are out there I know that I'm doing 2 myself, and have one with a loader that is done. But that one looks it needs a lot , get it cheap.

The "new" C-81 is now complete, got these in the mail today... Their new home

Yep - that sure looks like the Michigan I know and love!!!

Thanks guys... That's the plan , just a nice place to hangout... here's to you @stevasaurus ! ACcuz can do some paperwork without distraction (his wife already runs a business out of their home) in the morning before him and my boy go to the job sites . From last years Big Show I have the banner from @Vinylguy , the license plate from @nylyon and @AMC RULES Sent me a RS magnet for the fridge , so I have a good start . Thanks guys . I've already been asking ACcuz's wife about some signs being made . In my short time collecting I've mast quiet a few RJ and round hood parts...shhhh . My plan is to display them instead of just burying them on a shelf out of sight . Now to keep my eye out for more memorabilia...just thinking of it gets me excited !

I just watched the weather,,,,,,,,,,,,snow Friday and Sunday........jusss shoot me !! loloololol

Congrats! That looks like it will be an amazing place to hang out!

Scot, you always get nice unique items, best of luck with the kids. I find myself on a similar path right now. Doing things with kids can never be replaced. Glenn

Be nice and cosy, Jeff, as you sit with your beer and watch the work being done.

Awesome! Gotta love having a place where the wife has no say in the decorating! WH posters and banners everywhere 👍 Mike.....

Hey Jeff, every project needs an inspector.

Has wrong fender deck, plus missing the left side shield over the hydraulics plus the plate between the dash and seat. Incorrect head light also.

https://www.google.com/search?q=vintage+hay+trolley&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS731US732&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=950&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi43Pv84cHSAhWIKyYKHU1PADYQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=_ http://www.ebay.com/bhp/hay-trolley

no big deal bms. i had to double read mine also

Here's some pics after paint (PPG AUE300 in IH50), color sanding, and buffing. I'll snap a few pics of it mounted on my RJ when I find the time. Thanks Ed, I'll have to do that in the near future.

His shop is on Grand Island, NY and is still open on a part time basis. I shared a photo of his dealer sticker on the Dealers thread.

me on my dads 701 Brian

Here's a rear mounted crane i made up a few years back to move around lame horse's. it was easy to make and works very well without putting any stress on the towing tractor. Heres some photos of it behind my Suburban 400.

This is the only old pic I have. I'm thinking 67 or 68. 604 is already on it's 2nd Tecky! This was taken the first day I was allowed to cut the lawn by myself. That's my brother in the pic rockin the slacks pretending he's Jack Nicklaus. You can't see the golf club in hi hand. He's thrilled he doesn't have to mow the yard anymore!

1979 C-161 Twin Automatic. It does have some cosmetic issues, like a couple of missing guards/shields, and the hood is cracked in a couple of spots, not to mention that awful headlight in the front. But it runs and drives great. It's mechanically solid, and does have the clevis hitch, but I have no idea what function that thing the PO has bolt to it does. Nice seat, but not black. I like it! I travel to Pilot Knob to get it. I met the guy at the McDonalds there and when he pulled up (I got there first), the PO was in the passenger seat and the driver yells out, "If I knew it was you...." Turns out the driver was a guy I know and worked with my brother-in-law. My wife was with me and she and Kenny talked while me and the PO loaded up the C. Small world, but then again, Pilot Knob is small, where virtually everyone knows everyone. We live about 30 something miles from Pilot Knob, but since Kenny worked with my BIL, I met Kenny years ago and seen him several times. But it's been a few years since I last seen him.

Its beginning to seem that the intent is to see how much more I can fit into this little tractor. Now it has a serious tachometer.

Thanks everyone...I make some metal art from time to time to sell...but only do horseshoe art as a hobby since my dad makes and sells all sorts of cool horseshoe pieces...don't want to cut into his profits. That boot rack is really neat. Got bored out at the shop couple days ago so I built another flower, as well as a piggy bank I've been promising my nephew for the last three years.