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Weather permitting, and when I could get it down to the shop, the "Tractor hauling trailer" is getting closer. Just need to install the deck and mount/wire the lights.

The 551 works in the garden quite well!

When I saw this tractor on a farm sale bill, I had to take a look. I have always liked the 417A, and this one is clean and has been well taken care of. I talked with the PO at the sale. He purchased it new on August 6th, 1986 and paid $3539.58 . He gave me all the manuals, tractor, mower, motor, parts breakdown, and other sales literature. It starts right up, no smoke, and runs like it looks. The tractor was this clean when I bought it, all I have done is load and bring home.

Finally a sunny and warm day here in Ct with NO SNOW! Great day to drag out my beat up, Honda powered, made from multiple tractor parts 656. Went for a ride on the trails out back. They used to be well established from my kids and my neighbors kids tearing thru on quads and dirt bikes...but those days are over and the trails are slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature. In the last pic you can just see my house...trusty Wheel Horse gets me home! Mike......

it has taken all winter and playing with different brands but finally today came back with a nice original C-120 runs and goes excellent but will need some long over due maitenence drive belt a new tie rod assembly and fluid changes and wheel seal but other than that it runs beautiful check her out!

My old faithful Raider finally quit on me so I decided it's time for a total teardown and rebuild. I will be doing a few modifications along the way. This will be the new hood.

Well guys I've had a look in my head for awhile how I wanted my daughters C81(Rosie) to look like and after I got the wife rear wheels off the 520 I decided to try and flop Axle upside down to lower the front... now idk if I'm gonna keep it like this but if it holds up I will.. this tractor is just meant too look cool and cruise. I do know some of the pros and cons of having this setup. For now it's just an experiment. My daughter loves it! P.S the front tires are not bowed in, the tractor always has been toed out so it just makes it look like that in a few pics

Craig, as always, is right. Best to post your video on youtube and linking it here. One thing about bucket list tractors, the chase for them can be more fun than actually owning the bucket list tractor. I can post my own experiences on this, but it's best you experience this phenomenon yourself. I want a 953/1054 tractor, but I know the anticipation of owning one might be better than actually owning one. But I'm willing to risk the let down. So if anyone has a 953 or 1054 that they can't stand, I'm willing to take it off your hands for free. I'm just that kind of guy who's willing to be let down over anticipating a bucket list tractor.

I see a Kustom build coming; and I like Kustoms!

Wow. Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I would get them all if I had the$$ and space. I'm going to check them all out. And I'll be sure to let you know what I end up with. I'm sure whatever I get I'll need the expertise of the fine folks on this forum. Thanks again.

I have a brand new, and obviously never used 13" soft-touch steering wheel that I purchased for my B-100 restoration project. The problem is that there is no hole drilled in the hub for a 1/4" roll pin. Without damaging the soft plastic covering, what is the best way to remedy this problem? Can a machine shop do this or do I have really nice "wall art" for my shop?

The war department said the b 80 was the last but I just couldn't let this one go. It has definitely put me in the dog house. The lady I got it from, got it from the original owner about a year ago. She said it was too big for her now and was looking for a smaller one. So I traded a little Craftsman rear engine rider for it. Who the hell would pass that up.

It was such a nice day I decided to spread some topsoil. I set the points, adjusted the carb, and put a new spark plug in my 876 and it runs like a top! I also found a new use for the blade, lining up curb blocks! I live next door to a foster care/adoption agency and I do maintenance, lawn care, computer work, and construction for them. It keeps me busy and gives me more seat time!

Made a tool to help loosen up the garden in the spring and fall. Ordered an electric actuator that I saw on a different idea. Next step is testing it out to see how it works. The "3 point" is bolted on top of the rear axle to the attach a matic and seems sturdy, enough it lifts the tractor off the ground.

Looking Good; did you run out of RED paint.

Graded and leveled off some crushed concrete in my driveway today. 1054 handled the job with ease.

...and some linen beige wheels. Looks great Tig.

How about some red pin stripes and decals, Jeff.

Is the other tractor one of your deposits from days gone by? lol

Lee, please don't let a differing opinion preclude you from posting your ideas in a thread. We all do things in many different ways and we all tend to think that our ideas are the best ones, and most of the time I'm right! I personally thought your idea was a good one along with many others. And we must remember that we all have differing skill levels too. And sometimes we misinterpret things that are said also. The point is we are all trying to help one another keep and maintain our tractors and if even one of us drops out it hurts the entire effort.

There is one serious difference you need to know about the engines used in these machines - some are pressure fed oil systems and some are not . If you are dealing with hills and ever mow or whatever across a slope - that can be a big issue in a hurry with a splash lube engine . All the Kohler single cylinder engines are fantastic and last an amazingly long time , but they are factory rated for only 25* of side hill and it's easy to exceed that . Mowing ditches is what kills most of them as it's a huge pain to mow 90* to the slope in so many short passes . Running along a ditch isn't beyond what the tractor itself can handle , but you'll start the connecting rod of oil due to the splash system and I've seen far too many Kohlers with broken rods as a result , sometimes destroying the block in the process with a large hole in it . If the engine has an oil filter - it can handle higher side slope angles , period . The one oddball exception is the 18hp K482 Kohler - it has an oil pump but no filter on it . The 20hp Onan is a great engine but it also has it's issues with cooling the rear cylinder - it's well documented here time and again . Also , that model has some fairly complicated wiring and they are known to develop issues over time - just some things to be aware of . Hydro transmission will give you a hydraulic lift as well - something to consider and all models used very heavy and well built hydrostatic transmissions that are extremely well built - but , their condition is dependent upon whether or not the previous owner ever changed the oil so a machine's history is something to consider . Rebuilding either a Sundstrand or Eaton is not a fun job and not for those that aren't highly mechanically capable . The manual transmissions are tough and reliable but you lose the variable speed as well as the hydraulic lifts for attachments - especially blade down pressure for snow plowing/dirt work . A two stage blower requires extra springs to help lift it if you have a manual trans , just for an example . All the attachments for these tractors are heavily built - so keep that in mind unless you want to build a Popeye left arm/shoulder . When buying used - overall condition tells a tale of whether or not a previous owner took care of their investment . It's rare to find anything these days this old that hasn't been abused at some point . Parts are easy to source and for most models these things are quite easy to work on overall . The depth of repair work can range from a simple fluids change to having to rebuild the entire machine to address worn out parts . It's common to see front spindles badly worn to the point of needing replacement and some aren't made anymore , stuff like that . But , they are built simple enough that many parts can be reconditioned easily with a welder and some time . Just keep an eye out for things that are severely worn into a metal part - like the front axle and steering system . That said , there is almost nothing that can't be fixed yourself or by a competent welder/machine shop . Good luck with the hunt , a bit of searching and just keeping your eyes peeled will reveal a lot more tractors out there that are hiding behind sheds/barns/garages...lol . Sarge

I would chose the 312....easy to work on, dependable as heck, easy on fuel and plenty of used and new parts available. With a 42" deck I would think you could mow your acre in approx 1 hour. Mike.....

Buy them all

Pardon our manners. You did say just inherited...sorry for your loss, but we tend to lose our train of thought when we hear 50 to 75 horses...and

We my dad wanted a pulling tractor so I gave him a C-85 I had with a bad rod. He rebuilt the engine with all nos kohler parts. It got completely stripped down and gone through all sanded and completely panted. All new tires and another pulling hitch from tom. Here are some pics of before and what it's up to now. Still not completed yet.

Been doing some work on the Rat Grenade

Hello all. I'm new to the forum and tractor scene. I'm in the market for a decent reasonably priced used GT. I've been looking for a while for a good package. I have about an acre to mow. I also have a 1/4 mile gravel driveway. The yard has trees and some slope to it in front. The drive has a couple of long fairly steep up and down sections. I'd like to mow,push/blow snow,grade the drive,pull a cart,and drag some trees from the woods. I've been eyeing a couple of WH rigs. I was looking for advice as to what would suit my needs best. #1. WH 312-8 w/front blade,weights,chains,42" deck,winch,AG tires pretty clean $850. #2. WH 520h 60" deck,weights,chains pretty clean $950 #3. WH 10 auto (w/12hp Koehler) Front blade,42" deck very clean AND a WH B-165 42" deck clean $750 for both. Also found a couple of green rigs with blades 212 for $750. 175 for $700. I like the 312 but didn't know how much of a pain it would be mowing around the trees. But with package 3 I could use the b165 for mowing and the 10 auto for working. I was just concerned about the hills with the hydros. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Looks Kool. Do you have any detail pics of the spindle and tie rods? I had to make some changes to get the low rider frame down where I wanted it.

I've been looking at You Tube videos of several techniques and the engraving pen looks like something I could handle. I need to start experimenting. This may go back on the rear burner for a while though. Spring has sprung and the calendar is filling up fast with baseball and volleyball games, music concerts, robot matches, trout fishing, turkey hunting, grass mowing, crab camp opening, Steam-o-Rama, and then there is "the BIG SHOW". Whew, am I glad I don't have to work.

Ok ... drag it to the big show and I will give you a few extra bucks for hauling it after I buy and take it off your hands Sound right for sure. Very nice,

Didn't mean to upset anyone to this point, and I probably took it out of context with a few comments and I'll let rest from here... Now with the trans tunnel covers there is supposed to be speed clips/nuts on the frame (1/4"-20 thread) to hold them fast, was Phillips head stove bolts I changed mine out to button head Allen bolts/screws (stainless steel if you want), Jeff.

Not wishing to pry, but could you give a little background as to how all these tractors settled in one place? And l love how you say your a John Deere kinda guy. Good luck.

@rmaynard you nor @wallfish could afford that model and year.

Garage to driveway. Be awhile before green grass.

Obviously drilling "a hole" is dead simple but getting it aligned properly -- well, that aint so simple. First thoughts are that a milling machine would be a must, being able to utilize the moveable table then get a jig rigged up to find the wheels center. I wouldnt be a happy camper to get a hole drilled and find it doesnt match the steering shaft!! I'm a pretty decent 'shade tree' machinist and I cant think of a way to get a precise hole with common shop tools. If you try it be sure to use a 'step' brill to start your hole with, it will make a nice clean starting point with out 'tearing'

I'd like to trade my "war dept" in for a new model.

That is another reason to have multiple tractors......Go look at another one to see how things go back together!

I love my onan's and the 520's, but the 60" is one heavy mama, it take 2 men and a boy to move. If your ground is unlevel and hilly it probably wouldn't be your best choice, the 312 has 2 of the implements that you seek in one package. depending on the year and model of 520 you will need a extension kit to put a plow on it. package number 3 has some merit but, the B-165 is a vertical shaft lawn mower and don't have a heavy duty rear end. Aluminum verses cast iron in the other garden tractors. I would run it up and down hills and get it warm before pulling the trigger on it. it mat run good on level ground but not up and down hills. if you want to purchase a snow blower the 520 is the way to go for sure hands down. so I know how hard money can be to come by but if you can afford more then one it wouldn't be a bad idea, why do you think the majority of us on here have more then one ourselves eric j

As with anything you can ask 10 people & get 10 different answers its like comparing chevys,fords & others.The 520's are great tractors but they will cost you more to operate than the single cylinder kohlers and parts are more expensive for the onans than the kohlers.I love my hydros but if your going to do serious ground work a 8 speed might better serve your needs. your best bet is to have at least one of each!

Latch is assembled backward.

the most dependable

Get all them red ones.

If it were me (and it was in good condition) I would go for the 312. Bomb proof 12 horse Kohler. Cool running, positive, 6 speed gearbox. Good on fuel. Uncomplicated electrics. Comes with ags tyres for the banks and slopes. This is just my opinion but I would avoid the onan and the hydro, but be sure to pick a (we can't have you calling yourself horseless). Welcome to RS. As an extra point, if you suffer heavy snowfalls you might need more hp for your blower, depends on how long you want the job to take.

Man, no doubt in my mind, you hit the mother load.

Find any nails yet?

Horseless Pretty much what every one else said I would go with a big deck larger displacement engine to do more work for you. With a large deck you do not have to spend YOUR FREE time keeping up with the grass. Also with the larger engine and frame may be some day you can get a front loader for it. Just my .

Went out on a Habitat For Humanities job today. Following the prejob briefing and devotion our office manager hand us a box of goodies to take with us. Should have known something was up, she has never done that before.

C'mon now Steve.... That is the LAST model you want for your bucket list? Once you find a 754 if I know you there will ALWAYS be a bucket list tractor....