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Few years back I was driving down my road, a nice red CJ with a bikini top is coming the other way. Kid driving throws a big fast food bag in the ditch, I turn around and follow him, he pulls in the drive way of a very nice home at the golf course down the road. I go back and pick up the mess and put it back in the bag and drive back to his place and dump it in his front seat. It"s good to be an old fart some times .

Well, i had a particularly high 'body count' of pieces of trash at yesterday's mowing. 4 coffee cups, 1 aluminum beer can, an ash tray full of butts, and my personal favorite, an Arby's bag complete with at least 25 containers of Arby's sauce. i usually just mow it down, but mowing over a plastic bottle of Mountain Dew with liquid inside might just be urine...... One time, years ago, I was mowing and a cup of ice came at me from behind and narrowly missed my head. i carried a gun for a time after that, but later decided that it would be my luck that even a .22 could over penetrate and hurt someone. Besides that , once the threat is over, i would be breaking the law big time. You get the same thing riding a motorcycle with tailgaters harassing you, but a windshield washer pumping mineral oil backs them off in a hurry. My 100 yards of side ditch looks like a lawn and it is not easy to mow as Fescue takes power to cut. then these jerks show up and use my place for a garbage can

Yeah, I get a lot of stuff too..makes me mad but what are you going to do? This summer, I came across a vodka bottle in my ditch and it was full of liquid..so I emptied out before throwing it in the trash...must have been vodka because the spot where I dumped it is still bare ground - who knew that alcohol would completely kill the ground...? not me..

I feel your pain. Years ago I was finding a certain brand of empty vodka bottles in my yard on a regular basis. I live in a small town and you know who is cheating on their spouse and who they are cheating with, as well as who is an AA drop-out. Well a fellow living down the street was working a 3rd shift and was drinking the vodka on the way home and it was just convenient to throw the empty out in my yard just 100 yards from his home. One day while I was outside in the back yard, he came by and threw out the empty. I picked it up and promptly walked to his house. I asked for him by name and when he came to the door I confronted him and told him what my actions would be if I found 1 more empty vodka bottle in my yard. He took me serious and never threw out another one in my yard!

All true comments...sadly... I pick up trash at church a couple times a week along the adjacent 3 roads...It is unbelievable what people throw out (usual stuff plus some other items that I won't mention)...Use a home depot bucket and a pincher / grabber doohickey so I don't have to touch the stuff...Oddly, I get a sense of pride when neighbors thank me and I see them taking a bit better care of their property as well...I guess there's some good out of other folks nonsense...

Not many photo's of work on the hood. A slightly larger than required alloy sheet was cut and a shallow fold made on the center line. A board with a curved edge was clamped over the sheet, after carefully guesstimating where the side fold should start. Hope that makes sense. The sheet was then bent around the board forming one side of the hood. This was repeated for the other side resulting in a shape which was not far off the required result. What luck. A little tweaking with a rubber mallet and a length of round bar persuaded the front and rear of the curved folds to line up with the headlamp surround and dash. A lot of time was then spent trimming the oversize edges to get the best fit I could manage, followed by clamping to the headlamp surround and drilling for the pivot bolts.

My dad did something like Chris years ago. There were always beer cans in the ditch near the house, same brand all the time. A couple of times he spotted the car they were being tossed from and then one fateful day he was driving behind the car in question and followed it home. He took the bag of cans from the barn and dumped them on the fellow's door step and rang the door bell, no one came to the door and the beer can tossing mysteriously stopped. Of course few people carried fire arms then and the mentally unstable were institutionalized, not too sure I would do that today!

Now BRF is BRF. Now clean that camera lens and post some pictures.

I would do a complete rebuild.

Some people are just plain slobs. I live on a busy street and it is nothing to pick up beer cans, bottles, fast food bags, etc. Every once in a while, I find a tool that bounced of the back of a truck...1/2 ratchet drive, Craftsman screw driver, etc. Once, I asked my kids to mow the lawn, they both had a good reason to get out of it...so good old Dad went out and mowed it...found a $5 spot crumpled in the grass. Never had a problem with the kids not mowing the lawn again. That was before horses. It's also nothing to find some change in the gutter. it's the broken glass that makes me mad.

submitted from 55rj35jr: 1957 RJ35

I started out with a 1277 - that turned out to be a lucky find , to me it's the most reliable/simple/easiest to use one they made in the era before the rocker mount engines and the more complicated wiring - and by far the most elegant look they did for a garden GT . I do not care for the newer models , their colors nor their wiring systems and safety switches . My 1277 if not operated properly can kill you , the neighbor , his dog and wipe out his car too . It's more like my old Land Cruiser - if you're not smart enough to operate it - the thing will eliminate you as the problem . It comes from an era where folks had to be responsible - start it in gear and you'll need a new garage wall , or dog , kid - whatever . Get off that 1277 with it running and the hydro engaged , well - there are pics out there of what happens next ... The C-160 just had a lot more power than the old K-301 - it was the evolution and solution of one shortcoming of the smaller big blocks , especially for running a blower or pulling a large deck through the heavy stuff at warp speed . You almost can't knock it off it's power band without destroying a belt or glaze the clutch - the belt usually loses the battle first as does spindles and bearings . Mine has broken 2 auger chains on the blower hitting frozen snow banks - the same thing on the smaller engine would knock the engine down too far to be effective . I still prefer the 1277 - it's more open , no floor boards (gotta love the stirrups on a Horse) and attachments go on/off so quick it's disgusting in comparison to anything else made . As I said - the 1277 was quite elegant - the later model C's to me were pretty ugly with that wide , flat nose and odd looking grill - but it did have sort of an "industrial" looking appeal to it - took awhile but it grew on me . Upgrade the engine in the 1277 model to a K-341 - that would be an ultimate Horse and I may just do that - I have a replacement factory Kohler out of a Simplicity with very low hours available . I do wish Kohler had done better with the oiling system in the 341 , doesn't take much side hill angle to starve the rod and destroy it - the results are generally either a broken rod and mangled crank or a window in the engine . Within that era the larger twin opposed K's became available with pressure lube systems in the big D's - the K-482/532/662 line had oil pumps and two larger ones had filters to boot . The torque level of those big twins is staggering - it's like running two K-341's that just refuse to stop pulling - hence all the fried pto clutches on the D series . I've ran across the newer 3/4/500 series tractors at some pretty decent prices . While they were tempting - I saw far too many potential issues that could take one out of service - the Onan engines for starters along with their wiring . Anything that ever failed on the older models was fixed in a few minutes and right back to work - not the case with all those safety switches and added sheet metal/plastic . Prior to the C - everything was made of metal and just plain stout with simplicity - a winning recipe in my book . It's all about preferences - I get that part , but I like simple and effective so I've stuck with the early stuff around here . It seems like something was lost once WH got sold the first time in '73 - that core simplicity and farm-tractor looks/reliability factor , the soul of the brand in my opinion . I know not everyone will understand all that - unless you've owned a mid-60's long/short frame and the early C models . I do appreciate that WH kept the later/newer stuff planted tightly in the brand's roots as much as possible . Times had changed and they had to evolve - it happens to everything . The old Land Cruiser next to it's modern day model would be like comparing a Model T to any of Ford's new cars - you'd wonder how the heck it went the direction they took . My old , beat up and tired tractors will still do the work of modern GT's available now - and do it easily for another 30+yrs when they have been long scrapped . Sarge

I feel your frustration brother, but don't let it make you do something stupid. I have a litterer that uses my road. They must work second shift and on their way home stop for their 1AM dinner at the Mac. about 5 mile from my house. Without fail, they finish their dinner and throw out the bag of trash near my house. I have been tempted to try to catch them in the act and make a citizens arrest, but Mrs. K informed me she was not going to visit me in prison. So I just pick up the scum bags trash every day and feel good that I left this earth cleaner than I found it.

I am in the process of helping Thomas V round up some horses that are going to Denmark. I wanted to take this chance to ask if anyone needed any parts I am sure we can work something out. Any bigger items would have to go through Thomas. As you can imagine it is quite the expense for Thomas so he would need to compensated accordingly. feel free to PM with needs and I will work with Thomas before a price is given.

I delivered a load of tractors to the Steam 0 Rama this afternoon and while unloading a few small items from the back of the truck, I could not find a NOS set of 42" mulching blades. While searching for the blades, I noticed my three drawer tool chest was missing. Someone had helped themselves to the blades and my tools. I stopped at my insurance agent on my way home and he confirmed what I expected. I have $500 deductible and if I did file a claim, there is a risk my premium may increase due to my lightening strike claim in 2016. Oh well. Then I get a call from @ericj , apparently I offloaded my tractor in his space. So now I am really bummed out. Eric suggested I report the theft to the police as there may be other similar thefts and this additional information may help their investigation. Good idea, so I called the local Pa State police barracks as we don't have local police here in the outback. Within an hour, a State Trooper was knocking on my door. And here is the good news, there is not much hope of finding my tools, but after spending about an hour talking with this 25 year old trooper, my faith in human beings and especially our youth was immediately restored . Thank you Trooper Luke.

OK...OK...you win.

Ok Fella's, i'm Part of the Team @953 nut @Ed Kennell There's the attachments for D200, ericj Drooling over rear finish mower

The insert bearing, I think will work on the larger K engines...10, 12, 14 hp. I had both cranks turned to .010 under in my rebuild of the K181S's. You then order the rod .010 over. It is worth doing it right.

I like my Onan.

I never owned a 1277, but totally agree the older simpler design iron is the best. Not knocking some of the newer improvements, but IMO simpler is better. I'm sure we all could use our experience to build the ultimate vehicle. My truck would be a Ford F-150 with a Dodge Cummins engine and a Chevy Allison tranny.

I usually don't comment on engines but something I realized many years ago is as an engine wears the load on the rod and crankshaft is reduced so they stay together. When the valves or pistons/rings get some attention the load on the rod and crank is increased and if not in the bottom of the wear limit they soon fail. I say do the crank/rod first and the top end second. Garry

I'll have to agree with @Ed Kennell I have at the moment 4 running wheelhorse tractors and my favorite is my C160. I love the hydro and the hydro lift. It is simple to work on and it can move mountains of snow. My 2000 314-8 is a really nice tractor but a pain to work on. My 67 lawn ranger is for fun. And my 77 B80 is like the c160 in every way except it lacks the power of its big brother the c160. I like the design of it over the black hoods and as for all the safety switchs on the later models nothing but a pain in the butt. I think it's a good looking tractor.

I've been bragging theres a New addition to my Son Alex's Stable, so i went over and took the pics, the Man i bought it from said you all never seen it, he will be at Big Show with My son & myself next year, i hope these pics clear up any thing i may of posted negative about & enjoy. If it isnt a Wheel horse, You Wasted your Money ! wont let me open any more pics for sum reason ? Theres a Finsh mower and a tiller to

no harm Ed we'll keep each other company and try and make sure nothing else walks away this weekend eric j

First off, make your selection: Coors, Bud, Iron City.... Second... Ice for the cooler.

Pats parts:.. $12 seal http://www.psep1.biz/arinet.asp?aribrand=TO#/s/TO//56-3130/1/

Any chance of you sharing the love notes Mike ?

I live along a state highway. I get fast food bags, Red Bull & beer cans. Car parts, oil bottles, tarp straps, apple cores, love notes, garbage cans, bike tires ect.. We did have a walk behind tiller land in the road but the guy stopped. We had a drunk in a stolen car drive through our bushes and saw off a fire hydrant and a tire wheel assembly fly off an 18 wheeler and hit the front porch.

It just is not right.............................................................................................................................. That BRF's name .............................................................................. Still has BLACK LETTERS

I love that, pure class! Thankfully I am, and my C161 is my favourite and my only horse, so it has no competition. But I do like the look of the early model with the narrower bottom to the front.

And safety switches, like the PTO and shifter lever...

Hold key on and wiggle fuses..

I installed 2 hillman bushings last night. Super easy. There was a rubber conical washer in there. Odd. It starts much better. A little more time and all the bugs will be worked out. Thank you guys for the tips.

Look up on YouTube "Vinsrj" and he has a video series of putting a magnum 12 in a short frame 857. Goes through all the engine mods over several videos. He does a good job!

These kohlers are great engines, but crankpin / rod failure is more common than you would think. I think boring out the rod and using an insert bearing like an automobile is very superior.

Great idea and excellent place to put lights for night work - those should shine right where you need it most at the magic 45* angle in front of the tractor - yet still keep the lights back far enough to see a mowing deck or blower . Only other good place would be over head on a roll bar - that's my next build project on the D when it's back in service . Seems between work and short days in the winter I'm always trying to move snow or sometimes finish mowing in the dark - being stuck with bad eyesight requires a lot of light and I love how you integrated it into the tractor . Looks like they were there when new - great job . Sarge

pabird It's always best to start from square one and for this issue that is to replace the belt with a new, uncontaminated fiber belt. Go to the 3 pulleys involved and scrub through any contamination. I'm sure there is some. Nothing to rub the belt but clean and shiny metal. Ensure that no fluids had them contaminated and remove the source of it. Prior to that model design, the cylinder wasn't in place. If the non-cylinder was OK for 25+ years, it must have been OK for engagement and the cylinder is simply an improvement. In this litigious world, it may have become necessary - who knows? In the end, something's grabbing and must be found and smoothed.

Yes. The 103990 is very popular. Garry

Not sure on this one, but I think if you adjust the clutch rod so that the belt engages sooner, the geometry of the idler pulley will change giving you a smoother engagement. Just throwing it out there.

Probably Attorney driven decision.

Make sure that the belt is the correct length and width, and that it is fabric covered. Most guys swear by the Toro/Wheel Horse brand. Check the guides on the engine and belt cover. Check pulleys on both the engine and the transmission to be sure they are clean. If the return spring is too strong, and the damper weak, that can be a problem. The position of the clutch pedal can also be a factor for some drivers.

This would increase the quantity of pictures you can post Fred, but won't improve the quality.

I have a C-160H, 312-8, 520H. I don't need 3 tractors, but don't want to give up any as I cannot make up my mind which i like the best. IF, IF, IF, the 312-8 had the electric lift, all things considered, it would be hard to beat. But, there is something I just cannot let go of with the C-160H, The 520 is the king, it's a monster, but it's a gas hog, and the wiring can irritate. Sooooooooooo, I'll still have 3 tomorrow.

Thanks guys. Your comments keep me going. I got out today burning some yard debris left from the hurricane and in between loads I snuck over and wired my "new" 16hp Kohler. After that I was eyeing the fenders that I needed to fix from previous owners drilling them holes in them for spot lights. I got an idea I saw reading an old post about putting lights under the fenders. Well I put mine in them. First one I cut too low so I had to weld up my hole with the metal I removed from the top. I just moved them all the way up. Still have to weld the mounting brackets to the back of the buckets but at least the hard part is done. Once the fenders are all bolted back together and straightened, the lights should be straight across. Still have some hammer bumping and fine sanding to do. Better than I expected.

This is my first Wheel Horse garden tractor. I've always liked the design of these horizontal-shaft tractors. About 4 years ago we bought a larger property and got a cheap used lawn tractor for mowing and pulling stuff around, it worked good enough. But 2 weeks ago the engine crapped out, so I decided on getting a larger tractor. After looking for a week or so, I found a 416-8 with the Kohler Magnum, 866 hours. I took a look and it seemed decently maintained, everything seems to work but it definitely needed a tune-up. Next thing I know I'm heading home with it. Yesterday I took care of a lot of maintenance items: New Air Filter / Pre-Filter New Spark Plug Oil Change Cleaned everything really good Drained fuel tank of unknown age gas The only thing wrong with it right now is once you go a little past half throttle it sputters out a bit and doesn't run quite right, I have heard it backfire (not really loud) if I lower the throttle quickly. But it runs very well from idle up to half throttle and seems really torquey. I was thinking the carb is due for a cleaning, but this is my first Wheel Horse, first Kohler, etc. I would love to hear anyone else's opinion. Tomorrow I could record a video too if that helps, and of course get some better pictures.

Took some digging to come up with the specs based on original numbers. They have been added to this page. Click on the picture to get to them. Let us know what you get and how it works out. For the model 857? Garry

Zac Kerber https://www.zkbrmachine.com/

You’ll need a short oil pan, fill some spaces on the bottom of a big base block, cut the oil dipper down. This will help:

Thanks oldredrider, I'm going to try everything and anything anyone can come up with. I just cant understand why it won't launch smoothly just by feathering the clutch pedal. I can buy the fact that the cylinder will reduce the force on the pedal but why can't I achieve the same result with my foot.