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Dual ags on my '58 Ride-Away Jr.

My favorite is my C-120/180. I bought it new in 1977. It's been modified, every bearing has been placed at least once. It's was painted about 10 years ago, tapped up and save the original decals. The 12 horse Kohler could not take all the banks and hills that I mow.

This past weekend Deer Season opened in Texas so I headed to the family farm near La Grange, Texas. Our county has a restriction that a bucks horns must be at least 13" wide (which they say can be judged by the horns being wider than the ears. Of course bucks always look straight at you with there ears laid flat so you can judge this. Saturday morning i watched a number of does, squirrels, etc until about 9 am when this one came out of the creek bottom and hit the ground. He's no trophy, but a good legal buck. Then as they say the work started. Skinned, quartered and packed in ice to chill out Saturday, then Sunday I de-boned 52 lbs of venison. We used to get together as a family the Friday after Thanksgiving and make our own sausage, but everyone has scattered out, and we've lost that tradition. I now have my sausage made at a small market near High Hill, Texas (a spot in the road made famous by it's ornately painted Catholic Church (google Texas Painted churches) I request a 60/40 venison/pork ratio and have link sausage and dried sausage made. . So after dropping my venison off Monday morning I headed back to the farm, but made a small detour through Hostyn Texas (another catholic church spot in the road) and stopped at a mower repair shop & graveyard. that I stop at about twice a year. He has mostly 5-10 year old big box salvage mowers for parts. But he also has a few old ones including this blue WH thats been pictured on Red Square before. The owner is a bit of a strange guy and sometimes gives outrageous prices, and sometimes reasonable prices. I found an air cleaner for a K341 i needed and inquired about the blue WH. It's been on E-bay and C-list a few times but never sold for his high price. Surprisingly he said "you've stopped here to look at it several times lets make a deal" After a little back and forth we settled on $ 150 for the air filter and the blue 953 WH. In many ways its a rough one, but its got several items like the Hy-? Hydraulics, sleeve hitch, 2 spoke steering wheel etc that I feel make it a good parts tractor.or one to pair with another parts machine to make one good restored one This serial number 34637 is close to a couple of ones I've seen on RS.I didn't take a picture, but the mower deck looked surprisingly sound. and the spindles moved. Amazingly the engine was free so I filled the crankcase and cylinder with diesel to preserve it while stored in the barn at the farm. I also drained the transmission and amazingly only had a tiny bit of water and mostly lots of good old black oil. I then filled the tranny with diesel for storage and put some small open bags of moth balls under the dash, engine and tranny to keep the mice out. Should I try to drain the Hy? hydraulics and fill it with diesel for storage? Also, I need some help identifying this engine? @953 nut , and what;s with it mounded on some 1x6 wood slats across the tractor frame and is the down draft carburetor and air cleaner correct or is something missing.. I've got some other project, so for now this has a good dry spot in the barn.and we'll see if another parts tractor joins it some day!

I was really amazed at the traction the rubber chains provided.

I agree with th above posts that it is hard to pick one. I like all the “Big Wheel” tractors, certainly the round hoods, but the smoothness of my 314-8 is also hard to ignore. However, my all time favorite is the one that I grew up with— the 875! (Me at 6 years old holding my baby brother) Me this last July 4th on the same machine! I don’t choose it just because it has been part of my entire life. I choose it because it is a compact, yet durable machine that has a very forward thinking design for 1965. The designers knocked it out of the park with this little tractor and it will always have a special place in my heart!

My 855 is by far my most favorite Wheel Horse. There is nothing on this tractor that I didn't go over!

My C195 is my favorite but I am also liking th 520-8 quite a bit also!

in all reality asking me to choose my favorite, is like asking me which of my 3 kids is my favorite, can't do it eric j

Guess I'm partial to the C series.

New unit coming along nicely waiting for some coated parts to get back

My favorite is the red ones!

Just my opinion, but the Big Show is about seeing friends and meeting new friends. I have only been there twice and there is precious little time as it is, I want to spend it with my fellow Horse-A-Holics!

The Gt14 & the C-120's are my favorites but I like my 418-A . It was my dad's work tractor and I use it all the time. 👍

I won't claim a favorite, cause it's like was said above; maybe it's whichever I am after/want, currently. I have a short list of favoriteS though, that I'd like to own: GT-14 and any BlackHood (think these ARE a favorite, styling-wise); 953, and the C-160. You could add any D series...but...with all I've read/heard of them....I dunno if I'd ever actually want to OWN one, though I love the idea/looks of them. I think it'd be beyond me to maintain, but who knows. My Dad, more or less, believes there is nothing that can't be done with the standard Kohler 12hp tractor...and anything that needs more than that, well, they don't have "wheel Horse" decals on them; aren't any garden tractor. He owns an IH 2000 that he restored, with FEL and 3-point, for those types of chores. He may be right...Lord knows I've seen him do things with those 10 and 12hp WH's that I wouldn't have thought possible.... But where is the fun in only 1 tractor, I ask you? Side note: I do currently have only 1, my '92 312-8 that he recently gave me---it'll be the last tractor i'll ever sell, if that says anything definite

I really don't have enough knowledge of all the models but I sure am crazy about my 854's. I really like the body style. 854 6 speed on the left 854 3 speed on the right Custom 12 6 speed.

Let me think about this, I guess it would be a 953, but which one? Perhaps on of these, or one of the others!

701 with SMS-425

Thanks @dells68 I hear that on a regular basis and I also always take it as a compliment. My dad is an awesome guy and I would do well to continue to follow in his steps. Thanks for the great compliment and I feel honored to be able to share this hobby with him and my own boys as well.

Weight is key. I used these tires last year and they worked amazingly well, but I didn't have more than one chance to try them. They are Kenda K502's (Terra Tracs), but they only come in 10.5" width, so you will need the wheels from a 520H or an newer XI to make fit well. The weight bracket is new this year, and with the wheel weights installed (not pictured) I can have an overall vehicle weight of nearly 1500lbs. I also recommend Vredestein V61's for the front. Deep 5 rib tires but wont put ruts in the grass like the tri-ribs sometimes will (also cheaper than the tri-ribs), but still grabs the snow and steers.

Any model that runs and drives Also that does not have safety switches. They can be a pain.

Got a little more done tonight. I made the polished straight pipe out of a piece of 2 1/2" stainless exhaust pipe I got off of eBay for $35 (had to polish it after I welded it up - sure beats $125 for a polished one for a farmall cub). I also put a brace on the header to the engine block to hopefully prevent it from putting too much stress on the heads. I'm off tomorrow, so I hope to put in the better part of a day.

My C125 is my go-to tractor, but my favorite out of all the ones I own would have to be my C141. My elderly friend who first introduced me to Wheel Horse tractors bought it brand new, traded it to another friend of his, and then all these years later I ended up with it, so it will always be special and my favorite due to the story behind it. It's quite the ugly little machine now, but someday it will get a full restoration and love the rest of it's years in peaceful retirement

Hey everyone, I've got my '89 414-8 pretty well outfitted for throwing snow other than the original turf saver tires. I've got hitch weights and wheel weights and as long as I let the clutch out easy it seems to have fairly good traction. however if I let the clutch out too quickly they tend to just polish the snow and spin, sometimes causing me to get stuck. I've also got a slow leak in one of the tires so I figure it might just be a good time to upgrade anyway. I don't want to run chains as my neighbor used them once and scratched the asphalt pretty bad. I'd like to put something on that offers more traction as-is and hopefully has a more cool, aggressive look. I've read a lot of good things about the carlisle all terrains here. I think the 23x10.5-12s on the 520 wheels look awesome but I'd need to find a set of those wheels and that would be more of a look than function from what I've read. What I'm wondering is, would the same tire in 25x9x12 fit under the fenders on the stock wheels and be within the range of deck adjustability? It looks like it would be close. Or should I just go with the stock 23x8? I also use my tractor for cutting lawn, however snow removal is without a doubt the primary reason I own this tractor. (If I didnt have to clear snow I'd probably own a push mower). There is as much or more driveway to clear than grass to cut and I often clear my neighbors driveways as well. I don't really need to worry about tearing up the lawn because I'm on flat dry ground, so AGs or ATV tires wouldn't be out of the question. Rubber chains and filled tires are other things I am considering. Rear tires are my primary concern for the moment but also looking at ideas for the front too. Thanks! Pic of tractor attached for curious minds

I guess I'm partial to the mid to late 70's C series and the black hoods. I grew up seeing them working and always liked their stying. Here is my 1975 C160 Auto.

My favorite is the 1067 (tractor on the right). This was my father's Wheel Horse and the one I used to mow as a boy. (Vintage; before and after restore.) Dad and grand daughter.

I had these done in an "aluminum" to chrome powder coating at $80, then did the embossing with paint markers, Jeff.

@PeacemakerJack, awesome tractor and story! It's amazing how much you look like your dad, if it wasn't for the age of the first picture, you'd think you were driving in both pictures. I've been told I look like my dad and to me there is no better compliment!

They are made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. http://www.rubbertirechains.com/ They perform nearly as well as steel chains but they will slide sideways easily on a slope.

My phone won't take pictures!

I sent mom a link to this thread yesterday after she texted me the pictures of the tires. She read the whole thing to dad on the trip back home. The only thing she was disappointed with was the lack of more good pictures from the night of the reveal. She sent me some and said that I should add them to the thread... Dad’s getting ready to back out of the garage for the first time while I’m talking him through a couple of things. Dad, Mom, and Zach with Clyde! Multigenerational pic with Dad, myself, and Zach! Dad would’ve been about 11 when Clyde was brand new. What a testament to the care for this example and the durability of the brand in general...

I really like the 520's especially the HC.

My favorites are the black hoods!

I don't know what has happened to me, but my latest thing is black hoods. If you only drove the c125 I bought from @oldredrider you'd understand! It's like getting on a brand new tractor. And of course the c165 I'm working on for Emory.

I like the C160's big single Kohler. Only have 3 so far...

My favorite that I own is my 753, how about you guys. I’ll start out with a picture. Sorry not the greatest picture

Read up on this product and wonder if anyone on Red Square has used this yet? Not cheap but sounds intersting. May be a way to rechrome old hubcaps! EASY CHROME Product Info The biggest thing that’s happened to custom paint! This is it. Defying the Undefyable. Fix your chrome with just a can of Easy Chrome in the trunk. As easy as that! Pure silver. Mirror. We GUARANTEE CHROME! THE HOLY GRAIL OF CHROME EASY CHROME’s shine is near equal to our silver nitrate system. It’s the same level of gloss as real chrome. So it can repair chrome as well. The same shine as our Chroming machines but in a simple spray! · It will not dull out after topcoat (top coat is optional; this stuff is pretty tough without it) · This will not fade for many years. 10 year warranty. · Basecoat 70% solids. It is like Glass! Same for topcoat. · Pretty crazy and durable without top coat. (Wheels will need topcoat) · Shines like real chrome! · So easy to use! https://alsacorp.com/easy-chrome/ Application Guide Pre-Application: To begin the Easy Chrome Spray process, your part must be prepped and ready for application. Preparation includes: Sanding, Buffing and Priming. Primer can be any automotive grade primer. Applying Easy Chrome BLACK BASECOAT: When your part is ready for application you will begin with the Easy Chrome BLACK BASECOAT at an approximate distance of 8” away from surface. Spraying 2 medium coats until you part is fully covered. *****Basecoat MUST be HIGH GLOSS/MIRROR Finish Allow whole day/overnight Air Dry Time at approximate temperature of 70°F Continue with the Easy Chrome CLEARCOAT at an approximate distance of 8” away from surface. Spraying 2 medium coats until your part is fully covered. Allow 3hrs Air Dry Time at approximate temperature of 70°F *****For best results Allow Clearcoat to Air Dry Overnight Applying Easy Chrome: After your part has fully dried, continue to apply Easy CHROME at an approximate distance of 8” away from surface. Lightly Dust on 1 coat of Easy CHROME, wait 30sec. until you see chrome. Continue to Lightly Dust on 1 more coat of Easy CHROME until your part is fully covered. ***** DO NOT OVER APPLY EASY CHROME AS THIS WILL RESULT IN DULL FINISH Allow 1hr Air Dry Time at approximate temperature of 70°F After Easy Chrome has dried, LIGHTLY polish surface using the INLCLUDED Polish Cloth in your kit to remove excess dust. Applying EASY CHROME CLEARCOAT: Continue with your Easy Chrome CLEARCOAT at an approximate distance of 8” away from surface. Spray 1 LIGHT coat of Easy Chrome CLEARCOATuntil your part is fully covered. Allow 30min Air Dry Time at approximate temperature of 70°F If steps are followed properly, you should have successfully completed your application. This Kit will go a long way with coverage of 30 sq. ft. **** For Technical Support Call 323-515-1100 or Email info@alsa-refinish.com

The old saying of there is concrete that isn't cracked and there is concrete that is gonna crack pretty much holds true for asphalt getting cracked and scratched. I just layed out 12k for a new surface to have to clear snow off of and I was worried about marring it with chains and the wrath of the Mrs it would bring if I did it. I finally went with standard double link tire chains (no v-bars) on the stock 520-H turf tires. they do work ok but will leave marks if not watching out for wheel spin. Nothing the first coat of driveway sealer won't cover tho. My ultimate goal is ag tires with a set of the rubber chains like @Ed Kennell's and lots of rear weight once I get around to my 2 stage beast project. BTW nice clean lookin tractor Joel

Rubber chains for me too for my asphalt drive - ride a little rough, but are only for winter use.... Forgot to mention..available at Amazon for around 100 dollars -- let the air out of you tires when you put them on and adjust them a little loose, then air up the tire to 12-14 pounds - they will conform to the tire - won't need bungee cords to keep them tight...

http://www.redoyourhorse.com/1965-875-wheel-a-matic-wheel-horse-decal-kit-33-875/

I knew that someone would undertake saving that Old Blue 953. I recall seeing the pictures online ! oliver2-44 -This will take all that RJ/Suburban transmssion rebuild experience to the Next Level!

my favorites are the 701 and then the 502 i redone for dad before he passed. i really miss him

I think my favorite is my 1972 Commando 800 ( it a roller now but I have some plans for it ) , It was my Dad's and I got when he died in 1991 and it fits my butt.

i'm going to go against the grain here and say anything with an onan eric j

Wow, sounds like something real special Your decision is right don’t question

The next one...and the wife is actually thinking of driving 3 hour away for some out of state wrestling . I never thought I’d see this day but I’m not going to question her about it either !

I would check the breather filter in front of the valve cover.you might have put it on wrong. They must be put on in the right order. Or it could be a crank in the head, leaking head gasket,or broken ring, if it just started after you replaced the valve spring it's probably the breather pluged. Others will be along with input.

These will get the job done. http://www.millertire.com/products/lawn-garden-tires/16x6-50-8/16x6-50-8-firestone-3-rib-front-4-ply/

A few more of my heard. From left to right 520H, 312-8 puller, 312-8 all with 26x12x12 rear tires

did you check the dash tower for the ID tag ??? if the price is right buy it and worry what is later eric j

953's and 1054's!!!!!!!!! and GT-14's!