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I found it on Facebook and I bought it. I believe I over paid a little, but I wanted it. She has a leak in the hydraulics, I haven't investigate that yet but I think it's coming from the pump. Missing the plate below the gear shift that covers the pump. Needs new headlights lenses, I sent a check out this morning to Mr. Glen Pettit. It's also missing the tag that shows the shift pattern along with the serial number. Can the serial number be found someplace else on the tractor?

Wow! A month goes by really fast when you are out of the country. I spent two weeks on a missions trip to the Philippines (more about that in a separate thread) and then I have to catch up when I get back. We are hoping to get the steering, dash, and electrical together this week but I want to take this post and brag on Caleb a little... I really don’t deserve a son as good as he is but I thank God for him. He was born one month premature at 4.5 lbs and was small enough that I could pretty much hold him in one hand (once they finally let us hold him—he was in the incubator for awhile). It took nearly two weeks before we could take him home and our lives have never been the same! He has trouble focusing on book work and remembering things at times but he is a hard worker. Probably his best characteristic is that he truly loves and cares for others. Anyway, it was his sports banquet on Friday night for his small Christian school that he attends. He played soccer in the fall and was supposed to play JV basketball over the winter. However, the varsity team was short on players and since Caleb is a tall kid, they brought him up to play with the “big boys”. He got an education for sure but I challenged him all year that when he got knocked down to get back up and work even harder. He listened! His coach for soccer awarded him the Christian Character award for his work ethic, determination in practice, and all around displaying a good attitude. His varsity b-ball coach gave him the “6th Man” award which is given to that guy who comes off the bench whenever needed and can be depended upon to play his best. The coolest award that he received though was from his team mates. There was a game that they played mid season where everyone was off. They weren’t playing good basketball and the coach was on them in the locker room. Caleb got tires of losing and playing lousy ball. He ended up taking over the game defensively. He was out playing much better players from the opposing team by stealing the ball, forcing turnovers, and just being a pest on defense. This power play caused the rest of our team to step up and follow his leadership. They figured if one of the youngest guys on the team could do it, so could they. They still ended up losing the game by a few points but managed to come all the way back from a 25 point deficit. Unknown to the coaches, the captain of the team bought a game ball and had everyone on the team sign it to Caleb. After the awards portion of the even was finished, Tanner (the team captain) took the mic and gave this ball to Caleb while everyone listened in. I think it is really special to be honored by your peers, especially when they are teenage guys (not typically the most thoughtful). I couldn’t have been more proud of Caleb for the character that he showed as a 13 year old. I pray that he can build upon that as he continues to grow. now back to the tractor build...

Testing out Skittles’new colors on the mash pole sign. I think she’s gonna look good. 👍

Posting once again after a lonnnggg interlude. Been making my list, and checking it twice, trying to get my 312-8 ready for the coming season. I also have my C-175 that I absolutely must get working on again. Big thing now, is to locate a good supplier of parts. Was getting my regular stuff, such as belts, filters, etc. from a local company. But they have changed hands, and when I went in there to get a mower deck drive belt, I pretty well got fleeced. So, any suggestions, let me know. Hope everyone who was on here before is doing OK. Will enjoy "horsing" around again with the forum members.

What do you think Red Square ? 500.00 offer ?

Fits the hex fitting on the mower spindles, can't remember the year but some had that big hex.

A bit more information on the three generations of 953 . As far as I can determine there were three 953 generations, the first 1000 +/- had the recessed head lights which were actually left over HL-22 kits (serial numbers 62- XXX), Ross steering and the steering wheel shown below. Also the hydraulic pump had a different type spring which I understand is only found in the 953 and the HY-2 pumps. The second 1000 +/- had the the Ross steering but the later steering wheel and head lights like the 1054 (serial numbers 3XXXX). The third generation had the fan gear steering and continued the 1054 steering wheel and head lights (serial number 4XXXX). The seat frames changed from 953 to 1054. The 1054 is basically a third generation 953 with a slightly different seat frame. The bends on the seat frame of the 953 (all three generations) are smooth and the bends on the 1054 seat frame is dimpled at the bends.

The forecasters kept calling for rain , well we have about 2 inch of white rain on the ground now and it is still raining .

That's probably close enough for the women we go out with..... maybe a 'nother half turn out. Should get the motor running and tweak from there. I prefer to turn out a little farther than book and find the sweet spots from there. Carburator adjustments.docx Carburator Reference Manual TP-2377-E.pdf

gosh... a glimpse at my property if I had the space, time ...and if my wife left me

What do you mean junk pile? lol I have a recycle metal pile, scrap metal bucket and everything else is "I might need that one day".

TSC... I buy a couple belts either side and what I suspect the correct size, . they gladly take back as long as what Ed says.

Been using Huskee Kevlar belts for years. Never had a failure. Most always on the shelf at TSC. Inexpensive. Label the belt sleeve, i.e.: 48" deck. Staple gun the sleeve to the shop wall for future reference.

My last post showed the condition of the axles for this project. This weekend I had a chance to make the repairs on them. First weld up the damaged key ways and unwanted through hole. True the axle back up on the lathe. Cut a new full length key way on the mill. Job done, easy as that. Finally was able to start assembly, one item on the list was the hydro pump. A Century Fox pump made by Hien Werner. Unlike the HY pumps made for Wheel Horse this pump needs to be spun clock wise, so it will drive off of the fly wheel side instead of the PTO side of the engine. So I have the axles done, I should have the transmission back together right? Well after some one wrecks a couple of seals, assembly was kinda brought to a halt. This is kinda depressing as I could have had it put back together. Oh well, I got it this far. Sorry for the blurry pic. With the transmission out of the picture I just moved on to assembling a few other things. Not quite looking like a tractor but it is heading in the right direction.

Painted some engine tins and small panels for skittles. While I was at it, I got started on my mash pole sign. Painted the first color today. Hope Howard’s tractor don’t flip over.

Happy Birthday @Achto, we are all glad you were born!

I set two pipes or pieces of angle iron on some horses to set the rims on. This leaves minimum contact on the rim. I paint the back first then I grab the rim on the inside (this will be covered by the tire any way) and flip them over to paint the front side. Before the next coat flip the rims over to start with the back again. Always end with the front getting the last coat. I've had my best luck with this method. At worst you will have 4 small spots to touch up on the back of each rim. Most times these spots are not noticeable though.

The Pond casting is worth the price of admission! Gotta look at the brite side ... the steering wheel is off! Good luck with her!

I always like the black contrast with the red. I t just makes the whole tractor pop a little more and forces one to see detail work more. @JPWH, myself and @Achto is doing one with some black trim and no matter how you do it you can never be wrong. Next non original I do will get the same treatment. Looking good .. get that tranny together and you'll have a fine roller!

I'm that Punching bag on Romper room, knock me down & i come back for more hahahaha

JIm Blames it all on Me hahaha, he must know my X wife

It would be best to download the Kohler manual from here to see carb adjustments. Edit: as you should also check float setting both level and drop

There are three 953/1054s in this photo, the one in the center appears to be an early production model based on the steering wheel. There are more in this one listing than I see on ours in a whole year!

Here's a quick photo of the Front Hub Cap CLIPS, each Hub Cap needs four clips to hold itself on. They will dig into the painted wheel and leave little marks under the cap, and these clips can be found at many large truck stop supply stores, also most Auto Stores can special order them for you (but don't rush a special order, have them come in on their regular schedule delivery to save a $5-10 shipping fee). We also have these for $3 for a 4-pack (+$3.50 ship > 4oz) -- [listed under Venders]. Caution: If using just 3 clips, the clips must be spaced exactly to hold the cap on, two clips will not hold the cap on in use, three clips may hold, but four clips will hold the Hub Caps on. If the caps ever fall off, you will very likely not notice it missing until you hear it crunch.

I have had one for a long time there is no marking on the instruction sheet as to brand and i forgot where I got it but I am sure ididn't pay over $100. Each band Low moderate, high is about 30% so the actual reading isn't terribly important. finding out where the air is going is what is most useful then you now you have a valve problem or a ring problem.

Quick base coat of paint. More coats as the evening progresses

And while I was puttering in the workshop....

That is a very nice looking first generation 953 you have there. Only about one thousand came with that steering wheel and recessed head lights. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Thanks for the birthday wishes every one!! After putting my time in at work today, I came home to a big plate of my wife's jambalaya & a relaxing night. All & all not a bad day.

Working 16 hp 8 speed and a deck that doesn't appear to be rotted out... are you buying it or just playing with us?

the one that stands out for me is the suzuki ts50x i bought for 50 euros took a day to get it running and only then it would start after push starting it for half a mile eventually i had it running a bit better, but, i managed to flood it, thought oh well, ill take out the sparkplug and push it a bit to get the gas out, there was gas, a spark and a big ball of fire bought another one for 120 euros made one out of the two. the one engine decided it liked to eat its pistonrings, so that became a moneypit. put the other back in, turns out that was also a money pit as it liked to eat its flywheel key after a couple minutes. thats when i sold them

Jim is C rusty so makes sense:-)

I do want it rusty , remember I am going to hang it on the wall in bedroom to get a reaction from she who must be obeyed.

Guess we know what will be occupying your spare time for the next year!

It looks great!!!!!!

Great. Seek and you shall find! We want to see video of it running. That is how it is over there. Its an import. It is actually much lower than others he found. Don't be so surprised, there are actually some here selling for more than that.

well...maybe not quite yet, but it’s getting closer! Have a great day fellow plow dog and local circle buddy! May you get some time to do those things that you enjoy...

Im along for more. Just brewed a pot of java. Carry on

TSC Kevlar works for me. And If I screw up and get the wrong size, they can be exchanged if the sleeve is not damaged and the belt is clean.

Welcome back! I have had good luck with belts from Tractor Supply. Also some sellers on Ebay do have Toro belts listed by the stock number.

@Skipper has done some shipping to denmark, he might also have some pointers

Been following. Fine thread. Just wanted to add my 2 cents that these are great tractors! All the horsepower needed for a 36" deck or a 48" dozer blade for snow. One awesome snow pusher with chains! Maybe with even more weight more hp might handy but it's amazing how well just 8 hp can clear a driveway! I run out of steering before I run out of rear traction. Great little tractors! Right now I use mine more than any other tractor.

Metwrinch. The solution to the world's problems. Gag Cough

IT'S ALIIVVE !!!

Most that have/had an xi series seem to like them as well or better than the classic series, with hi/lo range Eaton hydros cruise control and foot pedal motion control the 518 and 520 doesn't have power steering but all the xi have a super tight turning radius, on the negative side is that the attachments/implements are model(xi) specific, if you decide to get it ,use it as a dedicated mower and keep the 314 as the snow/garden/utility machine, as some might say it was the best Toro/WH lawn and garden tractor made, I say go try it out then make your own decisions based off that, I had one (with snow plow single stage thrower and rear clevis hitch) nice unit but I just couldn't get used to the motion control over my 520H, Jeff.

Have to take a break after that read.

Some more progress. Lots of time and effort into that rear wheel, and i mean lots! I dont think i got it in me to do the other one by hand. All the small stuff is just about done and painted so i think im going to find someone local and get me hood and fenders and wheel blasted. Do any of you have any pointers on painting the rear wheels with spray cans? It has such a deep dish im sort of concerned about getting good even paint coverage inside.

Yeah I guess that's why it's up to 10 pages. Maybe three pages with worthwhile information

Hate to tell you this Richie, but about fifty or so posts on this thread are ! ... I probably posted a few of them myself.