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So last week we had nothing short of a disaster here with water and a mudslide from the stream coming down the mountain.The hero of the week was the Electro that worked tirelessly pushing mud and boulders around and clearing mud from the storm drains up to two feet thick. Even when the township machinery arrived it worked along their side pushing everything into piles that they could pick up. I was going to say that I want it to be buried with me when I pass but that would be selfish by denying someone else the privilege of owning this fine work horse. More details of the disaster to follow in non tractor forum later.

At work this very task is the first step in a very large job. Sometimes the undercarriage and roller frames of D11 Cats can be carrying a ton (literally a ton) of grease and dirt buildup. For Cat certified rebuilds such as the one I’m standing in front of in the picture below, cleaning and disassembly are a huge task that is often the most laborious. Most folks don’t have an appreciation for the amount of work involved with this. We do have solvents and washing equipment that work well but aren’t delicate and it’s still tough work. I know you guys can appreciate the effort that goes into jobs like these and on our red machines we enjoy so much! Just for scale, that’s me standing in front of our latest D11 Certified rebuild and I’m 6’2”

I'm planning to have it 95% done on sunday.

If anyone is looking for a great deal on tri-ribs, I just got a pair of 4.00-8 on the big auction site for $26 shipped. Simple Tire seller. I can post a link if allowed. Hope I'm not violating any posting rules by mentioning this. Just a steal of a deal too good not to share. I'm happy to have them.

Man guys, I just caught the tale end of this discussion and it was worrisome. We all deal with people that have bad attitudes and sharp tongues in life. I’ve not experienced any of that so far on here. There may be someone that’s gonna roll there eyes at questions some ask or different tastes in restoration styles. I came to this site for the people and fellowship amongst guys that like Wheel Horse Machinery and more. I’m a hands on experienced machinist/mechanic, cad designer etc. I’m lucky I came up around DIY type of people and I got started doing things young. Not everyone has had that experience. I know a guy that’s a neuro-surgeon and performs brain surgeries and loves cars. When it comes to engine rebuilds he’s lost, not because he’s stupid just inexperienced and not versed in them. I couldn’t tell you where to begin with what he does and I’d hate to be considered stupid because I’ve walked a different path than him. The common interest of these machines and the enjoyment should be the emphasis here. Regardless of bought, built, original, custom who cares. It’s all just fun. I hope everyone else on here feels the same too. It’s often times hard to interpret and understand the tone within typed messages sometimes. So far I’ve met some good people on here and I hope to meet many more! Happy wrenching fellas!

The last time I drove a Wheel Horse I was about 10 or 11 and it belonged to my grandfather. My excitement to finish my project is based in those memories. I’m 41 now and I decided it’s time for a WH!! I loved any excuse to drive that Red machine! Seems like I’ve not gotten over that! Mounted the K321 on my WH700 tonight. I can’t wait!

Riding around at the shows is my favorite seat time. Any seat time is good but at the shows is best!

Are you available to adopt me? You're a good dad!

Hey @mrc I’m the first one to check in from the Central WI “Local Circle”. What type of tractor would you prefer, Hydro or gear drive, twin or single cylinder. I would think that Hydraulic or electric lift would be nice. Just trying to get a feel for preferences. I am very familiar with the Oak Creek area as I framed a church building there about a decade ago. How soon does she need it? @Sparky was so kind to help us out with Comanche that I’d be more than willing to provide transportation and even help look for the right “fit” for her. I’m sure the rest of the Circle would be happy to be invlolved too. One of us will pm you soon.

I got a new 50' side walk for 7 cases of Genuine Draft.

Hi Mike...Welcome to posting on Red Square. Question 1...look at the brake drum. It can come out of 2 holes in the trans case. If it is really close to the axle housing (like 1/4") you have a 6 speed transmission. If there is close to 1 to 1 1/2", the brake drum is on the cluster gear shaft and is an 8 speed. If you have the 6 speed, then you have the 10 pinion limited slip differential in the transmission. It should also have a 1" extension where the fill plug is (right behind the left axle). There are 3 of these 6 speed trannys, but you will have to open it to determine which one you have. The #5060 has aluminum end plates on the differential. The #5071 has steel plates. The #5073 has steel plates and it has a dip stick for checking oil level. Now if you have an 8 speed, check the diameter of the axles...1" axles is probably a #5086 with a 4 pinion differential. If you have 1 1/8" axles, you can have either the 8 pinion differential or the 10 pinion LSD. If you take off the seat and fender pan, you might be able to look into the trans and count the bolts on the differential housing. 4 bolts is an 8 pinion...5 bolts is a 10 pinion LSD. The 8 pinion differential is most likely a #5091 Here is the part I am not sure about...when you get into the #5091 and the #103916, they are both 8 speeds but I am not positive if you could have either differential in them from the fctory. The differentials are interchangeable with the 2 piece 11/44 tooth gear. Post a picture of the left side of your trans...that would help.

After running it a while I've torqued the head bolts again, the decals are on and the letters on the front of the hood are painted. I wrapped the exhaust nipple in header wrap and made a heat shield for the stack. This project is done.

Thanks for the kind words guys, I’ll pass them along to dad! I wish I would’ve taken a picture of Clyde when dad brought it up to Uncle Bob’s farm day last weekend. He had the plow on the front and the furrow plow on the back for display. Then when we went to the field to plow, he removed the blade in just a minute and then went plowing! That tractor makes a GREAT furrow plow tractor. The ground at Bobs was tough since it has been so dry here so dad had Zach drive the tractor and he stood on the plow cutting about a 5” furrow. It was running first gear about half throttle and going at it like no ones business. The ground clearance and skinny tall implement tires work great. @Shynon a K301 on this tractor platform is the ticket! When you get yours finished, the machine may end up in semi retirement

Thanks Josh! I'm pretty excited to find this one myself. It makes a great bigger brother to my honey's 657. Normally both Trina and I really lean towards shiny paint on stuff. But, we both have a great appreciation for when something should not be repainted. This is that tractor. It seems to have most or all of its original paint and is in decent overall condition and has been well maintained over the years judging by the quality and types of changes that have been made such as exhaust elbows and heavy-duty rear hubs. I could actually use some help here from anybody who would like to chime in. @stevebo @AMC RULES @Chris G and whoever else is into preserving patina. Here's the thing. There are two large heavy-duty very old and well-used Rodent nests in this tractor. How do I clean those out and disinfect without ruining the paint? Quite frankly, this tractor smells incredibly disgusting. Those Nests have got to go but I want to use something to clean it that isn't going to damage things.

You wouldn't have a problem a'tall II come get them....

hello men, i am going to try and make a long story short. my daughter lives in oak creek wisconsin. its a southern suburb of milwaukee. she already has a 48 inch plow, 42 inch single stage blower. she used to have a super clean 414-8. that is gone now. i'm looking for one of you guys who has a wheelhorse that accepts tach-a-matic implements. additionally a 42 inch rear discharge deck with mulch insert would be a bonus. she also likes a stack exhaust! the seller would have to ensure the tractor is in excellent mechanical and physical looking condition. the seller would also have to deliver the tractor. i am willing to pay for this. anyone, regardless of where you live who can meet these conditions please pm me. i could do this for her but, since i live on the east coast shipping is a problem. thank you mike in mass.

I use WD40 to clean up oil and grease from my shop floor and work bench as well. Great cleaner and it dries up after a few minutes.

Mowing, then just cruising!

Watched a D 11 Cat with a clamshell work it's way thru a farm ( making way for a highway) with barns and an old house and some of the biggest trees I have seen...MY oh My...what a powerful machine..every boys dream of course is to tear up stuff...I wasn't a kid at the time, but it sure was a spectacle - especially walking huge trees out of the ground...

This guy's Fab skills are great! Very impressive to me, at least.

Hey, it was only once and it matched my tutu.

mrc...I am going to turn you on to a few friends I have in central Wisconsin that may be able to help you. Look for a PM.

Okay, if someone is driving a pink MTD mud mower you deserve to be picked on. Outside of that, be nice folks!

Replaced the clutch brake cross shaft it was well worn and bent.

I'm sure that's why a lot of us come here for answers.The why didn't I think of that moment.

Take it to a "Do It Yourself" car wash on a trailer with a hand full of quarters. Works like a champ and no mess.

Can’t wait to see you doing burnouts with that thing up and down the street! Next thing we know, there will be a video of you being chased by the police on your ! That thing sure looks like the Hot Rod that it is and you made great time on it too—well done!

I’ve had good luck with Purple Power or Super Clean. Apply with a sprayer and let it sit for a while then apply again stuff bristle brush it or pressure wash it. (The combined brush and pressure wash works excellent) It’s best to manually wipe off the bulk materials first as I’d assume you’ve already done. After that you can use brake cleaner to get the riseidule film off. Denatured alcohol on a rag works well too. I like to use acetone but, beware as it can destroy paint quickly. Good luck with your project! Steam washers work the best but they’re not typically in the budget!!!

Dad has been busy as usual! He never lets the grass grow under his feet. When Caleb bought JackRabbit it had a 48” blade that came with the package deal. Dad showed some interest in it and Caleb said that he would sell it to grandpa cheap if he wanted it. It needed some work but Dad was up to the task. He had to do a little fabrication work for the lift arm but the rest of the figment was plug and play. As you can see, dad has a gravel drive and so he needed skid shoes. I had a really nice set on an old Cub blade that I had hung on to. I told dad that he could have those. He cleaned the blade bare and then welded custom brackets for the adjustable shoes. They turned out looking really good and are highly functional. I like them because they have such a large contact area with the ground. Should work really well in those “fast passes” Primed and painted it all up! Dad likes to do everything top notch! Good pattern for me and Caleb to follow. New fasteners and hook it up! Now dad has a summer and winter “plow” tractor!!!

1267 1267 1267

Thanks fellas for the well wishes, worked my usual 10 shift came home then went out to supper with family, just another day in the life of a hillbilly, Jeff.

HIKE!!!

All’s well guys and thanks of thinking of me .... The german shepherd puppy decided to use my iPad as a chew toy ! She really did a number on it too . It made a already challenging job of navigating my iPad into a real difficult one. Haven’t forgot about my RS family.

Yep ^^ I stay away from all the "wonder degreasers". Highly corrosive . Good 'ol mineral spirits and a paint brush for this lad .

Did you top it off with pigtails?

I agree, always great to hear about something you my have never tried and others experiences. Thanks everybody that has shared. @Daron1965 Thank you for starting this topic as well.

Can you believe I've never even thought of that!

I use Super Clean for just about everything. The trouble is, that if the grease is caked on with dirt, anything applied will only dissolve the outer layer. My go-to for cleaning caked grease has always been SOS pads. I alternate a shot of Super Clean with elbow grease applied with an SOS pad, and it all comes off about as easily as you could expect.

Elbow grease...does the least amount of damage...final clean up before painting would be Prep Sol...and tack cloth...

Just a word of caution with a pressure washer. Be very careful around seals and seams because you can blast away stuff that you need and get water in places you don't want it. I have bought a pressure regulator I use on my gas pressure washer so I start with lower pressure and move up to higher pressure as needed.

Castrol Superclean. First application might need some help from a brush. Rinse with water. Second application with a brush if missed a spot or two. Rinse with water. Third application let soak for a few minutes and rinse with water. Ready for paint when dry and it sticks. Garry

Gunk degreaser and a pressure washer. A pressure washer is the best way that I have found to remove grease. I've even seen people use easy off oven cleaner and get good results. Mike

Wouldn’t laugh too much guys, they made a commercial about Steve a couple of years ago just changed his name to “Ed” to protect his identity... ”Let’s burn rubber kid!”

If you had slipped them a few bills, they might have taken down the whole trees for you, since they already went that far up. I did that once with the tree butchers that contract with the electric company. They must be pretty tall trucks that they're making room for.

Has been a while since I started this, have been looking for a seat. Well looking no more, found this today.

Use moth balls around then in the winter. That is what I do and also use then in my boat in the winter..

Whenever I keep my tractors out under the addition (dry storage) I never get mice. Once they go in a covered and enclose shed the mice feel secure and live in there. I keep the hoods open while in the shed.

Hey, if it works it works!! Pretty cool ya got your wife and her Mom in on the tractor gang!!

Funny you should bring up the bicycle thingy. I'm going to bring up my 1970's Schwinn to plow days and peel rubber all over your drive way.