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Seems we have a couple of things in common, 1055 ownership and bad backs! One of the first things I bought after my spinal fusion was a hydraulic lift table, great back saver. Putting the tractor on a rotisserie allows you to place the work at a comfortable position to reduce the need to twist and bend. Please take care of what is left of your back, medical science can do just so much and the rest is up to you.

Well luckily for you I can help you out with your health problems Chris...Dr. WHX prescribes buy two more horses and call me in the morning. .. Did you not see my thread where I was forced by gun point into buying two 100 dollar 1055's just to get one out of them? I can't find the thread now dammit but here's what it ended up like...forgive me father for I have sinned... I just could not give up the patined seat! BTW if those HL's are what we think they are you done rrrreeell good!

Nice ... be carefull in advertising your lathe skills tho... next thing you know you got fellow members knocking on your door for new hitch pins. That's not so bad but then they want to hang out, shoot the breeze and before you know it your adult beverages are gone! Nowhere near as nice as yours but made this one at the ripe old age of 17 in high school machine shop in 1977.... required project where we had to use the foundry, the trunnions are cast AL, and the machine option of our choice. I opted for the lathe and made the barrel out of brass stock. Got an A for the consistent taper on the barrel. It was supposed to be able to shoot firecrackers at the neighbors cats and was always going to finnish off with a carriage but the school had enough of my other antics and said I was gradgeated.

Hard to improve upon perfection.

I decided that the 753 would be next in line to be restored. Yesterday I got the first round of finished parts painted. Now on to fixing the hood and strip the tank and on to paint.

Here’s what it looked like before

Something about old tractors that gets overlooked is the size of the engines vs their power output. Before the turn of the century a 12hp engine was typically in the 500cc range. Once the government started dumping rules and regulations on small engines the way they put them on cars that started to change. Engines got smaller, but maintained their power output through technology. These days a common 12hp engine is down around 400cc Sounds great on paper but, just like we've seen in cars and trucks over the last 30 years, power isn't what you need to do work. You need torque and larger engines make more of that. Even back in the day a Kohler engine of a given power rating was usually 10-20% larger than a Tecumseh or B&S of the same power rating. That's why Kohlers are known for being better workers; they make more torque. Just like in a car or truck, 90% of the people will never feel the difference. But those that are using their tractor to do real work spend a lot of time "off the governor" with the throttle actually open where the added displacement can really help.

All those fun toys! When I was a kid, we were poor and I was just glad to be a boy..... at least I had something to play with.

Gave the impact wrench and a couple wacks with a BFA another try no movement. Took took the rear off got it up on work table and split it so i could disassemble the differential and get the axle and hub out. I have a home made stand that I use on trannies but wouldn't work with the hub still on. Found one needle bearing had cratered but Parking pawl was in excellent shape. Glad the GT-14 has long axles and the hub sets out from the housing.. I was able to drive the stuck axle in some so I could get a wrench behind the differential to hold the bolts while I took the nuts of. Would have been very hard to do if that inward push wasn't possible. Charger/Electros do not have that extra axle length to play with. Hope I never have to do this on one of them. Stood stuck axle /hub up and will apply more bug juice before i put it in the press..

Built this 50cal. cannon for a friend last winter. It was cold and snowy and didn't have anything else to do lol

Let me hear a great big AMEN to that.

So a few weeks back I had a weird thought. As a Denver Broncos fan, and Wheel Horse fanatic I wondered what the logo's would look like mashed up. So the next day at work I brought the idea up to my companies marketing director, and C-165 owner @lzone3 We talked about the finer points of it, we laughed about it, and then I went on with my day. Cue walking into work this morning to find these in my inbox. I present to you all, the Denver Wheel Horses. While I like the all red option, I think my favorite is the second one down, the black with red outline just pops.

Experimentation ... it's how we all learned. Take things apart, see how they work, then apply it to other solutions.

Rylee is in “Odyssey of the Mind” in homeschool. She is building a vehicle that needs to transport some small supplies. I showed her a “thread spool tractor” for ideas. I’m not allowed to help with any hands on or tell her how to solve a problem... it is fun to watch her come up with ideas. Even if they aren’t great ideas, they are evolving and improving!

This toy topic brought back memories of the Thread Spool Tractors we made back in the day. There was a lot of engineering by 6 six year olds to design and construct these tractors for each type of race. The flat track dragsters used rubber tires and a short tightly wound drive band to get a good hole shot. If you leave the match heads on and tape a piece of emery paper to the starting line, you may get a flaming burn out. The hill climb races on the dirt pile required notched wheels and a long double wound band for a longer run. Single drive sticks, double drive sticks, 2WD, 4WD, friction free thrust bearings, and weight distribution were all factors in developing the most efficient tractor. The items below and a little imagination are all you need to get started. You can work in the friction free ball bearing thrust bearings later.

Here's my thread for all the Revolt tractor designs I make. These are all original designs, made by me. Here's the F-1925, part of the Revolt F-series, which was produced from 1963-1974. It features a water cooled 6 cylinder diesel, which produces 125 horsepower, and is hooked to a Dual range hydrostatic transmission. It puts out 94 horsepower at the drawbar and 106 at the PTO. It has a top speed of 19 MPH (full throttle, full forward on hydro, high range). Its equipped with 4WD. Second picture is the tractor in the prototype "White stripe" FA1925 color scheme.

I’m wondering, how many Wheel Horse junkies (aficionados) grew up with an Erector Set as a childhood toy? I received mine in 1959. Over the years I tore it apart building all sorts of things. Today all that is left is the box and a few parts. But the experience stuck with me my whole life. For Christmas this year, we gave our grandson the same set I received in 1959, only this one is in mint condition. There are no plastics, glues, transistors, computers, or snap fittings - just the most basic mechanical stuff and a noisy electric gear reduction motor. Seems to fit well with an interest in old tractors and basic mechanics - how things work. Anyone else have a similar childhood toy?

Would anyone like to take a stab at the year, make, model and possible owner ?

I am not sure if this is considered uncommon but don't ever remember having seen another one on here.The tine rake does a really nice job removing thatch from the lawn in the spring and also does a nice job in the woods cleaning up and maintaining the trail system. It is one of those attachments that there is basically no maintenance to it and easy to connect, remove and store. It is shown here mounted to a 1986 417-8.

Life keeps on getting in the way. I cut out the rust holes and welded in replacement pieces then took a little time out to refurbish a newly acquired 418-C followed by a transmission rebuild and building a narrowed front end for one of my other 953s followed by having to do a rebuild of my GT-14 due to a broken right rear axle followed by surgery on both of my hands followed by my wife's fractured shoulder and associated visits to Doctors as well as doing all the household chores and so on. You get the picture, I've been distracted, got to be more focussed on this restoration. BUT, I do plan to get back at it soon; VERY SOON!

Didn't your Mother warn you Lynn?

@WHX24 I like your cannon as well. Any member that I can help out feel free to ask. Making a pin or what ever. I get bored at times so you never know what I will whip up. I have made a few cannons just screwing around. The last one I was working on fires a 20ga shotgun shell. The barrel separates and has a spring loaded firing pin.

Here is the back story as told by @Ed Kennell. I bought it from him. I saw the 953 on a Maryland CL ad in Dec. 2014. The location was farther than I would travel for a non runner...about a five hour round trip. But, I was going to Charlestown W Va. on Jan 3, 2015 for our annual family Christmas party. The 953 was within 50 mile of my route, so I made arrangements to pick up the tractor on my way to the party Saturday morning. About two hours into the trip, I got a call that the party was cancelled due to heavy sleet in the mountains in western Pa. where most of my family lives. It was raining where I was but the temp was 33F, so we decided to continue on to pick up the tractor. When we got there, I saw the 953 sitting in an overgrown ditch and by now the rain was turning to sleet. I was really concerned how I would get it to my trailer. Turns out the owner was a contractor and had an excavator. If I did the rigging, he agreed to pick it out of the ditch and put it on the trailer. No problem... it was on the trailer in a few minutes and we were on our way East trying to stay ahead of the cold and freezing ice approaching from the West. I really regret not having pictures of it being plucked out of that ditch and dangling from the excavator over my trailer. I think I posted a pic on Red Square and that's where you and I crossed paths. So, Now you know the rest of the story. Best Regards, Ed

One thing that has not been mentioned but is extremely important, do NOT use synthetic motor oil for break in. It will never break in a small engine. Good old Rotella SAE 30 is what I use.

Don’t worry man, I don’t plan to open that bucket for a long while now... My river rock layout looks decent enough to mix up some mortar!

Most 'Merican produced then... Not them thar rice burnas...

Hi chris, nice looking basis. as others allready mentioned, the seat look like the „hot spot“ ...😎 Watch on your health, a lot of things can be purchased, health ain‘t. i had also learned this lesson the hard Way. As long as you do things without any stress or under pressure, i’ll bet it will be the best medicine you ever can get. Doc told me, i can do all i would, as long as it satisfy me. Just have to find out this border, before pain occurs, that is my actual challenge.

Thanks Chris, I did have some help. Dan @Achto did most of the paint and helped in other ways. Please keep us posted on yours. The only other member I know of that runs a 1055 is @953 nut so I always thought it a unsung model hence the inspiration for my resto. As @ACman once said nothing like a big block in a short frame... have fun and I got some leftover parts you need.......

Not sure which section this goes in, so I'll put it here. I thought I remembered seeing a WH memorabilia section somewhere, but if there is it eludes me today. I'm sure it will get moved where it needs to go. Anyway, found this sign in east Texas and was thinking about getting it if it's still available when I'm down there in a few weeks. Asking price is $125 and is about 3'x6'. It has some obvious damage. I know signs can be big money, but that seems a little steep. Anyone know what it's worth? And I'm not in love with it, so if you're interested in it let me know and I'll try to get you the info for the seller.

@c-series don I think this is what you may have in mind, works great.

We all love to watch fresh red paint dry. Looks like you are doing a great job. Do you plan to rebuild the engine and transaxle?

Well first off I found this 1055 online for a hundred bucks. So I definitely had to get it. The tractor set for years in a barn. But the motors free good compression and everything solid. Came with a crazy seat, but a really nice extra option! So this one will be on the chopping block to be restored along with a few others. Over the last year I've been collecting everything to do the projects I have. so once I start in I can keep going on them. I'm currently waiting on a few more parts. But as far as everything for me I haven't been on here as much last year due to a move and getting adjusted and things set up and taking care of some nerve and back issues. The last three years been up and down for health-wise with nerve conditions and back problems. But as of now the doctors giving me the clean right off to start going back on my hobbies. As long as I take it easy if I feel the need. So over all things are on the up and hopefully within the next couple weeks. I'll start getting some updates in the restoration section on these tractors i have acquired. And with all that being done now, I should most definitely be able to be at the big show this year!!! But here's a pic of the new one cuz we all know that's what's most important!

Be careful with hat parking prawl Paul! Putting that back took me a couple times to line halves of case up on a B100 hydro rebuild last year.

1995 and 1996 Toro 520H ready and able. 1988 Wheelhorse 520H and 1997 Toro 520H ready and waiting. 12 gallons gas in stock.

I just installed a factory 2018 exhaust system on my 2006. It had that flapper in it. I cut it out and welded the pivot rod holes shut. Unbelievable that the factory hangers matched up perfectly. Had to cut 6” off the main pipe but it laid in there perfectly. Actually sounds better than the Walker Dynomax 1 into 2 straight through muffler that my nephew put on it before I got it. The sound droned off the front of my trailer towing it down the interstate. 12 hours of that was enough to make you crazy. I know I’m getting old when I like quiet.

Wow that would definitely scare the neighbors away!! I'm just saying...

I like the idea of the lift and the rotisserie. They would save you from bending, twisting and turning. But the question is, how well did your back holdup to all that digging you had to do in order to savage that old girl?

All the holes you need are there. The plunger hole will have a.sheet metal plug in it you dig out. Buy an internally resisted coil condenser and a new ignition switch and you are in business.

Welcome to Red Square. If the Craftsmen used a kohler 12 horse it will work...However most Craftsmen used Tecumseh engines. Their solid stat ignition is completely different. (but if it is in working condition it is worth money sell it and buy points and a coil for your Kohler.

Good write up @oilwell1415 👍😁

Nice plunger

Seafoam or Napa 7100 Thermo-Aid.

I did some trig. and came up with the following bolt center to bolt center distances per your sketch: 5 on 4 1/4 is 4.042 5 on 4 1/2 is 4.279 5 on 4 3/4 is 4.518 The above distances will help you determine the bolt circle on an existing wheel. If you want a radius from the center of the wheel to the bolt center, you divide the bolt circle diameter by 2: 5 on 4 1/4 is 2.125 radius 5 on 4 1/2 is 2.25 radius 5 on 4 3/4 is 2.375 radius The angle you need to turn your rotary table between bolt holes is 72 degrees (360/5). I worked in the OEM wheel industry for 40 years. This is easy peasy stuff. Hope it helps.

Sure does Tom. I see a drop in the 312, 417, and the 520. They all have the Eaton 1100s. The drop is more significant in cold temperatures but the governor brings it back to normal idle speed quickly. The point is, it requires power to turn the pump even in neutral and I believe it takes more power than is required to turn the input shaft on a gear drive tranny with it in neutral. The feeling is identical engines have about one more HP available at the PTO with a gear drive. Having said that, all my tractors have hydros and I have no desire to own a gear drive.

Here's the honest to God's truth on breaking in a motor Doc... Mike @prondzy and his dad Tom @Shynon told me when they rebuilt a 7 hp in a 702 that I now own they hooked it up to a plow and and ran her hard. I believe them 'cause Mike is a master at building Kohlers and this 7 runs like a dream. Hopefully they will chime in on their breaking in regiment.

We are on so older asphalt for our driveway material. I've heard good things about the rubber chains and will probably try those next season. If I have time I'm hoping to get a bracket for weights fabricated sooner than later....ideal before winter is over

Would look awesome on a custom!

I had multiple sets of American Plastic Bricks. So many in fact I was able to build a house and crawl into it.They came with all kinds of Windows that would open. Garage doors ect. I found a set at our steam show a couple years ago. Hope to find more and drive my wife crazy with structures popping up all over the house.