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As some of you may know, I am also a Coleman lantern addict. Lantern collectors have one thing very much in common with us here- clean up and run, full restore, or custom. Decided to start with one for the ‘original patina’ crowd. Think it goes well with my patina 655. Hope you enjoy!

Making a raised panel the old way. Only 3 tools needed Rough mark field for adze work Rough it out with adze end grain first Rough work completed Finish with panel raising plane set fine end grain first Long grain next panel complete Smooth face Completed panel.

A few online auction finds that got picked up today, 2 new 8” hub caps and one 11” and one of the wheel horse books that came with the newspaper. Same auction had all 3 editions and a 417 with an Ark 550 Loader

A guy that my son in law works with knows of his fast growing addiction to tractors and asked him if he wanted another one. Apparently this tractor was given to this guys uncle from a neighbor. Not knowing what it was I asked for pictures. Once I got them I told my son in law that we are going to get it right after work! It was less than an hour round trip. We got it home, checked the oil and it looked brand new. All we did was put gas in it and it ran beautifully.

I saw the post about the Garden Master tractor. I watched the video and low and behold I found #2. It’s my neighbors. He’s an elderly gentleman who kindly let me snap a few photos.

Got the transmission back together saturday, made a few upgrades, double set screws, new woodruff keys, and studs/lug nuts. I noticed some cracking on the gusset plates need to address this next.

Although I am a die hard wheel horse guy, I have been wanting to get an original for quite awhile. Got it at a really good price and got it running have way decent after sitting for 30 years.

By 'eck! Your flying along with this build. Amazing what can be achieved in a month. Isn't it ERIC?

Made some more progress today with my current RJ resto. Thinking this stuff is almost clean enough to paint now.

New Engine Horsepower Rating Standards The new SAE J1940 standard requires all engines produced after and including October 1, 2013 must be within 95% of the declared rated power and torque as opposed to the old standard of 85%. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) has also stated that the engine manufacturer must disclose the rpm for rating and with the GROSS (SAEJ1995) or NET (SAEJ1349) horsepower. Note: Engine produced before October 1, 2013 are labeled and rated by the old standard. In most cases the engine displacement (cc) has not changed. Example: Model CH740 with 725cc, before it was rated as 27hp and will now be rated as 25hp under the SAE J1940 standard. The engine has not changed, only how it’s rated under the new SAE J1940 standard. In the Kohler Engine specs you will also notice a SAE J1995 horsepower rating. This rating is based on approximately 10 engines off the assembly line and then tested and the horsepower rating is the average out of the 10. Power (hp) and Torque (lbs ft) specifications for Kohler general purpose engines are rated pursuant to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1940 based on gross output testing performed according to SAE J1995 without the air cleaner and muffler. Actual engine power and torque can be lower and affected by accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, fuel pump, etc.), application, engine speed, ambient operating conditions, (temperature, humidity and altitude) and other factors. This J1940 / J1995 rating provides consistent measurement to customers who may want to control the intake and exhaust features of the engine. For more information, contact Kohler Co. Engine Engineering Department. Kohler Co. reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and standard equipment without notice and without incurring obligation. Kohler J1995 power and torque has been certified by 3rd Party Witness.

I still have the 1 my father bought used in 1977. 1st pic is me the following year... Last basically how it is today... Good luck with yours.

I will tell you this video is my favorite on big hp garden tractors. The guy needs to re shoot this video in High Def Tho! Just the sound of it is so awesome. ok Im getting off topic sorry!

So, I’ll do a little commentary here. I did two oil changes in a week, the first, using that sea foam in the system for a day or two. After our 4.5 hr trip hauling the camper last weekend and a trip to town, I figured I’d check fluid levels. I mentioned the coolant must have burped a bit, it was a tad low. The oil after the long haul still looks brand new. I’ve never seen any diesel with anything but black oil. That sea foam did such a good job flushing the garbage out of the engine, it’s got to be brand new shiney in the entire block! Woo hoo! Norman hauled the camper at a brisk 80 mph on the way home caravaning with my FIL and the motorhome. Never an issue!

Wrong forum, your engine exceeds the 1 litre displacement. This SAE Standard is applicable to small spark and compression ignition engines, having a maximum of 1.0 L sweep volume displacement, which are commonly operated outdoors, powering lawn and garden, construction, and general utility equipment. It is not intended to cover engines powering boats.

Very glad to see this topic of blacksmiths and the skill and importance of blacksmithing as a skill. My dad Clifton E. Ralph was a blacksmith for 68 years by until his passing in December 2018. He was an industrial blacksmith for 35 years at Youngstown Sheet and Tube ( later LTV steel). After retiring at 50 as his plants blacksmith shop was eliminated he chose a more important route. it took him some time but he started going to steam shows, tractor shows and blacksmith events that they called “hammer -ins”. He read called “ton”, “hammerman”, and tons of other names but he built a reputation and began to teach and demonstrate until his passing in 2018! He also was a tremendous fan of Wheel Horse tractors and bought his first in 1961 and passed on his passion for them to his sons! He loved to pass on the nuances of smithing . He was one of 20 blacksmiths and woodworkers asked to remake the original John Deere plow in Illinois by the Illinois Blacksmith Association. What mechanical and inquisitive nature I have about machines like our Wheel Horses came from being around my dad. His shop was always filled with projects. Thousands of his students and various blacksmith groups around the country benefited from his interest in keeping the art and skill of blacksmith alive. I am pleased to see Red Square Forum members who are doing the same! As dad use to say keep hammer-in!

Heres my latches and hinges. And alot of stuff I made for a local sale but the virus shut me down.

Found a piece of paper that I wrote down the numbers on this motor before I cleaned it all up. Stuck it on there and I think I need to talk to @Vinylguy!! I don't think this tape is going to hold up much longer!

A C 160

Oil gas air filters Grease zerks lubrication all Blade snow ready waits

Well it's not a wheel horse but it will find a few wheel horse projects I sold my 1998 hummer after 17 years of owning it

I'm telling Trina on you.... Actually never mind. She probably would think it's just as funny.....

Battery tray / stack support under construction. Also getting all my electrical pieces dug out. Maybe start wiring tomorrow. Maybe a ride by the weekend.

Fronts are spot welded to the top.

This is what moves me so much. Its a shame that most people just dont care anymore. So much talent time and effort. Most kids today dont even have the patience to sit down and watch a full movie let alone learn a craft. I hope my sons carry it on after I'm gone. And it looks like me and your father have the same vise! Thats neat to me because his is the only other one like mine that iv seen thathanks for sharing I'll most likey always remember this story.

Guys I have to tell you I love this thing! It runs like new and the hydro is perfect. I’m new to hydrostatic tractors, the 520h being my first. I really prefer the C161 controls. The rubber engine mounts? Being a life long Harley rider I have to say they are great. It’s spooky how similar they feel to my current Roadglide. Vibrates like hell at idle and smooth as silk at operating RPM. Love it! I really want to restore it but I love using it. She hauled 1/2 cord of split wood today without complaint. What to do!

Not to mention prepping “Joe” the new green machine!

So far I've only had one critter in my new pole building and that was a chipmunk. I saw him run in when I was getting ready to close the overhead door. Never saw him run out again. So he is either dead, or he got out. Don't smell anything, so I guess he escaped. Rodents were a concern when I built the building, so all openings were filled with expanding foam, and the seal on the bottom of the overhead door extends beyond the width of the opening. The concrete floor seals the perimeter. I had my grandson shine a flashlight from the inside at night to make sure no light was visible at any location where there was a possibility of entry.

I would say brain dead, but we are not to discuss politics.

That input pully is huge... what gear do you run in? I don't remember the few times I have plowed with that tractor. I also put the thick washers behind the lug studs. I feel the studs just seat better.

@Lane Ranger That is a beautiful write up about your father’s life and passions. Sounds like he was one heck of a guy. I’m just sitting here thinking how close his path was to a couple guys I know in this hobby/profession. Wish I could have known him. Thanks a million for sharing all that with us. You must have some wonderful memories of your pop. Dave

The seat on the 654 would in fact work on the 701.. my husband and I have been told the only difference is the seat needs painted white but someone else on here might be able to shed light on that for sure!

I appreciate that alot! That time of smithing is my favorite time of smithing. It was the life until the cast iron age took over and put all the smithys out of buisness and into their factories. :/ but yes those are beautiful fall colors!

Bob, in the same boat as you. Got my first Auto, C-141, and enjoy it as well as you like your C161. I did a semi-restoration on the deck, PTO clutch, seat, and some electrical, and painted the rear end fender, footrests and belt covers. Will get to the hood Over the winter. go for it and listen to Eric, more horseys .........

Simple fix. You needs another Horsey!!!

If you only need one, I bet that young man in your first pic would love to have the other....

I went with an earler fix, didn't use bailing wire, ducktape or zipties. I used a big hammer when mine came apart good for a year of unlimited miles. Then I moved up to ss sieel brass lined heims joints. I know they are good for 31 years of unlimited miles and they are still tight. I even put some ss steel brass lined heims joints on the control rod of my hydro when I installed a new cam and cam plate. Thats good stuff Ed, but electric fence wire is on the farm now. You fellows arn't keeping up with times. p used a big

I-H was known for quality for many, many years. Most of the older I-H products still are remarkable tractors & equipment. It still looks good considering the years.

As the engine runs the fuel level goes down, without a vent the fuel tank will develop a slight vacuum inside, as the vacuum increases it will get to the point where the fuel pump can't overcome it engine quits getting fuel. You remove the cap and the vacuum goes away but the fuel system is primarily pumping fumes so the choke is needed until liquid flows.

I wouldn't expect to fail at any other time !! LOL

IH Cubs are the first garden tractors I liked when I was a young kid. Grandfather had one.

I don't have any whole tractors for sale but I do have enough parts to scratch build a couple mid 70s. Same hood and seat pan. Dash tower is different from yours. If ya want a buildable pile o parts I'd give you a good deal.

Realy nice TC From here on out your new handle is Quint. Google Quint Gunsmoke .... your shop reminds me of what might have been in the 1800's Actors I know but a fairly accurate picture of how it was. This slice of American history just has me fascinated about this most often forgotten trade. Fixing wagon wheels .... shaping iron for what was needed. Repairing things.....indispensable occupation of the day and happy to see fellas like you are carrying it on. That shot of fall colors is priceless Mows.

Actually heading back from the store this evening after I got off of work we headed to get more paint so maybe tomorrow after school she’ll get painting on them and I can post updated pictures! Thanks for all the encouragement as I share these posts with her!!

The first is my main shop anvil 140# arm and hammer The second is my dads 40# anvil he used growing up. Its 100% a mystery. Third is a 50# HF anvil The last is also a 50# HF that I have abused by most cold forging (mower parts and other things.) Thats my shop. Icould go into detail but we would be here a while

I recently started dabbling in blacksmithing, something that always captivated my attention. Now out of necessity to make some parts for some of my work which are not available nor is a close blacksmith, I decided to start at it. Perhaps its me since I am a hand tool addict, but to me the hammering is a lot of fun and it requires more skill to do than one might think. Sure with the power hammer one can be more productive if that is the intent. But for most, productivity may not be the goal. To me there is just something about hammering that metal at the anvil that sort of connects one to the craft. I don't know ! Perhaps the little woman here is right. "I should have been born at least 100 years ago"

I really like those shops! I remember when my shop was as clean as yours! I will take some pictures of my shop and post them this evening. I really love the colonial style smithing, I started with knives but after a bit it just bored me. So thats when the fun started! I started forging my own hinges, latches, wall decor, mower tie rods, and just overall shaping whatever I need when I needed it. But I have to say my favorite thing to make has to be hammers. I have no power hammer or helper so iv had to do alot of redneckery to get stuff done alone. I'll be posting later I really dig that anvil!