Leaderboard

I took all my running and driving tractors out for a little drive today. I got some bad news on my yearly cancer check last week that may or may not put me back in the hospitol again. I need some more test until I know for sure. Beautiful day for a ride !! The more I think about my Horses the less I think about cancer.

Hi all stumbled on making this cart for cleaning draining fluid and painting ,just changed wheels because you know.how wobbley bbq wheels are. Just notched both ends and put some 3m body edging and it's at the right height and good drainedge.

I have a cheaper alternative… and it’s staring me in the face!

Wheel hubs' connection to the axle would be mine.

Here in "Implements and attachments" since it could be a handy accessory to your tractors! I saw this and thought of all you folks doing the long hauls to the shows. While there probably isn't room for more than six tractors in the "garage", they (and you) would be riding' in style! Loading and unloading would be a snap, of course. Course you could always add a double-decker trailer to tuck into the slipstream behind for your other tractors! Dialog is in German but the video shows the stuff!

Got damn rehab?

Could have left the burner in to bake the paint!

Poked around on the new Black Hood arrival a bit today. Replaced the air filter, added a little Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas. It runs and drives, but is not ready to go to work. The to do list on it is getting longer. Since it smokes a little on start up, I was thinking maybe the rings might be struck - especially since it has not run for almost two decades. I pulled the plugs and put a little MMO in each cylinder, then rolled the engine over a few times. I'll let that set over night. I went to add some MMO to the oil, but found the oil level to be over filled per the dip stick. I drained about a cup and a half out to bring it to the full mark. Put about an ounce of MMO in the crankcase. This makes me wonder if the fuel pump is adding gas to the oil... The plan tomorrow is to chase around the electrical system to get it closer to working as it should. Will probably check the fuel pump, too. Got the laptop back today. I'll load pictures and start a new thread on this beast. Anybody out there build a new wire harness for their Horse? I'be found a source for wire, and maybe connectors - assuming Wheel Horse used Packard connectors. Oh, for our records, here is the model and serial number for the new to me horse: Model 01-19KE01 - 24003, serial 2091.

There are four variations of that particular tractor. The 400,401,550, and 551 as you probably know. 400s and 500s are identical with the exception of the engine, the 400 with a 4HP Kohler K91, and the 550 a Teumseh/Lauson 550D. Both are from 1960 hence the last number 0 on the model . The 401 and 551 are from 1961 also the 401 with a Kohler K91 and the 551 with a Tecumseh/lauson H55B. The 1960 models had as yours has a hood full panel center support and the levers rather than knobs for choke and throttle. The 51 models had no full panel support. The Lauson H55 is probably the rarest of all engines used in these tractors or in any other machine. They were manufactured at a time when Tecumseh acquired Lauson and had a very short production run. Eventually as a strictly Tecumseh engine it became the H60 with a few differences the most important one being the lack of an internal oil pump which the H55s have. They were also an aluminum engine not being as durable as others like the Kohlers would be. The versions with a power producing stator or "lighting coil" as often referred to,such as the h55s used in the Wheel horses were and are a much misunderstood engine as far as the electrical part goes and were and are often "fried" by unaware owners attempting to work on them,result then most of the time being discarded altogether. Now back to your engine. It is a H45A, Essentially an identical to the H55 with the exception of the bore. It also has the unique internal oil pump like the H55. That oil pump is a bit different from what we would expect it to be in any other engine. Its more of a "slusher" than an actual pump but effective nevertheless. A lot fewer H45s were made than H55s. Yours looks to be entirely original and unmolested except for being repainted. It has the Tillotson updraft carburetor which came with originally. Another much misunderstood part of that engine being frequently discarded and replaced by a "normal" carburetor. It has the original tag fully legible with the original rivets, another item frequently missing. If missing unless one opens the engine it would be mistaken for a H55 since they are identical. Yours is the only running H45 that I know of. I have never personally come across one and, trust me I have looked for them as I do for H55s.I have come across a couple of H35s also extremely rare but not in the condition yours is in. Both had the Tillotson replaced. When running right those engines like the H55 should have a nice "throaty"sound regardless of muffler used. Yours seems to have that sound. Often when worked on valves are never done right and what one hears is the ticking of the valves. I have posted here a lot of information about that engine and carburetor. You will find it in the Manual section if needed. I would be most interested in some detailed photos of the linkage setup in that carburetor specially the choke part of it. Curious also on the history of that engine and how previous owner came to it if available. Also if you ever decide to part with it I would very much appreciate being first on the list.

I love Wheel Horse tractors amongst other things....a lot of other things....anyway I grew up in the 70’s and early 80’s. Honda was really setting the off road world on fire wit their ATC’s. As a young guy I bought in hook line and sinker. I live in the north and here was a contraption that would work in winter and summer. Perfect! I’ve owned quite a few ATC’s over the years, even bought two new ones, a 200s and a 350X. Ok, here is the one I ride a couple times a year now a days. I get some looks sliding around corners from the kids on their four wheeled contraptions. When they see a mid 50’s guy ripping it up well ya makes an old guy feel young if even for a minute.

Night shots…

I also was blowing the 30 amp. fuse, turned out to be the wire going to the seat switch. The little clip that holds the wire in place under the seat pinched the wire.....

Shock loads on the drivetrain would be more problematic than steady application of higher levels of torque or horsepower.

Indeed, but it's the torque of our small engines that break stuff. a 20hp diesel engine will break trannys, that a 50hp 7000rpm revving engine won't ever break. But for sure the hubs are the weak link, The fuse of the system you could say.

Purchased this little 400 a couple weeks back from Andy Sutherlin. Thanks to Zach Edwardson for picking it up for me. Been cleaning and adding a few items to it. Someone put water slide decals on which were coming off and incorrect. Thanks Terry at www.redoyourhorse.com for decals. Plus it had the wrong length of exhaust pipe and missing heat shield. Thanks to John Delarye for hooking me up with the shield. Yes, the engine is incorrect but is a very nice running Lauson 4 HP. So it will stay on the tractor. First four pictures are when it arrived at the stable. Last picture is with it all done. Still need to do some work on rims. video-1628471348.mp4

Could be a bad fuel pump leaking into the oil, check it out as this could dilute your oil. The connectors @Gregor showed are Delphi Packard 56 series connectors and can be bought at any good auto parts store.

I make new wiring harnesses for all my tractors. 14 ga. wire, at a minimum. I recently found these on Amazon, allowing me to reuse the plastic plugs. They fit perfectly. They do require an open barrel style wire crimper. I forgot to mention in line fuses. I am a BIG fan of lots of fuses.

Install LT tires that will last at least 6+yrs. Install ST tires that are only good for 3yrs. Which one would you push, if you were a sales man???

Who doesn't love an old Honda! Still have my 86 fourtrax still runs like new, just recently picked up this TRX 90. Awesome machines.

BTW, before anyone tells me how dangerous they are, I know they can hurt you if you think it’s a tricycle. They are not. What they are is the most competent off road vehicle ever built. Don’t believe me? Team Honda entered a 1985 250R in the 1984 Baja 1000. They didn’t have a class so they told Team Honda they would have to start dead last. After every other class of vehicle had left. They did and Marty Hart, Dean Sundahl and Mark Weixldorfer Not only finished but finished first over all. That’s right, they started last and were the first across the finish line. I may have the team members wrong as it’s a memory that Honda did their best to erase after the law suits of the late 80’s. This is most likely one of the greatest motor sports accomplishments of all time that you never heard of....

@The Tuul Crib was supposed to send me hubs for work but have not seen hide nor hair of them or him. Not like him for not posting for days. Me fears he may have got caught up in that nasty storm & rain that hit TN couple a days ago. Hope everything is OK Cribs.

Oh Scheiße! I had no way to know that... Don

Got real bad news for ya Don .... we've see that German word around here before..... from a real German ... @Achto https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/80366-id-like-to-introduce-radpferd/

All I know is that I didn't hear Radpferd in there anywhere. That's German for Wheel Horse. Yes, I did just google that... Don

Choosing trailer tires can make a persons head spin. Not only do you have to look at the load capacity, you also need to take the speed rating into consideration. A tire that is only rated at 65MPH will heat up and drop the load capacity if you are traveling at 75MPH. This can cause the tire to fail. Also take the manufactures warranty into consideration. If the tire warranty is 2yrs, I would suggest replacing the tires after the 3rd year. I personally like to over rate my trailer tires. Example: My single axle trailer is rated at 3500lbs, my 2 tires combined are rated at 4080lbs with an 81mph speed rating.

Doobs come to mind here....

I agree with that. And then of course you get into the "weakest link in the chain" conversation... Fix this break that. Fix that break those.... That's why I was curious to know what brought up the conversation.

You’re welcome.

Sigh! Now I have to go to YouTube and search "Mel Tillis Foot Foot Rabbit".

That IS a good thread, I remember reading it back then, and I think that's where I first learned about the Endurance tires. They're still my first choice, but I might also consider the Carlisle Radial Trail HD's. And I'm also being reminded that I need to buy a spare tire and rim, and find a way to mount it to the trailer. And lock it securely, because not everyone you meet is as honorable as we all are.

@Stubby , you can look at it a couple of ways , just pick up another plastic pump and swap it out , or if you are interested in the electric pump , this is the one I used , with very good results ,https://www.amazon.com/CarBole-Electric-Gasoline-Universal-Operating/dp/B01B7DCQA0, got the lowest pump rate , detailed new clear vinyl fuel rated line , 2 filters , 1 from tank and 1 to carb. if you are tight for time , the new plastic pump is quicker , but if you make a plan on the electric set up , its more reliable , been there , done that , pete

Think about what's going back there at the trailer while Jim is listening to Cindy telling him " no more joy rides on my tractor" Tires are singing along. Trailer is loaded. How evenly is someone else's guess. Now think about the trailer frame. Who welded it? How straight is it? go to an RV plant and watch them being built and you will find your answer. Trailers are usually sprung pretty good with usually NO SHOCK ABSORBERS. The tires hop hop hop down the road like Foot Foot the Rabbit in the Mel Tillis skit. Balancing a trailer tire may not be an exact science by the time it's mounted on the trailer hub, but for the few bucks it's costs why the heck not Back in the 80's and 90's you couldn't keep a pair of tires on the back of a Chyrsler FWD vehicle especially the vans. They used the cheapest shocks they could get away with and the tires would hop along in the back and get all cupped up and scuffed. We used to recommend a tire balance every 8000 miles or replace the rear shocks witht he most expensive Monroe's they made

True never thought of it that way. Hey Dan tell Tim I have two tear offs from the camper in E rated when I went to all 4 Good Years. He can have one for a spare if they are the same size as I listed above. The other one I am keeping for a spare. For the 4 bucks a tire it cost I'll take that feel good. I paid alot more for other feel good stuff. When the camper tire blew the rim kissed the pavement and put a small dent in it. Balancing it took the small dent out. I have a motor scooter trailer that kept wearing out tires uneven. Bald on one side & Lincoln was not bald on the other. Got only one trip out to Sturgis and the tires were shot. Had the tires balanced and got many trips out of them. Don't think I would want a blowout on a bike trailer at speed. Aldon told us once he sprung for the Good Years Ed @tunahead72. I thought he was nuts for spending that at the time. Aldon is a smart man. Another good thread on the subject here .... Trailer Tires - non tractor related discussion - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

I don't have an open transmission right now to demonstrate exactly where the bolt goes. If you look at the picture below you'll see the bolt I use. Basically what you do is either flip the wing nut upside down or use one of the other nuts and put it right at the top end of the bolt or threaded rod. You'll be tapping on that end so it keeps it from banging up the threads. With the differential removed I put the bolt from the inside out through the housing where the axle goes out to the outer wheel bearing. The washer that I have called out with a red arrow should fit through, and then, just behind the inner wheel bearing. The 1533 ball bearing. You just give it a little tap on one side and slowly work your way around the circle a couple times and it will usually loosen things up a little. Keep repeating this with slightly increasing tapping pressure. As you work your way around in the circle the 1533 bearing will gradually come out. I've done this four or five times now and been successful. I'm not sure I would recommend doing this on a bearing that you are trying to save... I have, and it worked okay but you do run the risk of separating the inner bearing shell from the outer bearing shell.

LT tires are fine for a trailer. High end RV manufacturers use them when they don't want the liability of the cheap junk. Balancing trailer tires is mostly a feel good exercise, the hubs or drums are not balanced and the bolt pattern may not run true. If you do decide to have them balanced, at least have it done on a balancer that has a lug plate because the center hole may not be concentric. I balance mine at home either on the axle with no grease or seal, or I use my Alemite balancer.

My neck was starting to hurt Bob.... I hate it when pics have a mind of their own!

I bought an 85 200S and my best friend a 200M the same day. First thing we did was go out to a flooded corn field and go mud jousting! got covered head to toe. 2 years later bought a Fourtrax Foreman with a snowplow. Never had so much fun plowing snow.

Oh I have a few others, they just weren't ready to mow and the grass was out of control. Tire change seemed like a quicker option. I this is my 42" SD deck. I have a 48" that needs some repair. I think the ags will work with the 48" deck. And I really like the look of them too.

I think I'll give this a try first and then go to cutting and drilling if needed. I haven't mushroomed either side. I actually have two pipe wrenches and think i can get off the pull hitch part with the way it's offset and then use a pipe wrench on each side. That with maybe some heat may do the trick. I will update when I give it a go. thanks for the comments all. This tractor looks to be the complete learning guide for me...

No...it's not...

What's not to love there Ed the Tuesdays gone is off the hook..... the one thing I love about this thread is all the stuff out there I am not aware of ... kinda like what WH Bob just posted. I was born and raised on classic rock but am open to anything but rap, disco and most of the other weird crap. My son came to visit the other day and commented (negatively ) about my honky tonk and Wille's road house in the shop.... I told him to go set up his own shop this one's mine! Odd thing is I am not gravitating towards the newer country stuff just older.....is it just me?

Got the shaker plate all cleaned up today. I was ready to buy some new rubber mounts but they are in great shape!

I didn’t go through this entire thread. That being said, if you haven’t listened to Colter Wall, the pride of Saskatchewan, you really need to.

That is slick!!! Can’t wait to see @pullstart’s lift system for the magic school bus…!

… finally had one of my RJ’s dug out . Anything is progress if it moves around here .

UV rays kill tires. Especially tires that sit. No cracks show but the rubber just breaks down. Years ago you could buy a set of wiper blades and they would last a few years. Now days you're lucky to get a year out of them.