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She’s a 1982 C-85 in incredible shape. Ran the Kohler numbers and it’s the original power plant. Runs good, fires right up. High and low range checked out. The 36” RD is solid and quiet. Tires are all matching and in nice shape. Battery is brand new. AND!!!! The worlds ugliest rear fender is mint

Hey all. Just got off the phone with Howard (or HOOOWAAAARD as Squonk would say) and he says the Mashpole will be there this year. So make up a little sign with your name and how far it is to your piece of the American dream and add it on! @857 horse

While buying a C-85 today I saw this old double sided sign laying around. Just couldn’t leave without it! ( FYI…my name is Mike for those that don’t know )

The memories I have regarding Wheel Horses and Red Square continue to get better every day. My first post on Red Square was responded to promptly with more information than I had ever expected. That was followed by numerous welcomes and additional offers of assistance. Until that day I had never had such a satisfying experience on a website. I became hooked on Red Square and attempted to answer as many questions as possible as well as learning from others. One thing I noticed right away was that when you give an incorrect answer (yes I've done that) you aren't chastised over it as seems to be the case on Facebook, someone provides the correct answer and life goes on. Over the following couple of years I became a full fledged member of this new family of Horse-A-Holics and was eager to meet everyone. My first planned visit to the Big Show was put on hold due to the need spinal fusion surgery. I had pre-purchased a 953 from @Ed Kennell that I wasn't going to be able to pick up, @Wheel-N-It and @Jrblanke stepped up and brought it to North Carolina for me. Total stingers, but members of this family of outstanding people. The following year I made the pilgrimage to the South Mountain Fairgrounds for my first Big Show and hadn't even unloaded my 953 when @stevasaurus came up and introduced himself, inviting me to join them for dinner. This was followed by countless others whos screen name I recognized but never expected to meet in person. The family friendly nature of the forum and the work done by our moderators to keep it that way is so impressive, as is the sharing of experiences and life lessons that we share. Each successive Big Show has become better than the last and the people make it special. I look forward to seeing all of you in a couple of weeks.

Fully restored 36" rear discharge deck, sandblasted, all axles, carrier brackets, and levers are powder coated, deck shell and guards are professionally done in PPG automotive products. Underside is coated with an industrial grade bedliner material. All 3 spindle assemblies are completely rebuilt and the housings are in excellent condition. New idler pulley, all new hardware, new wheels, new roller, new slide bar bushings, OEM belt, OEM blades. Better appearance than new and more durable. Show or mow . $800.00 . Comment / message me here or call / text if you have any questions.

Moonshine, once a fiery (and illegal) homemade liquor, has now gone legit. Still, the drink conjures up colorful early 20th century memories of Prohibition, fast cars, and makeshift stills in the Appalachian woods. So, when it’s time to celebrate National Moonshine Day on the first Thursday in June (June 5 this year), you can indulge guilt-free. The drink achieved legendary status upon the passage of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) in 1919. At that point, Americans who wanted to drink alcohol had to turn to the black market of the day, which belonged to the moonshiners and bootleggers. They distilled the moonshine and then delivered it, making criminals of everyone involved. Today large distilleries sell moonshine, looking to rekindle nostalgic memories of the illicit drink. But the days of cheap, questionable brews with deadly contaminants are thankfully over. The origin of NASCAR is filled with stories of bootleggers hauling moonshine in their souped-up cars, running from authorities. As the need for bootleggers waned, the drivers needed a way to show off their fast cars. They eventually began racing each other on local back roads, and then on dirt ovals. NASCAR was born. Historians note North Carolina's tradition of auto racing developed in the garages of bootleggers, particularly on the roads between North Wilkesboro and Charlotte. Today’s NASCAR doesn’t much resemble the early days of back roads and bootleggers, but the whiskey doesn’t much resemble moonshine’s risk of blindness either. The video below is about an hour long but is worth the watch, it is about a local legend here in western North Carolina.

I guess I should feel good about my K 20. 39 years ago I special ordered it in May 1986 and took delivery in June 1986. Been a great truck.

Parts!

So that why I end up with the it looked better in pictures ones!

luv it -- that's a spectacular look -- Big fan of the blackhoods here -- and yes just like your c85, I also like the plastic seat pan design on my two C175s

What an excellent thread. It's all about Red Square!! This site welcomed me when the membership was under a 1000. It has always been about helping anybody that had a question...member or not. So, it has always been about the people that frequent this site. I've made friends all over the world (and SKYPE) has had a great hand in that along with going to all the shows through the years. I think the best thing that has helped bringing people together here is the "digital camera". With that said, being able to give back to Red Square has become what has kept me young all these years. My videos to the different transmission builds has made it easy for me to talk to people and walk them through the process of saving a Wheel Horse. I don't want to make this to long, so I picked out a short entertaining video...one of my best efforts. Please enjoy and Thank You Red Square.

Clean 42” RD Deck and mule drive - $225 This is a 42” RD that has no signs of any bends or welds ever being done. I noticed some small cracks on the rear hangers. The shell is super solid and straight. It’s got big roller wheels on the front and the spindles sound very quiet. The mule drive is in great shape, the knob turns super easy too.

SOLD! Barn Find C-121 Automatic Survivor - $250 I bought this from Grandpa’s neighbor’s estate sale last year. It’s been sitting, and the front tires go flat. I’ll include two brand new Carlisle turfs! I have never fired this up, and was told that this gentleman took very good care of his machines, and it was clearly kept inside. The seat has no cracks and I noticed it has solid rear wheel centers. The engine and transmission oils look clean. The transmission oil is a bit low on the dipstick and the right rear axle seal is wet. I was told this was his primary chore tractor. It rolls over by hand and I feel compression. No doubt in my mind Uncle Jim can have Dan get it going in less than an hour! I just haven’t taken the time to get into it, and need to let go of some stuff.

@Sparky can definitely relate , still have my original 82 c-85 , bought it , in 82, been my test bed for many long past issues , have the original plastic rear fender , up in the shed , plowed miles of snow , and still cuts grass like crazy . pete

I'm starting to believe these incredible machines have a spiritual ability. Seems they are destined to find their way to the home they deserve.

Bring it and we'll FIRE IT UP, FIRE IT UP, FIRE IT UP! Well, under that same premise I'm gonna load you up with about 20 or so old tires for free, just so I ain't gotta pay to get rid of 'em! At least mine might have rims! LOL

Rhodies are in full bloom!!!

As an enthusiast who makes most all his own supplies, I have a hard time justifying the prices of some things I can build. However, there are companies who supply things I can’t create myself, and that’s sad to see them go…

There are two big ones amid too many to count. First, when I realized I’d bitten off more than I could chew to add remote hydraulics and a flail mower to what is now our 518-H++. Without the encouragement (prods, kicks in the butt, etc) of some members here, I might have given up but instead have a result I am very proud of. Second, the first time a member sent me a few needed parts for my 854 refurbishment and only wanted some pictures of the work in exchange.

The way trailers rust in today's world. If I was getting a bigger trailer I'd go aluminum in a heartbeat. Now that I have a "tinker toy " tow rig. If your current trailer still functions and a bigger trailer is a luxury, hold off and save for the light weight.

Sweet find Mikey! @phil bowling and his buddy Scott Shearer were big black hood fans. While visiting Scott’s farm he pointed out that the side lines (angles) of the fender perfectly match the hood lines from the front. I can’t say that makes the fender look any better on it’s own, but it is surely that 80’s Chevy Celebrity look!

Having the privilege of being able to afford a new WH tractor in 1989. Bringing back a 420-LSE to its original state to the best of my ability and still working on it. Looking forward to our 7 th annual Meet & Greet this September with some great Red Square people. A few people from our 1 st Meet & Greet pictured.

The key is just a common 1/4" square key. Most any hardware store should have 1/4" key stock. I buy it in 12" lengths and cut it down to the length that I need. They should have shorter lengths in the Hillman drawers as well. Make sure that your set screw on the pully is in good shape, with a good sharp cup end. If not, I would suggest replacing that too. Also available at most hardware stores. A key is only needed for the pully for the tractor drive belt and should not stick out past the pulley. The clutch disc bolts directly to that pully. The outer bell shaped pulley is free spinning until you engage the PTO forcing it against the clutch disc.

Sorry for the bad pictures. I believe this was last year.

I got a couple of pumps & crap. Do I look like Pullstart?!?!?

Not the ones with inline 300s!

I know where there’s a real nice gray one up in Maine 😂

What? We were cheering you on and happy to watch! LOL

I’m not sure if I ever brought my 2018 mash pole sign home or not. It’s been a long lost mystery. Maybe it’s still packed away in that little blue truck…

Thank you.

Gross and tongue weight vs. tow vehicle limits? Five tractors = around 3,000 and the trailer is probably another 1,200+ (12 2x8x14’ PT planks alone are 720 lbs!)

You have to watch the reach. Too long it can hit a piston. Too short changes the flame pattern and can burn a piston. You could try an anti fouler.

I was planning to come out to the show on Friday but now I will be able to come Thursday and stay through Friday at 3 then head out. I have some items for sale and will be posting more. 20 some years of stuff.

Like when a wire fell off of my 1267 ign switch. I was the farthest away I could be on the show grounds when it happened. I had to push it through one of the barns with @rmaynard on one side and @wallfish on the other. I was happy to give them some entertainment!

Like 20 minutes from home. Long story but old guy that owned it passed, his daughter sold it yesterday to a guy I know, that guy installed a new battery and got it fired up and sold it to me today. It’s a keeper!

Yeah, it's all about you! LOL

Looks in excellent condition. Congratulations…. But you are right about the fender pan.

Have to agree with Kevin and Ed, it's all about the friends I've made because of these tractors. If it hadn't been for the tractors, I wouldn't have met so many people from all over the country.

My best Memory? recieving my first Wheelhorse - noo Stay in 2024 at the Big Show and see all my Friends once Face to Face Memories for my eternity.

Im not gonna post as much as Kevin! 🤣 My rat rod was a really fun project & I really am not into that theme. My suburban was really too rough to cost effectively restore & it had no emotional/significant value to me. So here's a before & after pic. My diesel RJ project was also fun. Sold it. My plan is to build another diesel with some parts I have & the RJ I bought from Pullstart. Have to confess that my RJ, 753, & 953 I got from Buckeyes were already restored. Saved me the grief & expense.

Thanks. The flail took over a year to find. It is a Haban originally made for a Bolens 10 which used a PTO shaft out the front of the tractor. I designed and fabricated the lift and new flail attaching mounts, the hydraulic remote plumbing and layout, and the mods to drive the flail off the WH PTO. The lift mechanism mounts to the front and mid-tractor attach-a-matics. The hydraulic cylinder moves the 2” trailer receiver at the top and at the bottom is a horizontally-oriented WH Attach-a-Matic. Two hydraulic quick connect hoses to the control valve supply the cylinder. The flail mounts to the lift with just a 2” tube into the lift’s receiver and a crossbar on arms into the lift’s attach-a-matic plus the PTO belt. The system does a good job on the one acre weed patch that is the “lawn” at the camp. Not a finish cut by any standard, but pretty smooth with the discharge pretty finely chopped. It is spectacular at clearing underbrush that has grown up on and along the logging roads. Here you can see on the hoodstand the yellow joystick and black cables that operate the control valve that is on the left side ahead of the engine. The gold tubes are the supply to and return from the control valve. The original hydraulic lift (handling the Brinley sleeve hitch and grader blade here) remains functional via the usual lever on the lower left of the dash I do owe the forum a build thread on this thing. 🤭

Local PBS TV station is hosting it's fund raising week. Tonight, even as I type, they are featuring the development of tractors. Really interesting show. The show is named "Tractor Wars"

Today would have been Cecil Pond’s 101st birthday. If your family and friends are dismayed over your love for these little red tractors you can blame it on Cecil Pond for bringing us the well built beauties.. He was the co-founder of Wheel Horse Products Co. Inc. along with his father, Elmer, and was the primary inventor of the modern American Garden Tractor and riding mower. Pond was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Elmer and Ann Marie Pond. He graduated from South Bend's former Washington-Clay High School, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1946, Pond returned to South Bend and in June of that year, married Betty Alber Pond. Mr. & Ms. Pond were the parents of three children: son Gary Pond, and two daughters, Linda, and Constance. 1946 saw the beginnings of Pond's manufacturing future. Pond joined his father Elmer, who at the time was building two-wheel lawn tractors from angle iron, surplus automotive parts in his garage. At first, the Ponds' company was simply called Pond Tractor Company; however, since Elmer’s brother Harold owned a similarly-named company "Wheel Horse" was chosen, and the name stayed with the company even after its acquisition by Toro. In the late forties, military veterans returning from World War II began moving to the vast new suburbs then transforming the American landscape. Their suburban homes had larger lots that demanded more attention—and the Ponds' riding garden tractors found many ready buyers as a result. In 1954, Pond introduced his first four-wheel lawn tractor, an event which altered substantially the lawn care manufacturing business. By 1957, his Wheel Horse Products Company recorded sales over $1 million (US $11,158,291.81 in 2024 dollars.) for the first time. Just two years later, the company's sales more than doubled, to $4.5 million. In 1975, Pond sold Wheel Horse Products to American Motors Corporation. At the time of the sale, Pond oversaw over 500 workers at his plant and over 3,000 dealers were selling the brand. Cecil Pond passed away December 30, 2011.

Still a fair amount of people making and selling illegal shine. Uncle Sam don't get his cut, then it's not a legal spirit. Ever Clear, available at 190 proof is probably one of the oldest legal unfinished grain alcohol's "Shine". They have been in business since the 1920's. Being friends with a local distillery owners, I on occasion stop in and by a little potato vodka straight out of the still. This definitely a sippin' spirit, they distill to 198 proof. A good stiff swig or a gulp will take the breath right out of you. Old Smokey has become a popular shine. With their wide arrange of flavors they have done a good job marketing their product. Our local Eureka Moon Apple Cobbler is a favorite of mine. Can't let @Ed Kennell celebrate this day alone. Cheers buddy.

Both have compression and cylinders dont look to be that bad. Got them both for 120 and it was local so I am happy.

Thoughts: Side load is nice. Is rear ramp quick connect for easy removal? Mine uses slip on side pins and it is great for removal when traveling empty... I just put it in the bed. Way less wind resistance. Tandems - I would get another spare. Price seems fair.