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79 C-101 Pretty much finished up my first and probably last try at restoration , sure is a lot of time and work but fun. The 10hp was just too far gone so opted for a k301 gen start with out shaker . I did a shade tree rebuild on a couple yrs ago. Just needs a decent set of rear tires ,I’ll look for those at the big show coming up. Now time to put it to work !

It would rack up at more steps if you put it on his jaw!

Last November/ December I was talking to @ebinmaine about a hood and rear end for my 312. The rear end is making noises and sounded a bit like a train. The original hood on the 312 was mangled pretty good after rolling backwards down a pit wall. Apparently the story was the PO let a neighbor borrow it. then the accident happened. Anyway, we made a deal and I met up with EB in January. I took some smaller stuff home as we only had my Father’s truck. I had to come back later for the bigger stuff. This May, I borrowed my brother’s trailer, and my Father and I went to get the rest of the bigger parts. The parts haul ended up being, a 94/95 312-8 and a 80/90’s Workhorse parts machines, two mowing decks, a 14hp engine, two sets of rear tires, a plow, a few rear fender, and a bunch of miscellaneous parts. The biggest was a 1978 C141 Automatic parts tractor. I figured I’d try hydrostatic as all my other tractors are 8 speeds. Since the middle of May I’ve been tinkering here and there on the C141. I’m not done yet but I figured I’d document it. The first run. Home from @ebinmaine with the second run haul. Mocking it up.

This is part of a collection that belongs to my friend and his son. They are a hard working farming family that has been very successful. I mean these people work nonstop, whatever they have they deserve. I’m not sure how many they have but I know this is not the whole collection. Then they have the tractors that they work with. 99% of them are IH’s too. I think they have around fifty in total. Today I was driving down the road and came across this at one of his locations. Immediately I pulled over and took pictures, to the best of my knowledge this is the first time they have put some out for display. After taking pictures I called him to say thanks for putting them out, it made me happy!! Of course he didn’t answer the phone, probably because he was working! Hope you guys enjoy……..

Took a while, but I now have two K160/161 cranks ground and polished. The original crank from the 701 was .013 below minimum when pulled from the engine. It looked very nice but probably would have had some slap if used as it was. Talk about well worn! It was ground to .020 undersized. The second crank came from @WHX?? and it was ground to .010 undersized. Now I just need to find a good connecting rod, and I'll finally be able to get back to the 701 build. The shop sure knows how to make them pretty! Cost me $85 for both since only one machine setup was needed. Total for engine work is just under $200. That's an oversize cylinder bore, recut valve seats and valves ground, and grinding two cranks. Not too bad for today's prices.

Too early here. The other end of the field to the left is in tassel and will be ready in about 4 weeks. It was planted under plastic in early April. Ten rows were planted every two weeks so he has corn all summer.

My neighbor asked for help, he said the engine on his craftsman was blown and needed a tractor. I was able to get a nice Workhorse Automatic off of a member here and helped haul it from Mass. to NY for my him. Anyway, the “blown” engine was a Briggs Intek OHV which was burning a LOT of oil. Told my neighbor I would take the craftsman for him, here’s what I found, from what I hear, it’s pretty common: Got everything all cleaned up, new gasket and runs great now!

Looking like a cold snack Friday!

Some call it “corn-stick,” others go with “sweet pole,” but we like to call it amazing — especially when you use those cute plastic corn on the cob handles. National Corn on the Cob Day falls on June 11 — the perfect pre-summer date. (Although, for most home gardens, mid-June is still too early for the harvest.) But you can’t blame anyone for being in a hurry. The sweetness doesn’t hang around for very long. It has to be picked at its freshest, otherwise there’s a risk of — nothing really — it’s just slightly less incredible tasting. Note: If you plan on doing the picking yourself, there’s a trick to spotting when the corn is ready. During the milk stage, the kernels are still soft, and this is nature’s way of saying “come and get it!” Boil it, steam it, roast it, or grill it — there’s no wrong or right method as long as it stays on that cob. Obviously, the producers of this story don’t know much about sweet corn since they featured footage of field corn.

Since the part that will be recessed isn’t round, I’d make a template that’s slightly larger than matching the shape of the part of the hold down that will be recessed, including the bolt and nut. Fasten the template to the deck and rout in steps until you are deep enough, using a plunge bit with a flush bearing. If you want to make the top of the flange flush with the top of the deck, make a second template matching the outside of the 4-7/8” x 4-1/2” with radiused corners. Set the hold down in the routed recess and trace the flange. Fasten second template and rout to match thickness of flange. Drill your holes using the hold down to guide the drill. Drill your drain hole if you like. Make sure your template is thick enough to allow you to start the first pass with the bearing on top of the cutter.

If you haven't already purchased the flush mounts I would just use the surface mounted "D" rings. They don't stick up that high and won'6t capture water leading to rotted boards.

The attention to detail in the parts illustrations always impresses me. The curved pedals first show up in the 1996 illustrations of the 312-8

I talked to the weather gods and that forecast is wrong. Sunny and low 80’s is the correct forecast!!

Last night while I was doing it, in her garden. Tonight while I was finishing, sitting at the table going over medical forms for her camp out this weekend. She is fully aware of what I was doing, she's just really awesome. Her exact words when I started yesterday were "Go ahead and break the top again, I want a new oven anyway".

Moderator: If this posting runs afoul of Site rules, please advise and delete or move it And if so, my apologies. Hi Wheel Horse enthusiasts, I have joined your site hoping to help a friend whose health prohibits him from restoring three WH tractors. They have been stored for many years in his barn, North of Grand Rapids, MI, and he would like to dispose of them. I am not at all familiar with these machines, but if asked specific questions, I can address them with the owner or with additional photographs. Nor is my friend very computer-active. Also, any comments about these machines would be appreciated. My friend did say that the (Model 14 Automatic) machine with the weights on the front and a tiller (or broom?) attachment was running when parked. One of the others is marked, "C-160 Automatic". I saw no markings on the third model, but I'm sure that folks here will easily make the ID. I will delay adding photos until the Moderator rules. Thanks, all. I am busying myself with the '54 Willys CJ3B which can be glimpsed in the background of one photo. Also in the barn are several Wagemaker boats which the owner will like to sell.

Been a bit distracted with a complicated cabinet installation in my kitchen and finally got around to starting this this evening. Never done it before...from a 1976 c-160, unmolested pump and motor. Surprisingly good condition for being 50 y/o. Cleaned up nicely. 320, 600, 1000 grit. A few dimples but should be strong. Have all of the gaskets and stuff now so I'm looking forward to getting it back together.

For moisture and draining purposes, I’d suggest a pocket, and a drain hole in the center.

Painted the frame and engine. Then sanded / cleared all tins for a nice patina worker look. New throttle cable, gas cap, tune up, keys switch pigtail and wiring, and new seat. She is ready for the big show. May possible sell at the show if anyone is interested.

Made a couple changes. Didn't feel like they were protected enough in wind storms and rain. So enclosed the back and sides with thick woven plastic. And removed the nesting boxes because they were just pooping in them right now. Don't need to keep that habit up. Going to keep the open side pointed south most of the time

Thanks! ‘Same here, I figured I’d take the plunge and try it. It has the biggest engine of the fleet as well. It ought to be interesting to get used to. It’s funny and nice that the later parts tractors I got in the haul, a 312 and Workhorse. The parts bolt up with no issues. That definitely saves time. My other two tractors have Familial and Local history, so I wanted to keep them relatively stock. This will be another story as it was a rolling chassis. It’s a blank slate.

No plow and the PTO was reinstalled. Eaton 1100, with Kohler Magnum 10hp

It wouldn't be the big show without rain or thunderstorms lol

Oh please let Steve be right!! I know the “show goes on” regardless of weather, but it sure does suck dodging the rain and running from barn to barn.

My first riding mower, gifted to me by my FIL. Had to ditch the fiberglass "body" - it too was a "Nut Roaster" of sorts. I still have the wind-up starter...

You could always go old school. It wasn’t a bolt on deal tho. Took some work to retain seat adjustment slides and everything but well worth it

Similar Craftsman from around ’67 or ’68 with yours truly at the wheel. Six horsepower, 25” cut, and a simple F-N-R gearbox. It was no WH or JD, but it sure beat the heck out a 20” push mower doing a half-acre of lawn!

I got it as A Gift - for me a gift in Honor - what become now my everyday Mug.👍 i keep it in best memory to my trip in 2024 to the Big Show. My wife Kati got the prohibition to put it anytime into the Dishwasher... i took best care of her and just cleaned by Handwashing and it become my beloved and most importantst thingi i have with me on my whole USA Trip in 2024. ..... and it is a permanent reminder for me, to repeat sometimes the Trip again to the Big Show. i never forget those friendly envoirement surrounded by the RedSquare Family - especially @Handy Don @Pullstart @wallfish and his Friend with the Moonshine ( i forgot his Name)😎 @19richie66 @953 nut @squonk @stevebo @Wild Bill in VA and all my other Bro‘s and friends Stateside 👍 They make, that it was an unforgettable experience for me

Awesome, but we still want pictures

Reminds me of when I started my first job at the dealership. The one guy was doing the intake on his own truck for the second time that week. I didn't see the first time, but I'm told he did the intake gaskets, hit the key, and it just wouldn't start. He forgot to pull the rags out of the runners.

For years I used a now-banned, high VOC preservative. Lately, I’m using Thompson Water Seal which works well. As with most similar VOC-compliant clear products, exposure to the sun does diminish its effectiveness over two or three years. Areas not in direct sun are good for 3-5 years. Preservative stains with suspended solids (e.g. “paint stains”) last much longer.

And once you’ve routed the pockets, drilled the drain hole (⅜ or ½”), and drilled the mounting holes then, even though the deck is pressure treated, apply a good wood sealer liberally before mounting the rings.

I really don't think it matters as long as water doesn't pool and soak. Myself, I'd blow a hole right through to avoid any water sitting there. Is the decking PT?

It is good of you to help your friend find new homes for his Wheel Horses. Once a few pictures of each one from several angles is posted we can give you an idea what a reasonable asking price would be. Pictures can be posted from your computer or other device by clicking on the choose files and selecting the photo to be posted.

By the sounds of it if it were me, I would probably go ahead and get a head gasket and a valve cover/breather gasket set. Pull the head, decarb, adjust valves, plane the head and put it back together. That might sound like a lot but it's really just good maintenance and will probably resolve your issue. You might be tempted to lap the valves while you're that far into it but you should have a good sense for that once you've put eyes on it. That's all a pretty cheap and relatively easy project IMO. Interested to hear others' suggestions.

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to add this in case someone else stumbles on this thread. Instead of using a hitch clip I opted for a shaft collar. The lift arm rod measures a hair over 1/2” so I bought a 1/2” ID shaft collar from my local hardware store. I ended up having to drill It out to 9/16” which was a bit bigger than needed. My suggestion is, if you don’t want to drill out the rod on the lift arm to use a hitch clip, use a split shaft collar instead. The split collar is two halves that clamp together & can accommodate slight variations in the rod diameter of the lift arm (see bottom pic). Therefore you wouldn’t need to enlarge the collar like I did with a drill bit. You can buy them on online.

Tater bugs. Ew. Did the pick and crush for years , hands stained yellow with bug guts. Then I came across an excellent solution: "Conserve Naturalyte with Spinosad" - It's concentrated so it gets diluted with water in a small sprayer (Mine's 1 quart) and I spray my tater leaves at first sign of bugs or larva about once every 2 or 3 weeks and my potato bug problem is non-existent. Easy to find on Amazon. Nice thing about it is it's fairly natural and doesn't hurt the beneficial insects like bees and etc. It's a natural substance made by bacteria in the soil that's toxic to the bugs and caterpillars.

@Pullstart that sure looks easy, but these 70+ arms are not going to pick up any implement that easily.

Too new for me. All mine have flat pedals.

Don’t know, but my 95’s had the older style so it is after that. I think 96 they started with the full mat.

Real nice! Museum grade to boot. IH machines are pretty Iconic in the American farm landscape. Wonder if he has 1 battery and 14 tractors? Seems like a constant problem for collectors. I found good tenders help a lot and taking the machines out for a spin every 5-6 weeks keeps things fresh. He might have caretaker? Judging by the small fortune in suit case weights, I figure 14 batteries and 14 tractors! and a caretaker! Hmmm.....that's what I need, caretaker......nope lol

Today, I tidied up and put the wiring harness in the C141. I’ll put the other bolt in the rectifier tomorrow.

That one works good but is tricky. I like the MPH one. I turn it on when my wife is driving and become the driving assistant!

they like to keep the main display area kind of cleaned up. they tolerate some items. but outside of that you can sell WH stuff if you are a member of WHCC. As a matter of fact almost everyone is selling something

Want a bigger cut and don't want to buy a bigger tractor or deck. Buy two 5 HP 20" push mowers and make a 70" wide towing gang mower.

@nylyon Yes this is out on the South Fork of eastern Long Island. They are one of the last family farms out here. @Brockport Bill You are correct! It’s hard not to love him, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. The whole family in fact is very nice. Even though he works his ass off he’s always got a minute to stop and shoot the breeze, and then back to work. Glad you guys enjoyed the photos. ‘Merica!! 🇺🇸

if the $ are an issue then here is a suggestion --- if you are patient and you expand your geographic radius beyond your immediate home town area.... and willing to drive a couple hours, then suggest you look for a 50-75 dollar used worn ugly 42 deck -- either sd or rd --- ( I avoid decks with rust through holes ) then do your own rehab to make it a quality functioning long term solution for your 310 - Yes, they can be hard to find but somewhere an estate, or some eager seller, will be found selling one under market $ value -- then it's your labor time.... and maybe some modest cost for its rehab - - but then you have a deck for another 10-20 years - the spindle bearings are 8-10 dollars -- maybe a new pulley torsion bar is needed, or perhaps a $60 dollar pulley or new belt or blades etc.... but many of those expenses are routine maintenance costs for whatever deck you have now -- You can clean off rust with power wire brush attachment or use a 90 degree grinder with a sanding disc ---- Or maybe even spend $100 for sand blasting the deck to bare metal to remove the rust before painting - however, i see those "costs" as not as "net" added expenses but investment in a future tool that lasts for 25-30 mowings per year - here are a couple before and after rehab photos

how can anyone not just love an American farmer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great photos Don

That's what I was wondering also, where was the woman of the house while you were doing that. Bet she would appreciate seeing you do that

That's us for sure!! Do check out this "New to Herd" checklist - geared to folks getting their first Horse. Compiled by....us. Disregard to cover photo - that's just Kevin having a bad day at "The Office"...