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Good news, guys. The name Wheel Horse and the logo will live on, with new Wheel Horses tractors and implements being built. MTD has purchased the Wheel Horse name and logo from Toro, and will start building new equipment with the famed Wheel Horse name and logo. Ridney Dongerfield, a spokesman for MTD, said, "Wheel Horse never got the respect. MTD is proud to announce that Wheel Horse will be joining our line of garden equipment, joining names like Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Bolens." The new Wheel Horses will be built using MTD's reputation for quality products and is expected to look similar to a Yardman, but with the famed Wheel Horse logo, name and color scheme. Prices to be similar to a new Cub Cadet, with several models being planned. Models will include tractors with various deck sizes, engine sizes and features. Expect new tractors to start appearing February 30 of next year.

Put the new shoes on the horse today since the wheels were good and dry. Wheel weights back on tomorrow. And a nice straight hood is in the works. Some minor body work and then prime and paint. Old one has major damage.

April 1, 1965, The Sound of Music first came out in the USA with its world premiere in New York City on March 2, 1965, as a limited "roadshow" release, with a wider nationwide release on April 1, 1965, marking its debut in theaters across the country.

It needs to be put back together.

I see it came with a boat anchor for your next lake trip.

HORSEFIXER ON YOU TUBE

I found a chunk of 1/2" thick x 2" wide steel bar and made two more spacers. I now have the rear hitch spaced down 7/8" I now have 4-1/2" of lift on the blade and still have some down float when fully lowered as well. Not a lot when compared to my big tractor and it's cat 1 three point hitch but better than it was. Hopefully now I can move it around the yard in the summer without ripping up too much sod.

I have 3/8" thick spacers. Maybe I need to make thicker ones.

Wishful thinking but MTD??? Should be JD that will reaally get blood boiling!

A bit of a shocker for sure. I can remember when Duke was VERY active on the forum. I pray his family is comforted during this time. Regardless of what his health was, this was way too soon!

Today I put the 417-A with blower away for the year, so I had to move some tractors around. Figured I’d snap a few pics, couldn’t wait for side shot Saturday to post 😂 Sorry for the grease on the front wheel of the 418-C I removed it immediately after I took the picture 😂 I figured I’d say that before one of you wise guys said something about it!!

Here we go, got them both done. Going to pull the front axle to check on the axle pin and spindles see if I can tighten things up.

Go to Tractor Supply and get a 5L820 and a 5L810. Use the one that fits best and return the other and you'll be fine. It's a Hydro so you don't have to worry about clutching.

The external characteristics for “6-speeds” are: - 1-2-3-R shifter - Hi-lo shifter - No top-side hole for a dipstick - A 1” pipe extension on the oil fill at the lower left rear of the transaxle (allows filling oil to a higher level) - 5/8” (0.625) input drive shaft but it’s shorter than later 8-speeds’ (corrected 6Apr26 -- thanks @kpinnc) - A brake drum that brings the brake band to within an inch of the rear axle housing casting - A brake drum that turns clockwise when the tractor is moving forward There was at least one “8-speed” that also had a LSD--I think it was the 5073. This had a topside dipstick port and the brake drum was farther from the rear axle and turned counter-clockwise and had a ⅝” input shaft making it externally indistinguishable from an open-differential 8-speed. As for the rest, the link to the thread in @953 nut’s post (above) has the relevant information.

Actually, the seat shown looks like the one I put on all of my builds. These have several different armrest mounting points. I get these now at Princess Auto but I used to get them at tractor supply before they closed. Arm rests are very hard to find new now it seems.

Absolutely beautiful machines, and a little grease will just earn you a pass from Pete!

lol I appreciate that. I was contemplating buying another one for my 73 WH because it needs a new seat bad but I don’t wanna drill new hole in the fender, I was also thinking of using the U-shaped seat spring mounts which should bolt up, and making a cross bar and bolting a ford 8N seat to it because I like the red and white seat covers available for them. Just haven’t decided yet.

Put new seat on the newly acquired 312-8. This seat was not a direct fit for this tractor. It had a bunch of holes but they were about a half hole off . Easy enough to fix because the previous seat already had an adapter on bottom and it fit new seat great. This is a very late model tractor and dont really know if all the 300 series has the same seat bolt pattern. I am very pleased with the seat it has the heavy rubber type cover and sets very good.

There fixed that too...

Not a real Lead Sled but a lead plow horse for sure

EXACTLY. HAHA. 😂

It does 😀

Glad you said something Cleat. Thought maybe we have to have another ungly seat contest Black duck tape is all I can tell ya Don. Sometimes hard to find a replacement that takes those arm rests. I've learned to live with ugly seats.

I didn't take it that way, no problem. The "give up" corner is full for now, so keep

Looks like it should be a 1971 Workhorse 800

Even if this was true I don't think I'd want to buy them since they would be made by Made To Die

If anyone has any pictures of Duke please add them to this topic . Pictures of either the 520 - H or the C-120 Snowchucker projects would be nice. He also had a nice 417- A he did a refurb on . I know he had a lot of older WH tractors as well. I will try to add pictures as I come across them if I can. I think he would like that. Thanks Guy's.

April fools

Ha Ha, I'm glad that terrible mess was taken care of. The poor seat needs some love. On a positive note, I like how high your blade lifts on the 418. My 520HC does not go that high before it contacts the tractor (where abouts I can't remember right now).

I made an @Achto, Wisconsin approved bench mill/lathe combo out of a death wheel on a hand grinder and ran it atop a skill saw blade. I trimmed up a yank start ring and installed it on top of the cooling fan screen. The larger diameter makes starting easier and the recoil has given me fits since we put this tractor together. In preparation for the plow day next weekend, I replaced the clevis hitch with a slot hitch, so I can run a longer plow that I have available.

Definitely has more traction than the right wheel I had on it.

They finally caught it. It's all safe & sound. I ever mention that I can't eat kangaroo meat? It makes me jumpy

So sad to hear. I really need to finish the front end loader he started, I’m so close. He was one of the first few semi-local guys I met in this hobby, and we talked for about 2 hours it seemed while I was picking up a tiller from his house. Momma wasn’t quite impressed with our ability to never end the discussion, and neither were my young kids in the Suburban

The only guy I ever knew that had a Hula dancer in the cab of his snow chucker.

See if you can get the engine pulley too. Hydros have a larger engine pulley than gear jamers.

Update on the two chain saws. As suspected, the Jonsered CS 2171 needs a cylinder and piston. The shop is looking for options for both OE and aftermarket. That'll very likely be fixed right and put to use here even if it's several hundred dollars. Those are highly regarded pro grade pieces. The Stihl MS291... also needs a cylinder and piston. That's a high-end homeowner type saw. It's not likely worth fixing. More details in the next few days.

I'd say. We've only ever outfitted one Eaton 1100 tractor with a plow. The Workhorse GT1800. That needed an adapter on the back that was an inch thick. I could have gone a little thicker but the 1-in set is what we had to hand.

@Saltyrob I believe all big block oil pans are the same.

GT-14 all have limited slip? Is there room for the high/low lever in the 953 without modification? What all have the six speed?

These are the part #'s and sizes for the recycler blades from the manual. I should have a set loose in my shed and can take pics. 42" RD decks that include the 86001 kit are models R5-42RC01 and 78355 Toro 3-blade kit 14-4879 replaces 116840, 79-2920 and 79-3070 Napa 3 of # 7-06767 Hole 3/4in. round 14.500in. 14-1/2" long

yes, an 8 speed was swapped in. I use low range often.

alrighty folks. the people of the mighty horse stable have spoken. imma run that bad boi

@WHX?? @Achto I heard you guys had a kangaroo sighting this last week.

Robert Campbell Davis, age 68, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 9, 1957, in Niles, Michigan. Robert was a man of deep love, kindness, and wisdom. Known by many as “The Duke,” he was strong-willed, dependable, and a lifelong friend to those fortunate enough to know him. If Robert gave his word, he kept it. A devoted Christian, Robert was a faithful attendee of Hope Community Church, where he cherished fellowship with friends and family. He found joy in bringing people together and was always looking forward to his next visit with loved ones. Robert was truly a jack of all trades. He owned and operated Energy Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning, where he applied his skills in HVAC with pride and dedication. He also served for 21 years with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department as a Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, always striving to save the county money and improve operations wherever he could. A proud veteran, Robert served his country in the United States Navy, and military honors will be rendered as part of his service. He had a passion for life and a wide range of hobbies. Robert loved fishing, camping, and traveling. He was deeply interested in technology, including flying drones and 3D printing. A licensed pilot, he owned his own plane at the Niles airport and found great joy in flying. He was also a talented musician who loved playing the harmonica and guitar, with a collection of over 50 harmonicas. In addition, he was an avid Wheel Horse tractor enthusiast, rebuilding tractors and snow equipment, and even contributed writings to Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine. Robert was a dedicated Freemason and Shriner who gave back to his community in meaningful ways. He made multiple trips to Shriners Hospitals transporting children and played an active role in organizing the Shriners Christmas Party. He helped collect gifts and create memorable experiences for children, ensuring the joy extended beyond the event through thoughtful goodie bags and continued celebrations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Mae (Davidson) Davis and William Campbell Davis; his siblings William C. Davis (twin), Pamela A. Roberts, and Brenda S. Leverence; and his nephew Jonathan Latislaw. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Maryjane (Harkrider) Davis; his children, Rebecca L. Davis and Mindy M. Haynes and her husband Ronald Haynes; and his cherished grandchildren Lalique Haynes, Hennasey Mahone and her husband Deshaun Mahone, Brooklyn Wade, and Harlem Wade. He is also survived by two expected great-grandchildren, the Mahone twins. He is further survived by his sisters Dolores M. Roemke and Carmel D. Fey and her husband Curtis Fey; his nephews Matthew Latislaw and his wife Kyanna, Philip Latislaw, Harold and wife (Kali) Roberts Jr (twin) Michael and wife (Angie) Roberts, William Roberts and wife Daphne Roberts; and his nieces Anna Latislaw, Kelly Poulos and Jennifer Robert. Robert’s legacy of love, generosity, and ingenuity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00pm-2:00pm family member viewing, 2:00pm-3:00pm public viewing, 3:00pm-4:00pm Service at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan .A luncheon will follow the service at the FOP Lodge in Niles at 5:00pm. Browns Funeral Home & Cremation Services (521 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120) FOP LODGE 95 (531 N State St, Niles, MI 49120)

With some luck the spark plug got cross threaded before it had too many hours on it. You'll know for sure when they pull the jug.

This is a livestock trailer that'll scale measure 38 feet.

The building I've been working on is about as complete as I'm going to make it for this season. It's on the location on the train layout and will have a building across the tracks tied together by a walkway over the tracks at some point. I made add more objects in and around the area as I come up with ideas These building are cheap. Scraps of foam board for walls and shingles and flat roof. Masking tape for round roof's roofing. Window glass is plastic sheeting from TV's I taken apart. A couple dollars of the small bottles of paint. The "grass" is brushes from an old paint brush. Labor is biggest investment and that's my plan to have something to do in winter months.

Got a little more work done on model railroad building. Painted each and every brick. The colors are a bit bright for a abandoned building but will darken when I do some weathering. I think I spent about 8 hours painting bricks. Still a long way before completion.

I had a thought several weeks ago that maaayyybe I could use the two kits shown to create the tractor more like an S2500. The 2500 and 2600 were the heavy haulers of the series. The fleet beast. The 4300 was more of an owner operator seller. Nicer options. More chrome. The Paystar had the setback front axle and HD frame of the S2500. After taking some measurements today it appears that I'll be able to use the frame and running gear of the Paystar and the nose and fifth wheel of the 4300 to combine into a 2500. Probably. Biggest obvious challenge will be cutting the 4300's hood to shorten it quite a bit.