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This is another new-to-me Wheel Horse, a sweet little 854. Runs, drives, and cuts well, but needs a hood! The PO was a much older fellow who painstakingly built the hood for this little guy (or gal - I noticed that lots of Wheel Horses are girls!), and he really did a heck of a job. Lots of people love it, and have told me to leave it as is, but I'd really like to have a stock hood on it. I'd always keep the homebuilt hood - some nice love and craftsmanship went into it - but... I've been told that the 854 hoods are hard to find, are there other models that I could use?

One of the Pull Bars I fabricated for a job they were wondering what color to paint it??? I said how about Wheel Horse Red. Guess I have a little pull around here...

Hi all, I needed to clear some space for a gate so out came Agri-800 to pull out all the Basal shoots. I was impressed with how well it pulled them out! some were really quite large and attached to sizeable roots but they were no match for the mighty wheel horse haha! Here is a short video: thanks for looking, Callum

This may seem odd, but since I first saw pictures of them, I have been curious about the Reo and A-series rear engine riders. I don't know if it's just their size or a slight resemblance to a go-cart, but something about them piqued my interest. As a result, I've been keeping my eye out for one for the past couple years. Despite an abundance of Wheel Horses around here, an RER of the appropriate vintage remained elusive. I had tentative plans to pick one up a couple hours away from me last fall, but the seller never returned a confirmation call to come get it. Last week it was too hot to do much else, so after going through my usual Craigslist searches I decided to play around outside my normal search territory. As luck would have it, I found one. I was surprised to see it as a Work Horse model. I never realized that Wheel Horse even made a RER under the Work Horse brand, and I couldn't find any pictured anywhere else on the web, but through the resources on here I confirmed that it was a real model, made only in 1982. It was a little farther away than I would normally go for one, but the stars aligned for both work and family schedules and I was able to make the time to go get it. I am anxious to get started on it. It will start on starting fluid but won't stay running. The guy said he used it at his old house, but when he moved he got a bigger mower and hadn't used this one in a while. It looks like it has mostly been stored inside. The silver paint provides a nice change of pace, but still stays within the family. The plans for this one are to get it running and set it up as a mini "golf cart" for tractor shows. I found a picture of a Cub rider converted to a mini golf cart and I would like to do something similar. I'm anxious to get started on it, but had to put it in the back of the shed to force myself to finish up my C-160 refresh. I'm close to getting it done, but it's always tempting to give more attention to a "new toy"

7-29-1958 President Eisenhower authorizes creation of NASA On this day in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs an act that creates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He called the signing an [sic] historic step, further equipping the United States for leadership in the space age. Since the end of World War II, the United States had worked to make breakthroughs in rocket science. This particular legislation expanded the original National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) into NASA. NASA research, which was generously funded by Eisenhower’s successors, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, was responsible for successful and groundbreaking American achievements such as the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969 and the development of the space shuttle, first launched in 1981. More recently, NASA has sent robotic exploratory missions to Mars and launched a spacecraft to view Pluto. NASA’s research has also contributed to advances in consumer-oriented goods such as telecommunications satellites and computer technology. Although NASA currently engages in cooperative projects with other nations, Eisenhower at the time had to add a cautionary note when signing the legislation that created the new agency. He warned that NASA’s research into peaceful projects could be shared only when international treaties outlining such projects were authorized first by the president and the U.S. Senate. Ike, the former Army general who oversaw the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II, wanted to ensure that NASA would not share information that was vital to national security.

Finally got the sides installed. I can fold down one or both sides, or the tailgate.

Thanks guys! I'm tickled with it. I haven't had much time to mess with it much. I did look at the trans and it seems like the reverse idler is locking it up. The guy I got it from had the trans apart for some repairs. Below are pics of the gears, something about the shift forks doesn't look right and the reverse idler seems to lock the trans up. I'll post some pics in the trans section too if I don't see any other info to help. Seems in pretty good shape if I can get everything back together. When the dif broke, it seems to have poked a quarter sized hole in the bottom of the case. The previous owner made a plate attached with bolts tapped into the case to cover the hole. I'm thinking of leaving the plate alone and sealing it with gasket material and permatex and put a drain plug in it kind of like the sump plate on a vw bug.

I replaced a blown KT17 in a C-175 with a very well used KT17 from a John Deere 317. Deere didn't spec thrust bearings in their KT17s. I picked up an electric PTO and it runs my sweeper just fine.

@stumplifter Welcome to Red Square. Yes Garry is incredible !! However, you asked the questions the right way. You gave good information and a few pictures right off the bat. I wish everybody that had questions asked them by giving all the information needed like you did. Believe me, that saves a lot of time and helps to stop possible bad information being given out. Excellent sir.

I can relate to that statement. Recently, a Cad Digger tow-able backhoe followed me home. Was built by a buddy of mine but he lives too far away to come help me, getting used to the controls and making smooth movements is taking longer then I thought it would. Dan

Some pics from last month and some from today. Its coming along nicely, I think. A couple of questions: 1. Is there some type of bracket that hold the cable going back to the hitch lift? I can't seem to find anything that holds the outside of the cable steady while the cable inside moves back and forth. Seems there should be some kind of clip down around the gearshift boot area. 2. Is the bolt that holds on the pulley in the picture anything special? I can't seem to locate a bolt to fit there . Seat is on order. Should start on engine next week. Not sure about the headlights. Just have them mocked up now. Not sure if I am going to go with them or not. Chime in with your thoughts.

I think you have a 48" deck Garry

Hard to stop the addiction.

Hi' brothers in lawns... I'm so happy to discover this forum.. I was recently given a Wheel Horse tractor, simply because the previous owner didn't want the hassle of restoring the mover attachment, that had given up due to rust and wear... It's a 210-4, (Kawasaki engine) late 80's-ish, that's all the info i have.. I've read somewhere, that it's a model designated for the European market, which makes sence, sine I'm having a hard time finding any info on the model.. I can't even be sure about finding the size of the belt, and correct blades for it.. At a later time I will propably upload pictures, to let you guys in on the "barn find"... See you around Tony

Just picked up a 1054a here locally. Looks almost all complete. Missing lens covers, steering wheel is not origional, crummy repair to LH side steering arm, someone got silly with paint on deck and misc hardware. Deck is origional and complete with only cosmetic dmg. 350bux made the deal. All in all it was a good day...

First off I would like to say a BIG Thank you!!! to Glen Pettit for the awesome headlight lenses and gaskets that I picked for the 1054. Finally had some time to install the lenses tonight after work. I think the Ole 1054 is pretty happy now.

I was approached by a fellow at our local tractor club show about two wheel horses he wanted to sell. I went down and found a 953 that is complete, but has the trans apart due to needing some differential work and a 72 CG 8. Neither is running, but I don't think they'll take a lot to get there. He says the hydro on th CG is locked up, but I wonder if it is the tow valve. I hadn't heard of a CG, but may see if it will run and sell it to fund the 953 resto. Check out that muffler on the 953. Anyway, I wanted to share the pics and my find, oh the price - $175 !

Greetings all, Here is my 1977 C-160 in mid-restoration. She purrs like a kitten. They don't sell blades for this deck anymore (as far as I could find) so I bought some close and had a machine shop drill the extra holes to make them fit. I should see tomorrow how well that works out. https://goo.gl/photos/1sJsDsajAcSTK3Kk9 I'm in SE TX, looking for garden plow and tiller attachments for this sweet girl. Hope you enjoy the pics! Stephen

Hi Fellas... I managed to get a few nor pieces put together today after work. I'm heavily relying on all the pictures I have taken for reassembly. There is a lot going on in that tunnel and referring to pics makes it much quicker. I'm trying to decide whether to remake the wiring harness or just use what I have. The existing seems to be in pretty good shape but I remember reading someone re did theirs and used marine grade wire. I'd like to have that. My engine is very greasy and dirty. I suppose I will have spray it with mineral spirits and wire brush it. Then power wash it. Then I'll paint it the best I can. Here are some pics from today.

Sort of tells part of the story behind your . Cut that out, if too many others start buying up the 953s there won't be any left for me.

My son moving gravel in driveway with his "new" c175 and neighbors boys trying to steal my c195 and me seeing if I can upload pics.

I resemble that remark!

& I usually come up with a custom red after I cut my finger half off with my pocket knife trying to scrape an old gasket!

Depending on how you apply the paint it can take on the appearance of a custom candy apple red or a streaked up runny mess..... I've done both....

He definitely is proud of his tractors! He loves to show them to people and tell them about them. He's already got a plow, front snow blade, and a snowblower for his suburbans besides the deck and he wants them all to work! Some of our best time is spent together going to shows and working on his suburbans!!

Really...is there any other color?

Jack, easy cheap way is this 400 is pullstart, 550 will have that new fangled contraption ...I think they call it electric start! I can do it for you if you like just get it to me or I have one already done if you would like to swap. Where in WI are you?

You may want to consider a stack, look good and sound good. IMHO

Have used a hitch on a hydro and a short piece of chain to lift steel posts straight up out of the ground. Wrap the chain around the post and hook both ends to the hitch and let the hydro do the work. Lift, lower and repeat.

nothing like showing off the might power of the a-800 i yanked a fence post out with rusty. i used a clevis like the one laying down below on your tractor.

They really are! Glad i didn't have to dig them out! Callum

sure looks wheel horse red to me. A+ Glenn

You can lean on us all you want. We all pretty much started here not knowing much about these horses and asking questions...and sometimes we get a kick out of trying to guess the answers also.

Thanks for the kind words. I understand the value of a community like this and the importance of being proficient in seeking answers. I have learned from a similar site for my old Yamaha XJ motorcycle that asking questions while providing detail can make life easier for everyone. AND listening carefully to the answers from 'those who have traveled down the same path'. I like it here already! Hopefully I won't need to lean on you guys too much.

Mag 18's did NOT have ball bearing on the cranks. Only a very few had thrust bearings. On most the only thing taking the end loading from a WH PTO is the tiny flange on #23. You need one with 24-26 if you want to use a manual PTO. Out of many many spec numbers only the very few in the image used the trust bearing. Electric PTO's would work on any M18 Wheel Horse only used the M18 on the 418a in 1987(i have one) The Spec # is 24510. When you look it up it has the trust bearing set 24-6 and is one of only 5 variants (#118) out of 182 spec #s that have them.

So here is what I have ordered. As soon as I get them, I will test fit them and if they work, I will post the part number and source.

That was a job well done. Thank you for sharing

Nice thing too Dells is that it looks like you have the complete PTO system on the 953, plus the mower deck which I believe is a 48" cut. You did GOOD!!!!

Cad digger builder (Joe) is a retired millwright, he and I both enjoy building our own "toys" (coincidentally, I'm also a millwright). Seat has already been replaced with a garden tractor style one from a grocery store electric shopping cart. Future plans are to add a Wheel Horse hood to protect engine from elements, repaint to a proper IH Red and I have an idea of a sun/rain roof to keep me dry. During summer, our ground turns to something close to the hardness of concrete, a narrower bucket is already coming together. Couple days ago I tried to lift a gas powered welder into a pickup, had power to lift but without any counter weight, I'll I did was raise motor end. Thinking a removable bracket that can hold a 55 gallon plastic barrel for counter weight will take care of that problem. Dan

A Former Nazi (although not much of one) Dr. Von Braun ,showing Ike the mighty Saturn 5 F-1 engines. " I wanted to use Teckys, but I couldn't find enough guys willing to pull all of the recoils! "

It's not but I ran across this collection of old iron in southern WVa on my way to Kentucky last week. The overshot water wheel was about 30feet in diameter and was running on about 2 qts/minute of water. Must be friction free and perfectly balanced.

Garry, It is like you are a cornucopia of wonderful information. What do you know about upcoming winning lottery tickets? Thanks again, you make Toro customer service look like adolescents.

Wont be missssing this Show.....Started going 4 yrs ago....went in a car....close enuff to go and back home in a day..... Everything tractor is there.....Love those tractors that look like a Locomotive,,,,they shake the ground when they are driven.....Road Apples will be there......im bringing the 401 8 Speed// Great food...Funnel cakes....Sausage on a bun....Not sure what they are called but..Monster Hit and Miss engines...??? Bring it and ride it around.....Its gonna be fun,,,,,,,Auctions bring $$$$

It's great seeing Emory taking pride in that Suburban. Every hour he spends with it is an hour he's not on the Internet or playing video games. You can't find a better investment! Get him any attachment he asks for. It's worth it.

So here is the final chapter of the story. I'll title it, "Amateur Falls on Sword". I took the pto pulley off and prepared to remove the flywheel. Then I tested for the end play on the crank shaft. There isn't any!! I tried everything I could to move the shaft. Hit it with a rubber mallet, pryed it with a crow bar - nothing. After all that, I was concerned I might have damaged something, so I started it up. Turned over on the first crank as usual, but there was no knocking. Convinced that I had done something that inadvertently fixed the problem, I put things back together. Started it up - knock is back. You guessed it, there is rythmic vibration in the mechanism that operates the PTO. I could shoot myself. All this effort, and the source is the simplest thing. So, I want to apologize for consuming your guys' time. But also want to thank you for teaching a newbie another aspect of the infamous Kohler engine.

It reminds me of the agricultural machine museum in my parent's hometown in Hungary. Lots of US and European manufactured machines from the early 1900s, and several of them are still in running condition. We were allowed to start a couple of the machines while we were there. It was really awesome to watch and listen to these old machines run.

I too struggled with mounting a 48" deck for years on my Electro 12. Kept looking for threads with advice on the right or easy way to do it, but regardless of the advice I followed It just was not easy.One day this same conversation was going on on a new thread and one member just plainly responded " I just drive over it". For a minute I wondered if it was serious but considering that it had come from TT, I immediately tried it. No more struggling with the deck ,ever after that. It would be on in a minute without fighting it. Classic TT answer, to the point, correct, and no wasted time or words.

I don't know , that little CG 8 would be a fun little cruiser for the boy ! Prefect size , and easy to drive ...

I used a 48" side discharge mower deck on my 520H all last winter and it didn't miss a beat. I do have a 60" deck but the ground I cut is a bit rough - grass as opposed to lawn, and the 48 is a bit easier on the tractor. I am currently cutting around five acres which takes roughly four hours and two tanks of fuel. The mower didn't miss a beat but I was expecting the belt to break towards the end as it had lots of chunks out of the rubber. I managed to wrap up some fence wire a couple of times, mowing areas I hadn't been before but no major issues. The RH deck spindle has developed about half an inch of vertical play, but no wobble. I realised that I would need to do some work before next season, which is suddenly nearly here. The grass here greens up in autumn and grows strongly over the winter period before dying off in late spring. It normally doesn't require mowing from November until May, unless we get summer rains. This is the deck I used last year; I had four of the 48" SDD's and dismantled three of them for rebuilding. I picked up another 520 last week and so now have five 48 decks, in addition to the 60 and a 42" RDD as well as a new 42" SDD. I want to refurbish one of each for my WH collection as well as setting up two for use. That way if I have problems during mowing season I can just swap decks and keep on going. As another home project I want to make up some raised garden beds for growing vegetables in the back yard. I came up with a design and made some corner brackets to bolt sleepers together. When the brackets were done I decided to galvanise them so they will outlast me. This was just after Christmas and I was thinking I needed to get on with the mower deck. When I built my trailer a few years ago I had the rims, tailgate hinges and catches, and a bar inside the tailgate for the loading ramps to hook into all galvanised. They are not showing any wear after more than ten years. So far with my tractor rebuilds (416H and 520H in progress) I have had everything powder coated. I want durability rather than originality with the working mowers and thought why not get the parts for the decks hot dipped at the same time as my other garden brackets. They turned out great! I hadn't done anything with the deck shell and wasn't sure of the best way to treat it. I want something durable but low maintenance, so was leaning towards sandblasting followed by a couple of coats of POR15. However, when I got the galvanised brackets back I started thinking, I wonder if the shell could also be galvanised? Initially I was hesitant for fear of warping the shell, but when I was scraping the worst of the crud out from underneath the steel was thicker than I expected. I decided to take it to the sandblaster and call in to the galvanisers on the way and ask them if they thought it would handle the tank okay. The chap I spoke to assured me it would be fine so I decided to give it a try. The reason I was hesitant is that I made up some sump covers at work many years ago and when they came back from being galvanised they were all bent up like bananas. At the time I was told it was due to stresses locked up in the steel from welding. Anyhow, I thought it would be worth trying. I also took in the rear height adjuster bar, and a pair of 12" rims. The back rims on the mowing tractor seem to cop a lot of the grunge. Picked it all up yesterday and 100% success! You beauty. This one is going to outlast me. Bearing in mind that these decks are all over twenty years old, with a bit of care they will last for many more years. and the rims;