C 120 for grading?

[NCSteve 1]

Hello from a Wheel Horse newbie from the mountains of North Carolina!

I am considering buying a 1976 Wheel Horse C 120 specifically for periodic grading of my gravel driveway, and I have a few questions.

First, will a C 120 be up to that task?

Second, what kind of blade will fit on this tractor, and approximately how much will one cost?

Thanks for any help you can give. Perhaps I will be a Wheel Horse owner soon!

[AlexR 2,243]

There are 3 kinds of graders you can get for that tractor. 

1. Front mount snow/dozer blade 

Pros Cheapest option typically $100+150 on FB MP 

          Can also move snow

          Can push bigger piles of stone

 

 Cons harder to grade smooth 

 

2. Mid mount blade

Pro Smoothest grade 

         Looks cool!

 

Cons most expensive option and kinda rare. $400+

 

3. Rear mount brinly type sleeve hitch box blade.

Pros Smooth grade 

         Can potentially move snow if needed not a great option though. 

Can be bought at tractor supply or similar farm store. $350 can be found used for around $200

 

Cons Could potentially be more expensive then the mid mount if you have to buy a rear sleeve hitch for the tractor. Sleeve hitch about $120 

         

        

The tractor itself more then capable. For just maintenance I don't see any reason it wouldn't work very well for that, and FUN!!! 

[ebinmaine 74,703]

14 minutes ago, NCSteve said:

First, will a C 120 be up to that task?

 

DEFINITELY!!

 

The capabilities of a properly equipped Wheelhorse tractor are excellent.  We use them for MANY tasks.  

 

 

 

My S/O regularly uses her 1967 tractors to grade our own yard. 

 

Here's a few videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,762]

Welcome to Red Square.

Here is a link to the D&A pages for the 8-speed models. The hydro model will be similar. The "A" is the attachment list. That will give you and idea of what you are looking for but you are not limited to just these.

Click on the fuzzy picture in the link.

 

[ri702bill 10,129]

Welcome! All of the 1963 and later short & long frame tractors have a nice adjustment feature that allows you to set the height of a front or mid plow. You can either let the full weight be on the ground, like plowing snow on a driveway, or raise it slightly at the transition of pushing the accumulated snow further up on the grass, leaving no damage. I do my winter work with an 8 HP C81, the C120 has more power & weight. Weight equals traction and that has been well covered in the past...

Edited 2 hours ago by ri702bill

[953 nut 62,343]

I'm just across Cowee Mountain in the Franklin area. In my opinion the rear mounted blade is the best for maintaining a smooth gravel drive. A dozer/ snow plow blade will tend to dig into gravel when grading but it sure would come in handy when the snow flies. I have a mid-mount grader and it is good for loose soil or gravel but not so much for anything compacted.

[Pullstart 68,319]

[Handy Don 14,750]

2 hours ago, NCSteve said:

First, will a C 120 be up to that task?

 

Welcome to the forum. Lots of helpful info above!

Summary?

- That tractor's frame and engine are plenty strong

- 12 hp can surprise you

- In most instances you will lose traction before stalling the engine

- The three stock hitch positions offer a lot of flexibility but plenty of members have added their own (me included!)

- Please post your progress and questions -- with pictures!

Edited 3 hours ago by Handy Don