Wheel Horse Newbie -- with a few questions

[WheelE 14]

Hi All, (what's the proper term for Wheel Horse aficionados?  Wheelies?  Horsers?  Whiskey Hotels?),

 

Just became proud owner of a 1970 Charger 12 Auto with tiller and hydraulic loader.  We've decided to call it Samwise because it's small but mighty and (we hope) dependable.

I'm still figuring things out and have one issue:  the parking brake lever keeps popping up on its own.  That doesn't stop the tractor, so I assume the pawl has been ground down / busted.  And, the transmission continues to get power with the lever up, which makes me think someone has installed a drive belt that is too short.  Does that seem likely?  What is the proper size belt?

 

Thanks!  I'm sure I'll have many more questions.  I've already learned a ton perusing the archives.

[SylvanLakeWH 32,240]

[DougC 2,644]

Hello and      to       Enjoy the forum,   

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,478]

Welcome to the forum

The drive belt and it's dimensions have been added to this page

Garry

[Walt 339]

Welcome to Red Square.

 

[AMC RULES 37,259]

[Ed Kennell 47,063]

SAMWISE looks like he can handle any job.    

[DennisThornton 4,773]

3 hours ago, WheelE said:

Hi All, (what's the proper term for Wheel Horse aficionados?  Wheelies?  Horsers?  Whiskey Hotels?),

 

Just became proud owner of a 1970 Charger 12 Auto with tiller and hydraulic loader.  We've decided to call it Samwise because it's small but mighty and (we hope) dependable.

I'm still figuring things out and have one issue:  the parking brake lever keeps popping up on its own.  That doesn't stop the tractor, so I assume the pawl has been ground down / busted.  And, the transmission continues to get power with the lever up, which makes me think someone has installed a drive belt that is too short.  Does that seem likely?  What is the proper size belt?

 

Thanks!  I'm sure I'll have many more questions.  I've already learned a ton perusing the archives.

Wow!  Look at that bucket!  OK!  I've got to know more about that FEL!

[Tankman 3,528]

Great Horse! WHA (Wheel Horse Addiction) will be yours too! 

[SylvanLakeWH 32,240]

1 minute ago, Tankman said:

Great Horse! WHA (Wheel Horse Addiction) will be yours too! 

 

 But, not really an addiction as much as a need to keep it even - Little Sister needs one for her and her dolly...

[Adams94 1,071]

Would love to have a loader on one someday!  

 

[WheelE 14]

29 minutes ago, DennisThornton said:

Wow!  Look at that bucket!  OK!  I've got to know more about that FEL!

It says it's a "Work Horse Model 10" by Johnson Hydraulic.  Looks about as old as the tractor.  It's definitely a beast for this size tractor.

 

3 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Welcome to the forum

The drive belt and it's dimensions have been added to this page

Garry

Thanks so much!  Extremely helpful info.....

[DennisThornton 4,773]

"It says it's a "Work Horse Model 10" by Johnson Hydraulic.  Looks about as old as the tractor.  It's definitely a beast for this size tractor."

 

Great info but I have to think that bucket is not original.  Fine if I'm wrong but I'd like some opinions.

[smoreau 658]

Looks like a snow bucket. Full scoop of dirt may be too much for stability. I have a smaller bucket and 400+ pounds on that back am mine get tippy over 3 feet in the air.  

Edited October 5, 2016 by smoreau

[WheelE 14]

5 minutes ago, smoreau said:

Looks like a snow bucket. Full scoop of dirt may be too much for stability. I have a smaller bucket and 400+ pounds on that back am mine get tippy over 3 feet in the air.  

Good point -- definitely going to have to watch out for that.

 

11 minutes ago, DennisThornton said:

"It says it's a "Work Horse Model 10" by Johnson Hydraulic.  Looks about as old as the tractor.  It's definitely a beast for this size tractor."

 

Great info but I have to think that bucket is not original.  Fine if I'm wrong but I'd like some opinions.

Probably not.  I'm just going off the 70's era font on the decals

[smoreau 658]

It does look like the Johnson loaders, same design that I've seen before. Buckets I thought were smaller then the one you have, but I could be wrong. There is nothing wrong with a Johnson loader in any way. Tested and proven design! Using a tiller is good counter weight but does the belt for the tiller interfier with the sub frame? 

[jellyghost 378]

That is a beast!  I would love a wheel horse with a front loader.  I hope it has good stability for you.

[roadapples 6,987]

       

[jay bee 915]

 to

Samwise looks like a wise choice.

 

Jim

[Bttatro 94]

That is one impressive machine you have there.    to and enjoy your !

[Retired Wrencher 6,939]

WheelE      Good looking worker Enjoy.

[AMC RULES 37,259]

9 hours ago, smoreau said:

Looks like a snow bucket. Full scoop of dirt may be too much for stability. I have a smaller bucket and 400+ pounds on that back am mine get tippy over 3 feet in the air.  

Careful...not to overload those front spindles...

a full bucket of heavy, wet snow can do that.  

For all intents and purposes...

those loader were intended for light duty only...i.e., mulch movers. 

[JC 1965 1,547]

Great lookin tractor. FEL should be very useful for you. Great photo thanks for sharing and       

[TDF5G 2,074]

You have a great looking "worker" there and an operator too!

[bmsgaffer 2,071]

You can upgrade that front axle and spindle to one from a 1991 or later 520H and it will have gear reduction steering, heavier duty 1" spindles, and a swept forward design. They are a bit hard to come by and can be expensive, but well worth it if you have a loader! You only need to drill two holes in the frame.

 

Also check the transmission mounting plate. Look for stress cracks, weld them up and reinforce it!

 

Welcome!