AHenry014 127 #1 Posted November 8, 2018 Found the ad a couple days ago on craigslist. It was pretty vague, but listed a phone number to reach him and was able to get some more info and pictures. The tractor was listed as a "418C, high hours but runs strong. Comes with deck and plow". The price was initially a bit of a turn off as it was more than i spent on my last two "nice" wheel horses combined, but after some research it was looking like a better and better deal due to the models rarity and the plow/weights/chains. Was finally able to align my schedule with the seller last night to go see it. From what i am told, he got it from the original owner who used it for a lawn care business, hence the hours. The hour meter lists approx 2400hrs, but the rest of the tractor does NOT seem that way, so maybe the key was left on a couple times. The tractor is in awesome shape, MUCH better shape than the 1600hr 314H i restored and sold last year. The 48" deck is in fabulous shape as is the 48" plow that it came with. Though i think it needs the carb cleaned, it ran very well, the hydrostatic drive and lift worked great, the PTO engaged easily and the deck was silent (new blades even!). I could tell that the fella who owned it for much of its life cared for it. It does need what the previous owner thinks is a starting solenoid. It wont start with the key, but will by jumping the terminals. My dads tractor (a 314-8 classic) also has this issue, so ill be diving into that this evening most likely. I was apprehensive about this tractor being hydrostatic as i didnt care for my last hydro tractor. However, the floor mounted lever as opposed to the column mounted lever definitely changed my mind, along with this tractor not being as worn out. I ended up paying 700 for it, which i thought was a fair deal considering the plow/weights/chains. I figure that stuff is worth a minimum of 200, so i came home with a very nice, and rare, tractor for around 500 bucks. As an added bonus, the guy i bought it from saved a set of chrome hub caps from the scrap yard. The fronts exist on the tractor, but he misplaced the rears since the wheel weights were on there. He will be getting them to me when he finds them. The biggest added bonus, buried treasure, hens teeth, was the hidden chrome rear wheels! Cant wait to get those things cleaned up! He said someone came to look at the tractor and offered him cash plus another set of wheels/tires in trade for them. Was that one of you guys?! I have attached the few pictures i have of it. Got home around 930 last night and didn't even get a chance to get it off the trailer. I look forward to getting my hands dirty with this one in the next couple days. 13 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Razorback 1,032 #2 Posted November 8, 2018 Very nice! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elliot ness 1,916 #3 Posted November 8, 2018 Nice Machine. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,711 #4 Posted November 8, 2018 I'm a fan of the 418-C for snow removal, that hydro lift and Eaton Hydro coupled with a Kohler twin is great. Makes a good leaf blower too. 3 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 16,942 #5 Posted November 8, 2018 Very good machine. I have the A model and it is a workhorse for sure. You’ll love the power and it’s ability. Good score! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #6 Posted November 8, 2018 1 hour ago, 953 nut said: I'm a fan of the 418-C for snow removal, that hydro lift and Eaton Hydro coupled with a Kohler twin is great. Makes a good leaf blower too. Very nice Mr. Squid! How did you mount the squirrel cage? Could you Sir post a few pic's? Sir? I need one too! (Take notice of how polite this Jarhead is when he needs wants something. ) At Camp Lejeune we used rakes. Aboard the USS Guam, stood in chow lines. Last for morning chow call, forget it. You would be 1st for lunch. Thinking, "Greeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttt!" 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LengerichKA88 1,881 #7 Posted November 8, 2018 That is a fantastic looking tractor! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,711 #8 Posted November 8, 2018 1 hour ago, Tankman said: Mr. Squid! How did you mount the squirrel cage? Could you Sir post a few pic's? Sir? I need one too! (Take notice of how polite this Jarhead is when he needs wants something. Semper Fidelis! The framework for the blower fan is simply some scrap angle iron welded to an old mule drive. It is about six inches off the ground and the position was determined by the length of an old belt I had hanging on the shop wall at the time. I will take a few pictures of it tomorrow. Squid! My first duty station in the Navy was an AKA (Attack Kargo Amphibious; Navy couldn't spell Cargo). As an Assault Boat Coxswain we transported Jarheads and their equipment to the beach heads in Mike Boats (landing craft) and dropped the bow door so you could slog through the knee deep water, dig a foxhole to sleep in and eat "C" rations. After dropping you off we returned to the ship, took a shower, had a hot meal and slept in a dry bed. Never regretted my decision to join the Navy. 3 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #9 Posted November 8, 2018 Jealousy is starting to set in here ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #10 Posted November 8, 2018 (edited) My USN uncles called me a bellhop. If ever again, I would be a squid! The mess hall was better than C-Rations! Edited November 8, 2018 by Tankman 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LengerichKA88 1,881 #11 Posted November 8, 2018 28 minutes ago, Tankman said: If ever again, I would be a squid! Such Blasphemy, and right before our 243rd birthday! Chesty is spinning in his grave right now 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #12 Posted November 9, 2018 11 hours ago, Lengerich8 said: Such Blasphemy, and right before our 243rd birthday! Chesty is spinning in his grave right now How right you are. Once a Jarhead, always a Jarhead! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,205 #13 Posted November 9, 2018 Great tractor. I have the 418-8 with the electric lift. The m18 is a good engine however, the valves aren’t adjustable so the stems need to be ground and fitted if required. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,671 #14 Posted November 9, 2018 Welcome to the 418-C club. They are tough, fast, stout little tractors and since they are one year only machines, they are pretty scarce. I love the fact that they have a simpler electrical system and beefed up wear point spots like the front axle spindles. My son bought this one about a year ago and it needed some work to straighten out PO problems. However, mechanically we have it pretty well squared away now and have had the opportunity to use it all summer and fall—Great Tractor! My son loves how fast it is hence his giving it the name “JackRabbit”. We are hoping to refurbish it this winter and have it looking really sharp next spring. I think that you got a good deal on your machine. It looks to have been well cared for and should continue to serve you well. It it would be really interesting to park one of these directly beside a 418-A model to compare and contrast. 🤔 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,515 #15 Posted November 9, 2018 Was always Kohler . Now enjoy my Onan too! Sounds like a Harley too! The '90 520-8 works without any groans. Must've went to Paris Island. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LengerichKA88 1,881 #16 Posted November 9, 2018 41 minutes ago, Tankman said: Was always Kohler . Now enjoy my Onan too! Sounds like a Harley too! The '90 520-8 works without any groans. Must've went to * San Diego. Fixed it for ya 😂😂 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,711 #17 Posted November 9, 2018 21 hours ago, Tankman said: Squid! How did you mount the squirrel cage? Could you Sir post a few pic's? Sir? Nothing fancy, just some scrap angle iron and an old mule drive. Had to do a little trimming on the left side to clear the tire. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHenry014 127 #18 Posted November 13, 2018 That blower is really cool!! My neighbors would love if i can up and down our private road with one of those!! Nothing too exciting to report on this tractor just yet. I was busy for most of the weekend getting two of my other WH tractors cleaned up and listed for sale. I was able to clear the cost of the 418-C by selling my very nice 312-8 with bagger and plow setup. I bought that tractor from the original owner who happened to be a neighbor of mine. I had the original sales receipt for it at about 3300 dollars in 1991, plus tax! 2600 for the tractor, 400 for the mower deck, and 300 for the bagger setup! Add the sales tax and he paid about 3500 for it. Accounting for inflation, that tractor would have retailed around 6 grand less the plow setup and less tax! I picked up another 312-8 a couple weeks ago for a really great price. It came with a very nice 42" plow, plastic weights, and a pair of chains. Someone installed 8" wheels on it at some point as well. It was one of those finds where i was lucky to see the ad within 40 minutes of it being posted. I tossed around the idea of keeping it around for parts, but it was honestly in too good of shape for that. I put new fuel lines/filter on it, choke cable, and cleaned the carb out. It runs beautifully! I have that one currently listed for sale with the plow setup with some interest so far, just no lookers. As for the 418-C, I removed the 48" mowing deck and was pleased to see overall good condition and newer blades. Ill be removing the deck belt to check, but the spindles turn very smoothly. The deck looks original, but hard to say. Is there anything that makes a commercial deck different than the standard? I removed the plastic wheel weights that it came with and sold them with my nicer 312. I took some cleaner and a rag to one rear wheel and boy does she shine up! After tinkering for a while, this is what it needs/what i will be doing: -Front tie rods are very worn. One was bent, so i tried bending it back, but it snapped. I welded it back together with plans for new ones. -Front tires are worn. I have a spare pair of Carlisle turfs ill be putting on there to match the rears. -Rebuild the carb -Replace the choke cable -Replace the spark plugs -Change the oil -Clean the oil breather/baffle -Replace the ignition switch. I pulled the factory one off there to find loose and rusty terminals. A new one is on the way. -Trace the wiring. There's some interesting things going on with the wiring so i will be reversing all that back to factory. I think someone had issues with the ignition switch and tried to bypass some things. -Steering column bushing/bearing. I will be removing the steering wheel for disassembly to see what needs to be replaced. Ill also work on getting some pictures for you guys. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHenry014 127 #19 Posted November 21, 2018 Ill have more pictures up shortly, but i am in need of help. I cant seem to locate the correct carb rebuild kit for the Walbro that is on there. It ran OK, but with all the work i am doing, i wanted to make sure i got in there and got it cleaned out. The bowl was a little dirty and the needle fell apart when i touched it. I bought this part carb kit: https://www.amazon.com/Kohler-25-757-02-S-Carburetor/dp/B0014CCA0Q but the needle is too large and the seat is not replaceable. i think i might need this kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/KOHLER-CARB-REBUILD-Walbro-M8-M10-M12-M14-M16/140892169040?hash=item20cdd3e350:g:kvEAAOxygo9Q5~OM:rk:4:pf:0 but it does not list the m18 engine. At the end of the day, i think all i need is a bowl gasket and a needle. Does anyone have part numbers for those individually. Might try to pick them up on my way home today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,147 #20 Posted November 21, 2018 (edited) For a Walbro with the fixed main jet this may work Edited November 21, 2018 by pfrederi 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,205 #21 Posted November 21, 2018 37 minutes ago, pfrederi said: For a Walbro with the fixed main jet this may work Yep that’s the one. let it soak overnight in cleaner and blow it out good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHenry014 127 #22 Posted November 26, 2018 Finally got her back on her feet on Saturday. She runs quite well now with the rebuilt carb. Everything works well but I believe I witnessed the moment it stopped charging the battery. I’ll need to check into this the next time I get to pull it into the garage. Anywho, here’s some pics! The part of the “frame” that the front seat mount bracket bolts to was broken on one side and the other side wasn’t too far behind, so I remade my own. 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,711 #23 Posted November 26, 2018 1 hour ago, AHenry014 said: Everything works well but I believe I witnessed the moment it stopped charging the battery. Could be a bad fuse holder or the voltage regulator. Mine quit charging, had no voltage indication at the meter, fuse holder (under the battery) was corroded and once I replaced it all was well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHenry014 127 #24 Posted December 3, 2018 (edited) Got it sorted using the Kohler troubleshooting guide found in the m18 service manual. Checked all the wiring in regards to the charging circuit and found it all to be good. Checked the stator and made sure it was producing adequate voltage. I couldnt seem to verify if the voltage regulator was bad or not, but it was the last piece of the puzzle. 14 bucks later and i was in business. I took the downtime opportunity to remove and clean all the tins as well as the cooling fins in the heads. They were caked with grime and dirt. I think the tractor dropped a couple pounds removing it all! As far as the carb kit goes, i got the Walbro one in the mail and it was the only correct kit of the bunch that i purchased. The first was Kohler P/N 25 757 02-S. It list the m18, but the needle and seat were wrong. The second was Kohler P/N 25 757 11-S (actually a Stens kit). This kit came up when searching for M18, but it was not correct. It had one gasket that was right, the one between the 90° piece that fits between the carb body and the air fitler. The needle was one that had a spring on it. Including the spring, it was the same length as the original. I installed it and the engine ran fine, but ended up putting the one in there from the Walbro Kit you guys pointed me to. The Walbro kit was the only one with the correct replacement gasket for between the carb and the intake manifold. Thanks for the help on that one!! I was able to inspect the mower deck and found it to need a lot of attention. I will come back with pictures when the time comes since its quite interested how much material from the spindles is missing! There are a couple cracked here and there and it needs a full set of new wheels. But for now, the tractor is ready for winter work! I am very happy with how it came out. It runs and drives very smoothly. Edited December 3, 2018 by AHenry014 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,067 #25 Posted December 3, 2018 really good recovery on that horse, the mental view of seeing what you have, is the way to go , no matter what you find , the fact that you are getting after it, is steadily making it better . picked up a high back seat at , BRIANS FARM & FLEET , EXACT W/H BOLT PATTERN. receipt # s , blain # 334639, mfg. item # 11500bk01un, deluxe high - back seat. internet. keep it going , Pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites