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I spent last week at our river place with my two youngest sons (who are about to turn 14 & 15). It was just them and me. We had a great time, and I got a lot of work done on the house. The house used to be the home of my maternal grandparents, and I've already posted and other places about how after many years, I was able to get back my grandfather's long-lost 1973 Wheel Horse Model 10 that was sold after he died in '93. Anyway, this winter when my B-80 went on the list just before a potential snowstorm, I made some room here at the house, brought the 10 home, and spent about 10 hours one Saturday getting it running so I could push snow. And run she does! There's a little smoke during rapid throttle adjustment, and the slightest of "creep" forward when she's in neutral on level ground, but other than that, she's strong. Although the front lens is gone, even the headlights/tail light work! But I digress, so back to the river house. There's a pretty nice Craftsman 19HP Twin down there right now, but it had been sitting all winter and I wasn't sure what it's running state would be. Plus, I can put a regular hitch-ball on the WH, and I knew that would be handy, so I put a deck on the old girl (the original is solid, but needs some welding), loaded her up and off we went. I know it sounds silly, but it was really an emotional moment cutting the grass there with that tractor for the first time in almost 20 years. I don't know if my grandfather is looking down or not, but if he is, I can't help but think he was pleased. He really loved that tractor. So...just for fun, I thought I'd do a "DearPhotograph" kind of thing. It's not exact, but close enough. Enjoy!

Hadn't thought about that. I will take a look at the owner's manual as there is an electrical wiring diagram. I did not know the PTO had a switch but I would guess it does and is some how tied in with the lever I push forward to engage the blades (PTO). Thanks...hadn't thought of that at all. That may be where the prob. is since whether the safety switch is unplugged or plugged or jumped, pushing the lever forward still killed the engine. I'll let you know tomorrow. Thanks again.

Well that sucks but its good that your reflexes were working! At least it wasn't a plastic fantastic throw away mower, you'd be pickin it off the sidewalk with a dustpan-n-broom. Mike...........

:ROTF:

Hey Craig. I used Dupli-Color Cherry Red on the block, and it is starting to burn off around the exhaust. However, I used VHT cast coat aluminum header paint on the head, and exhaust, and it still looks like new! Its kind of funny having the paint on the block burned, but the exhaust looking new. Matt :flags-texas:

Here you go..... Make your own....much cheaper and probably stronger! http://www.mcmaster.com/#tie-rod-ends/=h5db2l

What spooked your Horse? I bet that ride scared the crap out of you. Are you sure you're OK? :thumbs:

That is how I was doing on it smile from ear to ear. My wife thought I was cute, I was like a kid at Christmas. This is my 3rd big 16 Kohler and another sitting on my bench looking to get mounted. (ooh...that sounds kind of sexy) :banana-tux:

I've used Rustoleum Coal Tar Epoxy on 2 decks now. It's similar to truck bed liner. It has a very high abrasion resistance & guarenteed for 10 yrs in salt water situations. You never know when you might take the tractor marlin fishing! The first tractor was sold, so no idea how thats working out. My personal tractor is doing great! I had the deck sand blasted made some repairs then applied 3 coats of the epoxy. I reinstalled all the hardware with stanless bolts and used it for 3/4 of last season. Last year it stayed clean as a whistle (assuming you keep your whistle clean). This spring I mowed damp tall grass 2 times and mowed over all the clumps until it was grass powder. A week later I checked the deck and it was plugged. I think if I had that water fitting and had used it after mowing most of that grass puree would have come out! I might try it. I plan on removing the deck around June for an inspection and I'll report the results.

Hi Craig, I agree with all said so far. I'm not for Factory Paint job of blast anything that shows. I also prefer VHT Paints on Hot Spots for resilience to heat and corrosion . As for Tin Work, the underside of the Hoods are left Powder Coat Satin Black and then Acrylic/Cellulose (laquered) Topside. So far I have no deterioration caused by heat .

I use high-temp black on the fins of the block, and the head is just silver aluminum, so it won't need anything. Valspar will be fine on the tins and bottom of the block. Just not on the hot spots of the block. Looks like this K181, and none of mine have ever faded or lost paint due to heat. I have heard of others using regular paint OVER the high-temp stuff, but never tried it myself.

The key is to use it after EACH mowing, not after the grass is dried on for months. When used that way, it works well.

I'll bet that thing is a real powerhouse with that K341 on it. My fresh rebuilt K301 has plenty of power, but I just image how strong that 16 must feel, even with a little wear in it. I'm going to own one someday with a stack, and I'll be grinning from ear to ear! Matt :flags-texas:

nice lookin tractor,i usually dont worry too much about smoking till your eyes are burning when driving them :ychain:

Put the bushing in for the throttle shaft and it is snug as a bug. Runs sweet! Should have done this a long time a go. I didn't have to remove the throttle shaft just slid the bushing over it and used a socket to tap it down into the resess hole and :woohoo: