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Was at a show over the weekend in Georgetown,Ohio this was on display in the flower bed.

This little guy found it's way onto my trailer and followed me home this evening. It's a 1-8755, 1970 Lawn Ranger. Pretty sad shape. Doesn't run. Needs a lot of help. Anyone with spare parts, especially body and trim, please feel free to PM me.

I don't think it will become a show queen, but if I can get it running, it will make a nice toy for the grandsons. Edit: or maybe a Birthday Party tractor.

A mystery to myself and many collectors is the unusual kill switch on the very early Ride-Aways. Where did it come from? Well, Clay Brooks was kind enough to send me several pictures of his original switch for me to reference during my research. After about 40 hours of research I have discovered the source. I am 100% confident in the accuracy of my findings. Believe it or not, the stop button was actually used on prewar bicycle tank horns. It was manufactured by the Delta Electric Company of Marion, Indiana. During this era, bicycles often had simulated gas tanks which had a battery operated horn inside the tank. The push button is what Elmer and Cecil must have found on scraped bicycles in the local scrap yards. The reason I believe that they installed used switches is because all of the post war Delta bicycle horns have a concave button which is different than the convex button used on the prewar bikes. As you know, the tractor in question was manufactured in 1955. I also believe that the oval, brass mounting plate was manufactured by the Ponds (please note that I am not 100% confident on who made the mounting plate, but Clay is kind enough to send me a template) so the switch would fit the tractor application. Keep in mind that these prewar Delta bicycle horns are fairly expensive on Ebay, but since the little switch is over 60 years old, I don't know of any alternative sources. I hope this information makes you as glad as I am. If anyone can contradict my findings, I relish your results as my goal is to provide accurate information. Here is some company information from Wikipedia. The Delta Electric Company was an American electronics manufacturer formed in 1913 in Marion, Indiana (after moving from Chicago, Illinois) that produced lanterns, flashlights, automotive and bicycle lighting, battery tubes, horns, horn buttons, light switches, other battery-powered electrical parts,[2] and bilge pumps.[3] Delta was purchased in 1965 by the Novo Industrial Corporation.[1][4] One of Novo Industrial Corp.'s subsidiary companies, King Bee Manufacturing Co.,[5] was moved to Marion, and its line of automotive lighting and safety equipment, including headlamps, safety lights, directional lights, mirrors, and reflectors for trucks, buses, trailers, and farm tractors, was merged into the Delta line of products.[1] United Air Cleaner (UAC) was a division of Nova Industrial Corp. that produced air cleaners.[3] Delta Electric was a division of Novo Industrial Corp. until 1968 when Novo became part of United Filtration Corp.[1] Delta continued to operate as a division of United Filtration.[1][6] After selling off the line of bicycle accessories, Delta continued to produce accessories for the automotive industry such as truck side-view mirrors and various automotive switches.[1] By 1976 the company's main line had become warning buzzers for fire and security alarms.[1] Halle Industries Inc. had acquired Delta[6][7] in 1977, and on March 31, 1978, shut down production of Delta Electric due to losing contracts for their smoke detector alarms to Japanese imports.[1]

Saturday was my youngest grandson's 2nd birthday party. He is fascinated with tractors, and every time he comes to my house it's always "Papa's tractors" as the first words out of his mouth. So my daughter suggested that I bring my 701 to Grant's party. Since Grant's other grandfather was here from Wisconsin, and he is a tractor nut himself, we decided to have two tractors, and two carts so that all 11 kids could ride. So I loaded up the 701 and the Commando 8 along with one bathtub cart. My son-in-law had a cart already. Here we are. Two tractor nut granddads having the time of our lives. That's me of course in the funny hat. This is Hank, from Wisconsin on the Commando. We even had 3 young ladies from age 10 to 13 who wanted to learn to drive the tractors, so driving lessons were in order. After that, it was hard to keep them off the horses. An absolutely great time was had by everyone, especially the two old guys.

I just try to bring these pieces of American history back to working order. I do spend the time to make them look the way they should. I don't mind changing to a newer engine. Yes if I can find an original Kohler without having to spend more than the tractor is worth I will go that way. In the last few years people think everything they have, no matter what condition, should bring a premium price. I never use the word restored for anything I have. Everything I have is either just the way I got it or "REFURBISHED". The refurbished tractors are ready to go to work and they do look nice because I have pride in my work. It pleases me to see one of these Wheel Horses in their red glory. These pictures show you where this tractor came from to the refurbished working tractor it is now.

I can't talk real good, yet. So my PaPaw is doing this. Ya'll know him as Gunny. He got me a WH, it's a 1056 and needs some work. Mom won't let me ride yet, but she said when I am a little older, I could ride with PaPaw. Don't tell Mom, but PaPaw already let me sit on some of his WH's. I don't really like it when he starts them up, but I will get used to it. My Dad has a C100, and my Great GrandDad has a bunch of WH's too. UhOh, we hear Mom coming, we got to go. She keeps talking about a nap or something..... Maci

Welcome to the forums! You may be able to use a sleeve hitch with an adapter. Of course, a clevis hitch would be ideal. You can these items pretty quick on eBay. Your location is The Barn, mine too! Bank barn, lots of updates making it livable. Try the manual sections here or in the Yahoo Groups. Love the groups, maintained and have most all you might ever need; http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/wheelhorsetractormanuals/?yguid=533503226

If you have already changed the oil...just fill it up with diesel. Can you drive it as it is?? The fork gears are at the top of the trans and with no boot, that is where the rust is. The diesel is to loosen those shafts and fork gears...it will do that. Do not force anything...you may have to drop the trans to fix the set screw anyway........maybe. Boots are cheap and available from Toro...maybe $5.00. Those pesky set screws can make it so you have to drop the trans...however...with lubrication and the fenders and seat off...it gives you some room to mess with it...you have to take all that off anyway to drop the trans...little at a time...understand?? This is going to take some time...are you in a hurry to use this horse?? The B-80 is an excellent horse, and if you have the time to do this right...you will have a horse that will last another 40 years. We have some videos and plenty of pictures and sources for the bearings and seals if needed. Use the large screw driver to try to shift gears if you can drive it...any weird noises coming from the trans...like bearings popping around, grinding, etc....STOP...HALT...we are tearing it apart. Not a big deal. Try using the large screw driver as your shifter...before you decide to drop the trans. One thing the diesel does, is to give the trans a good cleaning while driving it around. It makes tearing it down a much cleaner job. You are supposed to come to complete stop before shifting gears anyway. Give the diesel a good chance.

Is a great thread Kiwi.

well, you'll have a follower in MI if you get it back out!

Bought and installed a 4" lift for the Waggy and finally got it around to installing it this weekend. I think it looks MUCH better. New BFG's to come in a week or two. Next up for the Wags....a Rhino grille (if I can find one) If anyone knows of where one is at I would be VERY appreciative!!! Here are a couple before and after pics (the last pic is of a Rhino grille)

Look up posts from MaineDad.... that will give you your answer! (hint.... no problem.)

I also wouldnt be running any small engine for any time on starter fluid....guaranteed to destroy it.

Hope it didn't sound like this? http://www.hark.com/clips/xkrwgxlrdp-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-theme-intro

Nice workshop Richard, I can't wait to see what the "Master of detail and perfection" creates next.. Oh, if your really bored your more than welcome to come and tidy my workshop to your standards

Nope, still sitting in the same spot it was 2 (or 3) years ago. I really need to get back on that one.

That would be handy for my other hobby.

If the pump is spurting gas, it's probably okay. How far does it spurt? You don't need many spurts to fill the carburetor bowl. Sound more like a carburetor problem than a pump problem.

Kind of looks like a ShopSmith for metal workers. Can't wait to see what you turn out Jim.

Probably fixable. You will more than likely get a response from Stevasaurus (and other's) on how to fix it. These are pretty simple trannys, and several of us have parts for repairs. If you are at all mechanical, and have a few simple handtools, taking one apart if necessary is not a big deal.

MAHINDRA HORSE 4025

Geez! What do I have to do to get one those Wheel Horse outfits in blue?!?! Now, if only I can get these dang oven mitts off! What do they think I do all day? bake bread?!?! Crue (born 7 Aug 13)

Can't talk real good... but Maci can type like the dickens.

I really like working this d200 backhoe!!

gee when I read the topic I was picturing a CNC 6 axis 250 tool magazine mill/turn center..... oh wait I was dreaming out loud again wasn't I Nice my father in law has one of those, never seen him use it but I am sure he does for gunsmithing.

Got any more money to spend? Littlemachineshop.com can help you get rid of it. Great looking machine, its capabilities will amaze you. I am sure you will start thinking of projects you never considered before.

I feel like a black sheep with my 1982 red hood . This is a unrestored 1982 SK486 with 1300 hours I bought new. I use it about 20-25 hours in the fall to clean up leaves. I use and old 42" deck for my vacuum system. I mow with a 99 314-8 Bowtie in Ohio

Looks like a useful machine, and it will do about 95% of the stuff you want to do on a tractor.

I like it Jim...I can see a stainless horse coming out here...maybe brushed aluminum. Glad you finally got a hold of that...very cool.

A good friend of mine has the same thing , we've made all kinds of parts ( bushings / spacers / even a scalloped headlight bracket out of aluminum for his chopper ) . Congratulations . They're good to have around .

A very handy Lathe/mill there Jim. Size-wise , it look's like it will cope with many jobs. Your gonna love it.

Nice pick up. Looks like a pretty neat machine.

very nice.

That's not a tire it's a mid-evil tourcher device

There should be very little hydraulic pressure in the return line, that is the usual place to fit oil coolers. A pair of car ones from the scrappy would be fine.

just bought 2 more a T758 & 1110 so we now have 4. told the wife that's enough for a collection. she said the panzers were hers. HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE

I will get a pic and post it later guys. I can say that the problem is no engagement. I pull the lever back like it says to and nothing happens. It has awesome brakes when using the pedal to stop....and yes clutch pedal on the left brake pedal on the right when sitting in the operator seat....just like your 125 Martin

Here is the latest....new BFG's 31 x 10.50 x 15 Still waiting and wanting to find a Rhino grille.

Here's my entry. My restored 1961 701. BEFORE: AFTER: