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Well, I never had any kids.....and no, I'm not adopting any of you...

Spent some more time on my Big Ugly D-160 today. Installed the freshly rebuilt carb, put a few Band-Aids on the wiring, hooked up an IV bottle and gave the engine a spin. I'm happy to report that this ole girl runs and drives exceptionally well. @WHX?? looks like we have a new show cruiser. The front end was quite pigeon toed so I straightened that out a bit, still some fine tuning required there. The wiring is littered with the worst thing ever invented by man, "Scotch locks". Despite the crappy wiring the lights work, as does the horn that some PO installed. It does not currently charge though. it will require a whole new wire harness before I will trust it to be reliable.

This machine was a disaster as it sat out in the weather, unused for three+ years and very likely was stored outside before it was parked. I was told he was sure it would run with a bit of work. When I got it home, I changed the oil out, drained the tank, put a few drops of MM oil in the spark plug holes, hooked up the jumpers and turned it over a few times over a 5-minute period. Added some fresh gas, put a little down the carb and she fired right and purred like an Onan should, amazing. On top of that, every idiot light and gauges functioned perfectly. So here it is, a before and after shot. Also, a big shoutout to @vinylguy for the awesome decals. These were taken under crappy fluorescent lights. When I get it outside (soon as we get a sunny day) I will take a couple more.

I use mine for rebuilding engines and butchering deer, cleaning fish, peeling apples, and cleaning greasy finger nails.

Trina would agree with that. That girl ain't got a negative bone in her body but if you present her with a flat head fastener of any kind that's mildly corroded, she will invent new words...

I have seen a ton of these towballs behind WheelHorses. From the south of Belgium to up in the north of the Netherlands. They all look identically the same and have the correct paint. I have seen too many to be homemade by a dude. Is this something WHeelHorse would have made? Maybe Belgium factory special?

Well said Joe. I have told my wife that when I check out she should post the news of my demise here on Red Square and let everything go to whoever wants it, free for the taking. The value on most of it is the pleasure I've gotten from it and the love it will receive from another Horse-A-Holic. There is plenty to go around and if it were auctioned at a local auction it wouldn't bring a tremendous amount of money and no one would know what the odd pile of parts in the corner or on the shelf is but folks here would.

Been thinking about this ever since I had to handle the dismantling of my Dad's shop and his 50 years of accumulated tools, machines, parts, and materials. Ultimately, he agreed with my suggestion that he take a small kit of tools he would want at his assisted living apartment and then let the children and grandchildren draw lots and then pick one item at a time from what was left. Children (there are six of us) went a couple rounds and then the grands got a round. Each person chose the item that meant the most to them from what hadn't yet been chosen. The large, expensive power tools were NOT the first to go. It was hand tools that my Dad had taught us to use when we were young. He was very moved by this, I can tell you, and it compensated a lot for the loss of his shop. The whole process took days since I had to create an inventory of each possible pick and not everyone could be available at the same time to make their choices. Eventually, some of us could not use anything else and dropped out. When everything that was wanted had been chosen, the remainder was donated to a charity's tag sale. For me, my shop and tools and the tractors are a hobby and the costs are sunk. I won't try to recover any money when it's time for mine to go, so I'll have designated recipients for some specific items but the rest I'll leave for others to choose. I've started an inventory to help whoever does this for me.

Ya know I'm only 31 and I think about that. At this point we don't plan on having kids and I told her if I die unexpectedly just get on my RedSquare profile and ask for help. I know you are good honest people and would help her get rid of all my "junk" as my mother in law calls it lol

A truly great Song Steve. I have it in mind today like an earworm while i do my today’s Work. I‘m missing my Friend Peter, who‘s passed 5 years Ago on Cancer. Whenever it was time, we wrenched together on different Things - my thing today was the Start of the Transit rework. Firstly i put the Transit onto the Lift to see if it can lift it ( hey, it Works now - cool) 😎 than i decide to rebuild it as good as i can and as close to Original. Begin to make me templates of the Inner Fender as close to original as i can. Than i begin it Step by Step to shape the Metalparts based on my Templates until they will fit. I decide to keep a little more gap between the Inner and outer Fender to glue it later together instead of Welding. Felt a hundret times check it it will Fit remove reshape check... hammering a little here and there and so on... if it fits i spotweld it on And allway‘s forming shape, check correct it, check... until the whole inner Fender is final. i take a extreme care about a 100% accurate flat surface on the Tyre site. Tadaaa the new Metalstructure inner fender is finished. after that i give the inner side of the outside Fendersheet a primer and a colorcoat, because there are points i can not reach after the outer fender is welded on... yap, you see right, i choosed my RAL3003 as the Final Color Scheme for the Transit. This are my „Wheelhorse Rulez“ Than i grinded it a little to get a little friendlier surface and primer and Paint it also. at least i spot welded the outside Fendersheet on, point by Point but just on the Outside. the inner fender will be later glued together with Sika - a PU based glue solution what is also used i.eg. for Windscreens. That glue is UV Resistant and have an ultra extreme Adhesion. Lotus use that Sika also for their Alu Frame on the Lotus Elise. that will fill also the little Gaps i leave between the Surfaces and prevent that the Metalparts will scratch on it‘s surfaces together. Additionally i thinker also about an Plastic Fender inlay to protect the Metal parts from stones. This was just a little fract of the whole Project, but today successfully finished.

He keeps it under his hat!

Slotted screws are the worst. Followed by Scotch Locks. Spring clamp fuel line clamps 3rd.

I told the wife once I'm gone, "have an auction and sell everything". There's just no way she can handle this place on her own. And use whatever is there to make herself comfortable some place she can enjoy whatever time she has left.

If I begin to think about that,,,,I seem to go the other direction and buy another Horse....keeps me from thinking about that. ( The what will happen when I am gone part. ) I hope my 2 sons appreciate them like I do. ..my oldest has his 418A. After he outgrew the B80, he wanted to use my 418A, then he wanted one so I hunted for the elusive 1 year Tractor....after 8 months I travelled far to get it for him. He loves it, and uses it weekly, but Dad still gives it all the love it needs. He knows how to do the things I do, but thinks I do them better. ( I think its a ploy to make me do the work..... ...Anyways, He will forever keep his and my 418A tractors Im sure. As for the rest of the herd????? Maybe he will have the 418's for waxing...and another one for mowing...and another ...well, you get the drift !!

My 1995 520-H is finally getting close to completion of the restore. This machine was a disaster as it sat out in the weather, unused for three+ years and very likely was stored outside before it was parked. I was told he was sure it would run with a bit of work. When I got it home I changed the oil out, drained the tank, put a few drops of MM oil in the spark plug holes, hooked up the jumpers and turned it over a few times over a 5 minute period. Added some fresh gas, put a little down the carb and she fired right and purred like an Onan should, amazing. On top of that, ever idiot light and gauges functioned perfectly. So here it is, a before and after shot. Also, a big shoutout to @Vinylguy for the awesome decals. These were taken uder crappy florescent lights. When I get it outside (soon as we get a sunny day) I will take a couple more.

I entered this machine into Steiner Tractor’s photo contest. Here’s a link to the contest.. http://wshe.es/IwZAsBnK

My Doctor keeps telling me, "I don't know what you are doing, but I wouldn't change a thing." I know he has me mixed up with somebody else. I've got 3 kids...one of each, and I don't think any of them could take all that is here. Looks like none of them is going to have any kids...soooooo...I'm going to ship it all to that garbage dump that BC Gold camps out at, and he can start a new thread about "What These People Throw Away." One other thing to know...when any member passes, let Admins or Mods know. Karl turns your user name Green to acknowledge your contribution.

You must have those cargo pants with the "extra large" pockets...

My son has no need for a tractor as his lawn can be cut with a pair of scissors. My C-160 would be the last to go as long as I'm around. The tractors would have to be sold off as I would want my wife to get something out of putting up with my hobbies over the years. All of my extra parts will go to the closest surviving WH guy that wants all of it.

Just watched a little of this unfold a coupler years back. A family member went quicker than anticipated and left countless numbers of tools, a classic car and some guns behind. Not much in place about what goes where. Needless to say the family vultures were out in full force. I give his wife credit she just wanted to wait and see before commiting. She has sold a few items but overall not much. I know she commented to me that there was still a garage full and was uncertain. I told her the cleanest thing I have seen is an auction. Invite the vultures and sell it. The auction people come in and categorize label and list. (Garage is still full and waiting) Planning ahead, (as Don has done), is the best, and will eliminated the headaches. Myself, my son has full gratis to all of my stuff. If i go it is all his to do as he pleases. (he has two of the WH machines now and it is all good) My wife, son and daughter all know about my intentions. I have enjoyed working in the shop and the hobby of WH's. Ain't going to get to bent on where they go......someone just might enjoy them as much a I have??

What you think Lynn 3/8 5/16” The way they were talking I though this is a common event. I did get a hydro machine from a guy that used it at a marina moving boats. The rear hitch had a 3/4 hole for a ball and was anything but straight. No case issues. I would be more concerned as to being bring out of control then picking a hole in the case especially with normal home use worse case moving a smaller boat around.

After reading in the forums and online I found more than not, The normal question is, "What's wrong with it and why did it just stop running".However, I'm now a proud owner of one red 32-year-old beast lol. So I get on her today hit the key and she said nope,,, today shes working me lol. After 8 hours of troubleshooting my new question is this." After 30 years what's not wrong with it and how the hell did she ever run after the dry rotted, rusting , missing parts, mouse house I just went thru lolo".This is not troubleshooting this is a complete electrical rebuild ground up to include the same for the fuel system starting with a new tank lol. It was like trying to baptize a cat lol.

And all of the points are above are exactly why I DON'T use those hitches. Here's a light duty version. And here's one I'm building that's going to be able to hold whatever I throw at it.

Interesting point there Mike. I've seen some carburetors here that had a good collection of ethanol pearls after as little as 3 or 4 months and if I remember right that was during the summer months when Maine has medium to high humidity all the time. Notwithstanding the humidity, condensation, collection of water, etc..... Pete I have to respectfully disagree with you here... There's no denying what alcohol will do to rubber. On an engine that has not yet had a carb rebuild with newer gaskets that tolerate the alcohol I've seen some very interesting twists turns and curls to the gaskets and seals.

Not sure I want to ask for an explanation!

I'm happy you have had such good luck with ethanol. I guess you don't have any old engines with metal gas tanks, don't think STA BIL will stop the ethanol from rusting them. From what I have read they don't make enough ethanol for all the gas that is sold, but I'm not going to take the chance I'll stay with nonethanol in my lawn equipment and my old Toyota.

Agreed. I would not be super warm and fuzzy about putting more than 100 lb or so of tongue weight on that.

Torch or air chisel!

More like 12!

You have given me inspiration to contemplate the inevitable… while we’ve planned for the “estate” in the normal fashion, the ‘s and the SL&WHN RR in particular are unique, but of limited “value” in the eyes of auction houses and the general public. I kinda like @953 nut’s idea. Post the obit here and pass them on to folks who will appreciate, keep them going and use them…

First one I’ve seen… Good question…

In reference to the lump under the hood of your car it seems that the haughtier we are the more apt we are to call it an engine. I, being as haughty as they come, call them engines. Boat engines are called “outboard motors” or “engines.” Very rarely, “outboard engine.” Lots of mention of electric motors. But there are also hydraulic, pneumatic, and vacuum motors. Probably other types. You’d think a steam engine would more aptly be named a motor. Hero’s engine too. The real dilemma in life is whether the evening meal is called supper or dinner. Best left for etymologists I suppose. Or is that entomologists? Sometimes I can’t remember the difference and it bugs me beyond words. Steve

what are you trying to say? you mean you really cannot take it all with you LOL!

I just hope who ends up with my stuff enjoys it as much as I have. 520H. 71 El Camino bought new, 47 Chevrolet sedan delivery bought in 1972, Several of my tools (that I still use) bought while in high school. The latest project is a train set in the basement. My son-in-law is a great guy and wonderful dad but has no mechanical interest. Our son died in car wreck 17 years ago. Someone will end up with the stuff I have accumulated--but not for several more years--Lord willing.

Let’s see some pics ! … And also… if it’s a Wheel Horse, it can go to any show, anytime… they hold their own against any brand, worked hard and tired, original patina, restored, survivor; don’t matter, they hold their own ! If the creek doesn’t rise, and the GOOD LORD is willing, I will be at the Big Show this year with my 1994 520H and my 1984 Work Horse GT-1600… many tractors there will be nicer looking… some may not… but these 2 are mine, and they WILL attend the Ball ! BTW, I intend to wear out my yellow and white tractors before I put either of my Wheel Horses to regular work…

I posted this topic about 12 years ago here, but I have this RR-46 and after much research I’m beginning to believe that I have one of the only ones in existence? Mine was NOS when I bought it probably almost twenty years ago. I’ve seen a few RR-66 steering wheel steer machines, but no tiller steer machines. This has non-pneumatic tires on the front, they are solid rubber. Years ago someone had one that was supposedly in the crate but it was never exposed or sold that I know of. If anyone knows where there’s another one I’d surely love to know about it! Thank you!

I swung by my welders place and picked up the deck hanger brackets that I had him weld up for the 48 inch SD deck. Some of the slotted holes were worn, and the post on the height adjustment handle was worn too. While I was there he gave me a few cutting wheels for my die grinder…

Got one of my horses a new battery today. Upgraded from 230CCA to 300CCA at 0°F since this is my year rounder that does mowing and snowblowing and also winch duty. Went to Lowe's because it said online they had 84 of them. Lies! They had exactly zero. I went to a local joint (CountryMax) and they had the same size Interstate battery for $10 less than Lowe's. I really should give my money to local business more instead of the big box stores.

The problems may be more relevant depending where you are. Most of my tractors get little or no use in winter. There isn't enought snow here to use one. As such, there are some machines that have months without use. Ethanol wreaks havoc on old fuel systems, and it does so quickly. In addition, anything with a carburetor simply does not run as well with ethanol. Having used it unwittingly several times before I stopped, I believe this to my bones. Poor starting and rought idle compared to non-ethanol on some engines. Feel free to call me crazy, I don't mind. I've been called worse, and wear it proudly. There is a theory down here: The quality of fuel differs wildly from one station to another. Some gas stations have such poor standards of fuel, that you really have to be careful. One in particular is so bad that both mine and my wife's truck run rough if we get gas there. Both vehicles are fuels injected. We avoid that place like the plague!

I know you can still get literature on the RR-46 and RR-47. That I have seen when doing research on the RR-65 I owned. That being said I have personally never seen one in person. It might be that they just didnt survive. As you know it has a pretty unusual drive assembly. I know when the fork broke in my transmission I had a heck of a time getting parts for it. They also are very awkward to drive, half the pedal down for forward, pedal all the way down for reverse. No gears, only hi and low. Complicated belt system makes you go forward and reverse. On top of all that feels like your 5 inches off the ground when you are driving it. One thing you cant take away from them is they sure are coooooool.

@CB520HC , @kpinnc personally don't understand all the non ethanol hype , have not had a related issue , my fuel tanks are clean , 2 fuel filters on each horse , 1 close to tank , next close to carb , vertical fuel check valves in place on my horses , just before carb. STA BIL fuel treatment in every bit of my fuel , another thing is replacing the original black fuel hose with clear vinyl fuel rated hose . all my fuel bowls are clean , no debris or crud. regularly run my stuff , with instant starts , and no issues . just my 2 cents , pete

This 312-8 was my regular mower for 30 out of the 33 years I have owned it since new. First picture was in 89 with its first coat of wax going on,and second picture was this past weekend hauling a dump cart around. Keep after it and never put it away wet.A WheelHorse really is worth the extra effort to keep it nice. It just deserves it. @Mustang67ford

For the record I absolutely agree with you. I genuinely do not believe that I am an accident / incident statistic waiting to happen or I wouldn't pull what I do but this is definitely a "do not try this at home" situation. It's important to remember that I'm well trained on the subjects of heavy and or awkward cargos and how to move them safely. This is literally what I do for a living. I have a FAR better than average understanding of the great differences between static weights and dynamic load movement. My tractors are specially set up with several hundred lbs of additional weight. When moving heavy loads I travel quite slowly and keep a great awareness of all aspects of the situation. So.... With all of the above said... My big wheel tractor project will absolutely not use stock Horse brakes as it's only means.

I’m gonna disagree with you on this @ebinmaine… these tractors do not have braking capable of stopping those kinds of loads on steep terrain. I too have pulled 1000 - 1500 pound boats, trailers etc. but only very slowly, with tongue wheel down and rolling, on very very flat terrain… if I need more I use my vehicle… To easy to flip and not be able to stop a …

If the draw bar is the same under the transmission as the standard one, there must be a lot of leverage pushing up there.

Nothing I have ever seen but well built and looks quite handy.

I have no one yet? to leave to. So will probably have an estate sale with all the tractor-tools over the last 50 years myself have been collecting. It has been a good time doing this hobby and with all whom I met along the way. Senior and rookies.

i just put a 3/8" street 90 in my Kohlers.