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Hi - My name is Kate Goelzhauser and I am the Managing Editor of a little magazine called Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine. It's a small, home-based business in southern Indiana. It's been in publication since 2006. It features all brands of lawn and garden tractors and equipment. We had excellent representation of Wheel Horse machinery until Covid hit. Since it shut down shows, our writers didn't have a good source to get photos and stories. I've tried to lasso in a few writers, but there has not been much response. This site is overflowing with stories, so my goal is to track some down, reach out to owners with some good quality photos, and start running Wheel Horse articles again. If you have a story about your tractor, your collection, a technical tip, a how-to article....anything.... please reach out to me here or at Kate@LagtMag.com. If you have something on this site, tag me or send me the link to your story. In anything that is published, you and Red Square will both be recognized and we will send you three free issues with that article as well. Thanks so much!

Spent this week with the Family in Delaware. Warm and dry, but a nice ocean breeze. Crabbing was excellent and the beer was cold.

A few from 3 years ago.

Just remember to leave the toung wheel on the trailer down and a couple inches off of the ground - it will act as a wheelie bar in case the trailer hangs up on something and the tractor decides to rotate around the back axle. Also remember that your 416-H will get more weight moving than it has brakes to stop. Be very careful moving trailers on hills with your tractor.

Finally got the handbrake working. This was waaaayyy more work than I would like to admit. First I bought a small handbrake lever and mechanism from a car thinking that would save me some work. Unfortunately that was still to big and I could'nt place it where and how I wanted it. So plan B was to make something from scratch using some components from the part I bought. Ended up not being a lot.. finally got that end sorted. On to the braking end. The Murray uses a disc brake on the transmission to stop the tractor. I was going to use that as a handbrake but the components were too far gone, especially the brake pads. Not wanting to hunt around for those things I purchased a universal drum brake kit with brakeband and adapted that to the original disc. Made a bracket and stuff and this is how it turned out. Brake on: Brake off: Brake on: Brake off: Brake on: Brake off:

availability was easy , local stop and shop pharmacy , glad to be keeping up with it , pete

Hello again. I found a very cool one today. At least it is cool to me because I have never put my eyes on a wheel horse tractor like this one before but, I am new to the roster. This is a C160 and is hydrostatic drive with a hydraulic valve body on the side for lifting and lowering deck which is currently not on the tractor for the photo shoot obviously. Are these tractors common amongst those who know what normal is? Thank you

For items that wont fit in the cabinet. Some time ago I bought a telescoping canopy tent from HF. https://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-10-ft-slant-leg-pop-up-canopy-62899.html decided I could use the frame for sandblasting. got some 4 mil plastic sheeting and wrapped over the frame also going to use a modified version for a spray booth. Works pretty well to keep the blast media inside the canopy area. Also bought an abrasive blasting hood from HF. The hard hat that was part of it was junk, so I swapped it for one I use at work. That along with a welding jacket makes the process more tolerable. all in about 150 bucks.

I built all of mine. 520-H C-120/180

Jacktown https://www.facebook.com/JacktownBlueMountain I don't know about any "rewards". Only one show up here that I know of does some "judging" on stuff. (Belltown) Most people are already packed up and gone by the time they get around to it at 2:00-3:00 pm anyway. The biggest reward you can get IMO is being proud of your accomplishment and enjoying the finished product. The shows up here in New England are pretty much bring what you got so we will get to see everything from beautifully restored collections to crappiest rusty old jallopies (which is what I prefer to see and bring). The "no judging" means people don't have to worry about bringing only trailer queens to compete with so there ends up being a lot more machines brought there because you're NOT going to be judged. Plus with any judging there's always going to be someone with a lot more money than the next guy to ruin it. It always ends up with something done way over the top, professionally done with a $10,000 paint job that not many others can even come close to compete with. Most likely the guy displaying something like that only paid to have it done and he always wins over the shade tree mechanic for example who did something with his grandson and has all their own blood sweat and tears into theirs. Most shows are antique engine shows so you will see MUCH older stuff than an 80-90s tractor. Don't let that discourage you because everyone still likes to see different stuff. There will probably be even more modern things there too. Take it to the shows even without any competition going on and people will see it, they'll stop, ask questions, you can explain all about it and show it off in all it's glory! You might find something like that much more rewarding than any little plaque or ribbon. Engine shows are full of friendly people as we all have the same common interest so it's typically pretty easy to make friends there. Do some searching and you should be able to find a few more in the area

315-8 with a 42” SD after yesterday’s mowing session.

Yesterday morning told SWMBO I was going to have a relaxing day. "I don't blame you", she said. "You've worked hard on the fence." I then checked the weather forecast. Rain on it's way, on and off for the next few days. Today, Saturday, forecast for all day and night, to start soon. So I thought I'd better get the green and verges mowed before the rain arrived. Got it done, tractor and deck cleaned. I take the deck off to clean underneath. Started to drizzle a tad just as I finished. Sun came out after lunch, so did one or two little jobs outside. Now what? I thought. I know I'll start on the next section of fencing. So the first panel is now fastened to the other gate post. SWMBO had been out all most of the day, except for lunch time. When she returned late afternoon and saw what I'd done, "I thought you were going to have an easy day", she said. "I got bored", was my reply. To that I got

Met up with @dells68 Dell and his family today. The guy picked me up a shirt at the show, personally delivered it to me on their way to the beach. Kind of out of the way for them. That is what I love about the people I have met here. I cannot thank him enough. Wish we could have hung out for a while but I had to go to work by the time he got close to me. Thanks brother!!

A very important thing in the shop that is not thought of often enough are sharp pencils . They are essential in about every single task and their sharpness is critical if accuracy is to be achieved. There are many ways of achieving that but none more efficient and consistently accurate than a proper pencil sharpener. Nothing fancy is needed. The simple vintage ones are always the best readily available and inexpensive. My favorite of all of them is the Dixon Enduro No. 20. Because of its swiveling container it can be mounted in any position, container also being easily removed for emptying. However it’s best feature is it’s ability to automatically except any diameter pencil and automatically stopping cutting when pencil is done.

Oh no! Now ya done it! Pretty sure a C-195 would be on my list.

Well it finally cooled down some out today that I could dismount the tires and remove bearings and paint wheels.

I second Eric’s comment. I just did this. It fits like a glove and is stout as hell.

but you do have a dog. I also believe that you have excellent situational awareness when you operate your machinery. Then again, I don't recall seeing a deck mounted on any of your machines. Me? My machines are old enough that they are not equipped with this feature. When I mow, our dogs are inside, and I am on constant lookout for the neighbor's dogs and cats that frequently run loose in the neighborhood.

Didn't realise I hadn't mentioned the paving bricks.... Got several thousand for free in Biggar and hauled them home earlier in the week. It took several runs and was pretty tedious but....free!! More to collect in a few months as the guy hasn't taken them all up yet. Photo shows the pile in its early stages - trailer was too heavy to back uphill into our drive without destroying the clutch. Used wheelhorse and trailer to ferry bricks back and forth.

Take a couple minutes to closely inspect the load range and air pressure requirements on your trailer tires. Do this right and save the hassle of what happens in the picture below... This is a C Load Rated tire that was on a trailer with 3 D Load Rated tires. This is in no way shape or form a good idea and in some states is illegal. Whether it is the towed vehicle or towing vehicle the Load Ranges MUST MATCH. Yes. I know it's hot. 🔥 That's all the more reason why you should do this RIGHT NOW. ... Before you use the trailer. Be safe out there people.

Hi folks! I hate to ask the "what's it worth?" question, so I won't... or, at least I won't ask the question right off. First though, please tell me what the heck the purple flaming Wheel Horse was. My research turned up very very little -- just says it was dealer only thing, circa 1996, no engine/drive-train, PURPLE with FLAMES hot rod look. That is seriously all I have been able to learn, but there certainly should be more info out there. How many were there? Just 1996? Just dealers? Are there any still out there in the hands of dealers or collectors?? And now for that big question, what would one be worth?? ---- of course, I am asking because I found one and I think I might want it even though I have no clue what I'd do with it! I eagerly await your info and wisdom!! THANKS!! [rayg]

You Just Did! You found the one tractor that hardly any of us would pass up. It is the strongest single cylinder Wheel Horse ever made and very popular.

I don’t know. 50 years and not full yet? Seems to me you are not sharpening your pencil often enough. What seems to be the problem?

Most shows in my area don't do judging. Why??? They try to avoid the "He with the most money" wins the prizes mentality. Not a bad idea in my mind, keeps it more about preserving the history of the machines and less of a fashion/trailer queen show.

They are an awesome worker. Those that have them Love 'em.

I always thought the seat/PTO switch combo was annoying. Then my wife's grandfather once tried to jump off his WH because it tipped on a slope. He accidentally caught the cuff of his pants leg on the height adjuster, and was drug to the edge of his yard until the tractor was stopped by a tree. Certainly could have been worse, but I understand now that some situations require keeping the safety gear intact. I personally hate broad-stroke answers to any problem, so I'll just say whoever is responsible for the safe use of any machine has to make those decisions for themselves. Reverse mowing shut off? For me, my kids and pets stay indoors when I mow. Would be the same with or without that system in place. But it's also a big fear of mine because I've seen children brutally maimed by a mower, and because I have small kids here of my own. Point being, I don't have the system, but I'm almost paranoid about looking behind me. The sad truth is this: we have these annoying systems because we have irresponsible morons out there. Manufacturers just don't want the liability. They care nothing about the end user. I hated being a little kid forced to wear water wings at the pool by my parents, so I learned to freaking swim. Some grown ups need a tutorial on changing the kitchen light bulb. Those folks are the "target audience" of these safety features. The old WH manuals said "don't cowboy on your tractor", and it was sufficient for the time. Natural selection did the rest. You either respect the machine or you didn't. I've wanted to build a remote control mower for years. I have all I need to do it. My other hobby is R/C models, so it's a small step in my mind. I have cameras and proximity sensors, the whole bit. I could mow the hottest months from the comfort of my couch while seeing a real time video feed on my TV. But I've never had the nerve to do it. Not because I think I'm incapable of building or using it, but because some idiot would have to get a closer look while walking thier dog, and suddenly there's a lawsuit. Guess I'll just keep sweating...

The 3 terminal will work just fine...yous lose the L Load terminal. Wire the lighter or lights to the battery directly. The Gen Term goes to the A on the genny...F Term goes to F on the Genny..,. Bat goes to the battery.

I hooked it up to the switch...figured whats the worst that could happen. 13.7idle 14.8 wot...i guess it needs 12v backfed to it to work...

While I'm not thrilled with most safety switches and devices I understand the need. Once these tractors and riding mowers became popular 40 years ago there have been may reports of small children and animal being maimed or killed because someone back over them, it behooved the manufacturer to help save us from ourselves. While they may have some moral thoughts for doing this the bottom like always is money. Think McDonalds being sued for hot coffee and my favorite Winnebago back in the day being sued because the dude bought a new one and was headed down the interstate and set the cruise control and got up and headed to the back to fix a pot of coffee. Just think about things you buy now, the safety section in the owner's manual is larger than the instruction section. While all of these may help some, like Ron White says "you can't fix stupid".

I quoted this because I believe it deserves being read a second time... and adhered to. I pull some things up out of my forest with my own Horses I would never advise others do. My towing Horses are specially set up and I have extensive training in safety and moving loads.

@ri702bill love the grease fitting detail , go grease, pete

Spent the morning with my son , putting new pump and lines on his **********________ blank log spliter. Has a vertical shaft motor which mean everything is a BIG PITA . No leaks , drips (except for a lot of sweat) or strange noises so I am home sitting on my A** in the A/C .

And that is EXACTLY why I do this with all of mine - undo one clip, push it out with ONE finger... going on 10 years now.....

😂👍 that’s what I do. I need two of whatever, so I’ll buy a bag of 100. 😂 I have friends that are landscapers and use me as their after hours and weekend supply store.

There was one at the "Big Show" a few years ago that looked great. I have that poster on the wall of my shop office. If you give me the address and phone number of the seller I will go look at it for you.

Dave - that is a great "anti-theft" measuring tool you have - almost no one under the age of 40 can read it!!

Trailer tires...aren't those the old bald mismatched scabs that come off of the pickup, car, or whatever else you might have All jokes aside you are right, trailer tires are one of the most overlooked things before a trip. Working in a tire shop I see it all the time. I have a matched set of new load range D tires on the 18 foot car hauler that hauls our tractor to the show, as well as a brand new matching spare, and one of the first things I do before a trip is make sure they are all aired up to the recommended 65 psi. The last thing I want is to have a tire problem going down the highway 70 mph 400 miles from home with an antique tractor loaded behind me. That being said I do have a stack of 15 and 16 inch tires of assorted sizes in the back of the barn. If we pull a 15 or 16 inch tire at work and it was holding air when we pulled it comes home with me. Those find their way on to the trailers around here that never go more than 20-30 miles from home.

Update with video describing the site from a side view. @Gregor @kwalshy.

Finally got everything back together tonight, it was too late to test it out so maybe sometime over the weekend. I'll get it good and warm and change the engine oil and transmission fluid.

Going back...heck, 24ish years, an idiot decided to mow with kids around, he backed over an infant. He sued the manufacturer on the grounds that they allowed it to mow in reverse. Immediately the broad reaction was to permanently disallow reverse mowing with an interlock that mechanically prevented it. Some mowers today, including Zero Turns, fully disable reverse mowing. But after many complaints and people disabling the defeats, manufacturers decided on a RIO switch that became "a contract" that by performing a particular action, you took on the liability of mowing in reverse. Toro used the seat switch that you had to get off, turn..and if you got off or sat up..defeated reverse mowing. MTD went with a button and key you turn the key back one click and push a button. Deere used either a stand alone button OR you pulled up on the PTO switch. Ayp/husky used a 4th position on the ignition switch. I personally will not disable the switches, if a mower comes in the shop with it disabled I will, if possible, reactivate it. With that said none of my mowers have it...i know to be aware of my surroundings and dont need nanny switches

Did a bunch of work on the Suburban today. Tightened the steering. Shimmed nose wheels. Removed Predator tank and connected original. Added foot rests for a more comfortable ride. Took duellies off to service outer tire and put a more manageable length bolt on. Axle seals will need to be replaced as well as maybe find a muffler. IMG_1548.mp4

I turned one of those into this…

Also improves turn radius.

@Tractorhead Here is the U bolt securing the top of the steering column. First and foremost, the sloppy workmanship is my skill level and I'm proud of it. I like expressing myself somewhat like a rug rat trying to color inside the lines. The first U bolt I tried was a perfect fit but at a 1/4 inch it was too weak. This 5/16 is a little big and needed 3, 1/2 inch nuts as spacers to clear any confusion. My cutout is so big, A Yucca plant managed to sneak into the picture. I wanted to mention all this so that @Achto and the many others here at Redsquare can sleep nights knowing I pose no threat when it comes to building excellence