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Never owned a short frame hydro before, so I’ve been casually looking for one on FB Marketplace. I never look on Craigslist anymore as there isn’t much WH related listed anymore, but for the heck of it I checked last night. Well whatta ya know!! An 876 is for sale IN MY TOWN! And to make it even better it was 1.2 miles away! Story: guy has owned it for 24 years, he thought it was a lousy mower and gave the deck away, so for the last 14 years it was just used to clear small snow storms and pull a yard cart around. He’s a Gravely guy and used the 3 he has for mowing and deeper snow. Struck up a deal and it’s mine now. Runs and drives well. I think full RPM’s are less than 3000 so that’ll need adjusted, seat is a bit messed up and the front tires are way to big at 18”. I’ll get a set of 16x5.50’s back on it. Included the plow, 4 link chains and rear wheel weights Pics of course….

I found some pictures of my 753 set up with the SGM-603. Note the swivel joints where the reel mowers connect to the arms and rear hitch. Wild Bill in Richmond VA

This was without a doubt a difficult decision to sell it. This was my first Wheel Horse tractor and the amount of time and effort put into building that hoe. Plus it's got to be in the top 5 of the coolest Wheel Horse work tractors around. Money had nothing to do with it but it was more seeing it just sit there idle, rarely used any more. This tractor was built to work so it was like having Secretariat waiting here in the stable but only being used for pony rides. Just didn't make sense. I wanted it to go to someone that would appreciate it for what it is and most importantly USE it because of the need for such a tractor. EB and Trina were the perfect fit for something like this so I wrote the message to contact them about it since Jim's M&G up in Maine was coming up. I could get it most of the way there and show if off for one last time too. I had some sellers remorse before delivery but seeing their faces and Trina hoping up on there and digging a hole set my mind at ease. I'm definitely happy about it now with no remorse and look forward to the new escapades and life of that tractor. I spent 2 full summers building the hoe. No real workshop at the time as we recently moved here. Just a shelter logic tent for my tools with a radial arm saw as a work bench. EB has that too. So it was basically built out on the ground. LOTS of measuring, cutting, drilling, grinding and welding all in my spare time after working all day. The neighbors never said anything but surely they didn't appreciate all the noise every night until it got too dark to work.

Back when the Wheel Horse factory closed up in South Bend and moved to Minnesota the tractors that were in the Wheel Horse factory museum kind of disappeared. I have heard of some Wheel Horses showing up from time to time and my story is no different. There was a Wheel Horse jacket on ebay which was quite nice and good quality, and I made the purchase. Some communication between the seller and me went on and she told me that her dad had a job in Quality Control and that he worked in South Bend when the factory closed and then she told me about the tractor her dad took home from the museum when the doors closed. Yes, I started to pester her about the tractor. Well, she called one day and told me their family was going to make a road trip and passing close to Gettysburg during the time of the Annual Wheel Horse Show. So, arrangements were made and met the family at a hotel in Chambersburg, PA on Thursday night. And this was the only time I had ever left the show grounds during show. The Wheel Horse is a 1960 Suburban Model 400 but not concourse quality restored. You can note by the pictures many newer model parts were installed and the paint was questionable, but this Suburban was made to look nice for the museum for people to look and not for guys like me who will pick on every incorrect part installed. When this tractor gets restored, it will look like it did when it sat in the museum. Wild Bill in Richmond VA

Hello everyone. I'm the proud owner of a (new to me) 1976 WH C-120. I bought it locally here in S.W. Pa. for $450. Gave the fellow (really good dude) that sold it to me an extra $50 to deliver it. He brought it late this afternoon and by the time I was done familiarizing myself with everything and then mowed with it, it was dusk. So, I will post some photos tomorrow. I bought it because it is a tank!. It's built to withstand a nuclear attack. I can't believe how heavy-duty this thing is. And that old Kohler just hums along, and I honestly don't think it had to work very hard at all. It has wheel weights and the cherry on top was the guy gave me two new rear turf tires, one mounted on a spare rim and one unmounted. The steering is tight and smooth, and the deck is quiet. It cuts beautifully. It has a couple dings here and there, but overall, it is in really nice cosmetic condition and mechanically, it seems to be in excellent condition. I asked the fellow why he was selling it and he said he was going to take it to his camp but decided to fix the one he has there. He had bought a Simplicity brand new about four years ago and the C-120 was mostly sitting. The guy had a handle bolted to the brake pedal because he has a prosthetic right leg, and it was easier for him to hand brake. Plus, his new machine has power steering, so it's just easier for him to operate overall. So, I bought it to use it because I think with regular maintenance, this old girl has a lot of life left in her. Plus, I'm tired of working on stuff that wasn't well made to begin with. Sorry so long-winded for my first post, but now you all can understand why I joined.

To digress a wee bit - a fun fact about wooden ships. Double pawed cats, known as Polydactlys, originated in England and were the preferred "Ratters" aboard ship. They could climb better and catch more rodents with their vast array of sharp claws than regular cats. Many have descendants here in New England - we have one. Unlike the picture, ours is a "Double-double" - extra toes and claws on all 4 feet - she has 27 all told (had 28 but one toe was so deformed and had it removed - she was walking on it) And yes, she does have the front "Thumbs" like in the picture and she can actually turn door knobs.... she's got a good reach on the front paws - the scars on the puppy's nose can attest to that.....

Started out with this stock 69 workhorse 700. The existing seat was clunky & had some damage . I set out to make this into a 1045 clone . This is the last year wheelhorse made the short frame. The frame & upper hood stand matches the 1045. I removed the stock flip up seat & lower hood stand . Found a nice wheelhorse metal pan seat at my local flea market . Here’s the Before & after pics …looks beefier than before ! I’m hoping to add the toolbox & fenders from a 702, or 753 . Maybe someday I’ll find the Lower hood stand from a genuine 1045 .

I don't remember which one I drank

Bring it to Zags next week. I'll find some way to cheat you outta sum'tin!

Not sure it be them sizes, or maybe it be da whole set?

A Haiku … Shiver me Timbers Its Talk Like a Pirate Day Black Hood the Fearless

Put a big crescent wrench on it and take out the entire valve. Clean out the rust and refit, with new O-ring...if needed. Put anti-sieze on threads and moving parts...NOT on the O-ring surface though.

Sometimes things just fall into place.. I've joked around with the fella we all know as @wallfish a few times over the last 5 years that if he ever needed a new home and steward for this incredible piece of machinery... Well... We'd be happy to take it in. This is a screenshot of the P F Engineering website pic John submitted years ago. Back in late July, John and I along with Trina of course, started blabbing back n forth about the possibility of she n I becoming the VERY appreciative new owners of a 1986 ish 416-8 with a FEL and Backhoe. Mr Wallfish wanted the machine to go to a new home that would both USE it and be able to repair and maintain it. Well I think we all know the BBT Trina person would absolutely love to put this beast to great use. Here it is being delivered to our house. Covered up and peaking out. I changed the hydraulic filter and bled the system. I've ordered a new tank cap/fuel gauge. We'll remove the tank and clean it out. Today we changed the temporary fuel line and added a primer bulb. Also changed the spark plug. We moved it to the place it'll stay for a few weeks while the new pole barn is built. Can anyone identify the loader? John, we REALLY appreciate the opportunity to own this magnificent tractor. Thank you.

If ye don't create your own pirate name, ye'll be walkin the plank! Dread Pirate Robert

Careful Mike. John said that same phrase to me and next thing I know there's Non E gasoline and Wheelhorse whiskey flying around !!!

This ol’ gal won’t see any snow chores while it lives here. Right now this is a test to see if I even like a short frame hydro. It’s one of the few models/types I have never owned. I paid a bit more for it than the weights are worth so it was actually a good deal for me. I can’t loose if I decide to sell it with the plow but keep the weights

Just about done harvesting from me little garden. Todays menu...25lbs of tomatoes to boil for a bit, drop in cold water, peal and chop up. Onions, garlic, red & green bell peppers chopped up then sautéed. Throw every thing in pots along with some dried basil & oregano from the garden. Add a few more spices and then let the whole concoction simmer for 5hrs while remembering to stir it every 15min. End results - A little over 10qts of spaghetti sauce. Perfected my recipe to my liking last year. Just a little sweet with bit of heat to put a damp sweat on your brow. Don't think I can go back to store bought.

Just to be sure your aware, that is a lawn Tractor, not a heavy duty Garden Tractor, But a better Lawn Tractor for lie duty work than the plastic models sold today.

Arrr, me hearties! It be me most favrit day o' the yar! You deck swabbers can call me Yellow Seamus Seadog today. (I airen't usin' a name gen'rator to get that, either. Anyone says so, they be walkin' the plank).

Well shiver me timbers. Them Wisconsin pirates do dance a fancy step. But da one on the left do appear to be wearin' a bed pan on his head.

What did the pirate say when he was kicked in the crotch? Arrg Menard's

You mean like a 1/2" - 9/16" open end wench!!! ??? Wenches + Rum ... not good. Ye might have to sell yer tractors!

Was it @Pullstart ? That first write this...? Originally it was Black Belt Trina. 🥋 @AMC RULES Has designated the meaning as Big Bad Trina. I'd say both fit well.

Looking forward to seeing pictures. A lot of great info from the group here. Some times we like to around on the way but we eventually get back on track to help people out.

Brace your selves. This exhibit was by far one of my favorites. Fact I spent about 20min admiring this thing. No this is not just a pile of junk parked on the fence line. This is a full on Class A motor home built on a John Deere A chassis. All the amenities of home on this baby. A few pic's of the general outside features. @ebinmaine this is what you & BBT need for your adventures through Main. Note the patented water collection system. Just under the boars head you can see the central air conditioning. The honey wagon on the back is handy for brining along those few little extra things. It also includes a high end rest room. As for the kitchen, well this sign is here to let you know what the main staple in life should be. Always remember to keep fresh road kill in stock. The holding tank is easily emptied by simply pulling this lever. Note the small sign. I believe that it is the security system, it reminds passers by that this is some ones home. Custom interior includes cabinets, heating system, & lighting. The over head counsel in the drivers cabin has all the bells & whistles. Seriously!! No less than 5 different horns at your finger tips. Plus a wolf whistle and a pull string bell. A couple of signs to remind you just how good life is.

It's an RJ58 There's a gear box trans with the shifter missing That 2.5 briggs isn't original. That would an RJ25 so he probably got his info wrong. K90 K91 or Clinton B1290 is original He's got an extra pulley added under the engine for some reason ? Missing the belt guard. These aren't the greatest tractor for young kids. Too easy to burn themselves on the engine. Plus they can pop up pretty good in third gear. A teenager - maybe

Congrats Mike, hope the wheel weights were worth the price of admission! On the plus side of those front tires, you could fluid fill ‘em for better plowing steer action…

Sandblast cabinet.

Flag is in the tube. The guy I bought it from was very clear that the flag was an often lost, and potentially hard to find but needed part.

Ours is at 5' -- a connection to the village water system

I'd put my bet on it being a B-111 model. A little inspiration

I should have done this a long time ago. Came across a nice lightly used two post lift. Had the help of a few buddies including Kyle and his dad to help wire it up today.

Spent some money today... for whatever reason. Bought some items from @KrazeyOlDave... For the 800 Special: For the 800 Special's servant: I also renewed my supporter status... Don

Things haven't really gone to plan today. First of no photo's of the mod to the front mounting bar on the 42" deck. I did extend the locating fork but when I tried to fit it into the tachomatic, that was when I realised I'd made a boo boo. It wasn't that I should have extended, but the arms that attach to the deck. So I went to plan B. Remove the spacers I'd fitted to level the front end after I'd fitted the bigger diameter tyres. While doing that I noticed the left hand front wheel was well out of track. Why I don't know. I'll work that out at a later date. After I'd reset the tracking I decided to try some mowing. Things went reasonably well until the engine lost rev's. The rod from carb to governor arm had come adrift. Little circlip that holds it into the governor arm had disappeared. Took one off the C-125. While trying to fit that it went off to look for the missing one. Got a couple of small cable ties and that sorted that for now. Continued mowing the green and was just about to finish when the drive belt for the blades came off. That was when I said enough is enough. Removed the deck, cleaned it and the tractor and put them away.

Be drinkin' enough rum and it don't matter

Aye laddy. It only appears that way cuz that's what be happ'nin. I'm just hopin' for the sake of 'is fellowshipmates that the installation occurred... Pre use

Arggg.. best get your headgear @Achto a wench stole it

The owner actually drove it to the show..... From all the way across the street.

Ya Bucked -Toothed Barnacle! Don't ye know The Vikings wither in the North every year?

Nice reference to a timeless classic there. I be well known throughout the land as Eric the Grey. Greatest fear of the North Atlantic seas. Even the fabled Vikings won't tread near my vicinity.

These wiring diagrams are from the 523 page Demystification Guide. Each major circuit has it's own diagram and that simplifies diagnosis but you need to download the file to get them. I do not know the difference between 1990 and 1991-97. Click on the picture in each link and the page that comes up can be enlarged for a preview. Pretty sure 1990 and newer had the special front axle. The starter diagram shows what needs to happen for it to work.

Thanks, Don. I just appreciate well engineered and well-built equipment. Heck, my trim mower is a 45-year-old Lawn Boy brick top that's easy to work on and easier still to use. My sweetie treated me to a new Echo trimmer about two years ago that I love to death for the time it saves me.

Picked up 2 more. 314-8 414-8

And I bet you look cute in it "twinkle toes"!

@Heatingman that steering fan gear is the only other one I’ve seen with the holes in it. I’m not saying it’s rare, I just haven’t seen them much before.. I think your build deserves it’s own thread, so it won’t get lost in here!

Jim keeps calling this a little show. Fact is this is the only show in Wisconsin that spans 2 counties. Our tractors were parked in Fond du lac county & I had to park my truck all the way over in Calumet county just past the steam exhibits. Yep, the county line runs right through the middle of the show grounds.

When we got there we unloaded by it and before tractors even hit the ground I had to study it. Bra on the wash line caught my eye! Yes Don one could have spent an hour studying it. Some more tractors. Lots of restos and originals. Seemed like alot of Fords, 8 & 9Ns Lots of IH Ms too Pics cannot do this display justice. These were all made by hand with old tools and appliances.

Uploading awfully slow tonight see if I can get some more out later...