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Today’s letter is “Q” a quisitive man in Quincy began a quiet query for quality Quincy Tractor The Quincy Engine Company was named for its location, Quincy, PA, about twenty miles south-west of the WHCC Big Show location. During the second half of the nineteenth century this area had an abundance of small manufacturers of farm machinery and gasoline engines. Hardwood forests were plentiful and coal mining was nearby to feed the small foundries and blacksmith shops. Transportation was provided by the Cumberland Valley Rail Road to bring finished products to customers and a workforce of skilled European immigrants was available. John L. Metcalfe was born in England and immigrated to the United States as a young boy. In the 1850’s he and his wife settled in the town of Quincy, PA. Metcalfe started manufacturing and repairing grist mills, farm machinery and saw mills and started the Metcalf Manufacturing Company. In 1960 Metcalfe produced his first successful steam engine. Metcalf purchased the Quincy Foundry and Machine Shop and brought his son, John T. Metcalfe into the family business to assist him in 1868. He patented on April 16, 1872, the Excelsior Post Boring and Wood Sawing Machine. and invented their Centennial Thresher, Cleaner, and Bagger, which was patented June 12, 1877, the rights to which he sold to the Frick Company, owned by George Frick of nearby Waynesboro, PA. We will take a closer look at the Frick Company in a few days. By the early 1880’s a Metcalfe 25 HP steam engine furnishes power for an electric light station at the park at Williams Grove, PA. John T. Metcalfe concentrated his efforts on improvements to gasoline engines. In May of 1904, the Metcalfe Manufacturing Company suffered a fire which nearly destroyed the factory. Shortly after, the Geiser Company moved Metcalf Manufacturing Company to Greencastle in a building that they had purchased. John T. Metcalf remained in Quincy, salvaging what he could from the fire and in 1906, was joined by Alfred J. Miller and started the Quincy Engine Company. From 1906 to 1916 the company focused their efforts on building farm tractors. The 4,200-pound, six horsepower Quincy Tractor had chain-type steering, like a steam traction engine of the time. The radiator is water cooled. A circulation system sends water from the pipe through the screen to keep the engine cool. The platform where the tractor operator stands is made of oak. There are no records of quantity of tractors built. Although the company ceased operations in 1916, John T. Metcalfe wasn’t ready to quit. For the next 20 years, he worked alone in his own business repairing machines for others.

Was Cruising the spring steam show today. The spring show is a throttled back version of the show in the fall but none the less I did get a few pics. General Lee was there again and I noticed it had the shows cast autographed on the sun visor. Some Wheel Horses lever steers Wheel Horses

Helping out building the fence. Pretty sweet to just haul all the tools and concrete around in the trailer. Then just park it in the garage till I get back to it. life is busy, so going on a month or 2 now working on the fence in spare time.

Had a few minutes after trimming and mowing grass today to play with the GT1600 Thought I would drill the console to install a front lower steering shaft flanged bearing instead of the loose bushing. Here are the parts laid out that I used to properly center the new bearing. Original bushing was installed then the new flanged bearing laid on top. I then slid a short piece of 3/4" rod through both and clamped it into place using vice grips centering both ways as good as I could. I then used a transfer punch to mark centerline of hole to be drilled. 3/8" hole drilled. Bearing was then bolted into place and second hole marked. Holes both drilled. Bearing bolted into place to verify correct fit. Small job but I hope it will help with steering play down the road.

The greenhouse is just about done, another couple of windows to fix in properly but it's in the final straight.

I made some more progress today. I primed the sheet metal, and the tractor was mostly torn down and washed. The goal is to have the whole thing primed by the end of next week. I also ordered all-new 304 stainless hardware! I plan on tearing it the rest of the way down on Monday and sandblasting the frame and cast parts (pedals, foot rest etc.) Hopefully I'll get it done before the Big Show! Pretend that John Deere sign isn't there 😬 Trace

Used a wheel chock.

Today I decided, as it's hot, I'll do some welding eh? Keep myself cool. The community garden have been wanting one of these for ages so I cobbled one together. The hanging rock and a thermometer are all that's needed before I install it. I feel I should point out that the blue sky you can see in the background is genuine nd not photo shopped. Its a very rare thing in this neck of the woods i can tell you.

I got Clyde the C-195 out of hibernation today. Set the choke, and it fired right up after maybe 2 revolutions. Drove it out of the shed, and left it on hi idle to warm up the hydraulics while I was wrestling the utility cart out of the shed. Well, the tractor stalled. It would fire once or twice when cranked. Out of reflex, I opened the hood and started to pull the air cleaner. Well, I happened to stop and actually think this time around. Instead of investigating the carb, it occurred to me to check the gas tank instead. Got my marine style wooden stick gas gage, stuck it in the tank - came back dry. Didn't realize that when I put Clyde away last fall, he only had a few minutes of gas left in the tank. Spent the afternoon doing cart work at 1/2 throttle with Clyde. Two trips down to the lake house with my wife's sewing supplies, then 8 trips from behind the storage sheds down to the lake with dock sections. Got the dock in the lake - singlehandedly. Then, after showering at the lake house, I'm picking tools up, I notice that the neighbors start appearing. I good naturedly complement them on their sense of timing.

My C-145 has the same cut out in the running board. I also have a guard for it. The fade line shows where the guard was mounted at one time.

Had to bring 654 to perform mowing duty at my parents house. They have 2 acres to mow. Dad has an old Craftsman that he insists on using to mow. He has a Troy Bilt GTX20 that also has a mower deck. He hit something with Craftsman so it's shaking when blades engage. Electric pto on Troy Bilt won't turn on.

I went all in……

The panel are 16mm polycarbonate that are usually used on conservatory roofs. I walked on it yesterday when I was screwing it down so it is very strong. It comes in lots of different thicknesses, from 4mm up to about 25mm I think. It has walls inside so it's not solid, hence lightweight. I used special stainless steel screws with a steel washer and rubber gasket to fix the roof, they are usually used for steel siding panels.

Might wanna add an alignment to the list of things to do!

But... Kevin's a good guy, very knowledgeable, helpful and all, but with a compliment like that now we're never gonna get him off his high Wheel Horse!!!

Hello, after having this tractor for a few years, it is time for a restore. This will be my 5th complete restore and hoping to make this one my best. This tractor is really straight and runs like a top. Perfect candidate for a restore.

Sorry for the loss of your friend and prayers for the family... Was he the source of the numerous Laingsburg, Mi Craigslist WH adds??? Just curious...

Sold the little 108-5 RER this morning. The couple that bought it seemed to be happy with it. That little thing ran really good. Like I said earlier, I got it from original owner. Had the bill of sale and owners manual from the dealer. The dealership is still in business. Yesterday I sold the 310-8. Wonder what I'm going to do with all this room ?

More work done on the new workshop. Ceiling lights in. Back end wall on.

Still looking for this guys brother. Called him in a couple years ago.

I distinctly remember one sled run when all of a sudden there was no sled under me at the bottom of the hill. The sled stopped, I didn't and stopped completely clear of the sled. When I investigated, I found a large rock in front of one of the runner's buried in the snow. Interesting how a tractor history thread has turned into a sledding nostolgia thread.

The Redsquare Creed:

Always something New to Learn About Something Old! That's why we flock to this site to learn and share !

What a great build! That is certainly some top shelf skill you've got there. Looks like it works really well too, it's always a great feeling when things just work the way they're suppose to or even better than we'd hoped they would.

When I am gathering information I usually go to Google Maps to see if anything interesting can be added like water transportation. When I saw the location being near the big show I had to throw that in there. I also tend to look for any other facts about the inventor, quite often an obituary (if you can find one) will have some otherwise unknown facts about the person. Yesterday while looking for additional information on someone I stumbled across an AI generated information site. I know that AI is in its infancy but was not at all impressed, The search had the full name (first,last and middle), date of birth and date of death. The AI site generated a mile long list of anything containing ANY of these search items, not the closest match.

If you had.t mentioned it I probably wouldn't have seem it, my eyes are trained to only see RED. Nice work you are doing there

I've restricted Clyde the C-195 to light work until I get his oil consumption issue worked out. I'm pretty sure there is a crank seal issue, but some oil is still being burnt. It runs too well to be rings. Hopefully, it is a crankcase breather issue, or maybe valve guides. Planning to pull the engine, take the tins, clean the engine, pull the heads to get a good look at the bores. With a clean engine, I'll be able to see where the oil is coming from.

Always enjoyed "light" work on my machines. Odd how work like that can relax a person. But I'm thinking the neighbors waited on purpose!

My neighbor lady decided to try hand at planting a tomato this year. She was told that if she took about a 4 foot stick, wrapped copper wire around the stick, stuck it in the ground near the tomato that some how it would produce a full lush plant with great fruit production. Her husband was telling me about this wonderful scheme. I told Joe that here in Missouri we call that a lightening rod! Apparently, Joe told Cindy and today he told me that when the weatherman forecast a lightening storm earlier this week, she took her copper wound stick inside! Not sure if she protecting her stick or the tomato.

Was able to mow for the first time with our 314H. Still need to get a new belt for the pto to deck, but it mowed great and after adjusting the carb again, it ran pretty good 👍.

You been hitting the bottle again Sylvia?

yes

Rob R here mind telling me roughly what you got $ wise for the 310-8 I have one just like it and was thinking about selling now that I acquired the 520H with the 48" deck. Thanks p.s. it's okay if you don't want to share. Have a great summer......

Jus' some Good Ol' Boys...... Wheel Horses & Real Horses !!

Thanks for sharing, Joe!

That’s a new fandangled pea shooter! Chick pea, pea gravel, etc. load it, point it, run it over, hope for the best. It’s like the ole’ saying… ready, fire, aim!

I honestly don’t know. He resided in the Laingsburg, MI. area. I’m not sure I see him on the member map. None the less, he was known by many. He’d been in Wheel Horse for a very long time.

The lever only disengages the drive belt. It does nothing to free the transmission. The Eaton 700s are nearly impossible to push. Towing or pushing with power will damage the transmission. Best to raise the rear wheels and use a dolly to move it. Lifting one wheel with a wheeled floor jack will also work. You only need to lift one wheel as the raised wheel will spin backwards as you push forward.

Google appliance door switch. images You may find the one you need that way or do some searching here on the forum. The part you need is an appliance part.

He's like HEY HEY HEY KEEP IT DOWN!!

@aaronthomas57 As you see good help here.Enjoy the site and your tractor.

Made this hub puller tonight. Used an old hub with a damaged keyway as a template. Used a U-bolt nut and the puller screw from my pitman arm puller. Came out well.

I have many Wheel Horse tractors, sometimes I think too many. Then I think I should sell some. Then every time I get on one of the ones that I haven’t used in a while I think no I can’t sell this one, I like this one. After that I realize that I really am addicted to this great hobby of ours!!

This is a 953, which should be the same thing, assuming that I think this is the front end. I grabbed lots of pictures hoping something might show you what you need.

Checked on Colleen. She’s still stuck. The picture of hooking the batteries up, you can see a danged old mouse popping out to see what I’m doing in his house!

Good Evening Thanks to all who responded. Truth be told there are TWO lawn tractors that can be had, The other is a JD214 w/deck. It was dropped of for service and then abandoned. That was also a couple of years ago. The shop owner says it will need the fuel system drained and cleaned. Other than that it should be good to go as it ran well. I know the owner well, great guy. I pick his brain regularly and drop him off a 12 pack of Pepsi. Anyway, it is a $200 package deal. With the encouragement received from the responses, I will 'pull the trigger' next week. Once I get it home I'll attempt to post some pics. I have no use for the JD so I'll flip that one (have no idea what a fair price would be). moe1965 I am interested in the deck. Simplecity

Lots of fluid left in lift cylinder, lines, and charge pump. What you observed is not unusual...

My father did his first mowing on the C121 Automatic Trina and I built for him.

Last night I made up this front receiver that uses the tach-A-matic. I just made it out of some scrap that was in the metal pile. Today I’ll sandblast it and give it a coat of regal red or black