Leaderboard

Several weeks ago I had a friend with a small excavator dig down on the south side of our basement. I had him go all the way to the footer so I could check things out. I didn't think the issue was that far down but I wanted to take advantage of the excavator while it was here. The problem if water. It's not bad per say but any water intrusion isn't good. When we first moved in I was pretty sure it stemmed from the only window down there. Apparently it was an afterthought done after the basement walls were done. The previous (and original) owner said it was an egress window. Nope. Meets none of the requirements for a code egress window. He tried to put the window in after the fact and did a s%&t job. You can see why I thought it was the culprit. You can see the before and after of what I did in 2020. Keep in mind these are I.C.E. Block walls. Similar to ICF wall but some differences. Steel structure walls encapsulated with polystyrene. I had to find and order a custom sized well and cover. The fix didn't work. So here we are, digging again. Weather was a real issue in getting on this after it was dug. I needed 2 days of dry. I finally got it. Grayshield Acrylic Foundation coating as a 'primer' then Tarco BG700 60 mil membrane. IT'S BACKFILL TIME!! At this point I feel really good that it's truly fixed but I can't be certain for a while. In any case I'm having a blast pushing the dirt. I've got it about 1/2 way right now and it gives me a place to stand as I coat and cover the top half. I have a weight box with about 100# of rock on the back in the winter. Knowing how aggressive the rubber 'chains' are in the dirt I decided to remove it to take it a bit easier (that's not a comment I make often when I refer to these tractors) and it's doing just fine.

Got the sheet metal painted yesterday for my C-175 restoration.After much preparation we were finally ready to paint. We have a little thing worked out, he sprays, I sand!! He will not paint until the primer is sanded perfectly, so I sand and sand! I think on the hood alone I sanded over two hours. I really have to thank my brother for this, without him this restoration would not turn out the way it’s going to. We (by that I mean he!) will paint the black on the hood next weekend. I’d like to use gloss, he wants semi gloss, but the proper color is satin. I’ll probably go with his recommendation. By the way this is Rustoleum Sunrise Red which he hates spraying but I can’t really afford to go with a two stage PPG paint. I’d love to but it’s EXPENSIVE. Anyway I’m super happy with the results!

Today’s letter is “X” After an xhausting xploration into tractor manufacturer names to an xtent that is xcellent reveals no xistence of any X names; so I will substitute a Brand X Tractor. The Brand X tractor happens to be GREEN; sorry about that! John Deere had been in the farm implement business since 1837 and entered the tractor business when it bought the Waterloo Boy Tractor Company in 1918. After several decades in the farm tractor business John Deere entered the outdoor power equipment industry in 1963 with their seven horsepower 110 riding garden tractor. Wheel Horse, Bolins, Simplicity and others had been in the outdoor power arena for several years and IH had launched its Cub Cadet in 1961 so Deere was a bit late to market. With a large dealer network, some of whom were selling other brands of garden tractors, the 110 became well known and rose to a prominent position quickly. Deere had purchased several competitive lawn and garden tractors to make evaluations on pros and cons of each brand. Once the strong points of each brand had been determined work began on the tractor’s drivetrain and braking system. On October 22 and 23, 1962, evaluation of completed prototypes began at Deere’s Coal Valley Experimental Farm. It was decided the project was ready for the manufacturing group to determine the manufacturing cost in order to complete the feasibility study. A 7hp Kohler engine was selected for the feasibility study with two prototypes designated 9AXE1 and 9AXM1. Prototype 9AXE1 had electric start, 9AXM1 used a manual start engine. One of the other brand tractors was modified replacing the transmission with a variable displacement hydraulic pump from Deere’s ‘New Generation’ farm tractors and a hydraulic gear motor to drive the rear axle. This allowed them to evaluate the merits of a hydrostatic transmission with variable ground speed that could be changed on the go without shifting the transmission. Using a hydrostatic drive for the variable ground speed had advantages but was cost prohibitive to be competitive in the marketplace. Several transmission vendors were considered and Peerless Gear was selected. They built a three-speed transaxle that was in use in the lawn and garden equipment industry. The in-line two spindle mower with timed blades used by Wheel Horse and Cub Cadet to reduce the length of the deck was not used in favor of a belt driven deck. The results of the feasibility study were reviewed by Deere & Company management, directors and officers, the answer was yes. The prototypes and competitive lawn and garden equipment were transferred to Deere’s Horicon, WI, plant. It was back to the drawing board, checking the design in detail and making sure that it was accurate, and that all parts fit together as intended. As sections of the tractor were completed, drawings were released to build parts for the production of new prototypes. Drawings were also being released to the tooling and methods departments. Testing of the drivetrain on a treadmill 24 hours a day was done. The vendors who supplied component parts made changes as needed to correct any problems that occurred. Production of the 110 began in July of 1963, in May of 1984 the one millionth John Deere garden tractor left the factory and in 2023 they produced their five millionth green lawn eating machine. In 2013, a special event was held in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to celebrate 50 years of the model 110. The models were lined up according to serial number. The red 110 in the foreground is a factory prototype.

My motorcycle used to live in my basement, it’s been sold so I now have a “spare parking spot”…. My 315/8 with a 42”SD deck has earned the spot.

Nice day here in Maine to bring out 6 tractors to soak up some sun. Then take the old pickup for a ride and run through the gears. Have a great weekend all.

Took Mrs K, to visit her fathers grave and place the soldier flag bearer that she painted.

Bought the wife a trellis (is that what it’s called) at yesterday’s tractor show…so today it got painted. What a pain in the butt!! Super tedious! But as long I’m in paint mode I decided to paint my walk-out basement doors which I have neglected for waaaaay too long.

Having cookout later w/family. Decided to pull a few tractors out as part of Memorial Day display w/flags.

So, #1 Son bought a nice 14 foot flat bottom boat, motor & trailer. It is now Yard Art for 28 or so days a month. Whipped up at front mounted hitch receiver to move it so I could cut the grass. Move it with one WH, cut the grass with the other... Came home with this 13 buck HFT ATV front hitch - showed it to my son - he said "Is'nt that just adorable!!" Hence the name. I replied that I did not think they could be away from their Mother when that small!! I cannot even purchase the flat & round stock for that price. Mated it to a rusty Mule Drive - used the round stock from a old worn out C81 tierod to stand it off the lower mount . Works fine.... You can look thru the lower left grill slots to align the ball to the hitch for an easy lineup...

Got done a little early at work today got to burn in some brackets for the tank quickly, need to tweek just a bit and she be straight! Also made the bracket for the compressor from an old c series seat pan that will mount to the front still need to fab that up but for today i quickly wanted to get the majority of the welding done be fore 5pm.

UPDATE: I AM HAVING THE CARB REBUILT BWFORE THE SHOW AND WILL BE INSTALLING AT THE BIG SHOW. MACHINE WILL BE THERE FOR DISPLAY, SALE OR TRADE👍 I am thinking about selling my restored Safari 335. I got this from snowmobile collector and he only used as show display did not run it. I got it to fire up however there is some sort of fuel supply issue which is believed to be carb related. The restoration is 8/10 imo. Very cool machine. I also found an original canvas Wheelhorse branded cover for it that you would have got from dealer back in the day. Cover is in excellent condition. I would sell sled with cover and the 3 snowmobile castors for $2,600 delivered to the big show!

One of my 314’s. Great machine. I’m picking up a swept axle and gear reduction steering for it at the show, and a set of hubcaps.

Cut the grass today… no pics of that… Been meaning to pull a little maintenance and lube on the Cub Cadet HDS 2155 which is my primary mowing tractor. Hit a little spot of wash-out concrete where a concrete truck driver washed out where I cut. Heard a different noise that normal coming from the deck, and that made me decide to go ahead with lubing, cleaning, and sharpening the blades on the deck. I have 2 used blades that are fine to use so I will be sharpening those and but some replacements for spares. I used POR-15 on the underside of the deck and man I’m telling you it is holding up great ! Made the stuck grass come off easily with a putty knife after brushing on a little dirty diesel fuel I had sitting around. Got to check one more deck spindle to make sure hitting the concrete did not bend it, sharpen blades, reassemble, and then I can get back to scaring gophers.

Happy Birthday @Bens vintage tractors, we are glad you were born!

Don't see why it wouldn't but mine did the same thing. The lift arm was the issue. I added a few washers to the lift arm put the clip back in to keep it away from the zerk

It IS welded. I milled a slot thru the face of the Mule Drive, cut the back of the adapter so it hits the diagonal 3/4" down rod (that extended out for the pulleys). Welded inside, outside underneath and up the sides of the slot - solid.

That lone Red One is truly a "Petunia in the Onion Patch"

Hey now lol. I love the way my scag turf tiger 2 cuts at work. But I do come home to mow 2 acres with any one of my wheel horses that happens to have a deck on it at the time. Some of the wheel horse stripes are beautiful too. 2 different beasts but only 1 can do things other than mowing.

Waxed the sedan delivery today. It's been several years since I took time to do that. It was painted about '73. As paint chips off, I touch up with a rattle can so it's getting a little splotchy and thin. Wife and I went for a drive here in the Ozarks this afternoon. Cowl vent, wing windows and the other two windows rolled down--actually pretty pleasant with all of the moving air. The tractors today featured Montgomery & Wards tractors. My buddy and I bought an engine overhaul kit from Montgomery & Wards for the 1957 235 Chevrolet engine we used to replace the 216.

Happy Birthday @ri702bill, we are glad you were born!

Thank you guys for the birthday wishes! My mom got me some awesome wheel horse advertisements.

I tried a 45 on one of mine, and the lift broke it off no problem. Now just take the deck off for service. Sharpen blades, couple pumps of grease.

Wiring all done and it runs! Smokes but it is what it is. Makes a bit of clattering and knocking noise too but again. No wonder they call these flo leak jet carbs. I guess for 20 clams in the jungle wadda ya want. Briggs buddy says ther are two types of these carbs... ones that don't leak and ones that are gonna. Gas seems abit yellow so wondering if my tank cleaning wasn't sufficient. 20240525_172048_001.mp4

Result- thanks everyone for your support, I’m a home mechanic at best but I’m up and running because of your help, so a pat on the back all round 👍🏻 I fitted a new battery, new solenoid, new filter and plug, a new starter and a new carburettor, quite the shopping spree, anyway I needed a new starter and the carb was a mix n match from my other parts but the rest probably didn’t need to be replaced, an extra ground off the starter I think was the problem solver, a good bit of frustration and experience to be taken away from this, but I’m rolling and cutting grass again. This year end she gets put into shelter, lesson learned. Thanks again Mike.

Great set up. “PLEASE DO NOT” hit a hardened steel hammer with another hardened steel hammer! You run the very real risk of a trip to the emergency room, and could easily lose an eye! Use a piece of thick mild steel in place of the ball peen hammer, or hit the hammer with a big copper mallet. In any case, “ALWAYS“ wear a full face grinding type face screen, flying metal splinters are NO JOKE!!!

I would not advocate heat to remove the pulleys....like to make lots worse. Here is what I do for the stuck pulleys. NOTE---be certain to thread the big retaining nut on the shaft. This hasn't failed me yet...

You did way better than me on getting pictures. I had to steal this one from Carey. It was a good day. Great seeing you all and catching up. Should do it more often. After you left @WheelHorse_Kid said “I’m going for a ride and taking my trailer incase I see anything”. Next thing I know Carey’s son pulls back in and says “wait til you see what Alex just bought” I was like oh man I can only imagine but I wasn’t worried. When it comes to my 3 kids I trust his judgment the most on what he spends his hard earned money on. Next thing I know he’s pulling up all smiles with a 2hp Fairbanks Morse mz. He talked the guy down almost half! So much for being shy! My friend (who was set up next to you guys) came over and checked it over for him and said it’s a great starter engine that is fully 100% complete and original with great compression and invited us down to his shop to get it running. I will get a pic tomorrow since I failed to take any pics.

Sorry it’s not tractor parts but I’m packing some extra stuff to bring. Phone stands and plenty of keychains. I can put it aside if you want one. $15 for the stand and $5 for a keychain.

Spent my morning at the office:

I gotta say, must be some zero turn morons cutting around you. I can't speak for every brand, but zero turns only do one thing: mow grass. They are optimized for that and nothing else. No clumps, no scalps, and as quickly as possible. If someone leaves a lawn looking bad, they likely not only have no clue how to use one, they also can't maintain it. If they tear up a yard spinning wheels, they clearly can't operate it correctly. I love my Wheel Horses. They are "Jack of all trades" flexible, and tough as can be. That being said, my Scag zero turn literally runs circles around even a 520-H with a 60 inch deck. I have one of each, and can literally compare each side by side. Point being: if someone makes a mess with a zero turn, it's the operator's fault.

Greased up the 42” SD to mount up on my 315 and the center spindle wouldn’t take grease. Seems the zerk was wrecked. Hits the lift arm maybe? I had a new straight zerk in-stock but wonder if a 90 degree would be better? Anyone try that?

Happy Birthday @VinsRJ, we are glad you were born!

Happy Birthday 🎁 🎂

They soaked up all the sun, and now all that's left is shade

90 gets my vote... easier to get at.

I run a 90 zerk. Never had an issue.

Happy Birfday Ben!

Happy B-Day, and many more!

Happy Happy Ben

Happy Borned on Day, Ben

Have a Great Day

It may be the pto clutch is slipping. Tighten the trunnion on the end of the rod a turn or two and see if it eliminates the noise. Bearings usually get tight before they get loose and yes they should slide off the shaft. Good location to use Never-seize. Keep track of the two spacers - they are different.

FYI - ALL brass, copper, lead & babbit hammers are outlawed by OSHA - the tip disentergrates in use - flying projectiles......

Find it a great tool, the both sided inserts make it more usable for different tasks. each side a other insert and you need just one Tool. that‘s smart imho.

Nice good to see some members hob nobbing at a show! ' Fish get a little gassy in the crapper?

The changeable inserts are pretty cool too bad they weren't with it. Still bet Pullstart could blacken a finger with it...

A few pics… It was a hot day with full sun all day, brought TWO cans of sunscreen @wallfish @Retired Wrencher @Docwheelhorse @PWL216

Just picked this up from the original owner for 200.00 , I even told them it’s to cheap, all the paperwork in a folder , deck included just removed it to get in the truck