Leaderboard

Most Wheel Horse things (electrical included) seem to have lasted more than 50 years. Newer things like the 9-pin connectors seem to have a life of maybe 30 years. However, in my case, being 74 years old, if I were to replace a 9-pin connector today with an original style, it should last until I'm 104. I don't think I'll care at that point. Replace it with another 9-pin Molex connector.

While putting my truck back together, I broke my outlet cover so I made a new one. Just need to stain it. Maybe get black outlets too.

Somewhat on topic, many of you may know that Michigan's upper peninsula (The UP) is populated with "Yoopers"... We lower peninsula types are affectionately known as "Trolls"... you know, under / below the Bridge (as in Mackinac Bridge)... Anywho... if you were to go up Nord to da UP eh, you'd be able to buy a "Yard Stick" in many souvenir shops...( they charge more for folks who aren't at least trolls, you know, from south of Michigan...) The label is attached to any twig you find in the UP and it automatically assumes value as an authentic genuine UP Yard Stick...

to the And thank you for a great introduction. The C-160 with the K341 engine is one of Wheel Horses best tractors and is very collectable and worthy of a restore. It does have the Sundstrand #90-1140 hydro transmission that can be a problem. When I buy an older tractor with a hydro, the first thing I do is check the strength of the transmission by securely strapping it to a tree and make sure it will spin the tires in full forward and reverse. Even if the engine is not running, this can be done by parking a running wheel Horse behind and using the PTO and a long belt to power the transmission. This is my C-160....one of my first restorations.

As you can see, the worms had a little fun under the bark The shaft of the cane has had it first chemical sanding as well as taking a bit if color. I applied varnish to the ends to prevent checking. When you view the big end head on, it is the shape of a rattlesnake head . I'm going to contact a friend to see if he will carve the face of a rattlesnake on it It's coming along with deep coloring treatment and sanding through the stuff to highlight the worm damage. I found that the worm tunnels can be left in the white or if they turn black, sand around them for a photo negative effect. That's all for now

The nine pin is an Onan thing. The engine arrived at Wheel Horse with the nine pin in place and it save a few steps on the assembly line. Unless you plan to swap engines around there is no need for the connector.

Made in 78 and 79. 12hp 8-speed trans. Model #s are 81-12K801 91-12K801 91-12K802

Recently I restored my C-175 and used oil base Benjamin Moore Linen White, sprayed it with a gun and honestly couldn’t have been happier. Very little smell, dried fast and nice and glossy. Plus it wasn’t very expensive, I definitely recommend it. A quart was more than enough to spray four deep dish back rims and two front rims.

I like how we can tell by that “AQ” code where they were produced.

Maybe a bit off topic, but this reminds me of a problem I had when I bought a new Jeep Wagoneer back in the day. For no apparent reason, it had a habit of just shutting down. After jiggling a couple wires to get it started, I realized a six pin connector was the problem. I cut it out and soldered the wires. It never quit again. About a year later I got a recall from AMC to replace the connector. Seems the female sockets were brass and the male pins were aluminum causing the corrosion.

Purchased by Titan International.... Titan International Inc., a global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies, and undercarriage products, has acquired Carlstar Group LLC for approximately $296 million in a transaction consisting of cash and stock, which closed February 29. Based in Franklin, Tenn., Carlstar is a global manufacturer and distributor of specialty tires and wheels for a variety of end-market verticals including outdoor power equipment, power sports, trailers, and small to midsize agricultural and construction equipment. Last summer, the Carlstar Group began to transition its products that carried the Carlisle brand to “Carlstar.” The acquisition of Carlstar adds four manufacturing facilities to Titan’s footprint: Aiken, S.C.; Jackson and Clinton, Tenn.; and Meizhou, China. Carlstar also internally manages twelve distribution facilities in North America and Europe. Its global 2023 revenues were approximately $615 million. Note: Tires that have the code "AQ" on the sidewall are made in China.

Better be all right Hank... @Achto s cooking up a cheesesteak for ya...

EB gets around! Momma and I took a vacation and found him in Puerto Vallarta on Friday!

Went to the storage building and got all the 520H's and both 312's running. Did not start the 520HC as it is under a tarp with no battery. The Work Horse is currently fully disassembled so it was not started either. Quite a sound with the 4 Onans and 2 Kohlers all running at once. Yes, I had one of the big doors open for at least some ventilation.

Turfs and 2 link vee bar chains for me for woods work(dragging fire wood logs and pulling down leaner blowdowns) and snow removal on unpaved roads. Turfs and rubber chains on paved surfaces. Steel chains are useless on my steep paved driveway.

Replaced the rear lights on the 418-8. Ordered a new seat and a set of used Simplicity slides based on a recommendation from @wallfish in an older post.

The history of the shillelagh is when the Brits conquered the Irish. The people were prohibited from carrying weapons and the home made stick canes made from blackthorn bushes became the go to defense tool. After back surgery and limited recovery, I noticed that I was using tree trimmings for support while cleaning up cut brush. I decided to peel the bark off and experiment with the leftovers,and gradually some sort of skill set developed. The early ones had massive shrink cracks, and would not take stain or finish well. But I pretty much have that behind me. My latest stick canes have a very deep finish that is clear coated with water based polyurethane . I need to try linseed oil as well. Here's a picture of a roughed out blank with a substantial head basher potential.

Should be a !/8" but the drill bit measurement will tell the story without guessing.

Day 8: Today got a few things accomplished. Got the front end back on the tractor. My dad is going to shorten the tie rods tommorow then the front end should be complete. Got the front attach 0 matic on. Put on the brake linkage. And adjusted. Got the rear shaker mount block on. Got another belt guide painted, And mid attach o matic painted. Still not sure what color I should paint the rims. Thoughts? Question: Is there any crossover bearing number for the front wheel bearings?

This egg shaped head is the more traditional shape of a shillaligh. It's harder to find the bush or tree that permits harvesting. This happens to be from an evergreen and is walking stick length . The reason I think sticks make such good canes is that leaving each one in it's natural shape means all the fibers of the plant are lined up straight and they can be very strong for their size and weight.. The ones that are bent do flex somewhat. Also the taper saves wright with even a taper to 5/8th at the top being plenty strong. As you can see, patience can produce a very dark finish ,but I like to sand or even wet sand through at places because the layer just beneath the grainy living layer can produce a glowing golden layer that looks amazing in the sun. Not all these canes are usable shapes, but even the wildly bent ones can be made into cudgels. My wife's metal cane is on the right for size reference The Blackthorn ones from Ireland have an asking price of more than a hundred dollars . Pretty stiff money for a crude one with the bark left on. We were at a family reunion a few weeks ago and a cousin really liked what I had. She wants a nicely finished mushroom stick tall enough to rest her chin on to keep her head perfectly still. Those are easy. I usually let the T handle ones too long on the handle as they may crack or check at the end. They get cut down after they dry out slowly.

Can you put the cub engine on a shaker mount from a C165/125?

I got into it deeper yesterday and it is a resin bed failure. With using the cleaner the warranty is extended but still worthless. They told me I needed to get the installing contractor out to verify the issue before they will cover it. That means I would have to pay for the service call since I installed it. That happened to me once before with a water heater. #!%@ it! Not willing to pay for a service call along with what Lane found out it was new softener time. We found that out Lane. Rheem softeners around the time we purchased it had become nightmares. Often times causing a flood. I told my wife to find one and do the research. We settled on a Whirlpool Pro series. I wanted to get one today and the nearest place that had them in stock was Blains Farm and Fleet in Portage MI. A little over 2 hours away. I called them and asked the guy to verify physically that the computer was right. Heput me on hold and when he came back he said he actually put his hands on both of them. I had never heard of Blains before. I was amazed. It puts Tractor Supply, Rural King and the others I've seen to complete shame. It's almost worth the 2+ hour drive. Now, to install a softener again.................tomorrow.

The OEM seal is # 7877. Wheelhorse Parts-n-More ought to have it.

Use a drill bit to find the size.....

In one incident, I happened to be carrying a stick. While the 2 dogs were tussling, I was whacking the loose dog in the ribs with the stick. I kind of wondered why it had not broken off. Then I noticed that my dog had a hold of its ear. When he released the ear, the loose dog ran off to a 'safe' distance and stood there looking at us with what I translated as a "well, that didn't work out like I planned" look. That dog has not bothered us since.

Our current dog is a Sheltie/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. We've had several 'incidents' witl loose dogs when out taking walks over the years. Something about him just seams to put a challenge out to other dogs. Been thinking about starting to carry a 'walking stick' of some sort while walking the dog. While working on our property in Ky last week, I noticed a small ironwood tree that would have good potential for use as a 'walking stick'.

Thanks for the input it sounds like tinning wires is the way I am going

The stick laid on the ground for a time as they must to keep from cracking. The worms got in under the bark, which is a cool thing to me. They left tunnels behind. The bark is stripped at this point, but another layer remains in spots the worms were active

Who is the mole teaching "Garden Tractors Anonymous?"

With the seal removed, inspect the shaft area where the seal rides..... most likely worn, if so, the shaft needs to be sleeved or replace. Sleeve as in SpeedySleeve or SealSaver- special .003 thick stainless tube. Often used to repair worn car harmonic balancers with wear grooves.....

I don't like those 'E' clips for the hood hinge rod. In all my Wheelhorse tractors I just use (on each side) a 3/8 hex bolt 1" - 1/4" long with a Nylok Hex nut. Draw the nut just tight enough for the hood to open. This eliminates the hood rattle and gives better ground for the headlights....reducing flickering.

Use a single wrap of 2" wide duct tape...it is smooth and easy to remove without leaving any 'pieces' of it behind. Gently tap the seal in place using a collar that just fits over the pump shaft and a little bigger dia than the seal. Be sure to thoroughly clear out any burrs in the alum housing or the seal may not 'seal'.

Off a JD gx345.

Didn't nick or cut it it on the splines did ya? We like to see tape covering those to prevent it.

I use a Carlisle ag tire if I plow the garden. Otherwise I have found that a turf tire with 2 link chains works well in snow and wet ground. I wish there was a differential lock on our Horses. Of course then I'd dig two holes when I lose traction!

Worked on making some personalized Key Chains for a friend. I think they turned out well! 3D printed in 3 colors. The one I made for mine is not personalized. Always fun to be making something unique and useful. It is a small thing to do on a WH, but an easy way to finding the key on the key rack! Steve

I am looking for help getting a pair of Wheel Horse tractors, a snowblade, and some small miscellany from the Detroit, MI area to the St. Louis, MO metro area. Time-frame is pretty open, but would like to have wrapped up this fall. Won't be ready for pickup for about two weeks after I post this today (8.27.2024). Distance is about 540 miles one way. Tractors are in operable condition so should drive on trailer, but be advised there may be some manual labor involved in the loading process. I plan to list a number of things to sell soon, some of which could be considered for barter if there is interest. may be some opportunities for back hauling. Please PM me to discuss further, your cost, etc. Thanks, Steve

I recently bought a new Carlisle (or so I thought) turf saver tire. I didn't realize it when I ordered it but when it came (an Amazon purchase) I thought it was the wrong tire because it had a different name. I didn't realize it, but Carlisle has changed their name. The tread is the same, so I guess this is okay, but it was a surprise. Carlisle has been around as long as I can remember, so I'll miss the good old original brand! I guess this comes under the 'same, but different' category! C-85

Dear Lord, You are the great physician and have been with Jay Paxton through his radiation and chemotherapy procedures. Jay will be undergoing cancer tumor removal surgery tomorrow. I pray that you will continue to be with Jay and the medical personnel involved in this procedure, guide the hands of the surgeon and everyone involved. Comfort Jay’s family and friends. Allow this operation to rid Jay of all cancer and guard against any infection or other undesirable side effects. I pray that his recovery and recuperation will be swift and as painless as possible. I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

I've bought some in the past but not sure what number. Do a search here on the site for something like "front bearing" maybe?

Part of Trina's history in martial arts is weapons training. She's had teaching on quite a few different pieces. Her favorite is the "Bow"... A stick that's made a very particular way. A few years ago she decided to whittle down an old stick at the campfire one night. Then another... and another over the years. Hers aren't made in the traditional manner but can be used as such. They are to the untrained eye, walking sticks.

wanted to give an update regarding my mower deck. left blade is level, right side is off less than 1/16 of an inch. The center one is way off, by more than a 1/4 inch! It appears bent, the spindle or deck, not the blade. After the mowing season, when i swap deck out for snowthrower, Ill mess with deck and replace blades, as well as the deck with worn blades. Im assuming the box stores are not gonna have what i need. This measuring tool is an absolute necessity. Without it your really wasting time. Its like timing a small block chevy without a timing light. Sure u can get her running, but you need a light for accuracy. Th ank you for all who responded and took the time to offer your insight.

Here is the head after being through the radial arm saw to rough shape. The bark came off pretty nice

What Lucas product are you referring to?

@ri702bill reflective of past experience ! replacement / change demands detailing , good suggestion , pete

As soon as I think I’m making progress thinning the herd, a couple more show up No complaints

Have a Great Day

That is Greg and Leah from Waupacka, WI

Blades right side up?

I would start with what I call an OSI, or obvious um, "stuff" inspection. Some of these are simple, but this stuff happens often. 1. Are the two gage wheels the same size (and in good shape), or is the bar they ride on straight? My first wheel horse was silly cheap because (mainly) the PO couldn't get it to mow evenly. He made replacement wheels out of plywood and they were not the same. I've also seen well-worn gage wheels that were 3/4 of an inch different in diameter. Those wheels are 100% responsible for keeping the deck level. 2. Make sure you don't have a bent blade. Remove all three and lay them on a perfectly flat surface. Any rocking or gaps will tell you if they are bent. 3. Is the deck body straight? The 42 side discharge is a solid item, but the area around the spindles can be warped with a solid strike to a root or rock. 4. Check your tire pressure, and adjust accordingly. Even though the deck floats independently, if the tractor leans one way or the other enough it can push the deck into an odd track.