'74 C120

[dclarke 4,045]

I picked up this C120 a month or two ago with the intention of just fixing whatever needed it and using it to mow with this summer. After rebuilding the carb and fuel pump the engine runs like a top so I set it aside and took the rest of the tractor apart to see what it needed. Nothing came out of the tranny when I went to drain it so I opened it up to see what it looked like. I replaced a couple of gears and the bearings and seals along with the shifter. This is the first tranny I've had that I could just tap the hitch pin out. The front axle pivot hole was worn and the pin was broke so I replaced those along with the rear lower steering shaft support. The dash stand was cracked in several places and the lift lever was bent "out" almost like someone was using it as a handhold to get on the tractor. I welded up the cracks in the hood stand and a couple in the seat pan and replaced the lift lever, next I took the tins off the engine and cleaned it up. I took the starter apart while I had it off, one of the magnets was broke so I replaced the starter and also picked up a good Nelson muffler.

   

With the engine back in I made a new wiring harness, put in a new ign. switch and battery, new tail light and front lens and a new seat. I also got a new set of decals from Terry and got those put on today as well as the grip tape on the foot rests.



The shifter plate was missing and the one I had was shot so I had one made out of 1/8" plate, hoping it won't bend like the old one.


This is written under the hood.


I've got 4 new Turf Masters, front wheel bearings, new belts and an idler pulley on the way and a new set of hub caps from Glen to finish it off. I have a nice late '80's 42 inch deck to put under it.




 

Edited February 15, 2015 by dclarke

[Lane Ranger 11,023]

Looks like a real keeper Denny!   Those C-120's and C-121's are great all around  Wheel Horse tractors!

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Looks and sounds like you have a fine tractor now.

Thanks for the photos

[whfan74 2,068]

Very nice! Can I have it back now? :)

[rmaynard 15,722]

That a nice looking muffler you got there Denny.

 

You can beat a '74 through '77 B/C Series horse.

[dclarke 4,045]

Looks like a real keeper Denny!   Those C-120's and C-121's are great all around  Wheel Horse tractors!

Lane, for some reason, I prefer the 8 speed over the hydro. Lookin forward to using this one.

 

Very nice! Can I have it back now?

Scott, I'm not sure you'll get this one back. It's really growin on me. I did feel a little guilty though when I got it running, almost felt like I should probably send you some more money................ Almost.

 

That a nice looking muffler you got there Denny.

 

You can beat a '74 through '77 B/C Series horse.

The muffler sounds great, Bob. Thanks!

[squonk 41,638]

That tractor reminds me of the 73 "12" that I got from the original owner a year and a half ago. Runs like new still, original paint and it loves to plow snow! (Good thing!) Looks like we both got a KEEPER!!!!

[dclarke 4,045]

That tractor reminds me of the 73 "12" that I got from the original owner a year and a half ago. Runs like new still, original paint and it loves to plow snow! (Good thing!) Looks like we both got a KEEPER!!!!

Mike, this one's been painted with a rattle can. I think I'll run it a year or two then freshen up the engine and give it a paint job. Wish it was original paint.

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,177]

Looks like you've fixed it up really nice Denny

[Jake Kuhn 1,556]

Looks good denny! Should make a very nice mowing tractor!

[tunahead72 2,448]

Very nice tractor Denny, I especially like the shifter plate you made, nice work!

 

... Those C-120's and C-121's are great all around  Wheel Horse tractors!

 

Agreed. I think when one of my Wheel Horses decides it's time to move on, I'll be replacing it with one of these. A little beefier and more "naked" than my 310-8, and I've done the black hood thing and will be looking for something different.

 

Now having just said that, I hope my tractors don't read this and start getting ideas, I have enough projects right now.

[Martin 2,133]

another nice honest tractor there Denny.

 

shifter plate looks great, i can understand you wanting to make one up from slightly thicker material.

[dclarke 4,045]

Got the new tires on yesterday, a new idler pulley and drive belt and finally took it for a ride. I also put new bearings in the mule drive pulleys, when it warms up I'll replace the idlers, spindle bearings and the belt on the deck and that should make this a pretty dependable worker.





 

[Jake Kuhn 1,556]

Looks good denny, I like the way those turfmasters look.

[dclarke 4,045]

Looks good denny, I like the way those turfmasters look.

Thanks, Jake. Maybe it's just me but I think these tractors sure seem to ride better with new tires.

[MalMac 1,331]

Looks good Denny, what you got there was the bread and butter for Wheel Horse. The C 's were no nonsense straight out workers. In my opinion they were some of best series made. You will enjoy the dependability of the C.

[Martin 2,133]

Thanks, Jake. Maybe it's just me but I think these tractors sure seem to ride better with new tires.

 

I agree Denny, new tires are always good for making them ride nicer. just like putting new tires on your car or truck.....

[dclarke 4,045]

I got the deck mounted tonight, all the bearings on it feel good and run quiet so I didn't have to replace any of those. I did have to replace the cast iron drive pulley on the deck and I put new bearings and a seal in the PTO. Two new belts and I think this tractor is ready to go back to work.





 

[Ken B 3,164]

Very nice Denny! That's the way we all love too find them!

[Anglo Traction 761]

Wise purchase, excellent workmanship and attention to return it to it's full potential  .

I only wish they were available over here (UK) in that initial condition   .............. I would not have had to spend 2 years and a small fortune getting my '74' C-120 to somewhere near yours . Great work !.