"GhostRider" another 314-8

[Pullstart 63,529]

On 7/5/2018 at 5:35 PM, PeacemakerJack said:

Caleb got to use his new “digger” set from @AMC RULES today on GhostRider to dig up the old strawberry bed...

He was having some fun with it no doubt!

It was pretty weedy to begin with but he did a good job of working it down.

Doesn’t look quite as cool on the beast as it does on the little 854 but it works awesome!

Caleb looks like a man on a mission but make no mistake—he is enjoying it!

Man on a mission for sure!  Get it get it @Coulter Caleb!

[Pullstart 63,529]

On 7/27/2017 at 7:19 AM, PeacemakerJack said:

Although GhostRider is a working tractor I still like to have him looking good while doing it. The one major ugly thing was the rusty brown muffler.  So, I decided to paint one up for him, dads 953, and Blackbeard at the same time. I used the ultra high heat paint and then followed the break in instructions which included lots of idling! Since I had the big "work" horses together--I took some pics...

Gotta love those "Big Wheels"

My little photo bombs! (I love these guys!!!)

Next up for GhostRider is to get those rear wheels painted. The off white doesn't work well with the rest of the paint scheme!  Once I have that done, I want to fabricate a heavier hitch assembly, install some more chrome fasteners here and there for accents and this dude is ready to go!

 

 

Something is is really getting at me lately, like I am starting to need some bigger WheelHorses in my collection!  GT14, 953, 1053... something.  Dang it, I’ve got to start my “list” for next year @stevebo!

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Kevin—the “Big Wheels” are very cool and unique tractors within the Garden Tractor Community. Case had the 400 and 600 series with 16” and 15” rims.  Wheel horse has the 953/1054, GT-14, and the C195 with the 15” and 16” rims.  They also had larger wheels on some of the D’s.  Other than that, most GT’s were on 12” rear wheels.  It makes them different from most tractors available by the various manufacturers.

 

 

The riding position of a BW GT is really cool IMHO.  The neat thing is that you can study them over, decide which you would like to own and pursue buying one. If you decide on a specific model, then keep your Eyes open—one will show up at a time you least expect it!

Edited July 15, 2018 by PeacemakerJack

[19richie66 17,542]

@pullstart I fell in love with the gt14 when I saw Aldon’s restomod build. Just something cool about those tractors. I also like the 953/1054. The only thing about those I don’t like is the way the rear fender pan in those models is all one piece and part of the frame. I am working on that issue with Karen’s tractor. Ill figure something out. One thing is for sure, if you are toting one of those things home next year, you better bring a trailer. 

[953 nut 56,742]

3 hours ago, pullstart said:

Dang it, I’ve got to start my “list” for next year

[953 nut 56,742]

On 7/11/2018 at 1:31 AM, PeacemakerJack said:

Things that are different are not the same...

May I quote you on that?     

 

[Aldon 4,828]

That’s a priceless quote! Awesome 👏 

[Pullstart 63,529]

Still don’t know why you guys doubt the capacity of the Diesel Chevy Colorado!

[19richie66 17,542]

After your big show load out, I have a hard time doubting anything about that truck other than me ever owning one. Too mucho dinero for me. 

[Pullstart 63,529]

You just need grampa to retire from GM 

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Well...

 

Unless I think of something else this tractor needs, this will be the last major upgrade to have my 314-8 be the plow tractor that I envisioned it to be about 4 years ago. For those of you who who have seen, driven, plowed with GhostRider, or have just followed this thread, you know that he has basically been an experiment for me to see if a Wheel Horse makes a good plow tractor.  Not just for a small garden plot but a hardcore “let’s plow all day in the farmers field” honest to goodness PLOW rig.  I came from the CC side of this hobby and it is a major topic amongst the Cub enthusiasts.  They love to talk about and participate in plow days.  After being here on the Red Square for awhile, I didn’t hear much about plowing.  Furthermore, I noticed a severe lack of ‘s at the big plow days that I attended.  Many would have a bunch of Cubs and John Deere’s, a smattering of off brands but usually less than 5 horses out of 75-100 GT’s.  So, I set out to see if the Pond’s Little Dream machines could hold up to the rigors of field plowing!  That is the main reason why I painted my 314-8 the way that I did and gave it the brash and bold name with graphic.  If this thing was going to be a good plow mule, I wanted everyone at the plow days to remember it.  What is awesome is that now a bunch of you guys are getting into plowing.  GhostRider passed the test with flying colors and my local Circle buddies all have plow rigs. Now at Jim’s Plow Day we have guys coming in from all surrounding states to turn earth, primarily with Horses.   Yes, I will always like my Cubs too but I love the fact that the GhostRider experiment for me has turned out so well.  If someone makes a snide remark about a Wheel Horse not being able to plow...I’ve got a word or two to SET THEM STRAIGHT!

 

So, my final upgrade is to install assisted lift. I thought about going through the headaches of installing a hydraulic lift but since Wheel Horse already had an electric lift option for their GD tractors.  I’ve been watching for a tractor with electric lift that I could buy and swap out.  However, my patience ran out when I saw the setup that @JaysHorse had in the classifieds awhile back.  We worked through the details of getting it shipped to me and I’m thankful for his helpfulness and patience.  

 

This is the way GhostRider looked this morning, ready to plow but you need a strong left arm to lift a plow, especially the Punisher.  Any of my buddies can attest to that who have plowed with it before.

The side cover will be changed after the lift arm is gone. I’ll drill a hole next to the headlight switch for the momentary contact lift switch to take up residence. 

One interesting thing to note is that the side cover will stick out about an inch further than the cover on it now.  I have plenty of room on the floor board so I don’t think that will be a problem.

After taking everything out of the boxes, I came across this ultra light duty carabiner clip.  I couldn’t find it on the parts manifest— 

For me, these projects are infinitely more exciting if my little people help me.  They get to learn something and keep me company at the same time. Zach loves to work with his hands and is super sharp on all things mechanical.  He is the kid that says, “let me do it Dad!”

Judge is excited to have a plow tractor that he will be able to use with electric lift.  Here, he is removing the bracket that is right below the lift arm.  The removal of most of the parts was pretty straightforward however this lift system is off a 400/500 series hydro.  This made several interesting moments throughout the install. Remember my classic line listed above, “Things that are different are NOT the same!”

After removing the old lift arm, dial-a-height system, and rockshaft, we were able to install the new hard parts.  The boys loved beating all the old stuff apart and putting the new stuff together.  The hydro obviously has a brake arm on the left side and my GD has a straight arm.  I thought I would have to build my own rod until I thought of modifying the brake rod which had all the necessary bends to make it around the electric lift.

I had to clip a couple of pieces off the brake lever and then installed a bolt which connected to my clutch engagement lever.

It all seems to work as it should.

For anyone who hasn’t seen one up close and personal, here is the new muscle behind the lift system.

The cover sticks out, but still does the job. Now I have to get the electrical worked out and I should be able to do a test run...

[Pullstart 63,529]

Can’t wait for Ghostrider to teach Hot Wheels a thing or two about turning dirt!  

[Stormin 9,983]

 I fitted an electric lift on the Black Horse. Since removed. Not sure where I got it now, but it was the deck lift off something. Worked ok, but was slow and not strong enough to raise the plough out of the ground. Had to reverse a tad. Also could not set depth. Different set up to yours though and you can use the height dial.

Also found, when traveling over rough ground with the plough raised, it would slowly drop. The actuator you have looks bigger than the one I have.

 Also the mounting of it is different than how I did it.

Be interesting to see how you get on.

[JaysHorse 287]

It’s not as fast as the hydro lift but sure does beat manual. That one I sold @PeacemakerJack I had no issues lifting the front tires of the ground. Glad to see you are getting it done. 👍

[AMC RULES 37,144]

I spy a  Calendar shot!   

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Thanks Craig—I love that gang! Unfortunately they are already growing up too fast.  That is the way they looked when I bought GhostRider...

 

It took me a little while to get all the wiring in place but I finally did.  I was able to get it working after spending a little time to make sure that all the connections were tight and I had a good ground.  I will tell you this, it is much easier lifting the Punisher with the flick of a toggle.

 

i couldn’t not test it before Jim’s PD and so the old strawberry bed was just begging to be turned even though it was nearly dark by the time I got home from work.

 The weeds were about 18” tall but the Punisher handled them with ease.  I was pretty excited to be turning earth again. This tractor is purpose built for it and overall does a great job.

Next up on the list is a pair of LED headlights.  My old 4411’s draw too much power especially now that I have electric lift!  

Zach was dying to drive and so he got to haul it back to the stable.

He walked the furrows the whole time I was plowing.  He really enjoys every aspect of this hobby. Can’t wait to get him some seat time at Jim’s...

[WHX?? 49,919]

Well let's quit jackin the jaw and get to the plowing! You best get ready Josh and I don't cotton to youngins in bed yet at plow time!

[Pullstart 63,529]

On 7/15/2018 at 11:05 AM, pullstart said:

 

 

Something is is really getting at me lately, like I am starting to need some bigger WheelHorses in my collection!  GT14, 953, 1053... something.  Dang it, I’ve got to start my “list” for next year @stevebo!

 

On 7/15/2018 at 2:52 PM, 953 nut said:

 

 

Wow, I didn’t realize that I had it in for a Big Wheel almost instantly after last year’s big show!  Thanks Richard for making it possible to own a real one... Even though Frank is in our stables too.  Also, who’s bright idea was it to look for Norman?  Not mine, apparently!  

 

Side note, I tagged Stevebo because I was so surprised at his “shopping list” that he brought with him to the show.  I was there for a good time, didn’t plan on getting three more tractors and various extras!

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

It is funny how things work out sometimes.  That is one of the many cool things about the forum is that it physically captures thoughts, ideas, visions, etc if we are willing to record them here.  Then if we stay the course and those things become a reality, we can look back and see the journey that brought us from the idea to the reality!  That is what this whole thread is for me regarding GhostRider.

 

Another cool thing is how you can do exactly what Kevin did and put down a tractor that you would like to get, then look back on that point once you realize that you got that machine!  There was a thread a few months back concerning what tractor you would like if you could go in and order it new.  One of the models that I listed was a 1054.  Mind you, I have never owned one, nor was I looking for one.  However, in less than two weeks, I had an owner asking me if I’d like to purchase one...

 

now...it has tons of patina, so it isn’t exactly NOS. But it is pretty much the way it left the factory in late 1964

[PeacemakerJack 10,743]

Hard to believe that three years have come and gone since my last post in this thread.  I had the privilege to attend Jim&Cindy’s plow day VII this past Saturday and the plowing was great as was the weather.  However, I ran into another glitch with GhostRider that I will soon remedy.  I broke the lift cable.  Granted, I’m lifting a very heavy 12” Brinly plow…many times snagging it from heavy soil while in motion.  The electric lift is working great so far but it is powerful and I’m sure adds to the pressure on the cable.  I need to decide at this point if I’m going “travel with a back-up cable” or if I’m going to come up with a stronger solution.  I’m not 100% sure which route I’m going to take but I’ll post it here once I’ve got it figured out…

This young man got to plow for the first time on GhostRider and he seemed to enjoy it!

Zach took multiple rounds! 

[WHX?? 49,919]

Only thing I can suggest is get into the habit of throwing it in reverse and back up to clear  the plow. Seems to take alot of stress off the cable and hitch work not having to lift a buried plow. Yah if you got a guy crawling up your rear at the end of a furrow he might have to back off but he'll get over it. 

Edited October 25, 2022 by WHX??