WheelhorseBob 1,549 #1 Posted June 19, 2021 Fun topic, Obviously no wrong answers. Im doing a build right now and I’m not sure where it may go. Started life as a C121-8. Could end up a C121-8. I have a K341 that I’m rebuilding if the machine shop cooperate’s. I have a 16 Briggs twin too. Anyway this is a blank canvas. I could do a bunch of different things. My thought is the ultimate Wheel Horse (excluding Sr’s and other rarities) would be a 8 speed 8 pinion C-Series with electric lift and a 16 horse Kohler K. I personally like shaker mounts so that too. I could also go with a 520 swept front axle and dare I say gear reduction. I also have HD 3/4” spindles for a standard axle. So, what would you build? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,498 #2 Posted June 19, 2021 21 minutes ago, WheelhorseBob said: So, what would you build? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,558 #3 Posted June 19, 2021 49 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Hhhmmm… Colossus… Been a while since that one’s seen some action… I’m thinking this one may actually be from the very rare and little known northern cicada WH brood that appears only in the Maine woods every 17 years or so… 1 11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,558 #4 Posted June 19, 2021 Any Black Hood will do… 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,429 #5 Posted June 19, 2021 9 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Any Black Hood will do… I did just that six years ago here. C165, swept axle, gear reductions, loaded tires, and iron wheel weights. The only addition I would add is hydraulics so I can have power lift and possibly power steering. Bob, If I had to pick any of your potential mods, I'd definitely go with the swept axle/reduction steering. After that mod on my C165, I wish that I had the funds to swap all of my tractors with that setup; the steering is so much smoother and noticeably easier. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,549 #6 Posted June 19, 2021 26 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Any Black Hood will do… That is a distinct possibility..., 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,874 #7 Posted June 19, 2021 Power / easy steering.......Yes Power lift.......Yes Engine is all up to you, for replacement power I lean toward Briggs Vanguard, V Twins. I have done a couple and really was impressed with power and sound. Easy to fit. If you like old shakers...........14 hp Kohler, a powerful / hard to beat, not to mention, economical choice. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,175 #8 Posted June 19, 2021 13 hours ago, WheelhorseBob said: I personally like shaker mounts Not judging, just curious. Why do you like the shaker mount. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,750 #9 Posted June 19, 2021 Add a 2nd separate electric actuator for the rear implement lift. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,549 #10 Posted June 19, 2021 58 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: Not judging, just curious. Why do you like the shaker mount. I own 7 Wheel Horse tractors, both singles and Twins. I've done side by side comparisons, for instance my 312-8 vs. my C161. Much less vibration in the 161 at operating rpm. This build will likely have a k341 without balance gears and I feel like the rubber mounts will be very benificial in that configuratinon. The twins I have or have had are significantly less buzzy than the solid mounted singles. Still not as smooth at rpm as a shaker. Oh and I've owned rubber mounted HD's for a lot of years and the shaker plate horses remind me of them. BTW, this is only my opinion nothing more. Your mileage may vary! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,230 #11 Posted June 19, 2021 (edited) 20 minutes ago, WheelhorseBob said: this is only my opinion nothing more Echoing you on this! If doing electric, I'd keep the strokes short (to keep the extend/retract times reasonable) and avoid linkages that can transmit big impact loads on the actuator (e.g. single-stage snowblower lift arms). Also, depending on the implement, I'd make sure the linkages accommodate float where needed since electric actuators can't do float! To really ice the cake, add strong mounting points for a Cat 0 (or even a Cat 1) 3-point? Edited June 19, 2021 by Handy Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
