Mustang67ford 234 #1 Posted April 27, 2022 Just finished the restoration on a 414-8 though I have not mowed with it yet. I keep using a junky ride I have. After all the work restoring and seeing how good it looks, I am hesitant to use it as a mower without knowing a good way to keep it clean. I also don't want to just be used to drag a trailer around and set in the garage. How do you guys use your tractor as a mower but still keep it looking good enough to take it to shows? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,598 #2 Posted April 27, 2022 1 hour ago, Mustang67ford said: How do you guys use your tractor as a mower but still keep it looking good enough to take it to shows? Easy answer is buy another one for mowing… But, I would just wash it regularly and keep the deck clean - underneath and on top… 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,520 #3 Posted April 27, 2022 (edited) Agreed.................use another Horse for mowing...... Edited April 27, 2022 by johnnymag3 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,874 #4 Posted April 27, 2022 another top ten reason to get one more! "I got to keep this one looking good!" 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mustang67ford 234 #5 Posted April 27, 2022 Well, I have a 2nd rider (non wheelhorse) that I am currently using for cutting. Even cutting dry grass still results in it sticking to everything to where air pressure wont help. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mustang67ford 234 #6 Posted April 27, 2022 28 minutes ago, johnnymag3 said: Agreed.................use another Horse for mowing...... Nice collection. Do any of those cut on a regular basis? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,083 #7 Posted April 28, 2022 3 hours ago, Mustang67ford said: After all the work restoring and seeing how good it looks, I am hesitant to use it as a mower without knowing a good way to keep it clean. I cover mine up with moving blankets. They are pretty cheap at Harbor freight. They keep off the dust but don't make the tractor sweat like a tarp does. They also are heavy and stay in place when it's breezy. We have a couple of cats at the barn, and I got tired of footprints on everything... 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,177 #8 Posted April 28, 2022 This 312-8 was my regular mower for 30 out of the 33 years I have owned it since new. First picture was in 89 with its first coat of wax going on,and second picture was this past weekend hauling a dump cart around. Keep after it and never put it away wet.A WheelHorse really is worth the extra effort to keep it nice. It just deserves it. @Mustang67ford 6 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,520 #9 Posted April 28, 2022 1 hour ago, Mustang67ford said: Nice collection. Do any of those cut on a regular basis? The 418 A in front mows 1-2 times a week.....its my regular mower.. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mustang67ford 234 #10 Posted April 28, 2022 16 minutes ago, JCM said: This 312-8 was my regular mower for 30 out of the 33 years I have owned it since new. First picture was in 89 with its first coat of wax going on,and second picture was this past weekend hauling a dump cart around. Keep after it and never put it away wet.A WheelHorse really is worth the extra effort to keep it nice. It just deserves it. @Mustang67ford Still looks brand new, good job on keeping up with it. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,074 #11 Posted April 28, 2022 (edited) 4 hours ago, Mustang67ford said: Just finished the restoration on a 414-8 though I have not mowed with it yet. I keep using a junky ride I have. After all the work restoring and seeing how good it looks, I am hesitant to use it as a mower without knowing a good way to keep it clean. I also don't want to just be used to drag a trailer around and set in the garage. How do you guys use your tractor as a mower but still keep it looking good enough to take it to shows? Let’s see some pics ! … And also… if it’s a Wheel Horse, it can go to any show, anytime… they hold their own against any brand, worked hard and tired, original patina, restored, survivor; don’t matter, they hold their own ! If the creek doesn’t rise, and the GOOD LORD is willing, I will be at the Big Show this year with my 1994 520H and my 1984 Work Horse GT-1600… many tractors there will be nicer looking… some may not… but these 2 are mine, and they WILL attend the Ball ! BTW, I intend to wear out my yellow and white tractors before I put either of my Wheel Horses to regular work… Edited April 28, 2022 by Horse Newbie 4 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daddy Don 905 #12 Posted April 28, 2022 Power washer. Just be careful while doing it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,464 #13 Posted April 28, 2022 You can still enjoy them even if they are a little dirty. I do not get anal about it. The mower I use I just use a small blower to clean off grass. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #14 Posted April 28, 2022 @JCM agree with you and others on a regular clean up , in addition to periodic waxing / finish cleaning , I don't hesitate to feed that paint finish with an aerosol lubricant rub down , more than anything that will help paint live on . also don't let movable friction areas dry out , regularly lubricate any thing that needs it . found that oil rub down is the best pre waxing / cleaning you can do , paint buffs out deep and clear . I use a 6 " electric palm buffer , very quick and easy . that grass build up is the killer , it will hold moisture to an untreated deck , learned that years ago . my decks are baffle free , easy to drop , very little build up , stand up on , back deck wheels , wood brace , hold to angle at sun for hot lubrication soak in . like this , just sold a deck , buyer marveled at condition , pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,307 #15 Posted April 28, 2022 12 hours ago, JCM said: This 312-8 was my regular mower for 30 out of the 33 years I have owned it since new. First picture was in 89 with its first coat of wax going on,and second picture was this past weekend hauling a dump cart around. Keep after it and never put it away wet.A WheelHorse really is worth the extra effort to keep it nice. It just deserves it. @Mustang67ford I feel sorry for the trailer, did you run out of wax? 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,074 #16 Posted April 28, 2022 11 hours ago, Retierd Wrencher said: You can still enjoy them even if they are a little dirty. I do not get anal about it. The mower I use I just use a small blower to clean off grass. The 1984 Work Horse I just refreshed is already a little dirty, and all I done with it is take a few joyrides… Most of the dust is from the new drive belt and pollen… Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,074 #17 Posted April 28, 2022 9 hours ago, lynnmor said: I feel sorry for the trailer, did you run out of wax? It’s a Jackson… not a Wheel Horse… so no wash and wax…. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
