Big surprise today- Dad’s 310-8 gift

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

So my parents bought a new 310-8 back in 1989. I used that machine in high school to start my lawn mowing business and really started my passion for these machines. My parents divorced years later and mom ended up with tractor. She has been remarried for over 25 years to her husband Bobby who could not be a better guy. Well he wanted to restore the Wheelhorse and started on it last winter. I told him I would paint tins for him when the weather got better. So we painted tins when Ken b and I painted the 417 machines. So I went over today to put Terry’s awesome decals on and as we were finishing up he said I did this restoration for you… I want you to have the tractor. For those of you that don’t know I lost my dad back in 2012. Bobby said this was your fathers machine and I want you to have it. I honestly had no idea this was coming but it will be my most favorite machine in my collection. What a great gift by a wonderful man. I am sure that big Jim would be happy to know I have his Wheelhorse that he loved. My mom even had the original brochure and sales recipe. $2400 back in the day was a lot of money for my parents!

 

 

[Wild Bill in VA 1,452]

Steve, 

That's a beautiful story with a great happy ending!

Wild Bil in Richmond VA

[Pullstart 62,905]

So cool Stevebo!  Gotta ask… being the accident prone dude I am.  What’s with your arm?

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

5 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

So cool Stevebo!  Gotta ask… being the accident prone dude I am.  What’s with your arm?

Getting old sucks! I have arthritis and it was time. Wrist surgery. I had the right one done in 2017 and it has been great

[Roger R 448]

Awesome story, awesome machine

[Bill D 1,923]

Great story.  Beautiful machine.

[ri702bill 8,327]

6 hours ago, stevebo said:

Getting old sucks!

But... it sure does beat the alternative - the big dirt nap.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,596]

[VinsRJ 721]

Congrats Steve! It's amazing how a single point in time can alter the entire path of life we walk...

[squonk 41,145]

8 hours ago, stevebo said:

Getting old sucks! I have arthritis and it was time. Wrist surgery. I had the right one done in 2017 and it has been great

Awesome tractor ! 

 

I have arthritis in my left wrist really bad. It was my pitching hand so it stands to reason. All of the " Ortho" docs around here say " we don't operate on arthritis" They want to give me cortisone shots that don't work. 

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

Grate post Steve. That tractor came out beautiful in your dad memory. He would be proud of you! I was shocked on the price even back then.

Edited August 7, 2022 by Retierd Wrencher

[Rob R 966]

Steve, really great story I'm sure you'll treasure this machine, hope you heal well, be safe. Hope to see you live in October.  

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,324]

So cool! Love the story and history
  Is it getting a spot on the upper shelf ..

[grinchsr 627]

Give that tractor reserved parking in that barn.

[Pullstart 62,905]

Does this machine have an hour meter?  If not, any guess as to how many are on it?

[dclarke 4,032]

Love the story, Steve. That's a special tractor! 

[Ken B 3,164]

Such an awesome story Steve! I’m very happy for you. 

[Lee1977 6,663]

Where you really lucked out is having a second great dad, most of us only have one. 

[ebinmaine 67,570]

AWESOME stuff. 

Thanks for posting this. 

[grnlark 487]

Glad its back where it belongs! That's the tractor that stays in the family forever. 

[c-series don 8,719]

@stevebo Given your extensive collection and you saying that is now your favorite tractor that really says a lot. I (or should I say we all!) love to hear stories such as yours. Some people might think we are crazy placing sentimental value on a garden tractor, but most of us know that it certainly happens. I have around 20 Wheel Horses but only a few that really mean a lot to me and I will never sell. 

[wallfish 17,011]

Great story and a great gift from Bobby giving you Big Jim's tractor.

[Darrenw85 618]

Great story Steve. The tractor turned out very nice. Hope to see it at the big show sometime. 

I have my Dad's C-121 and I know how special it is to have my Dad's tractor.