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Yesterday I collected a front blade/snow plough and a lawn sweeper from a fellow forum member. This morning as it was very wet here I took the opportunity to have a go at fitting the blade, all went well other than a bit of head scratching when I realised the adjusting arm wouldn't fit as it was fouling on the brake pedal. After a short while I realised if I took off the rod guide eyelet and release lever and turned the entire arm so that the dog leg is facing inward (the opposite to how it was) it would fit perfectly, it does. One pin was missing for the lift but luckily I found one of the correct diameter in my box of bits, it just had to be cut to length and drilled for the R pin. Off I went and pushed up the rather large compost heap and was very pleased with the performance. I also assembled the lawn sweep and had a quick play, it works fine but the height adjustment kept jumping out, once again the box of bits was out, and stronger spring fitted and all is well. I also received on Friday my freshly fabricated Clevis hitch which my Uncle started to copy from his original about five years ago! He's made a nice job of it and after a few adjustments to my Mouldbord Plough I was running in some half respectable furrows, I'm even considering entering my local clubs Ploughing match later this year.

Collected a '75 Raider 10 today with side discharge cutting deck. Engine supposedly OK, but gears cannot be selected. The idea is to eventually restore it, or make something special. The engine will go into the C-125 while the 12hp off that is rebuilt. Below photo's of as collected. Not to bad I suppose, seeing as it's been stood outside for a number of years. The deck has not fared as well. But I think it can be rescued eventually. First thing was to blow the tyres up to make it easier to push about. Next a good pressure wash. Strangely there's red paint under that blue. Then it was up onto the work bench. Just to see what would happen, I connected a battery. Turned the key and the engine spun easily. I did check the oil first. Cleaned and checked plug and points and got a nice healthy spark. Here is when I found throttle and choke cables/controls, very, very stiff. Never mind, choke fully open, throttle halfway, squirt petrol into the carb, turn key and...... It fired up and ran for a second or two. While I set too on the controls, I left the old petrol in the tank to drain. Have no idea how old it is, but I've never seen golden brown petrol before. Well, not out of a plastic tank. That's it for now.

The rebuild as officially started here's what I've done so far

As some of you know I entered the 2016 Annual ploughing match. The ground was wheat stubble and had large mose patches which made traction a problem up hill, anyway i had a go. Not having done it before i entered the novice class and was shown to my spot which was twice as big as the horticultural section and the only ride on tractor in the class all the others were full size tractors. Anyway we marked out and did my opening and then carried on and did the patch ( and we weren't last to finish) I learnt a lot throughout the day with lots of advice from friends and need to make a few alterations to the tractor. Heres the photos and running list and results, i was very pleased and had a good day and I wasn't last which was a bonus.

So at long last the planters were delivered today, only had enough time to take them off the pallet and get a quick photo to show the drive wheel that turns the bit that drops the potatoes.

Looks good. I know where you got them from. Just over a few fields from me

Took the engine out today after taking the head off. Bore looks good, but not measured it yet. Bit of wear on the valve side. Exhaust valve looks well past it's sell by date. Inlet is ok, as are both valve seats. Considering the state of the exhaust valve, I would have expected that to be bad as well. Pretty clean in there except round the exhaust valve. Head gasket was leaking oil. As was the other head gasket. Yes! You read that right. Two head gaskets. Head does look a little warped, front to back. Next, tractor off the bench and engine lifted out. Found another use for the ambulance I made for Newby Hall last year. Off for a wash. Nice and clean now.

I made my own quick attach for the rear of my C-125. Simple to do.

While I was there I mentioned that I had noticed "a cell" of Wheelhorse collectors in the area! As far as I know there aren't as many over this way, although I do see one horse at the local rallies.

Put your request in the Wanted Section of the forum. Always good old to see something in use earning its keep.

If anybody has a rear axle quick attach they don't use I would be interested as I could then mount the Rotavator onto my C series and have this blade on the Raider, that would make quite a handy tag team!

Just managed to catch up with this post. Well done Chris, you did a fantastic job, wow It's a pity I can only hit the Like button once! Iain

Norm, I really like your Raider 10 it looks like a good machine. I am also looking forward to see what you do with it. Somehow it feels satisfying that it is not just Bolens that end up being painted odd colours. I do like Raider's myself and I have a couple in my collection. For inspiration, a quick picture of my Raider 10 playing out in the sun a few years ago with some of the boys. Iain

Thanks for all the advice, Simon Smith found me a new metal one and it isn't C Rice, it's G Rice.... Thanks Simon and D. W. Ayliffe!

it's video time!!!!!

Hi All Here are some pics of us trying to make something of the rubbish grass we have I am training an apprentice to to the hard work We tried double tines then tried single tines with wheels plus 56 lbs weight the latter seems best Will update as we go along

Should have borrowed some pigs George they would have done that

Here's another machine I aquired last year at Ardingly it could be said an HSE nightmare.it also has a circular saw attachment for cutting down saplings.