New Tires for X231 & Assembling the Front Bolster! M-M Prototype Tractor Restoration Part 91

[@davidchapa9593]

People don`t know what there missing. This project is THE BEST of all your projects I have seen of all your playlists. Keep up the great work and don`t STOP the episodes. Happy New Year to you and Senior.

[@squatch253]

I agree, I’m doing things in this restoration that I’ll probably never have to do on anything else - from that standpoint you would think it would be universally good entertainment.

[@joegiura2478]

I have to agree

[@chrisrhodes5464]

I see Senior is not messing around he was ready to get the tires and get home

[@danielbutler578]

​@@chrisrhodes5464It was obvious that he was in the, "Let's get this over with " mode.

[@danielbutler578]

Toby, you sure know how to make an X231 addict happy. There are not too many things that can put a smile this big on my face that don't involve my wife.

[@tylermayfield1987]

I started watching your channel because of X231. Your attention to detail and the way you approach problems regardless of the project is what keeps me coming back. People that complain about X231 just don't understand the problems that can arise from something that should've otherwise been a straightforward process. Every 30 minute job is one broken bolt (or in your case multiple broken bolts and castings) away from from being a multiple day job. Keep up the great work and the final product with be worth it!

[@neilshep50]

I'm in trouble, dinner's late because the chef was watching an X231 video. Worth the tongue lashing from Mrs S! Great progress, love it.

[@rawbsworld6604]

Dude!!!! Do what I do, just send her the squatch253 vid then you got some me time 😆 Yep my missus is a squatch253 addict too 🤦‍♂️😆🤣

[@d00dEEE]

Toby, I often tell people "I'm a root cause analysis kind of guy", because I spend inordinate amounts of time figuring out why things fail. So, I very much (very, very much) appreciate your deep forensics on that blowout failure. 👍🏼

[@hed99]

I loved the "Crazy Laugh" when you referenced yourself as the one that decided to restore this tractor. Great episode! I am glad to see the bolster together. I can't imagine how glad you are.

[@squatch253]

This bolster ended up requiring WAY more work than I had expected - like I said in an earlier episode, I was initially more nervous about the rear end casting, but that was rather straightforward compared to all the things that needed correcting in that front bolster 👍

[@darrenhersey9794]

I'm both glad you have been restoring this thing, and also glad I wasn't drinking when you said that or I would have shot it out of my nose.

[@rawbsworld6604]

Que maniacal laughter ☝️😆

[@acewrench]

Great explanations of the steering and gearing. Very satisfying episode. As always, thank you!

[@nandi123]

Great demonstration of the power steering setup. 10/10! Thank you.

[@bryanhall9034]

Your Precise , Methodical and Accurate Workmanship is a joy to behold.

[@ralfie8801]

Seeing you get this much of it ready to combine into one piece is really encouraging to me. I think I’d rather see this project carried on to completion before starting the next one, but I think you’re a lot like me and get burnt out on these long projects that need lots of small repairs to almost every single part. I fully understand you needing a break from it, but it’s starting to look like something now, and that makes me anxious to see it finished out. It’s looking really good, and thanks for showing these, even if it’s not as popular as the Cat or IH videos.

[@jamesbush7271]

Squatch, thanks so much for the in depth explanations and taking the time to show how the parts fit together and work. Every time I watch a video of yours I learn something and that’s what keeps me coming back. My dad is a mechanic and I never followed that path, instead I work in the Ag industry in an office job, but this reminds me so much of being young and helping him work on old cars and equipment. Keep the videos coming and I wish you a very happy and prosperous 2025!

[@charleswray404]

X231 will be roller for its 70th birthday. Awesome video

[@mrkevt542]

Putting the wheels on released a Tim Allen happy grunt. Nice work and attention to details.

[@SteveHoerner]

Favorite rebuild channel I restore many things. Seeing a prototype troubleshot as rebuilt is as impressive as it gets. The highest praise I’ve ever given anyone since my master mechanic dad. Good work!

[@matty2helpfull]

This is a huge moment in x231 history right here after years of neglect and abuse it's starting to come together and now we have some new rubber on it too ❤❤❤❤ good job squatch thats a big milestone on the project

[@tmscheum]

Getting closer to X231 being a roller! How exciting!!!

[@raygrimaoldschooltrucking3100]

Love watching the the progress of X231 and precision workmanship and dedication to bringing this rare piece of tractor technology back into life.

[@53handyman]

Hi from France,Wish you and Senior a very happy new 2025 year ! Nice job and clear explainations ! earger to see the rest coming !

[@bobcrone6151]

This is an incredible series. Have gone back and watched the entire playlist again. Highly recommend. Crazy how you pick up on subtle new things on a re-watch. This is Premium Gold Star content. All of it.🙌💪🏻

[@donpeterson7414]

Why I watch this: Amateur gear head here. In the chaos of maintaining my numerous old vehicles (85 Mercedes, 88 Pasquali, 87 skidoo, etc), working outdoors with no heat, minimal resources, no advance knowledge of anything, your channel, with its wonderful work environment, and your self admitted ocd approach to everything, always (finally) resolving your obstacles and succeeding in the end, calms me down and encourages me. The more intricate the more satisfying to watch. I love this stuff.

[@danielbutler578]

LOL. I'm wishing I had my 70 Dodge Coronet to keep running. I let it go some 30 years ago and I still miss that old car.

[@timot7746]

@@danielbutler578 I miss my -65 Chevy II, i wish that i would not sold it.

[@andrewmurton8379]

Wonderful to see X231 make such a step forward, not to long now and she will start to look like a tractor again rather than lots and lots of parts spread all over the workshop. Impressive work Toby.

[@dougkubash8673]

Enjoyed watching! Great tutorial on the steering mechanism!

[@cspfitch]

It amazes me how you can show the public in great detail how to repair or restore the steering assembly. You are a great teacher!!!

[@KurtM558]

Great explanation of everything. Really enjoying seeing X231 come together.

[@nickslistm246]

Squatch X231 has come a long ways, I can't wait to see it all start being bolted together. Even if its just in a no sheet metal roller form it will still be a huge mile stone. Keep up the great work. If Sir was ever willing to share a little bit of his military service just with the members or behind the scenes, I know a few of us would find that very interesting. But no pressure. ... Dad was US Marines 3 tours in country fall of 1968 to spring 1971, Semper Fi. Thank you for your service Squatch Sir and for your sacrifices.

[@tomwichman77]

Agree! Lots of us like to hear about what our Dads went through for family and country.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Your explanation of why the housing was destroyed is why I watch your channel! You keep me thinking!!

[@roygatewood9236]

When new tires are bought you know he's planning on finishing this project. I learn something everytime I watch. I'm older than Sr. I also have several slow moving projects of my own. Anxious to see Christine all together.

[@megason2]

love it x231 was what bought me here orginally

[@jimamundsen7029]

It's starting to look like a TRACTOR! Awesome assembly, Toby. Good stuff as always.

[@NEAFarmKid4010]

You're videos are very nice to watch when a body is sick and stuck at home. Course I watch them regardless of whether I'm sick or not, but still lol. Am I correct for assuming that once the power steering "motor" (for lack of better terms), the end plugs, everything accompanied to getting it mounted to the engine, the rear rims and tires, and then getting the flywheel on the engine and it mounted to the transmission all thats left to make X231 a roller? Obviously probably a bunch of finger knicking and a few choice words too lol. Have a good one!

[@squatch253]

Well funny coincidence, I'm currently sick and at home myself - the recent Christmas gathering gave everybody an unwanted present in the form of a head cold lol. This is as far as we're going on the bolster for now, being my primary goal is just to get 4 wheels back on the ground - and the bolster is capable of being in "wheels down" mode as it currently sits so that's good enough. Next two hurdles are re-tooling my engine stand so that I can install the flywheel and clutch, then it's rear hubs, wheels, and tires to finally be able to put everything together.

[@NEAFarmKid4010]

@squatch253 I gotcha. Sounds like a good plan! Hope y'all get to feeling better soon!

[@joshuban]

Fascinating. You do such a great job of turning these restoration episodes into little narratives. Show and tell. So enjoyable. Happy New Year.

[@ap1687]

Oh man... That was a treat of an episode. Thank you and happy new year!

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

This is REALLY exciting new years news! Now there are three main pieces sitting there... Waiting to be joined.. The excitement in your voice at the end was the sound of YEARS of hard work, stress, thinking and rethinking... All starting to feel a little bit of weight lifted and accomplishment. Funny how that happens when you start getting the wheels on! I know the feeling!

[@roberthocking9421]

Thoroughly enjoy X231 vids. I realize cats are more popular but, one can buy a cat D2 still (not new) probaly limping along but will never be able to buy an X231.history saved because of people like you thank goodness.Australia.

[@Mr_Springy]

Squatch thanks for all the effort you put in to produce quality content. I have learnt a lot from you and your approach to repairing equipment. All the best in 2025 Andy 🇬🇧

[@lifeafterourloss]

There's just something gratifying about watching the pieces come together after so much prep work. Great video! 👍

[@brettphillips8650]

Fabulous entertainment for technical minds. Your explanations combined with the camera work (multiple cameras in many cases!) really scratch my How and Why itches. Thank you sir, and a very happy new year to you and your family.

[@dansullivan2954]

Coming together nicely. Well done. Good explanations too. Thx.

[@markmartin9671]

X231, what a great way to start the new year. I'm up to the transmission top cover on my 3rd rewatch of this series. Just getting a refresher coarse of all the many gifts X231 has given you over the years. One by one you have conquered them all. This is such an enjoyable series Toby. Thank you for all your efforts! Happy New Year!

[@dieselaar]

By far the best channel education wise. Love the explanation and demontrations on how everything goes together and functions.

[@ricklaleman6552]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Early power steering was quite complicated especially with the engineering to enable a fail safe manual steering. It is a nice beginning to the new year to see wheels down on a tractor that has been idle for decades. Nice work!

[@lynnmorton7544]

Seeing brand new tyres (yes, we Brits call them tyres) and wheels in the thumbnail provoked a spark of excitement here, and the episode didn't disappoint. Fabulous progress, and such a nice New Year gift. Happy New Year, Squatch, Senior, everyone

[@johnalexander4356]

What an accomplishment! Well.done! I love seeing this tractor come together. You've been able to do so many repairs that a major shop would have turned down as undo able and in your small shop!

[@EvWood55]

Never too wordy EVER..!!! Great for me to take in … thank you. 27:41

[@offshack]

I am absolutely loving this restore - I think if it was just a production Moline it wouldn't be anywhere near as interesting - but being X231 it's got so much legacy and history and interesting little tidbits (and makes you create so many new tools!). I was one of the many to join the day you picked up 5J1113 in that person's back yard, stayed for that rebuild, but it was so "straightforward" with so many of the parts and pieces still either in your stash, available from CAT, or available NOS from suppliers. This shows what it's like when there's almost nothing but your brain, skills, and sheer determination available!

[@BillTheTractorMan]

I am so giddy with excitement over this coming together. X231 is my favorite project of yours.

[@rawbsworld6604]

🤣 take it you was visited by the spirits of Past, present & future tractor rebuilds ☝️😆🤣

[@BrianSmith-lo3mj]

Thank you for another great and very informative episode of X231 and Happy New Year. 👍👍

[@michaelwebb4833]

Toby I love how you Squatchify tools needed for your reassembling

[@fulkrenf91]

Just wanted to say fantastic job on the explanation of the sector gear positioning and how the manual/power steering system works. I was wondering about that as well and it makes perfect sense now.

[@bugdrvr]

Thanks for the explanation of the power steering system and the bolster in general. It definitely makes sense seeing all the parts laid out like that and with your narration. Happy New Year!

[@mattavera4323]

2025 looking good for x231! I love this project and its been such a long time coming! I know you have to be excited every time a new hurdle is crossed. Wheels on the ground!

[@bobrenner7213]

I really appreciate your attention to minute details - something that I cannot do. If a project last over 2 or 3 weeks, I cannot continue. Thanks for the details and videos!

[@LoggerLloyd]

Once the pedestal went on, I knew you couldn't stop until the wheels were on, even if just temporarily. A rim repair and some bolts and it could be on all 4.

[@baileyattheoliveracreage]

Squatch, I happen to live a couple hours north of welters. We go down there for parts sometimes when we are in a hurry for parts. They have a huge amount of knowledge for moline, Oliver, and White tractors. You need to go tour their place to get the full experience. They have several rare tractors in their collection. Bailey @ The Oliver Acreage

[@lanehykes2664]

One of these days once the tractor is done you will have a whole collection of custom x231 tools

[@squatch253]

Almost as many as the custom Caterpillar tools - only difference being I’ll likely be able to use the Caterpillar tools again lol 👍

[@maddog6493]

happy new year to you and your family ,that was vary satisfying to see those tires go on nice work ,,,can't wait to see it standing on that new rubber

[@evanpolasek8033]

I love seeing X231 come back to life right correct and proper.

[@grasshopper7760]

Thank you for another great episode! Love the progress! ✌️

[@stevem3413]

Anxious for the next episode I've enjoyed the series. And watching you do what I can only wish I could. Thanks for sharing this

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Fantastic progress after a lot of hard work Well done Squatch

[@TJAkin]

Love the hold music at 00:20. Thanks for the power vs. manual steering explanation regarding the sector gear’s apparent asymmetry. Well done.

[@petebrand6661]

Squatch, your family, friends and viewers may you all have a safe, healthy, prosperious happy new year

[@dekon70]

I think this is one of your best projects. I find it so interesting that you are working on a prototype tractor and seeing it's importance in the evolution from one series of tractor to the next.

[@BarryWhitlow-x6c]

This has to be the most interesting thing on tv/you tube that I’ve ever seen!! I love x231 project!! By the way, can’t you touch those H tins yet?? Only so you’ll have more room for MM😊

[@squatch253]

Yep I checked on them about a week ago and they’re ready to be put on at any time now 👍

[@polo1sam1]

I am a Allis restorer but your at another level. I learned so much from you. Thanks and yeah x231 is my favorite.

[@beginlivinglikeaboss]

That bolster is a monster ! My preferred front tire is the tri rib. Worst is worn out car tire! lol Excellent work

[@Bullifreund]

Hello Squatch! A happy and health- and peaceful new year to all of you and your family! Finally work on X231 is continuing and I get to hear those magic four words more often that I've been missing so long: 'I make a tool!' 🤣 As long as we are not talking about the piston's inertia the force on the endcap will be the same regardles if hydraulic pressure pushes the piston against the brazed cylinder end or hydraulic pressure presses directly agaist it when steering in the opposite direction and the segment is stopped by the steering stop screw. So I am a little worried abaout the repaired end. It sure looks very fine and I'm glad that you found someone who was able to do this pretty work. But in the end it is only a brazed piece of brass with a groove inside. I'm keeping fingers crossed.

[@danielbutler578]

My guess is that it popped the end off at the end of a rapid spin turn to the right. The piston hit the cap like a sledge hammer blow. That end didn't pop off from steady pressure. It had to be a sudden impact and it may have taken several hits before it started to crack. Once the crack started, it would continue to spread until it failed completely.

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@danielbutler578 Or, hydraulic pressure pushed it into contact with the end cxap, and someone grabbed hold of the steering wheel with both arms and gave it a yank, because the wheels hadn't turned to the limit stop, and the combined pressure pressure of the hydraulic force, plus the worm gear pushing on the piston (through the sector gear) was enough to break it off.

[@squatch253]

@andrewalexander hit it right on the head, the combined force of hydraulic pressure plus mechanical gearing combined ends up being too much for the casting to hold. A brazed repair (properly done) is actually stronger than cast iron 👍

[@stevenrapp3217]

And What a GREAT way to start the New Year!!! Love It!!!

[@RobertBrothersJr-dc7nr]

Squatch, Happy New Year to you and Senior. It’s great to see front wheels on X231! Very nice explanation of timing the steering gears. I throughly enjoy your channel and can’t wait to see the next video. Thanks

[@jmumbauer]

Wow, feels like a big step ahead in a very long project. Love the X231 content, keep it coming!

[@Lindsay1050]

What a treat. More x231 for new years! 😊

[@whathobogrohknows]

After rebuilding my skidloader trailer and trying to make it perfect I definitely understand why you do paint last.. I had to make a couple too many changes to it while it was in paint. A couple times I had to burn the paint away I think I cried😂

[@squatch253]

lol yep, and I know this tractor well enough to know that I’ll probably be making a LOT of changes before I’m happy with it 😂👍

[@geneguenther4325]

Thanks for the episode Toby! Man old Christine FINALLY gets a big thing checked off! Only more big step done! Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@larrydavidson3402]

Very interesting and informative video.

[@kylechrist]

The scenery through the Kettle River curves and hills is on point 👌

[@michaelwest4325]

Not too wordy, the exposition might be a lasting testament to now arcane knowledge! The wisest man learns from another's mistakes rather than his own! If I restore a front bolster I now know far more than the average cat!

[@ronniewolfe1634]

Happy new years always great videos

[@Mark_773]

The steering cylinder was the most difficult thing in my opinion. Great job

[@ZigZagMarquis]

Happy New Year Squatch! Thanks for the video. Thanks for explaining the bit about why the sector gear is set off at a 45.

[@susanhester331]

Oh my! Is Christine giving in? I so enjoyed this. Had no idea how power steering worked. Thank you for the explanation. This video shows why this channel is so great!

[@danielbutler578]

I think she's finally figured out that she's going to be treated like a queen. My guess is that she finally recognized that Toby isn't doing farmer fixes on her and that he really wants to restore her to her full glory.

[@paulforster4133]

Greetings from the great white north, where we have less snow than you do. Love the X231 content, keep it coming. Happy New Year to all of you

[@whiteeagletrans9850]

Hi , happy new year. You went to mora got tires. Here good one for you. I grew up and went to grade school there. Yes many years ago. Love the fact you working on x231 again. But I watch all you videos

[@juanvalles7331]

Happy New Year! You always make it look so EASY! Your channel has inspired me to undertake overhauling my tractor!

[@tomwichman77]

Great catch on the timing of the steering being a fail point! You never disappoint❤!!!! Happy New Year!

[@JosephOliver550]

Great episode! You explain things in a way even a dummy like me can understand. The visual of the steering mechanism was awesome. I also really like the Titan tires, just put a full set on my Oliver 770 this fall. Thanks again for the video!

[@DohosanV]

Goodness your channel has come a long way from a bunch of guys thrashing a Ford ranger through the trees to generating amazing content. WTG Thank you sir

[@FRRitter]

Good episode Toby, you're such a talented instructor - Happy New Year sir!

[@ronzezulka6646]

Hey Toby,,,great video. Lots of hand built understanding. Had a thought,,have you considered doing a video compilation of the special tools you have made and what they were used for? I know it's extensive, but would be fascinating.

[@nathanwoods758]

I know X231 is a challenge compared to your other projects. I for one appreciate it and the explanations that go with it.

[@jamesline8964]

Congratulations seems in order! I can tell you seem relieved with this accomplishment so great work Squatch. Keep up the hard gruelling work on old Christine !Happy New Year to you and your family !!

[@mentaldemise]

Harbor Freight 1000lb lifting work table has been a game changer for me. Lifts almost 3 foot.

[@Hyratel]

that's gotta be one of the slickest Smash Cuts ("I've got this shafting that's the right size to turn into a driver so..." *smash to bandsaw*)

[@davidkimmel5153]

Really enjoy your videos very much. Along with you exclamation of everything. Please keep us updated. Have a great 2025. Thanks

[@JDK73772]

I know X231 content is a pain for you, but seeing how you discover what MM did and how you come about solving the differences is amazing.

[@spyderman1964]

Worth a second watch. Loved every second.

[@mandolinman2006]

Rolling rolling rolling. Get Ol Christine rolling. Turn get into a rolling tractor. If you sang that to "Rawhide", congratulations. It looks like your last could X231 videos got some viewer attention. Maybe people are starting to take interest. Glad to see she's coming along. Hopefully we'll get to hear her engine sing soon. Happy New Year!

[@sterff89]

Another step forward! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!

[@ryanredfarmerMN]

So, what's the next plan after this big hurdle? Making new lines for the power piston, or rebuilding the power steering worm drive? Or perhaps hanging engine and bolster since the clutch is laying on the bench?

[@squatch253]

The main priority for this winter is getting X231 back on all 4 wheels, so this is as far as we’ll go with the front bolster stuff for now because it’s complete enough to attach to the engine and hold the front wheels. Next up will either be fitting flywheel & clutch to engine, or starting the work on the back wheels - it all needs to be done so it mostly depends on the mood I’m in lol 👍

[@danielbutler578]

@@squatch253 I hope you get the back wheels ready to go back on her next. That way it will be a roller as soon as you put the engine and bolster on her. It will be a sight to see when she's standing on all 4 tires, or as your British fans spell it, tyres.

[@markjurkovich7814]

I'd love to hear some of Sr's Vietnam stories if he's willing to share.

[@geneard639]

YAY! X231 has rubber on the ground-ish. Very very -ish but still, more of X231 is now together and I'm hoping to hear it chug in a few months, even if it chugs once or twice, would be nice to see it move a few feet under its own power. I get Experimental in this tractor and in other heavy equipment developmental cycles. I always cherish these odd ducklings, they are unique, they show the history of the line and....well... someone needs to love the oddball orphans. YAY X231! Closer to plowing a little bit more!

[@danielbutler578]

Toby has explained it several times that he doesn't want to risk breaking that rear housing by working that poor abused Minnie. If you go to the playlist and watch the work he did on restoring the rear housing, you will see how badly the rear housing was broken. It took a lot of brazing to put it back together and it is a one of a kind housing. There is no replacement for it so if it breaks again it is irreplaceable.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Happy New Year Toby. The 11-38" size tires that Moline and I think also John Deere used. Are the same size that the early Belarus tractors used in the 50s and 60s. Later the 400 series used 13.6-38" tire and that is the only analog you can get to the older models these days. 5.50-16" front tire was also very common among most early Soviet tractors that had rubber tires from the factory. They made these skinny ones until early 1960s where they switched the size to a notch bigger. The steering setup for the Moline tractor makes perfect sense, everything is mostly self explaining. The amount of engineering on the bolster and power piston dose make my head scratch in a good way.