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Just a few of our treasures we are after!

Keep a couple wire ties in your tractor tool box, or cup holder. When your a mile from your shop mowing trails. Checking trail cams and deer stands. That's when a tie rod fails and the wheels go cross eyed. A couple wire ties saves a long walk.

Making some progress with the commando I am not good at doing wash, it all turned regal red

Well I have been working doubles and filling in so go figure the first couple days in a row I have off we are on the road heading after another tractor!!!! 😂. No rest for the tractor lover!!! Picking up a truck load lol.. a front reel mower, wheel weights, a tractor, seeder, blade, front weights. We planned to head out last night but as luck would have it we picked our truck up from the shop and the brand new engine was acting up so back to the shop it went and we bummed a ride with my mother in-law and her boyfriend! We might get them into wheelhorses lol... over 700 miles one way! Wish us luck!

Update: Mrs. M came through the cardiac catheterization with flying colors. Turns out that the stress test was a false positive. Nothing major was found that would prevent her surgery on the 24th. Thanks for all the good juju, mojo's, thoughts, prayers and everything else. Now on to the big surgery on the 24th.

Here is the diorama I made to display my 1:25 scale wheel horses. It has come a long way and I’m sure I will add too it. I will post here if I make any changes or progress. i posted some pictures of building the display.

Yeah, I know, I gotta order more Heim joints.

Ok, ok, ok. Yesterday, I picked up Grandpa’s New Holland loader to move some dirt around. I did some other running and he showed up, explaining that he loaned it to me by mistake and he needed to move some sand this morning. I offered my loader to move the sand and we had a deal. Then last night, I’m grillin’ up some deer steaks and I stumble upon a 22 minute old post for a 520XI that was recently replaced by a zero turn. It runs great, but doesn’t cut well. Oil looks brand new, sounds great, we made a deal! My first thought was a quick flip, but now I might part with something or two else to make up the difference and keep this bad boy!

We're heading to the Great North Maine woods !!

Probably doesn't look like much, but it was a long, and tedious push today, to complete all the tin work for this engine. When you're sanding by hand, let me tell you, my poor little shoulder definitely got a workout today.

And finally complete, only five days from start to finish - this winter will be transformed. Now I just need the road sweeper for my new wheelhorse 416-8 😁

Thank you Bob Ellison for such a quick reply. I agree with you about my 312-8 being a 1991 model. All my research online and matching up the decals on my garden tractor points towards it being that year. Like you I found the K802 and K804 dates so my hunch worked out to be right. I'm looking forward to reading through the many posts on this great forum, already I have found wiring diagrams and parts lists. I'm quite sure reading through others posts on restorations is going to be a great help and very interesting. I will be a regular visitor to this forum, now at long last I have found my first Toro Wheelhorse.

Glad to hear Mrs. M. is doing well Bob. I sent another prayer that the surgery will go well.

I acquired a worker 414-8 from my brother nearly a decade ago, and he had it for 5-6 years. For all that time every few times you turned the key the starter would fail to engage, or would click as if it were stuck. Clearly this problem predated my family's ownership since the starter shroud had a dent in it from being knocked with a wrench.. and this was our preferred solution to the problem. A couple of knocks usually did trick.... So this past week it was acting up again, and my son and I decided to clean all the electrical contacts in the starter circuit. The contacts were quite clean already, but as I did this I discovered that there are two nuts on the starter's stud; the outer one for the cable from the solenoid, and an inner one which holds the stud in place. The inner one was loose and there was some play in the stud. Assuming that this was a bad idea, I tried to tighten it. It requires a great deal of dexterity and can only be done with a box wrench. the upshot is that since we did that, we have not had the problem, even with pretty intensive use of the tractor cleaning up from the storm. While it is possible that it is a fluke and the problem will resurface, I am willing to bet that the loose stud was the cause of years of starting issues.. and that no one ever tightened that nut properly because it was so awkward, or they did not have the right sized wrench handy. Just thought I would point this out in case anyone else is having intermittent starting issues.

Thanks alot for the wishes guys. Pretty much is just another day in the salt mine tho. Got some nice gifts from Missus Cindy tho... a pair of ove gloves, they alway come in handy, wheel chocks for the hauler...some pulling forks for when Dan is lame about forgetting his at shows and some rubber food gloves supposedly for pulling meat off the smoker... I have no idea here, I think she saw Dan pulling his pork with his bare hands once and got a little nervous. ..God love her!

What do you think...so far, 33 years of the military life. Spit shine and me go way back Madge, almost as far as you soaking your hands in the old Palmolive.

More progress here today.

So I usually don't ask anyone for anything, but this group, like no other, has been a rock to so many people. It all started for me with a little boy named Maxx Nunn who had cancer and wanted to sell his Wheel Horse to be able to buy a 4-wheeler. RedSquare responded and helped him and his family until his sad passing at age 7. Then when my first grandson had to undergo open-heart surgery at age 9, you all came through for him with much love and well-wishes. He is doing fine now at age 16. When I had to have spinal fusion surgery back in 2015, again RedSquare supported me. Now, unfortunately, I am asking for my wife. Many of you who attend the Big Show refer to her as Mrs. M and are familiar with her chocolate-chip cookie bars. Well, Theresa (Mrs. M) is scheduled for spinal fusion surgery on August 24. She is in tremendous pain from a large benign arthritic cyst at the L4 level, as well as some other disk issues, and can barely move at times. The date of August 24 was booked back in June, as it was the first available date and time due to Covid-19 set-backs keeping hospitals from performing major surgeries. Two weeks ago, she went for cardiac clearance and the doctor said her tests were not normal, so she is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization this Friday. If nothing major is found, the 24th surgery can proceed, however if something else more serious is found, it could delay the back surgery for months. This would be horrific. So with this in mind, I am humbly asking that my fellow brothers and sisters here on RedSquare keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I will update this thread as warranted. Thank you!

recently been experimenting with 1/4" poly tubing , cut on length, to use on a cowl noise issue, you can probably pick up a few feet at your local h/w store , or big box store, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=1%2F4+in+poly+tubing&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlurWwsid6wIVOv3jBx2nJw0nEAMYAiAAEgKvVfD_BwE&hvadid=267939633997&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003310&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10217430521638813034&hvtargid=kwd-447744249588&hydadcr=24657_9648987&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_68kkwlzyvo_e , emphasis on twisting and bending it flat , do not kink it , so it sits on table with any bends or curls. i use a razor blade or exacto knife , to slice a straight line end to end on my measured piece , just slide it over the cowl mounting side and secure your hood , my noise is gone , with this easy improvement , just my own experience, pete

Hello from the UK, I am a new member to the Toro Wheelhorse forum and have just purchased my first Wheelhorse. It's a 312-8 and I am trying to find out the year it was manufactured. I have researched online and think it maybe a model made in 1991 or 1992 but I maybe years out. The model number on the silver label beneath the seat says: R112K803 and the serial number says: 1030005. The engine cowling has the words Kohler Magnum 12.5hp. I have bought it as a restoration project, it is a runner although at the moment it starts by hot wiring it against one of the solenoid pins. I will be going through the wiring as it could be a faulty ignition/key switch, a blown fuse, faulty solenoid, PTO switch, Neutral switch or oil level switch that's preventing it starting on the key. The paintwork needs restoring, the cutting deck needs a few areas of welding, the seat needs replacing, it needs headlights as they are both broken, I have also got to find the correct air filter and air filter housing....the list goes on. I have been researching the Wheelhorse garden tractors and have been searching for months to find a 312-8 as there is something about the quality of the Toro Wheelhorse that really appeals to me. I have restored many vintage lawn mowers and have wanted a garden tractor for some time. I intend to do a full nut and bolt restoration as I feel these little tractors need saving. Any help or advice I can get from fellow members is much appreciated. Sorry for long post, I am new to this site, just wanted to give out as much info as possible to help with identifying the year. Also on the hours gauge it says :690 Hours which I think is very low for this year model. The engine certainly sounds healthy.

Started at 6 am this morning and stopped at 6 pm, but that included several hours of reorganization in the garage. Worked on the 418-A for a bit to figure why I needed so much pressure on the Hydro lever to go in either direction, picture tells the story. Shop vac came out and a long flat blade screwdriver to loosen debris and then lubed all moving points for now and will re visit after 420 is back on it's feet. Worked on the motion control assembly on the 420 and finished that up but never took pics, long day, will take a few tomorrow and post. Sanded the side covers on the 418 and ready for paint.

If your a 1054 fan, you may want to consider 953 also.

Now with the loader.

You can also use car door edge protector. It comes ready to apply,is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors.The front edge of the black hood has a red door guard section applied.It is a little faded from the sun but still does the job.

WELCOME TO REDSQUARE. I found this in the master list. There's no listing for the R1-12K803. But I would think if the 802 was 1990. And the 804 is 1992. I'm pretty confident yours is a 1991 R1-12K802 1990 Garden Tractor 312-8 8-Speed Kohler M12S-471527 R1-12K804 1992 Garden Tractor 312-8 8-Speed Kohler M12S-471527

file:///C:/Users/ekenn/Downloads/Mower Rotary 42in SD 1986-88 05-42MS05 OM %23810403R1 (1).pdf This manual will show the belt routing. Note the front support bar on your deck needs to be reversed. The forked plate needs to be on the right side of the deck. BTW, your deck appears to be a 48", not a 42".

I could have advised you, we would get ‘em both in there!

Anyone spot the Kohler Magnum in the second photo? That's on a big walk behind mower. Don't know the make, but that could find it's way North one day.

now... something’s on the trailer again!

He won't when we stick a plow behind it and roll some dirt!

Loaded up n ready for tomorrow

Well here I am again. In the " other brand " section of a Wheel Horse Forum. Its like my own little section down here. Picked this up today. Went to look at it last week made an offer and it was turned down. He called me today to see if I still wanted it. I always " want" I just never " need". So I went and got it. International Harvester Cub Cadet 106. Not exactly sure of the year. 1969 - 1971. It was owned by the same family since brand new. Father bought it new passed it down to his son. They each owned it roughly 25 yrs a piece. It is in some desperate need of some loving but I think it is in OK shape. All original Has a 10hp Kohler. 42 inch mowing deck, and a 42 inch snow blower. Has chains under the seat but I am not sure if they are tire chains as I have not pulled them out to see. Has original manuals. Runs and drives. It is a TANK ... very heavy. It is covered in greasy dirt. Need to clean it see where its coming from. Engine dosnt smoke when starting or running. This is my first tractor with a shaft drive and it also has disc brakes which is also a first for me. I hosed it down to clean off some old grass clippings and mud and oil and grease . After that I couldnt get it started but I am assuming its because I hosed it down good and coil wire wet. Fingers Crossed it will fire right up in the AM as it had previously done several times beforehand . I look forward to all your comments, opinions, advice....etc. May have paid a little more then I wanted too. Your opinion on its value as it sits I would like to hear as well. You know I will posting pictures of its progress as I try to fix it up some. I still need to go over it and see what I think it needs. The ratchet strap was just there to hold the deck up level. it was missing an R clip to hold it in place. I already put new clip in and its fine now.

So just picked up a 701, obviously the engine isn't right. I have a 7hp Kohler to put on and will put B&S on my Speedex. Anyone ever seen a post come out on the right from the rock shaft? It rotates with the lift handle and has no holes in it. It was done up well, almost looking factory.

When your done drooling over all those pictures above, how about a little sympathy for this one..... At least its now in a dry barn... Planning for this horse to someday return to it's former proud stance, but maybe not fully original.

You need to get a blast cabinet Madge... makes short work of that job. I got the new seat on the super C. Not much groin room between the wheel so don't know if it will stay on. Sure is a comfy seat tho.

I have used short pieces of fuel line that I had laying around to prevent the rattles and squeaks. I also have used u channel for this as well and on metal edges to prevent getting cut by the exposed sharp corners and edges.

Thanks for all the excellent advise! Got both pieces out / was able to locate a used shift rod for 20$ and back in business. Now time to relax and have a home beer!

😍!!! ...and with a FEL, TOO! Be still my beating ❤....!!! Boy, i like that setup, Herder!👍🏼👍🏼 Just looks old school 'right', to me😊😊😊 Thankyou for sharing!

LEFTY 57 , WELCOME TO THE SITE ! glad you found us, question is do you have any shops over there that would carry any of the parts that you may need ? or a local group for informational exchange? that dirty engine oil could easily be sending off a false code. note that when you first pick up a tractor , that i will probably take a few hot oil changes to flush out the varnish build up, before your oil looks better. i would also change the oils sooner as opposed to it being filthy black , that transmission oil drains better if the front end is off the ground , also good time to grease the front end , you want grease to come out the BOTTOM of the axle bend , you have 4 fittings . 3 on front axle , lower center , 1 on each axle and 1 on lower steering shaft under cowl area , " fan gear " as it meets frame area. also take time to aerosol lubricate every movement / leverage area for smooth easy usage, lubricate throttle and choke cables , for easy use. keep in touch , also check shift boot , and replace if any damage, pete

Wow things are going well with the mower repairs, I now have six free petrol mowers donated because they don't work. This morning a mountfield self propelled came in. Problem; will not stop. Solution, reconnect kill wire to switch. They bought a new mower because of that, and its only two seasons old. Will have to sell some as I'm running out of room lol.

I restored a 312-8 several years ago for my son. I learned a lot from this forum to do it. We'd love to see pictures of the lawnmowers you've restored. it's kind of like the cost of admission around here. With your have done several lawnmowers it sounds like your quite technically qualified to tackle that 312-8. My 312 had patches of paint coming off like yours. I used an E-Tank to remove all the rust and paint. If your not familiar with an E-tank just google "e Tank, or Electrolysis Tank" Sure saves a lot of time. An area you'l want to look at is where the steering shaft passes through the hoodstand. Several people have replaced that nylon bushing with a bearing flanged bearing. I learned about the flanged bearings a little to late to do mine. I used a brass oillite bushing JB welded into where the nylon bushing goes. It's still holding up. Also replacing the nylon bushing on the horizontal part of the PTO lever is a good upgrade. You mentioned a few cracks in the deck. There are threads about deck rebuilds. Since your is a later model deck it might already have a stiffener plate where the rear wheels attach to it. That area was prone to cracking on the older decks.

Should have used the dryer to bake it. Wives get upset if you use the oven!

firstly i mounted the Plow hitch with the Steelrope i have in stock. (6mm in diameters) given ripforce from the Manufacturer is 2 To. i think that should last. than i reworked the hood, to hide the big hole in the Front. covered it for now with an Antenna dummy in chrome. at least for the Moment i mounted 2 LED Spots on the Frame, to have a bit light while drive in the Dark. They have 24W each, that is dang bright, i tested them before on the Balcony when a Car with activated high beam passes. He immediately switch down to normal headlights. 😂

Maybe just wrong stuff in.. remember on @pullstart blue Truck.... 😎 everything fit‘s if you really like to do. 😂

Every time I hear the word "Rotax" I think of Ski-doo's that won't run when the conditions are perfect for riding!

As @peter lena says, “feed the paint” Michigander! Your tractor looks pretty awesome the way it is, it doesn’t look like it needs too much work to keep it awesome! I have used soapy water for a 600-1000-1500 grit wet sand, or WD-40 and the same papers for the same treatment with great results. If you use sand paper, stay away from the sharp edges and bends of the body and frame just focus on the flat, smooth stuff.

@Greentored you need to check out post 304 of Jim's (WHX24) plow thread you may get a kick and inspiration out of it... Again post 304 😁.