Cee245   756 #1 Posted December 29, 2023  Took a 90 min ride one way last evening to pickup this '93 classic to use mainly for mowing. I decided on this since My son prefers the hand motion control over our 416h's foot control (oem copy).  He, in my opinion, is nuts... 😆 but, to each their own.  It's in good shape overall and seller and I talked WH whole time I was there. Good to meet him. (He has like 12 Wheelhorses) I mentioned the Big Show to him and he is interested in attending as I said how its such a great event.  No engine noise or smoke, lower hours, fairly clean. (Already dismantling tonight to clean and go over everything!)  Will need a new carb or ???... Mostly, It runs great, but i noticed tons of play on the top shaft (Walbro carb) compared to my 314-8 and it changes rpm when moved around.  No leaks anywhere else I can see so far. This one seems to need a little tlc, like new bushings for contols etc although they are good, i might as well replace since it's apart.  Last pic is progress..   4 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PWL216   445 #2 Posted December 30, 2023 Nice tractor! I also have a 314-H and a 314-8. There’s not much that a 314 can’t do. I have a 520H with a bucket loader that can be a bear to start. The 314’s, never an issue. 2 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245   756 #3 Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Thanks @PWL216. Yours Look really nice!! And I agree. My 314-8 handles 48" deck without issue and uses less gas than my Onan 416H. I've read it'll handle a 2 stage snowblower as well... I prefer the Hydro for mowing around my many obstacles in the yard.  How do you compare the steering between the 314 and the 520?  I have a nice gear reduction from a 520 that I'm putting on the 314. There is NO drilling required for this. Guessing because its a 93 and gear reduction was available (same frames) Fits nice except I see the steering shaft is about 2" too tall.   Any reason I couldn't cut it 2" shorter amd drill another hole for the steering wheel roll pin? Wondering if I'd need a special drill bit? Or if my carbide or titanium nitride bits would work?   Edited December 30, 2023 by Cee245 Add pic 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245   756 #4 Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) @PWL216, I really like your 314H's front hood decal! Where did you get it?   Uh oh... look what I found in pic... Hmm.... almost forgot about these decals!..  Well, wasn't planning on doing a resto, but since I'm this far and spring is a few months away, might as well get some reasonable painting done. I'm no pro, but I can use rattle cans and not make (big) runs in the paint. 😆  Could use advice here. I'm wondering what it'd look like wet sanding and then clear coat 🤔.   I dont want to go crazy on paint since it's a worker and since I'll use rattle cans.   Edited December 30, 2023 by Cee245 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine   63,425 #5 Posted December 30, 2023 Great purchase!  @Achto may be a good source for paint info.  I'd be glad to help with the carb if possible. PM sent.   Your drill bits should handle the steering shaft just fine but consider carefully before cutting. You may like the extra height.  Depends on your own operation style.   That drivetrain would certainly handle a Two Stage Snowblower.   2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PWL216   445 #6 Posted December 30, 2023 Hi @Cee245 the decals on both 314’s are original. As far as steering comparison, The 520 with the gear reduction steers like it has power steering. Much nicer than than the 314s. My goal is to put gear reduction steering on all of my tractors. I had my bucket loader on a C1 21 without the gear reduction steering and it was pretty difficult to handle at times. That’s why I swapped it the bucket loader from the 121 to the 520. The only reason I have a 520 is for the gear reduction steering for the bucket loader, otherwise I would have no need for the 520. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PWL216   445 #7 Posted December 30, 2023 @Cee245 my bad, the hood on the 314H is not original. I actually drove from MA to NY to buy that hood from @Brockport Bill because the original hood was rough. It’s also the Baja badged machine, so I need to pick up that decal. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena   8,122 #8 Posted December 30, 2023 @Cee245 nice pick up on that ! love the opportunity to detail in everything , improve it , enhance function , there is a number of steering improvements , on this forum , dealing with just this . like a polyurea rated grease , that will stay with the area , too many suggestions , for me to list , good luck with it , Pete 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PWL216   445 #9 Posted December 30, 2023 The simplest, most impactful thing I’ve done to my tractors is adding a $10 marine grade fuel primer bulb. Highly recommended. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine   63,425 #10 Posted December 30, 2023 12 minutes ago, PWL216 said:  fuel primer bulb. Highly recommended. Seconded 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245   756 #11 Posted December 30, 2023 @PWL216, i thought it was different, missing the "toro".   @ebinmaine, thanks for that! ... do you guys have to use the marine bulb when you haven't used it in a while? Cold start? I haven't had an issue with my 314-8, yet.  Although I haven't had it all that long.  Cory   1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine   63,425 #12 Posted December 30, 2023 1 hour ago, Cee245 said: do you guys have to use the marine bulb when you haven't used it in a while? Cold start?  Depends on the tractor. Our Wally Digger Backhoe isn't used often so every cold start the bulb helps.  1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc   10,979 #13 Posted December 30, 2023 7 hours ago, ebinmaine said: Seconded Thirded... 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc   10,979 #14 Posted December 30, 2023 4 hours ago, Cee245 said: do you guys have to use the marine bulb when you haven't used it in a while? Cold start? I haven't had an issue with my 314-8, yet.  Although I haven't had it all that long.  Any tractor with the fuel tank under the seat should have one. Your battery and starter will thank you. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245   756 #15 Posted December 30, 2023 With the endorsement from you all, i will likely give it a try. I usually install a check valve before the fuel pump which seems to be the trick on my Onan.  Definitely worth trying  2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH   24,254 #16 Posted December 30, 2023 35 minutes ago, kpinnc said: Thirded... Fourtheded...  3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977   6,282 #17 Posted December 30, 2023 13 minutes ago, kpinnc said:  Any tractor with the fuel tank under the seat should have one. Your battery and starter will thank you. Or electric pump. A check valve will help a weak pump, but it's just a Band-Aid on a pump going out. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites