JohnnyMac 43 #1 Posted May 11 (edited) I'm in search of my first Wheel Horse. I came across a 315-8 with 1145 hours for cheap money. Before I take a 200 mile ride, 105 each way, I figured i'd inquire. Has a Kolher CH15s single cylinder, 4-cycle, OHV, hydraulic valve lifter engine. Thoughts, complaints? Thank you! Edited May 11 by JohnnyMac added content 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,586 #2 Posted May 11 The Kohler CH15S is a Command family engine. I've never personally owned one but they're known to be decent overall when maintained correctly. What's the options? Implementation? Any pics? Cost? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 1,635 #3 Posted May 11 A 315-8 would be capable of quite a bit. What do you intend for it to do? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 22,682 #4 Posted May 11 1 hour ago, JohnnyMac said: I'm in search of my first Wheel Horse. I came across a 315-8 with 1145 hours for cheap money. Has a Kolher CH15s single cylinder, 4-cycle, OHV, hydraulic valve lifter engine. Thoughts, complaints? You have a picture or two to share? I have a 315-8, run a 42” deck it and it’s been a good machine for the 4 years or so that I’ve owned it. Has half the hours than the one your looking at. I don’t think 1145 hours is “low hours”, some folks will disagree. How it was maintained helps determine its value. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyMac 43 #5 Posted May 11 Well I passed guys. At first I was told low miles. It looked good, but after renting a truck and fuel to drive 200 plus miles, I declined and someone was inline to purchase it. I am learning, one must be quick out there to get one! Thanks for the replies. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne0 1,081 #6 Posted May 11 (edited) I don't think you made a bad decision. That's a lot of hours. My '84 only has 850 hrs. Edited May 11 by Wayne0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,586 #7 Posted May 11 3 minutes ago, JohnnyMac said: I am learning, one must be quick out there to get one! Thanks for the replies. No rush. No worries. The right one will come along. The timing will work out. Believe me on this one. My Trina has 5 tractors. I have more. We share a couple. MOST of these were OFFERED to her and I. We weren't searching when they were found. Jump in one of your awesome vehicles and come check em out sometime.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,867 #8 Posted May 12 Here's my 2005 315-8 that I purchased in 2009 with 101 hours. The Command 15 is quieter and smoother than the other K's and the Magnum I have and spins the 48" decks easily. I can't attest the longevity compared to the others but so far it's been flawless in the 16 years I've had it. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,492 #9 Posted May 12 I've had my 2002 315-8 for eight seasons now and I have only two complaints: The first is the air filter set-up. From the factory there is a small tube that runs from the filter housing to the inside of the air shroud. Because of this, I have to clean, oil, and/or replace the air filter more frequently. The CH15S starts up easily, runs quiet, has decent power, and is very easy on fuel compared to my C165. Many of us here have a different definition of what low hours would be, but I don't think any of us would think 1,100 hours would be low hours; mine is about to hit 500 hours and had around 410 when I acquired her. The second complaint is the lack of hydro availability but that is more of a preference than anything and I wouldn't hesitate buying another 315-8 should one become available. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,586 #10 Posted May 12 3 minutes ago, bds1984 said: CH15S starts up easily, runs quiet, has decent power, and is very easy on fuel compared to my C165. @Sparky and @bds1984 Seems to me a Magnum engine runs smoother and starts easier than a same sized K Series. How's your impressions of the Command as far as smooth running? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,492 #11 Posted May 12 9 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: @Sparky and @bds1984 Seems to me a Magnum engine runs smoother and starts easier than a same sized K Series. How's your impressions of the Command as far as smooth running? The Command starts easy and runs smoother by far (overhead valves definitely help), but I will put an asterisk by that. I put electronic ignition on my K341 which makes it fire up really quick and run much smoother. Each engine series has their strengths though. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 22,682 #12 Posted May 12 Mine fires up quick and easy, it’s smooth and quiet. Will it stand the test of time like the K series or the Magnums?? No idea. @ebinmaine I had it up at Jim’s shin-dig once. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,867 #13 Posted May 12 Based on how long the K's last and my age I doubt that I'll ever be able to attest to the longevity of my Command. Gotta be realistic here. I will say again that it's far smoother and quieter than my others. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lagersolut 733 #14 Posted May 13 I've owned my 315-8 since new in 2005 - oil change every 25 -30 hours - 700 hours the only thing I ever really did to it was make a gasket for the valve cover - I have no complaints . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,100 #15 Posted May 13 those use a pressurized / filtered oil system they will run a long time with good maintenance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,492 #16 Posted May 13 16 hours ago, Racinbob said: Based on how long the K's last and my age I doubt that I'll ever be able to attest to the longevity of my Command. Gotta be realistic here. I will say again that it's far smoother and quieter than my others. Bob, I'll carry that torch for you to see how long they last! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
