312-8 Kohler K vs M series

[eo1bart 6]

Hello all,

New guy here. I have my made up that I'll be buying a 312-8, primary use will be for snow plowing my medium sized driveway. 

Question; Is there a preference when it comes to engines? I know that the M Series is newer and does not use a points & condenser ignition, but any other advantages?

I have an opportunity to buy a machine with the K 301 and it comes with a plow and wheel weights as well as a grader blade. Price is $350 for all.

I could also buy a similar machine for the same price that has the newer M Series engine. Seems like the way to go is the newer machine, however that is located about 60 miles from me

and the older machine is about 5 miles away. Tough choice!

 

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,841]

Welcome to RedSquare, if what you pictured is the “older” machine, buy it now before someone else on this forum sees this and grabs it.  The grader and wheel weights alone are well worth the $350

[oliver2-44 10,553]

5 minutes ago, nylyon said:

  The grader and wheel weights alone are well worth the $350

[ebinmaine 71,762]

23 minutes ago, eo1bart said:

grader blade. Price is $350 for all

 

5 minutes ago, nylyon said:

grader and wheel weights alone are well worth the $350

 

Grader alone is worth that. Those wheel weights are another $100 easy.

 

 

Excellent find.

 

 

25 minutes ago, eo1bart said:

Is there a preference when it comes to engines? I know that the M Series is newer and does not use a points & condenser ignition, but any other advantages?

 

 

Both are great engines.

[Achto 29,223]

The K301 and the M12 share the same internals, so I would not make that a deciding factor if it were me.

[8ntruck 7,610]

The main difference is that K engines have a points style ignition and the M engines have magneto ignition.

 

Like others say, go buy the belly blade and wheel weights - you will get a free tractor in the deal.

[Ed Kennell 41,298]

Is the newer machine a hydro?   I much prefer hydros for snow removal.    Buy them both.  The 312-8 with those attachments is worth the $700.

[clueless 3,181]

does the new 312 come with weights, plow and grader blade also, if not it a no-brainer

[eo1bart 6]

1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said:

Is the newer machine a hydro?   I much prefer hydros for snow removal.    Buy them both.  The 312-8 with those attachments is worth the $700.

Not sure if the new one is a Hydro. What years did the 312 use the Hydro?

 

As far as buying both machines, I just might do that 

[eo1bart 6]

18 minutes ago, clueless said:

does the new 312 come with weights, plow and grader blade also, if not it a no-brainer

The newer one does not come with a grader of wheel weights-$500.00 with plow $300.00 without

The guy says it struggles to stay running , because it has sat for a long while.

Most likely the victim of ethanol fuel, should be an easy fix

Edited Tuesday at 06:49 PM by eo1bart

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,841]

Definitely get the older one, worst case you can take the attachments and flip it easily make your money plus back.   Honestly, these are both awesome buys for the price, but the older one has the “right stuff”.

[ebinmaine 71,762]

... go get the grader blade.

 

That's the big ticket here. 

[Handy Don 13,663]

3 hours ago, eo1bart said:

Tough choice!

Not for me.  Unless the older model shows evidence of serious engine problems, it’s the way better deal. 

[Ed Kennell 41,298]

Yes, If the older one runs and drives, it is the better bargain, actually a steal.       Get it quick.

[OutdoorEnvy 1,763]

Yeah that first one with the K series is a steal.  I have a 312-8 with the K series engine and it's been great and is my most reliable rig.  All the addons it has too makes this pretty easy.

[oliver2-44 10,553]

No one has mentioned that the grader blades are fun to use.

 

[Brockport Bill 1,888]

I agree with above comments but one consideration not mentioned....does one have considerable more hours or wear on engine...example: 1000 versus 2500...does one blow smoke and the other not?

[ebinmaine 71,762]

23 minutes ago, Brockport Bill said:

I agree with above comments but one consideration not mentioned....does one have considerable more hours or wear on engine...example: 1000 versus 2500...does one blow smoke and the other not?

 

 

Valid point. And I'd STILL go get the one with the grader blade....

And the other one.