eo1bart 6 #1 Posted June 10 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! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,852 #2 Posted June 10 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 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,564 #3 Posted June 10 5 minutes ago, nylyon said: The grader and wheel weights alone are well worth the $350 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,789 #4 Posted June 10 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,223 #5 Posted June 10 The K301 and the M12 share the same internals, so I would not make that a deciding factor if it were me. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,617 #6 Posted June 10 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,312 #7 Posted June 10 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,181 #8 Posted June 10 does the new 312 come with weights, plow and grader blade also, if not it a no-brainer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eo1bart 6 #9 Posted June 10 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 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eo1bart 6 #10 Posted June 10 (edited) 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 June 10 by eo1bart 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,852 #11 Posted June 10 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”. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,789 #12 Posted June 10 ... go get the grader blade. That's the big ticket here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 13,676 #13 Posted June 10 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,312 #14 Posted June 10 Yes, If the older one runs and drives, it is the better bargain, actually a steal. Get it quick. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,763 #15 Posted June 10 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,564 #16 Posted June 10 No one has mentioned that the grader blades are fun to use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,889 #17 Posted June 10 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? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,789 #18 Posted June 10 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #19 Posted 4 hours ago The K series does have a disadvantage of quality OEM points and condensors are getting harder to find. You can find china ones all day long. Thats the only negative I can think of. The M series does not vent crankcase vapor directly to atmosphere. Instead it vents to the air side of the carburetor. Over time this hose can completely fail and go missing, which lets dirt in. The M series also uses a plastic fan so it is ever so slightly quieter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
