What is this?

[screech 18]

This is on my 312-8. It is not on my other Wheel Horse Tractors. What is it for, I can not find it on any part diagrams. Thank You!

[Ed Kennell 42,481]

Clutch damper that slows the engagement of the belt.   Safety feature that prevents a quick start that may flip the tractor over.

[screech 18]

3 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

Clutch damper that slows the engagement of the belt.   Safety feature that prevents a quick start that may flip the tractor over.

Thank You, Why is it not on my newer tractors and not on any parts lists?

[Ed Kennell 42,481]

3 minutes ago, screech said:

Thank You, Why is it not on my newer tractors and not on any parts lists?

Probably one of several Wheel Horse ideas where the benefit did not justify the cost.   Anti vibration shaker plate engine mounts are another example.

[ri702bill 9,692]

It is a cousin to gas hood or trunk struts. Over time it is destined to fail.....

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,604]

Item #53 on this page.

I call it an air shock. If you take it off and clean it out it will likely function OK. Debris plugs up the holes that allows air to enter and exit.

https://www.partstree.com/models/31-12k801-312-8-toro-garden-tractor-1990/clutch-brake-and-speed-control-linkage-4/

[Ed Kennell 42,481]

A word of caution.   Make sure it is adjusted properly.     If the belt is too long, it can allow the contact plate to pass below the piston pin.  The spring loaded piston pin then pops out and locks the clutch in the engaged position and will not allow the clutch pedal to be depressed. And of course the clutch pedal switch prevents the tractor from starting.

How do I know?   I bought a 310-8 sight unseen for scrap price.   The ad said the clutch and transmission are locked up and the tractor will not start.

It took about an hour to replace the worn belt and clean and adjust the damper.  Oh, it came with a 4yo 42"SD deck.   Runs and mows great.

 

[squonk 44,145]

It's a reminder to clean off that debris around the transmission and to replace that shifter boot! 

[lynnmor 7,949]

2 hours ago, squonk said:

It's a reminder to clean off that debris around the transmission and to replace that shifter boot! 

 

 

And then do an immediate transmission oil change because of the torn boot leaving water and debris in.

[oldlineman 1,572]

Squonk and Lynnmor beat me too it, what they both said. 

[screech 18]

20 hours ago, squonk said:

It's a reminder to clean off that debris around the transmission and to replace that shifter boot! 

Ordered a couple new boots. Maybe dirt but I bought this 312-8 new and it has never been gotten wet!

[peter lena 9,348]

@screech   after  going over my first W/H  clutch  linkage set up , also eliminated / corrected  functional  saposed to me movable areas . amazing to me to regularly see  , failure points that are never even thought about . like  HI MILAGE ATF  fluid to enhance drive around and flush  trans , penetrating oil first , make the rust run out , then aerosol  red grease , extension tube , spring assist to  linkage areas . ever looked at the PTO VEVER SET UP ? how could you possibly make that better ?  or even care  about it ? another thing  I do  to anything picked up , is to first  get the penetrating oil soak down going ? days and weeks later , that chemical  conkockshon , has soaked into / thru the  grunge neglect , done a lot of that , not surprised at all in its  easy paint recovery . done in stages , like to bring them back from the dead , pete