Adam F 5 #1 Posted Tuesday at 03:10 AM Hi, my family has a collection of wheel horse tractors. I am new to the forum and this is my first time posting. I am a third generation wheel horse fan. My son has just recently started lawn and garden tractor pulling riding someone else’s tractor. I would like to build a tractor for him. He has pick out our 1996 312-8. Can you tell me if this is a good tractor to build off of. I have been told it might not be the best. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 25,650 #2 Posted Tuesday at 10:13 AM I think it’s all dependent on which transmission your 312 has. The frames and steeeing is generally all the same. If the trans has 1-1/8” axles then it’s the most stout of the 8 speeds and that’s the one the pullers want. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 79,277 #3 Posted Tuesday at 10:40 AM 7 hours ago, Adam F said: been told it might not be the best. 26 minutes ago, Sparky said: which transmission I can see that logic. Adam, can you find out from the person who told you that, exactly why? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 79,277 #4 Posted Tuesday at 10:43 AM @Sparky Internet search shows the smaller axles were only used up to 1993 but I can't verify the source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 31,981 #5 Posted Tuesday at 11:11 AM (edited) The 8 speed with 1 1/8" axles and a 8 pinion differential is the strongest transmission. I do know guys that are using the 8 speed w/ 1" axles that have not had any issues running a stock engine. The tranny in my puller is a 6 speed w/ 1 1/8" axles. It use to have a 10 pinion diff but I made tranny gravel out of that. I have since retro fit an 8 pinion diff into it. The 8 pinion has been holding up well with my stock-ish 14hp engine. Edited Tuesday at 11:18 AM by Achto 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam F 5 #6 Posted Tuesday at 11:26 AM Perfect! Thank you for the information. I will look for a serial # to see what I have. I’m sure I will have plenty more questions as the build moves forward. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 57,040 #7 Posted Tuesday at 12:06 PM Doesn't @jeremi3210 boy pulls with a 312? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremi3210 745 #8 Posted Tuesday at 09:10 PM 9 hours ago, WHX?? said: Doesn't @jeremi3210 boy pulls with a 312? Yes he does, never had any problems with it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyToro 1,184 #9 Posted 7 hours ago @Adam F welcome to the group and the pulling world. We have been pulling wheel horses for 9 years now. What type of sled you are using transfer sled or stone boat? What class are you going to pull in? Are you going to keep the stock 12hp engine? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam F 5 #10 Posted 4 hours ago Yes we are going to keep the stock 12 hp for now. We will be pulling a transfer sled. We were going to run jr stock to start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites