Wheel Horse 314-8

[Margie 17]

Ok so I want to buy a 1996 314-8 with 48” deck and 2 stage snow thrower. I have a ram 1500 with a 6ft bed in length. Width is 5ft except the wheel wells which a 4ft apart. I do t have the exact measurements yet but do you think I can fit the tractor and snow thrower in the bed of the truck if I disconnect the mower deck? I thought if i pulled the mower in then stood the thrower on its side with the thrower part by the front wheels it might fit. Mower deck in the crew can back seat. I don’t have a hitch or a trailer.
Thanks for any advice. 

[Pullstart 70,813]

Sounds like lots of room!

 

I’m pulling for ya!

[Margie 17]

3 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

Sounds like lots of room!

 

I’m pulling for ya!

Omg!!! Incredible puzzle skills you have!! I’m inspired and also confused as to how you did this haha 

[Pullstart 70,813]

4 minutes ago, Margie said:

Omg!!! Incredible puzzle skills you have!! I’m inspired and also confused as to how you did this haha 

It was in 2018 and I had nothing but time and inspiration!

[Margie 17]

4 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

It was in 2018 and I had nothing but time and inspiration!

Can you meet me in Nj and load this for me!? 😂

[Handy Don 17,008]

Tractor will fit in the bed without issue--it’s a bit over 5’ long and, depending on tires, about 36” wide (getting it up and in might be a trick). 

Deck probably cannot stay on since it won’t fit between the wheel wells (48” is the cutting width)

I’d consider mounting the blower and loading the tractor with the blower over the open tailgate and then loading the mower alongside the tractor.

That mower weighs a lot and getting it into and out of the cab without damage to the cab or seats would be tricky. 

Suitable padding and plenty of strong tiedowns, of course.

And if needed, make two trips?

Edited Friday at 09:05 PM by Handy Don

[Margie 17]

24 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

Tractor will fit in the bed without issue--it’s a bit over 5’ long and, depending on tires, about 36” wide (getting it up and in might be a trick). 

Deck probably cannot stay on since it won’t fit between the wheel wells (48” is the cutting width)

I’d consider mounting the blower and loading the tractor with the blower over the open tailgate and then loading the mower alongside the tractor.

That mower weighs a lot and getting it into and out of the cab without damage to the cab or seats would be tricky. 

Suitable padding and plenty of strong tiedowns, of course.

And if needed, make two trips?

This is great advice. Thank you very very much!! 
 

[Ed Kennell 46,638]

A 5X9 U-Haul trailer with ramp is about $30/ day.          

[8ntruck 9,087]

  That's what I used to bring my C-195, 48" deck, and a snow plow home

[Handy Don 17,008]

4 hours ago, Margie said:

I don’t have a hitch or a trailer.

 

13 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

A 5X9 U-Haul trailer with ramp is about $30/ day.          

A good point.

If you have the correct rear frame, you could add a Class 2 tow hitch for around $100 and the electrical wiring kit for around $30 (tow up to 3500 lbs, 350 lbs at the tongue). 

[Margie 17]

4 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

 

A good point.

If you have the correct rear frame, you could add a Class 2 tow hitch for around $100 and the electrical wiring kit for around $30 (tow up to 3500 lbs, 350 lbs at the tongue). 

Great advice! I’m looking to have a class 4 hitch installed. I know I could do it myself but I’m not a mechanic just handy and I’m too worried about something happening. I think my best bet is to wait for hitch installation and hope the tractor hasn’t sold. Thanks everyone!!! I appreciate all your help 

 

[ineedanother 2,634]

We also have a section for hauling help https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/15-haulin-help/ that could be worth a shot. Best of luck

[Margie 17]

22 minutes ago, ineedanother said:

We also have a section for hauling help https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/15-haulin-help/ that could be worth a shot. Best of luck

Thank you! I didn’t realize this thread existed. I may have just gotten lucky. Looking at a 1991 312-8 tomorrow with a deck and 500 hours for $750. Won’t need a trailer since it’s closer and there’s no snow thrower.  Wish me luck! 

Edited yesterday at 01:14 AM by Margie

[953 nut 67,554]

14 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Tractor will fit in the bed without issue--it’s a bit over 5’ long and, depending on tires, about 36” wide (getting it up and in might be a trick). 

Deck probably cannot stay on since it won’t fit between the wheel wells (48” is the cutting width)

I’d consider mounting the blower and loading the tractor with the blower over the open tailgate and then loading the mower alongside the tractor.

That mower weighs a lot and getting it into and out of the cab without damage to the cab or seats would be tricky. 

Suitable padding and plenty of strong tiedowns, of course.

And if needed, make two trips?

Only thing I would  change from Don's suggestion would be to take along some ramps, place the deck at the front of the truck bed standing up against the front of the bed and then back the 314 up the ramps with the blower mounted. The rear tires of the tractor will secure the deck in place and you won't have to man-handle it over the side of the truck bed.

If it has been dry enough to do so the rear wheels of the truck could be backed into the swail along the road (if one exists) to place the tailgate a bit lower.

There will be a bit of extra weight at the rear of the truck so be prepared for poor handling and slow down for the return trip.

[Ed Kennell 46,638]

10 hours ago, Margie said:

1991 312-8 tomorrow with a deck and 500 hours for $750

If this one looks as good as the 314=8, this is a much better deal.   The 312-8 can spin a 42 or 48 inch deck easily.   And snow plows and single stage blowers are available often for $200.     The plow or single stage blower will be much easier to install and store than the two stage.   I have had several single stage and two stage blowers and have sold all of them.   I find the plows are much more useful  for removing the small wet snows we normally get here in Pa.