Speedbump 0 #1 Posted November 30, 2009 Even though I know everyone here is a collector, I am looking for some advice for a true working 312. Today, I loaded the tires with fluid (6 gal/tire), put chains and the plow on in preperation for winter. I have approx 650' of dirt driveway onto a single lane dirt road and a large parking area. That translates to working the horse real hard. Over the 20 years she has held up well but has needed repairs more often reciently. Even with the current weight, tire slippage is an issue. I reciently got a D200 and it came with weights. The question relates to adding the weights to the already weighed 312 or use them on the "new" D200. The D200 is "all prettied up" has a loader and will only be used to move the snow piles back, I do not want to work this one hard esp with the Hydro (I can not get use to the hand control and am actually a little afraid of using it in tight spaces). I know with the D's rear tires, traction will be tuff but I do have chains for the D as well. The choice is to add the weights to the already weight 312 or use them on the D. I do not believe the trans in the 312 is the week link but rather think the plow it self is most likely to bend more than it already has. The D will just not get the same use and I am considering the extra weight may be of more use on the plow. Any thoughts, esp from owners of D200s. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 74 #2 Posted November 30, 2009 The Ds are real workers,your D would move more snow with a blade than a loader as they make the front so heavy,you can add chains and lots of weight and maybe be OK,I use a D180 with a rear blade and push backwards and works great,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawhorse 0 #3 Posted November 30, 2009 Your 312 probably has enough weight to handle the snow. I would keep the weight on the D with loader to counterbalance weight in the bucket. Best of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheel horse 1045 2 #4 Posted November 30, 2009 you said its still slipping do you have chains on the 312 as well if not that would be your problem with slipping Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cody 277 #5 Posted November 30, 2009 I would say leave the weights on the D and maybe look for a front blade for it if you want a serious plow tractor, I have a D-160 with a 5ft woods rear blade and a 56" front and i havent been able to stop it yet, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hitts427 0 #6 Posted November 30, 2009 Just my two cents but if your drive is fairly level I would try to find a blower.They work great,no more piles of snow around.You can find nice ones under 300 bucks.You really should have chains.Ken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #7 Posted November 30, 2009 Like has been said, your D200 with a 56" blade will out do your 312 any day. I have chains and fluid on my D200 with the 56" and it cant be stoped. I have a 310-8 with a 42" chains and weight and wouldnt even think of useing it as long as the D is up and running(witch it isnt right now). Yes it takes some time to get use to the hydro and lift lever but once you do you will love it. The speed that you can push snow with is very impressive. Good luck with whatever you do, P.J. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedbump 0 #8 Posted November 30, 2009 Thanks everyone. Both the D200 and the 312 have chains. I DO have a rear blade for the D200 but the 3pt does not float and the drive, not only has a grade (although not extreme) but, at the road, turns uneven where the town comes thru. I need to do this section during the storm as the town comes thru well after the storm has passed. Over the year I will look for options for the D but it is unlikely I will find something at this late date here New England. I will give the D more of a try than I had first thought, so I will add the weights to it. When we get some white stuff to play with, I will post some pictures, if anyone is interested. Again my sincere thanks for the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #9 Posted December 1, 2009 kinda agree with the blower idea,i have worn out a couple of engines and 2 trans axles plowing snow up here in canada,the blower doesnt hurt the drive train near as much,probally easier on the engine as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,147 #10 Posted December 1, 2009 When we get some white stuff to play with, I will post some pictures, if anyone is interested. Again my sincere thanks for the help. Oh we're definitely interested. Heck its what we thrive on here at Redsquare . Mike............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh500special 2,267 #11 Posted December 1, 2009 ...the 3pt does not float.... It should. Been a while that I looked, but I think on the tractor's right side on the three point's rockshaft you'll find a short pin inserted in the linkage. Remove it, and it will float. Replace it, and it will have power up and down (down pressure). A similar pin exists in your midlift too so it can either float or not. I've plowed snow with a D and, as much as I hate to admit this, they work quite well with that big ol' blade on the front. Never used a rear blade to clear snow on a D. I've never had good luck with traction on a D - even with weights and chains - but most guys like 'em. Resist the urge to use both weights and fluid on the D since there was a service bulletin that warns against it. Broken axles, ya know? Have fun, Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rod(NASNUT) 1 #12 Posted December 2, 2009 Just my two cents but if your drive is fairly level I would try to find a blower.They work great,no more piles of snow around.You can find nice ones under 300 bucks.You really should have chains.Ken He said he had 650' of dirt driveway onto a single lane dirt road. I would not use a blower on that I would use the plow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedbump 0 #13 Posted December 2, 2009 The blower option is risky, I tryed a walk behind and blasted all the paint off in one storm. I would have to set the skids really high and than go back and scrape. That would be ok for the deep storms but a pain for smaller storms. Still it is not out of the question, just not ideal for my application. It would definately be easier on the tractor. Great info on the D's service bulletin, I will use care with the weight. Unfortuantely, my D200 has a home built loader and a home built 3pt. There appears to be none of the hardware (pins) that the factory had. It is on my future plans to update to the factory 3pt (and add a rear PTO). The home built system works well but has very little of the adjustment and features of the factory system such as float. Hopefully I have been able to attach the picture. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,013 #15 Posted December 2, 2009 By the way nice Tractor Bump! :notworthy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
