118lfd 8 #1 Posted January 6, 2011 I just joined after looking for a snowblower for my 310-8. Picked one up yesterday in Penn. I am in NJ and need something as we seem to be getting more snow every year. I scored a 79360 snowblower in like new condition for 150.00. Installed it yesterday. It seems to work great but I was wondering if it would be better with more horse power. My tractor is a 1989 or 90 310-8. I have seen guys with 16hp motors. What motor options are there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,658 #2 Posted January 6, 2011 Any of the K-series Kohlers (K301, K321, K361) or Magnum Kohlers (M12, M14, M16) will bolt right in for sure. If you happen to snag a Magnum with the same spec #s, all the wiring will be the same as well. Even if you get one with a different style oil pan, you can use the one from your M10 on either the K-series or Magnums listed above- Just make sure the engine you get has the same oil pan tabs (and a 1 and 1/8th inch PTO shaft) on it as your M10. That would be the easiest route to take. But, if you're not afraid of a "project", then most any horizontal-shaft (1 and 1/8th inch shaft) engine will work, with varying degrees of modification to your tractor frame and electrical system. Briggs twins, Onans, Hondas, small diesels, you name it. It's all up to how much time and effort you want to put into it. Good luck! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danjmah 74 #3 Posted January 6, 2011 I have a 1987 310-8 and in 2003 I upgraded the engine to a new 16HP Kohler MAGNUM 711583-M16S. As Kevin mentioned I used the oil pan from the 10HP motor. The Install was pretty straight forward. The only minor difference was the throttle setup but I was able to fabricate a working solution. The extra power was definitely worth it but I wish I never sold the 10HP. DJM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,901 #6 Posted January 6, 2011 The standard Wheel Horse GT goes up-to 20HP. Of course you can put larger engines on these, heck even a diesel. Since you only have one you may want to consider a second. With the rising fuel prices again, your 10HP will be quite nice. If you were to supplement that with a 16 HP for the larger duties, you would be all set! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #7 Posted January 6, 2011 Just give it a storm or two before you go nuts. I have a 14 Magnum which in my opinion throws as well as my friend's 20Hp Onan. Both w/ tall chute single stage blowers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
118lfd 8 #8 Posted January 6, 2011 Just give it a storm or two before you go nuts. I have a 14 Magnum which in my opinion throws as well as my friend's 20Hp Onan. Both w/ tall chute single stage blowers. Yea your right but I can never leave well enough alone. I might try it for a while but I know I will end up putting a motor in it. The 10 runs great and it dosen't have many hours on it though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
118lfd 8 #9 Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks for all the info guys. You guys are quick. A little history My grandfather bought this tractor new in 1990 and I got it when he passed on. He always bought the best and now I see why. I have had zero problems in the 8 years I have owned this tractor. I use it mainly for my lawn as it has the 37 inch deck with a bagger. I did not even know they sold so many attachments for these. I have renewed pride in this now that I can use it both in winter and summer :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 8 #10 Posted January 6, 2011 One is never enough. I would leave the 310-8 stock. Use the blower and the deck as is. If you need more horsepower, then you need a second horse. And on this one put a bigger deck and a plow. You may not feel the need now, but trust me, enough seat time and time spent here then you will feel it. :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #12 Posted January 7, 2011 :thumbs: I am in agreement with a few of these guys. If you have the room and the finances, get a little larger WheelHorse. (14HP or above). In most cases, you'll be buying a used engine for your swap. Most used engines come "attached" to a tractor! You will probably have as much money in a second more powerful tractor as you would in just swpping an engine out of your 310-8 speed. At my home, my C-175 blows and the 310-8 speed plows. (The others are hibernating). BooVuc Mill Hall, PA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #14 Posted January 7, 2011 my blower is on a 16 c160 and i coulnt imagine it on my c101,the 10 would definatly be workin,maybe harder than it should,i like the other tractor option as the 310 would be a great plow tractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #15 Posted January 7, 2011 Hello and Seeing how it was your grandfathers I would leave it like it is and do what you can with it. More horse power is great and another tractor is never a bad thing. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IthacaJeff 151 #16 Posted January 7, 2011 Hi, I wouldn't touch the 310. Though I've not got a blower in mine, it is my workhorse and the 10M just may be Kohler's finest for power and fuel economy. And for just a little more than what it might cost to put in a new engine I'm sure you can find another WH with more power. Really. Just be patient. Around CNY it is not uncommon to find a 414/416/312 or C-series for $400 or less. I'm sure a RS member could hook you up with one of these for no more than that price. How much would an engine alone cost you? And yes, having two really can be useful. Not sure what I'd do without both the 310 and 416. Jeff in Enfield NY Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
118lfd 8 #17 Posted January 8, 2011 Well I got chains for it yesterday and just ran it around my backyard. I put about 100 lbs of lead in a bucket and strapped it to my bagger frame. It is unstoppable!!!! The motor runs the blower just fine and this is in week old compacted snow. I could not stop smiling, My wife was just laughing at me like I was nuts. Now maybe I will look for a plow too. A larger hydro horse is probably in my future though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #18 Posted January 8, 2011 Yea! And after you buy your fourth Wheelhorse, your wife's expression will change dramatically! Please make sure your weight in the back doesn't bounce around too much as this will cause some wear & tear on the tranny. Glad to hear that 10 horse can manage the blower! BooVuc Mill Hall, PA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #20 Posted January 10, 2011 thats a nice tractor,i havnt seen that support on a blower before,i hhave only old ones,i bet that holds the control rod good Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smoreau 658 #21 Posted January 10, 2011 :banghead: I wish I had a tall shoot for mi single stage. that looks great and should work great. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
118lfd 8 #22 Posted January 10, 2011 thats a nice tractor,i havnt seen that support on a blower before,i hhave only old ones,i bet that holds the control rod good Thanks guys... That support connects to the mid tachomatic bracket. Its in the perfect spot. The blower is a 79360 I think one of the last one or two part numbers made. I just got a whole bunch of clean lead and I think I am going to make some lead wheel weights. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hodge 6 #23 Posted January 11, 2011 You could buy one of these http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/br5...=snowblower.jpg and save the 310 for mowing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joel_400 59 #24 Posted January 12, 2011 Just knowing what I know bout the Kohlers I would say go to a 12, 14 or 16. The 10 hp is roughly 24 cubic inches, the 12 is around 29, and most of that is due to the longer stroke, which is where the added oompha comes from! The 14 has a larger bore, bigger valves and carb and runs around 32 cubic inches, the 16 has bigger ports and bore than the 14 and runs around 34 cubes or so. The 12, 14, and 16 all have the same stroke though. Whether you get another tractor or swap yours is up to you. I'd say get another as that's what I'd do! You can never have too many Wheel Horses! Joel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
118lfd 8 #25 Posted January 12, 2011 Just knowing what I know bout the Kohlers I would say go to a 12, 14 or 16. The 10 hp is roughly 24 cubic inches, the 12 is around 29, and most of that is due to the longer stroke, which is where the added oompha comes from! The 14 has a larger bore, bigger valves and carb and runs around 32 cubic inches, the 16 has bigger ports and bore than the 14 and runs around 34 cubes or so. The 12, 14, and 16 all have the same stroke though. Whether you get another tractor or swap yours is up to you. I'd say get another as that's what I'd do! You can never have too many Wheel Horses! Joel Yea the 16hp can be had new for around 1400.00 bucks I might go that route and sell the ten as it runs perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites