dgjks6 8 #1 Posted June 3, 2008 OK guys, I think I have a problem. I am now addicted to my tractor. Before I ask my questions I will tell you why the wheel horses are such great tractors. My dad bought the one I have new in 86. For a few years was used to mow the lawn at home and then sat around for the next 15 years doing odd jobs. Including at my house and my father-in-laws house. Never had any maintanance. I swear it could have had the original oil. Then I started using it a lot. Now I am starting to maintain it. It has run for all these years flawlessly. I can not imagine how long it will last if taken care of. I hope forever. Today I did some stuff to it and have now figured a lot of it out. So here are my questions. I need a new brake. Do I have to take the wheel off? Are they all the same size? I see some on ebay from cheap for a used to $54.00 for a new one. How do you adjust the PTO belt? Does the other wheel have to come off? How do you know when the tension is right? How many grease nipples are there? I found two on the fron wheels, two on the front axles, one in the middle of the front axle, one on each foot pedal, and 4 on the deck (two on the wheels, two on the pulleys). Am I missing any? By the way the tractor is an 86 (I think) 312-8 with a 37 inch deck currently. Also, I am trying to convince my family to go to the get together in a few weeks. They think I am crazy. Greg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #2 Posted June 3, 2008 The correct brake band is P/N 9593 and is about $45 new from Toro. There are many different bands, so you will need to make sure you get the correct one if you buy a used one. I suggest removing the left rear wheel to allow easy access. The PTO belt is adjusted by the knob on the tensioner mounted to the front hitch. If you are referring to thte main drive belt for the tractor - it is not adjustable and must be replaced when it becomes loose enough to slip. There is one more grease "zerk" on the lower steering support at the bottom of the shaft coming from the steering wheel. It is accessed from the left side of the tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #3 Posted June 3, 2008 Greg, Welcome to our crazy world! These things certainly can be addictive! You may be able to find brake material at most any auto parts store, and simply cut and glue a new piece to the existing band, as long as the metal portion of the band is not worn. It's defiantely cheaper than a new one... TT has you covered on the belt... The mower deck spindles will need a shot of grease in them as well. My 37 incher has the fittings underneath the deck shell, at the base of the spindles. Some of the decks have them accessable from the top, but I haven't seen a 37 inch model like that yet... And don't feel bad about the family. I have 9 tractors SO FAR, and everyone around here thinks I've just lost it. Also, my wife, at least one of the kids, my sister, and possibly in-laws are coming to the show with me. Of course, they are gonna check out Gettysburg while I'm "tractoring", but they will be around... Good luck! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 8 #4 Posted June 3, 2008 Thanks for the belt advice. I looked and still can not find the steering grease zerk. The deck only has the grease things on the top. Tell me more about replacing the brake material. Greg BTW - wife said I can take my son to the show. A little male bonding. We have 6 kids - 5 girls and one boy - so I agree with my wife. Would be a great bonding experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linen beige 15 #5 Posted June 3, 2008 OK guys, I think I have a problem. I am now addicted to my tractor. I see no problem. The other guys have covered your questions very well, and being more of a round hood guy, I Know little about the newer models. I suggest either buying or downloading an owners manual. They come in handy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bo dawg 518 #6 Posted June 3, 2008 Hi Greg, not for sure on the model you have but from what I've seen the zerk for the steering is right at the bottom of the shaft where it fastens to the frame, with that 1/4 of a gear looking piece that then controls the linkage. Hope that makes sence Bo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #7 Posted June 3, 2008 Tell me more about replacing the brake material. Greg, The liner on the brake band is glued on. Most any auto parts store (Advance Auto, NAPA, etc...) should have it and the adhesive for it available for MUCH less than a new band. All you'd need to do is remove the old material (if there is any left), clean the metal band, and glue a new piece onto it. I know a few people who've done it, with great results. Just ask someone in the store you go to about brake liner material, and the adhesive for it. They should be able to square you away. Also, maybe someone will chime in here with what the "original" applications may be for the stuff. Might make it easier to run down. Good luck! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DMESS 24 #8 Posted June 3, 2008 Greg, that's a fabulous story about your 312-8. These are investment grade machines and can last gererations if taken care of. Sometimes they last that long even with a little abuse! Let your family members take a look around the RedSquare forum and they should quickly realize you are not alone in your interest in these little tractors. Can they imagine foks with 20, 50 even 100 of these little machines! How about guys that drive half way around the country for a particular model or pay surprising sums of money for something unique or rare. Many of us darn near eat. sleep and breath all things Wheel Horse! Oh, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
igota310-8 0 #9 Posted June 3, 2008 Greg, that's a fabulous story about your 312-8. These are investment grade machines and can last gererations if taken care of. Sometimes they last that long even with a little abuse! Let your family members take a look around the RedSquare forum and they should quickly realize you are not alone in your interest in these little tractors. Can they imagine foks with 20, 50 even 100 of these little machines! How about guys that drive half way around the country for a particular model or pay surprising sums of money for something unique or rare. Many of us darn near eat. sleep and breath all things Wheel Horse! Oh, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Amen. I bought my 310-8 on a hunch, not knowing much about it, but I thought it appeared well made. Honestly I have not bought anything in a long time that has given me as much joy as that little tractor, its just quality thru and thru. Eric Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #10 Posted June 4, 2008 OK guys, I think I have a problem. I am now addicted to my tractor......the tractor is an 86 (I think) 312-8 with a 37 inch deck currently. Yeah, Greg - it happens pretty easily. I got my '89 312-8 last fall and worked on restoring it in my shop all winter. Now my wife swears if I could get it into our bedroom I would sleep with the d*mned thing. Well, I'm not quite that far gone....yet! Also got a 37" SD deck I'm just finishing restoring, a front plow and just today took delivery on a belly-mount grader blade, vintage 1976, from flea bay. That one's gonna take some work..... One thing on the main drive belt - when I replaced mine I got a Stens replacement and on a hunch went one inch shorter than the OEM spec to get better clutch travel (for my tastes). Works like an absolute charm on my tractor, but I would have to defer to the wiser and more experienced minds elsewhere in this forum before I could recommend it for yours. Just a thought..... Glad to have you among us. This is a great place! Maybe next year I'll make the trek to the big show! Got a wedding I can't get out of this year. Deereman :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustbucket 4 #11 Posted June 4, 2008 no problem in sight that i can see. but this is comeing from the off brand guy with only a single horse and dual jacobsen cheif's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
