312 Owner 0 #1 Posted February 3, 2012 So... I just bought a pretty decent 312A with a 42" deck, a plow with a set of chains with 5 hrs on a new Hydro. I'm new to a WH but it's clean and has good sheet metal. Paid $450 for it, seems like a pretty fair price. Has not been has not been run much for a year and i want to change all fluids asap. I'd appreciate any advice from all you more expierienced WH owners. Any recomendations on fluid brands, espec. for the hydro. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #2 Posted February 3, 2012 The 312A it came through with a Eaton 700 hydro, so unless that was changed to the Eaton 1100 as far as I know you can't change the fluid as there is just a small plastic tank that holds the fluid and there is no filter with that set-up. If it were 312H it would be a different story and you could change the filter and fluid. Yours is going to have a weaker hydro and you can read up on that or others will chime in. Good-Luck and welcome to RS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,553 #3 Posted February 3, 2012 :WRS: And congratulations on your new purchase! Have you found a VIN plate on your tractor yet? It should be on the fender, either in front of or on the left side of the seat. The 312-A was only made in 1986 and 1987, and it matters because they had different engines and wiring systems: 1986 -- Model no. 21-12KE01 or 21-12KE02 -- Kohler K301 1987 -- Model no. 21-12KE03 -- Kohler Magnum M12 Do you have manuals for your machine and the engine? They're available, either here or from Toro and Kohler, or some other sites as well. You should have owner's and parts/service manuals for the tractor and all attachments, and for the engine. -------- I just read dennist's post. I don't know anything about the hydros, but there may also be a separate repair manual for that. Are you sure you don't have a 312-H? That would be a slightly newer model, sold in 1990-1992. Have fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312 Owner 0 #4 Posted February 3, 2012 Thanks guys. I don't have the 312 home yet. Bought it off Craigs list after a loooong phone conversation and pics that the seller sent. Hope to have it home soon and get to work on it. I appreciate the info. Now I have several things to check out when I git-er-home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #5 Posted February 3, 2012 If it has the manual lift it is a 312A. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #6 Posted February 3, 2012 If it has the manual lift it is a 312A. Might want to watch saying it that way...... I've seen a few with electric lift. As soon as I read the "5 hrs on a new hydro" part, I figured it was a true "A". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #7 Posted February 3, 2012 If it has the manual lift it is a 312A. Might want to watch saying it that way...... I've seen a few with electric lift. As soon as I read the "5 hrs on a new hydro" part, I figured it was a true "A". Electric lifts! *&^*#* Exception to the rule. Good thing I know when someone makes a mistake, there is always another that will pick up on it. Thanks- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #8 Posted February 3, 2012 If it has the manual lift it is a 312A. Might want to watch saying it that way...... I've seen a few with electric lift. As soon as I read the "5 hrs on a new hydro" part, I figured it was a true "A". I do not usually ask for clearification, but I stated- "If it has the manual lift it is a 312A" I do not see how that constitutes you saying-"Might want to watch saying it that way...... I've seen a few with electric lift."........I never said the 312A ONLY comes with manual lift? Did maybe you read it wrong? Or do I just not understand? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #9 Posted February 3, 2012 Did maybe you read it wrong? Yes - sorry. I AM human, you know???????????? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #10 Posted February 3, 2012 Did maybe you read it wrong? Yes - sorry. I AM human, you know???????????? No worries here. I am wrong plenty, I just did not want to mislead anyone. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,709 #11 Posted February 3, 2012 The 312A it came through with a Eaton 700 hydro, so unless that was changed to the Eaton 1100 as far as I know you can't change the fluid as there is just a small plastic tank that holds the fluid and there is no filter with that set-up. Not entirely correct... There is a large plastic plug in the bottom of the pump that will drain the oil from it. Re-filling it can be a pain, but it certainly is not impossible. Of course if the pump only has 5 hours on it, I would leave that part alone... The 700-series Eatons do NOT share oil with the transaxle (gear case), because they use different grades. The pump uses 5W-20, and the transaxle uses 30W in most cases. There is an allen-head drain plug in the bottom of the gear case just like any other for draining the oil, and refilling it is done at the dipstick tube. 312owner, Be sure and wash the transmission area thoroughly before opening any plugs to drain or fill the oil. The smallest contaminate will destroy that new pump. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
