212-H can it do 2.5 acres

[urdrwho10 0]

My 310-8 - 42 inch deck can not longer be welded, the rust has eaten it. The treactor runs well, just rebuilt carb and other things. Darn deck.

Yesterday I was looking at a used 212-H with a 38 inch deck. Looked in good shape but it does seem like a smaller mower than the 310-8. The guy would take $180

1. Are they worth looking at

2. Can the unit mow 2.5 acres

I will lose inches and that will add another 15 minutes on mowing time. My local WH dealer wants $700 for a new deck and in this economic environment, it is a purchase I'm not going to do.

[MarkPalmer 81]

Not that the price is bad at all, but its the age old comparing a good garden tractor to what is esentially a run of the mill hydrostatic lawn tractor. The 212H will cut the grass, and it probably won't take a whole heck of a lot longer to do it only minus 4 inches of deck width. But the 310-8 is hands down a better machine, and worth shopping around for a good used deck for. A lawn tractor CAN mow 2.5 acres, but it won't like it for very long.

-Mark-

[urdrwho10 0]

Thanks for that response.

I too thought that it will do it but will get beat to death rather quickly. Looking at the size, one ground hog hole and it would be stuck.

For a month I've been looking for a good used deck but none to be found. There is a guy that has one that he says he rebuilt but wants $450 for it (see previous mention of bad economy). What is rebuilt ---- is it new pulley bearings? Last year I put new bearings on the deck. What about the hidden surface rust lying under that new paint? I wonder what he means by rebuilt?

I missed a really good by on a 1970. The guy rebuilt the motor, he welded in some stainless steel into the deck and tractor with deck was asking $500. I find the previous a reasonable price but the guy wanting $450 for a "rebuilt" deck is off target. Heck, might as well spend the extra $200 for a brand spanking new deck. Oops I forgot the tax man takes that price to almost $700 but ya get my point.

I need to get something in place because the grass in the back quarter is getting long.

Not that the price is bad at all, but its the age old comparing a good garden tractor to what is esentially a run of the mill hydrostatic lawn tractor. The 212H will cut the grass, and it probably won't take a whole heck of a lot longer to do it only minus 4 inches of deck width. But the 310-8 is hands down a better machine, and worth shopping around for a good used deck for. A lawn tractor CAN mow 2.5 acres, but it won't like it for very long.

-Mark-

[can whlvr 994]

i would look for another deck too,where is the damage to the deck,if its on top it is possible to replace the top of the deck,i did this years ago when my one and only deck fell apart,since then i have accumulated alot more so i wouldnt have to spend 1000 dollars on a new shell,that price you got would only be for the shell,not an entire deck with spindles and hanging hardware

[urdrwho10 0]

On both outside ends where the pulleys reside. I am not sure why they designed the deck with an indent on those locations because it is a prime place for water to pool and then rust.

I really hate to change because the tractor has been a work horse for me. All my neighbors also mow several acres, they have gone through multiple tractors but my WH kept going. I'm guessing they are making the newer tractors as throw away items, kind of like TV's. Maybe if I take it to a professional welder, he could do something with it?

i would look for another deck too,where is the damage to the deck,if its on top it is possible to replace the top of the deck,i did this years ago when my one and only deck fell apart,since then i have accumulated alot more so i wouldnt have to spend 1000 dollars on a new shell,that price you got would only be for the shell,not an entire deck with spindles and hanging hardware

[546cowboy 302]

Now with the number of people on this site from PA. you guys should help him out. Are you all just a bunch of parts scalpers there? If you were close to me I'd make you a deal in a heartbeat. Come on members, he has new bearings you mean no one has a decent deck shell at least? :angry-soapbox:

[MarkPalmer 81]

Now with the number of people on this site from PA. you guys should help him out. Are you all just a bunch of parts scalpers there? If you were close to me I'd make you a deal in a heartbeat. Come on members, he has new bearings you mean no one has a decent deck shell at least?

One of those Murphy's law deals. No one seems to have what you need at the time when you need it. But when you don't need it, its so plentiful that you don't buy it.

-Mark-

[urdrwho10 0]

According to my wife I buy things that I don't need but she doesn't understand that it might be needed someday.

Now with the number of people on this site from PA. you guys should help him out. Are you all just a bunch of parts scalpers there? If you were close to me I'd make you a deal in a heartbeat. Come on members, he has new bearings you mean no one has a decent deck shell at least?

One of those Murphy's law deals. No one seems to have what you need at the time when you need it. But when you don't need it, its so plentiful that you don't buy it.

-Mark-

[BryanO 2]

I came across a complete 42" deck a couple of weeks ago that the guy was asking $150 for. It looked like it was in pretty descent shape and I almost picked it up as a spare for the 42" on my 314. I bought a snow thrower from him for $100 and probably could have gotten the deck for the same. I may have to call him back and see if he still has it. After seeing some of the prices that you guys are talking about coming across..$100 seems like a good deal.

[urdrwho10 0]

I would pay $150 for a deck in good shape. Wish he was in my area of the country.

I came across a complete 42" deck a couple of weeks ago that the guy was asking $150 for. It looked like it was in pretty descent shape and I almost picked it up as a spare for the 42" on my 314. I bought a snow thrower from him for $100 and probably could have gotten the deck for the same. I may have to call him back and see if he still has it. After seeing some of the prices that you guys are talking about coming across..$100 seems like a good deal.