AKincer 6 #1 Posted February 7, 2013 So last fall, I bought my virst Wheel Horse (a C-125 8 speed) with RD deck and a snow blade. Was able to run the deck a couple time before winter and seemed like cut OK but not great. I have the deck apart in the garage cleaning and sharpening and I've noticed a couple places that will need repaired. I'm optimistic that the cut will improve once the deck is all squared away. I've also used the C-125 to plow my drive with pretty heavy snow and it seems like it was built for that task. Work great. I also did some back filling work for a trench that I had dug and worked well for that actvitiy. Unfortunatly, the trencher had a transmission prolbem at the bottom of my hill ans so we ended up dragging the trencher with locked transmission up the hill with my tractor. It really showed how powerful it can be in the lower gears. I've got the itch to buy another so here is my thinking. For mowing I want to get an automatic. I have a number trees and odd hills to mow at the back of my house and it seems like changing speeds on the flow will shorten my mowing time dramatically. There are open flat areas up top that are perfect for the 8 speed. The other requirment was that I wanted to get something that the attachments (deck and mower) would be interchangeable so that I had a backup for whatever I chose to use them 4. I think I have 2 options, 1 would be to have a winter and summer tractor with no changing of attachements required. The other would be to change the existing C-125 back and forth for mowing and snow plowing and that allow me to get my daughters (12 and 9) into the mowing business to shorten my mowing time. The automatic will stay as a mower all the time and would be what I would use in the more difficult areas while the kids use the 8 speed in the flat open areas. I think it woudl be great for then to learn to handle this 8 speed tractor properly. So, I've found 2 viable choices. C-160 Auto with a side discharge deck 312 Auto with a side discharge deck In either case the side discharge is nice becasue I currently have and RD and I will be able to compare the 2 readily. C-160 has unknown hours, looks to be reasonable straight and solid, but is not a show queen - paint is old and faded. It appears that the deck might need some work in the not too distant future and the rims look kind of rusty. 312 was recently repainted (not a restoration, just a basic paint job) and it has nice wheel caps so the wheels look nice. 750 hours Hard to see any discernable differenence in the tires. Attachments would be interchageable with either one. I've been told they both run fine with no smoke, but tht c-160 might need a carb cleaning since it's been sitting for a while. My insticnts say that the the 312 is considerbly newer and with a recent paint job and wheel covers should be in pretty good shape. Since it's newer, parts might be easier to find. Price is roughly the same for each, neither is great deal and neither seems like a rip off. So for those that have more experience than me: 312 Auto or C-160 for a second tractor that would be used primarily for mowing? Am I missing anything obvious in the analysis? Are there other better options that I should consider? Thanks for your help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trouty56 567 #2 Posted February 7, 2013 Wow...you are sure to get some activity on this post.....I don't know which tranny is in the 312....700 or 1100 eaton but that subject will come up. 1100 is a winner from what I read in posts before. There is a filter on it that can be seen by looking at the rear of the tractor. Both have Kohlers. The 160 uses a lot more fuel. It is a classic design though, I have one. Very strong tractor. The 312 is probably a more comfortable tractor. My nephew has a 300 series tractor.... The 12 hp is most likely breakerless. This tractor is no slouch by any means. I'd say the 312....lol...if it has an 1100 tranny... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #3 Posted February 7, 2013 This'll surely be an interesting post to follow. Girls are goin' to mow the lawns, either automatic. Let them pick the Horse they like! I have one '73 Automatic, 12hp, a performer for sure! 42" SD deck, easy to push and/or pull on the speed control. I never thought an automatic would be such a pleasure but, hey, it's a Stallion! Here's my automatic, great Horse! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AKincer 6 #4 Posted February 7, 2013 Trouty56 - I'm not sure which tranny is in it - probably a good question for me to ask. Is the 700 a show stopper or just not as favorable? Tankman - that 73 auto is a good looking tractor. If the 160 I am looking at were anywhere near that good of condition, it would probably be a no brainer. Unfortunately, although not a junker, this one looks more it's age. Glad to hear confirmation that the auto is a useful mowing tool - that really one of the big motivations for finding a second one - at least that's what I will tell me wife! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 605 #5 Posted February 7, 2013 The 312 A will have more safety features then C-160. Might have to check that none have been bypassed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trouty56 567 #6 Posted February 7, 2013 (edited) Not a showstopper. But, if you like the pic of the 73 auto then the 160 might be for you. I like that style too. I have an 8sp same design. Edited February 7, 2013 by Trouty56 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Callen 64 #7 Posted February 7, 2013 The hydro will wear you out on hilly mowing if your hills have much grade. But I think you will Love the 160 if she has Hydraulic lift for snow plowing and flat ground mowing. It takes about 2 HP to run the Hydro so you would be down about 2 HP with the 312 compared to your C125, the C160 would put you up about 2 HP. So, my opinion: grab the C160. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #8 Posted February 7, 2013 This is a tough call. If the 312 has the Eaton 700 (there will be no tranny hydro oil filter visible), then I'd pass. C-160 would be a mighty tractor - up to most all chores. I'm pretty sure you'd get with the C-160 more power (somewhat needed for the hydro and mowing chores combined), you'd get an 8 pinion tranny and 1-1/8 inch axles (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and hydro lift - which is nice. How you configure your tractors will vary as you will change things around a little bit. I use to only have two Wheelhorse tractors and I would use both in the Summer for mowing, rig one in the fall with a front blade for snow - while grass was still growing, I'd mow with the other tractor. Once late October hit, I would rig the 2nd tractor with the snow blower and do the reverse in the spring back into Summer. So you have lots of options. One thing to consider with the C-160 and the 312A is to check the vendor section and take a look-see at Matt's foot pedal conversion. You might want to add it to either of the tractors you are looking at. Just be sure he has a kit for the tractor you are buying. BTW - I get a great cut with my 42 inch rear discharge. Give it some time, you'll like it too. This is probably as funny as true (not only with me, but others), but what I like most about my SIDE discharge mowing decks vs the rear is that I can set there and watch clippings fly out the deck while I'm mowing. Doesn't take much to entertain me... Good luck, Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,189 #9 Posted February 7, 2013 Too bad there is no way to tell what the 312 looked like before its paint job. It could be a nice tractor, then again, could be an old ho with a new dress. If the hydro and the motor seem solid and strong on that C-160 that is the one I'd choose. What kind of work does the deck need on the 160? The 160 will use a little more fuel if that is an issue. I mow with a 520 H. There ain't nothing like mowing with a hydro. I would ride each tractor around for at least ten minutes to get a feel for which one feels better. You might want to choose the one with the least amount of issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AKincer 6 #10 Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks to all for the thoughts. I think I will try to find out which transmission the 312 has. In terms of the deck work, pictures show a fair bit of rust and at least 1 fairly large patch that has been welded in. My gut says the deck will need some help. Good question about the condition of the 312 before it was painted - I think I will ask if any pictures exist. Both tractors are 3 to 4 hours away in opposite directions so my guess is that I won't likely get to look at both. I will probably try to get as much info as I can, but practically speaking I will probabaly have to make a call before I see either tractor unless I'm completely surprised when I arrive. Of course, the other alternative is to be patient and keep looking - maybe for a higher powered 300 series. Lots to think about - you guys are very helpful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #11 Posted February 7, 2013 Winter/summer Horses? I find dropping a blade, hookin' up a deck, and of course pinnin' a trailer all quick 'n easy. I just took the '68 Raider 12 and the '73 Auto 12 out for a spin. Both had mower decks on. Guess I just thought lube the rear, move some front wheel grease, get some crankcase oil up high. These two Horses, bless 'em, have been in their stalls for 'bout two months. Needed the exercise. My two 400's, both with dozers, run more often. Grandson prayin' for snow every night! Now I lay me down to sleep, please God make it snow at Pop-Pops tonight! I was rudely interrupted by UPS delivering new bearings and thrust washers for the '90 520-8 I'm restoring. Hate those deliveries! 520 front axle...done. Saving the 48" SD deck for spring weather, the '73 and '68 Stallions can handle the grass, they love pasture time. Munching on fresh green grass. Giddy up 's! His prayers were answered. Plowed with the '85 416-8. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #12 Posted February 8, 2013 if its a 312-a,it will be the 700 eaton,i would pass on it,if its a 312-h its the 1100,with hydro lift and very nice tractor to operate,i own both a c160 auto,and a 312-h,both are great tractors,but if it had to be one only it would be the 160 all day long,but as stated only if the tranny is sound Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artfull dodger 440 #13 Posted February 8, 2013 I wouldnt call the 700 a deal breaker, its a simple upgrade to put the 1100 series in the tractor, I did just that to my 518. I used to have the 8 speed version of the 312, loved it. Kohler Magnum 12 with electronic ignition, headlights that actualy will light up something, more comfortable to me that the C series if it has a good seat. If the 312 is in good shape, hydro seems strong after running it a bit, then that would be my choice, when the 700 series pump dies, swap in the 1100 series pump. I just swapped the whole rear end in my tractor. I will also upgrade to hyd lift this spring, just have the lift output bypassed back into the rear end for now. The exhaust is quieter with the horizontal muff, replacements for the C160 if its rusted out are expensive and hard to find if you want the proper set up that quiet. Not sure what you wanting to spend, but there is a really nice 416-8 for sale in northern Ohio, mid 600 hours on the meter, excellent condition with ag tires, mower deck ect. its in the RS classifieds, I would love to have it but short of funds right now. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #14 Posted February 8, 2013 Nothing against the tractors you have found so far, but I recommend you try a twin cylinder Wheel Horse for your mowing tractor. It does not have to be Onan powered. I really like the 417-A that I have. Just make sure if you go with a Kohler twin to get the Series 2 style engine. In the end you may not spend any more on a twin that you do a single. I'm kinda partial to the singles but it is nice to have at least one twin around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,189 #15 Posted February 8, 2013 (edited) I just saw that you said both tractors are 4 hrs. away. IMO I wouldn't travel that far for either of them, a collectible tractor I would but not something I'm going to put to work. Wait a little longer and something will come up that is closer to you. You might make a bad decision if you travel that far too look at a work tractor. I'm speaking from experience, trust me. I did it once on a boat I bought. Edited February 8, 2013 by Ken B 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artfull dodger 440 #16 Posted February 8, 2013 I have to agree on looking for a twin cylinder, they are so much smoother running than the singles. I am partial to Onans over the Kohler KT and Mag series. Or pick up a roller and drop a 16-18hp Briggs Vanguard Vtwin in it. Mike 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #17 Posted February 8, 2013 FWIW, sometimes I travel for work to Ohio and check out craigslist and am always impressed with how many nice old iron tractors are around. If you don't buy either of the tractors, hang tight because the tractors will come up for sale. Have you tried search temptist? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wh5208speed 646 #18 Posted February 9, 2013 If this is the tractor you are looking at, then it has the Eaton 700. The easiest way to tell the difference between a 312-A (Eaton 700) and a 312-H (Eaton 1100) is the 312-A has manual lift, and the 312-H has hydraulic lift. I would stay away from the Eaton 700. Thad (Ohio) 312A wheel hores (uniontown oh) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artfull dodger 440 #19 Posted February 9, 2013 I just love how biased folks get on stuff. There is nothing wrong with the Eaton 700 series if all your going to do is mow and are willing to keep the fluid serviced on a regular basis. There are loads of that model still out there mowing and do so just fine. You just can do anything more than that. For the right price I wouldnt hesitate to buy one if that 700 was working ok. You can always upgrade it later on. Not a deal breaker if the rest of the tractor is really nice. But if you can find the 1100 series you are better off in the long run. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites