Advice on larger tractor.

[ramairformula74 1]

I am looking to sell my 308-8 in lieu of a 312-8 or larger. I really like the WH look by the way. My goal is plowing in winter, tilling and towing yard cart in summer, no mowing. I've found a few 312-8 for about $500-900. No added items but a deck. I was just offered a GT-1142 Work Horse. Can the experts here enlighten this newbie? Which would you choose. Of course I still need to buy weights and chains for my tasks but it will happen. Gotta move the 308 first. Thanks in advance.

[littleredrider 409]

Put a bigger engine in your tractor. The 300 series are pretty much the same, just different engine and or tranny's, and some tire sizes. I put a 13 horse clone on my ranger, and that is a small tractor, I mow the lawn, put a blower on it in winter. It will mow a field, and will go threw a foot of snow like it's nothing. Might have to fab some stuff to get the PTO to work, but not hard to do.

[ramairformula74 1]

I located a 16hp kohler off a WH and was curious if the trans needed changed. I can pick up an engine for about $300 running, I've found. I'm torn because I'm not sure anyone wants a small 308-8 either.

[littleredrider 409]

Some people just need a mower, and an 8 horse would be fine for that. But if you can find a motor, I'd just swap a bigger motor into it as long as the tractor is in decent shape....

[Ken B 3,202]

I don't think the GT 1142 is much of an upgrade.....

[ramairformula74 1]

If I did upgrade the engine, would I need to do anything with tires or trans?

[littleredrider 409]

Tranny's I'm 99.9% sure are all the same, but wouldn't have to anyways, long as your not pulling a 2 ton cart around, or doing seriously heavy duty work. Nor with tires, I think yours still has 23" on it, fronts might be a little smaller but that won't really affect anything....

[Austin860 82]

My d180 with wheel weights and chains will push a car with the parking brake on down the driveway. But my c100 pushes 2.5 feet of snow and the c, 300, 400 seres are pretty Lucy te same thing. I don't think there is a point in upgrading unless your jumping to a d series or even a 500 series, maybe a gt 14

[posifour11 723]

I like the 8hp tractors. I have a c-81 that has become my everyday worker.

[Forest Road 594]

More HP is always better. However if your motor is in good shape work it. The 8 hp will do everything you require. Tilling doesn't really use much power.Mower decks and snow blowers require the most HP.

[dennist 139]

Your user name states it all, you want more HP! I have a 310-8 and it worked well for tilling and plowing. Heck, I would have argued that no one needed any larger HP. Since then I have had a few through my hands and I have to say the 418-8 was one of the nicest tilling tractors I have used in the garden tractor class. I never used it for plowing, but the 416-8 does a terrific job on that.

It all comes down to what you want, and if you are looking, I would suggest seeing how much nicer it is to sit on and drive a step up with more HP. IMO. Good luck.

[ramairformula74 1]

I am on the fence here. You all have great advice and it gives me more confidence that I could accomplish the tasks I need to do with my 8hp. I will keep my options open but may now focus my search on chains and wheel weights. I've got the plow and tiller available. Thanks again guys.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,757]

The GT-1142 uses an 8-speed with 1" axles and 4 pinion gears in the differential.

Some 312-8's use 1-1/8" axles and 8 pinion gears but not all of them.

 

Garry

[posifour11 723]

Ya know, you could just give in to the addiction and have both....

[Jake217 20]

Ya know, you could just give in to the addiction and have both....

 Wise words.

[bean 85]

apart from using the tiller( ihave no experience with that, yet), I can tell you that an 8hp will plow, disc, cultivate your garden, mow with a 36-42" deck. push a blade, pull a 1000lb trailer, etc. and that was with a 4sp. you have the advantage of an 8spd.

I wouldn't jump from 8 to 10hp. (that's what I did). if you feel you need more power, go to at least 12hp. I think the 312-8 is the best bang for the buck, right now.

you should be able to find a 312-8 very reasonably priced. you could probably sell the 308 and add a little to it and get a turnkey tractor

[ramairformula74 1]

I can tell you there is no way I can do both!!! Don't ask me, ask my wife! My tractor suits me for the little I use it but to make it more useful the deck needs finished painted and assembled and charging issue or battery solved. I have located a few 312-8 but have to sell mine and come up with more cash. General range is 500-800.

[bean 85]

I can tell you there is no way I can do both!!! Don't ask me, ask my wife!

happy wife = happy life

[littleredrider 409]

No such thing as happy wife happy life. You make your live miserable to make them happy, and if not your still miserable. Can't live with them, pass the chips....

 

 

I've always found it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission....

 

I'd look into swapping the engine. I just found a 16 horse and some other pieces for $200. It's complete. Nelson muffler, carb/filter, wiring, switches, part of the dash and even the steering wheel and column. Don't look for just motors from a wheel horse, as others will fit too. Do a search for Kohler on C-list, find all kinds of stuff.

[ramairformula74 1]

That 16hp was in NY, I saw that too. I was tossing that idea, but I guess thats out of the question. I found a 312-8 locally but it is bare bones and comes with or w/o a deck either less cost or added cost. My problem is searching CL I find that everywhere else has these items but my area! Go figure. Just like my Pontiacs, there is barely anyone around me that is into these cars. Makes it hard to source cheap used parts if needed. I posted my 308-8 to a buyer of tractors and he pays just about what I am asking, so that works for me; if he buys it. Thanks again for all the help guys.