1987 312-8 wheel horse Question

[vermonter 0]

Hi folks, looks like a nice place you have here. Thanks for having me. There is a 1987 312-8 Wheel Horse for sale about an hour away from me. It's had the engine rebuilt about 2 years ago and is supposed to be in very nice shape. The pic looks good. It's says it has a 30" deck but I can't find anything about a Wheel Horse having a  30" deck The smallest I've seen are 36" decks. Could It really have an original 30" deck? Another question I have is... I understand [maybe i'm wrong] that Toro bought the Wheel Horse name in 1986 and I read somewhere that the frames changed and the quality went down at this point, Is there any truth to this? The guy wants $700 for this tractor, seems like a lot to me, What do you think? Thanks in advance.

Paul

[NJhorses 12]

As a reference 2 years ago I paid  $1000 for a 312-8 with a tiller and 79 hours on it. I have a couple of C series and dont see much difference.

[Desko 624]

Nothing changed in the wheel horse frame from what I'm aware of or anything on the tractor for that matter other than decals the 300 series are the same as the work horse with splash lube motor, simple dash with oil pressure light (work horse didn't), volt meter, possible hour meter (not work horse), 4-8 pinion transmission 1"-1 1/8 axle (depending on hp with the wheel horse work horse only had 4 pinion 1" axle) other than that there the same and almost similar to the 400 series with some minor upgrades-differences I did not compare to c series because I know nothing about them.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,128]

  After TORO bought Wheel Horse the frames did not change. They stayed the same right up till the last classic Wheel Horse 315-8 rolled off the line. The 312's were built with a Kohler K-301 until 1986 or 87(or thereabouts), after that they were equipped with a Kohler M-12 which is a great motor. They came with both the 1" axle and 1-1/8" axle 8 speeds. The bigger axle tranny is considered the better unit by the guys who enter pulling contests. The 1" axle tranny should give a lifetime of great service if taken care of and is capable of any lawn/garden chores.

  The smallest deck offered was the 36" side or rear discharge. Many 300 series machines came with a 37" side discharge deck and had front tires that were 1" shorter to clear the front left side of the deck in a hard left turn.

The price seems a bit steep for it with only the one attachment. I would want to know why the motor was rebuilt (maybe it had piles of hours?) and how involved it was. Swapping gaskets, a hone job and new spray paint is not a rebuild. Ask for any receipts for the work.

 

 

Mike............

[vermonter 0]

Thanks for the feed back, it is appreciated, I think I'm going to pass on this particular tractor and look some more. I do like the idea of a Wheel Horse. I can't bring myself to buy a new machine, they just seem so cheaply made.

[AMC RULES 37,196]

[56flatbed 29]

Hey Vermonter ,  are you looking for a tractor to just mow, or for snow use or just collecting.  The 312-8 is a great starter.  It compares well to my C141 and C145 except for the 12 hp instead of 14.  My son has one that he works to death!  Mowing, towing, trailering, snowblowin' and plowing.  It's a little rough around the edges, but just won't quit.  I do think $700.00 is just a might steep, would be nice to see pics.

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

Thanks for the feed back, it is appreciated, I think I'm going to pass on this particular tractor and look some more. I do like the idea of a Wheel Horse. I can't bring myself to buy a new machine, they just seem so cheaply made.

That's all appearances. Same core tractor, many parts are interchangeable. But definately wait fit one that you like the looks of. Im partial to the black hoods, and old iron round hoods.

[vermonter 0]

Hi folks, Thanks for all the "Welcomes". 56flatbed, I'm kinda just looking for a small tractor to pull a small trailer to help me move firewood. I have 7 1/2 cords setting about 150' from were I have to stack it in the woodshed.  I'm getting to old and out of shape to move it all with a wheelbarrow like I usually do. Thought a small tractor and trailer would work well, I could back it right in the garage and over to where I need to stack it. I'm going to try to post a link to the one I mentioned before http://burlington.craigslist.org/grd/4327118101.html What do you think? Can a tiller be mounted in this one? Thanks.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,445]

You can download an attachment list for that model

 

Perfect for what you want to do.

 

Garry

[56flatbed 29]

That is a nice tractor.   It will do everything you want it to do.  It will also handle a tiller. If the price is what you are willing to spend, then buy it.

[can whlvr 994]

welcome,location is a big factor on price,the tractor looks in decent shape but I agree with sparky,why did the motor need work,did the pevious owner neglect it or overuse it,does it have a whack of hours,the electric lift does add some value as long as it works,and it does look decent,thats about what guys are asking around here,the odd time a deal comes along but then you have to be quick or they get snatched up,dont forget to keep your eye on the classifieds here,i see lots of good deals there over the years,worth lookin at

[chip61 664]

I am a terrible negotiator, but I would offer what you are willing to pay for it-the worst he can say is "no", or come back with a counter offer.

[56flatbed 29]

Right on the money (pun intended)  Chip