312 Vin numbers

[chevrat68 19]

What would be the best way to identify the year of my 312-8? I just bought it about 2 weeks ago for under 600 with a 42 inch deck and single stage snow blower. The gentlemen that I bought it from said it was a 1993 but it has a lot of hours and has had a lot of wires by passed and is in just ruff shape   I.e. tag completely gone. Any info would be helpful. 

Thanks

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,441]

You may be able to do it with the spec number off the engine. You can bring up all the 312-8 models here

https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/index.cfm?xCaller=Toro

by doing a search for 312-8. On each line at the right side is the model Details where the spec numbers are listed.

 

The background of the side hood decal was maroon up to the end of 1989. 1990 and up it is black.

 

The Kohler service manual has a serial number to year built chart in the first pages. You could have a K301 engine or a M12 engine which are in different manuals.

 

Garry

[chevrat68 19]

Wow! Is that sight confusing. . I'm still not quite sure the year of the tractor. I have a Kohler m12s spec is 471527 it looks like a 1993. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,441]

The M12S-471527 was used 1987-1997 in the 312 models. What is the serial number on the engine?

 

Garry

[chevrat68 19]

S/n 1722305833 sorry I got busy a round the yard

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,441]

Kohler built your engine in 1987 so it could have landed on a

1987 312-8 model 21-12K804

or

1988 312-8 model 21-12K805. - New this year was a dampener on the clutch linkage next to the idler pulley. It was to stop the drive belt from engaging too fast causing the front wheels to come off the ground. If it is still there it will be a 1988 model but they are often removed.

 

Go into the Manuals library here at Red Square and do a search using both model numbers. 

We have the 1987 operator manual and a parts list for 1988 but it is shared with other similar models so be careful selecting parts. The same item number may have more than one part number listed but fails to tell use what model uses what. If you have a question on that someone in the forum can help you with it.

 

Garry

[chevrat68 19]

Thank you so much Garry. I appreciate all the help