Charger 9 and 312-8

[wmsue 4]

Hi all,

 

Here are a few photos of what's in my shop. After joining up a week or so ago I did the repair to the PTO and seat switch but won't know for sure if it was the culprit until I put the WH under heavy load for a bit. That's the only time I ever had the problem.

 

The Charger 9 was bought when I was about 11 and I mowed with it for many years. It has an HH-100 Tecumseh for power. In 1986 we bought the 312-8 and it's still working hard with 1700 clock hours and no major repairs. The deck has seen better days though. I've welded it a few times and after looking at the prices of new ones ($620) I'll be welding it again.

It's a 42" rear discharge if any one has a good used one for sale I'm interested !!!!!

 

 

I do have a few more questions though. Thanks much if you have the time to give me your thoughts.

1. Will the snow blade from the Charger 9 (model 6-9621) fit my 312-8 without too many modifications? I remember the WH dealer telling us NO when we bought the 312 but it sure looks close. I know I'll need the rear axle support hanger. It was a still a bit cold in the shop to try a swap today. I was busy putting the new tire chains on.

 

2. The 312-8 has the usual rear hitch that does not include a place for a 2" ball. I've searched the forum for ideas on how to make one. The photo I'm attaching is NOT mine and I would like to give credit to the creator. It looks great and could handle any load. Not sure I need something this beefy. I only need something strong enough to haul my log splitter around the yard / woods. The splitter is about 650lbs with a tongue weight of a bit more than I want to handle too many times. 

 

Any other ideas of what would do the job?  I didn't want to simply drill out the bar to 5/8 or 3/4 and drop in a 2" ball. I'd like something about 8" or so higher and leave the splitter attached while I split wood and maybe still have access to the bar for a small cart.

 

thanks again for the help

 

Bill

Kinsman, Ohio

[Tankman 3,523]

Never needed to tow with a Horse a trailer with a ball hook up.

 

I did purchase two Horses that had 2" ball trailer hitches.

1) The tow bar was drilled clearance to bolt the 2" ball in place. Removed the trailer 2" ball.

2) Another interesting 2" ball connection, rather nice was a piece of 2" x 1/2" flatbar, forget the length.

    This flatbar has the trailer ball on one end along with 2 rings for safety chains. The flatbar was long

    to go under the gas tank and had clearance holes to match the transmission. Pan bolts removed, bolts

    1/2" longer than stock, mounted the pan and flatbar.

 

I mention, the tow bar drilled is a pain. Sloppy for my 1/2" dia trailer pins.

[slammer302 2,156]

I think the snow plow should switch over with no problem but I'm not expert on snow plows

[Tankman 3,523]

Went out in the barn, two pic's of the trans mounted hitch.

Not too well shown, bottom of the flat bar had a piece of steel welded. Set the depth and helped keeping the hitch in line. Cut pic a little short of the bar, there are four drilled holes. I'm guessing to shorten or lengthen how far it sticks out past the fender ass'y.

 

Never used it but PO used the hitch many, many, many times. In fact, only used the Horse to move his trailers; boat and/or camping. This hitch didn't interfere with his tow hitch.

 

I would go with the 2" receiver in the pic you posted. Available here in the vendors section.

 

Edited January 18, 2015 by Tankman