312-8 wheel sizes - looked at one that had small rear wheels

[arrkerr 54]

I just picked up a 312-8 (mentioned in a previous post) for a great deal (it has 1800 hrs, but runs great).  As I was loading it in my trailer the seller mentioned that the neighbor also had a 312-8, but newer, that he was considering selling.  The one I picked up is an 85 (still had the K-series, which I love).  The neighbor had I think an 87, not sure, but it had the magnum 12 in it, 800hrs, and looked amazing.  I could have it for $400, comes w/a deck.  Seems like a pretty decent deal given how good it looked (except the seat), but shoot I'd literally just bought the 312-8 from the neighbor (which had a plow and chains + great deck) for $100 less, and my wife would have killed me if I came home w/two new tractors, neither of which I "need" (I've got my trusty C-141 that is my go-to tractor).  Not to mention I was in a rush, so I had to pass.

... I was darn tempted.  BUT the thing that really stood out to me is that his tractor had what appeared to be significantly smaller rear wheels, and possibly fronts as well.  According to tractordata.com, the 312-8 only had one size of rear wheel.  I'm not sure if it was just my eyes playing tricks on me, but since I don't know much about wheel horses as they got in to the Toro era I was somewhat put off (plus by all the new safety lights and all that).  They looked smaller like the crappy lawn tractors I've tinkered around with in the past, which... eww.

In short, I'm asking if the 312-8 did indeed come w/smaller wheels (or just tires?) in 87(?) vs. 85, or if someone had swapped them out for some reason.  I have a close family member that I wanted to gift the 312 I just picked up to, but the lower hour beautiful shape 87 is darn tempting to pick up and give instead, and I'd keep the higher-hour one for my blower or something (until I find myself a C-161 auto).

In addition to the 312-8, the neighbor also had a decent (not great) 520 (pre Toro logo)... but wasn't eager to sell, despite also having a large JD (silly man, real tractors are red).

Thanks for the help!

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,499]

They went to a Dico tire that had the same size description but they were about 1" shorter and much rounder. Approximately 23" versus 22".

Garry

Edited September 9, 2015 by gwest_ca

[buckrancher 2,694]

yes they came with smaller tires 22 inch dia. with a couple of different sizes in widths

Brian

[arrkerr 54]

Ah wow, good to know.  I guess its good that they're original... but it sure takes away from the look.  Thanks for the reply, still considering picking it up but bummer it wouldn't work w/my weights and maybe not even my chains.

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

the rear rims will still be the same... fronts could have been smaller (6" instead of 8"), but back wheels were always 12" rims.

So your weights will work... chains may need to be tightened...

[V-Four 34]

Sorry if its not "hip" to revive an older thread, but I have a similar question, and heck, why not keep all this stuff in the same place for future searches.

 

Anyhoo, I just got me a 312-8, and I was eyeballin it it the garage the other night, and I noticed that the rear tires say 22-9.5-12 (instead of 23 as "tractor data" tells me it should be). Is this a typo at Tractor data? or did the PO just swap out the tires for something else.

 

BTW my rig is an 86, and the tires look like they could be original is why I ask.

 

Thanks,

T$

[Racinbob 11,946]

22" is correct.

[V-Four 34]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

22" is correct.

Ooh...good to know, thanks.