jeremygibbs42 3 #1 Posted September 27, 2015 Hi, I recently purchased a wheel horse 312-8 (21-12K802). It seems to be in great shape. I just had a few questions since I am new to this tractor and would like to make sure everything is working as it should. Then one thing that I have noticed is when the deck is engaged after running for about 15-30 seconds it appears to be a noise coming from the PTO almost like a higher pitched noise. The noise does not happen right when the PTO is engaged for the mower it happens after about 15-30 seconds. I was trying to figure it out and I am not sure what to do.Also is there anywhere that I can get a manual for this model in order for me to review. I have a few more questions but figured I would start with this one first. I had questions about snow throwers, grass catcher and what types of fluids are typically used since I want replace the gear oil etc. Thanks for any information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,483 #2 Posted September 27, 2015 Welcome to the forum.Here is the operator manualhttp://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1836-tractor-1986-300-series-om-wiringpdf/Morehttp://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/4304-tractor-1986-312-8-da-tipl-snpdf/Lubrication charthttp://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1999-chart-lubrication-recommendations-and-capacities-33-pages-492-0392pdf/The pto clutch will squeal if it is slipping. The rod that pulls the clutch in has a trunnion on the front end. Remove it from the linkage and shorten the rod length one turn and see if that affects the noise. You do not want the clutch to slip.Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremygibbs42 3 #3 Posted September 27, 2015 (edited) Okay great, thanks. I will try this out today. Thanks for all the literature also that was definitely what I was looking for. With the tractor I also got a snow plow and a bagger system for the tractor. I was told that it came off of a 310-8 but it would fit the 312-8. However, I was looking on line and people mentioned that they clog easily, is this true and if so is there some sort of a "blower" that helps with moving the grass clippings/leaves through the piping. Thanks again Edited September 27, 2015 by jeremygibbs42 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,483 #4 Posted September 27, 2015 Dozer blade manualhttp://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1986-blade-dozer-48in-1984-1989-06-48bc01-om-tipl-snpdf/This bagger is for the 2-blade 37" side discharge mowerhttp://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/3836-mower-rotary-37in-sd-1988-07-07bc01-bagger-twin-rear-7-cu-ft-om-snpdf/The vacuum bagger has a blower that mounts at the outlet and is driven by the right mower spindle. Can be mounted on 42" and 48" side discharge decks.http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/3031-mower-vacuum-lawn-42in-48in-1992-07-4xvc01-om-ipl-snpdf/I would think a bagger should work well if conditions are correct. Dry grass that is not too long, sharp blades with the lift wing not worn out and an engine that is running at the designed rpm speed. There is a reasonably priced photo tachometer available now that the average Joe can obtain and maintain their own equipment. After using one I was surprised how far off my guess was and the sound is not that much different.Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #5 Posted September 27, 2015 Welcome to the forum.312-8 is a good tractor.I have several of them.Mowed all this past Summer with one.Only problem I had was I had to replace the bearing in the PTO clutch hub.It was getting very noisy.Have fun with your new toy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,988 #6 Posted September 27, 2015 TO THE Jeremy. Sounds like Garry and Pete have addressed your questions. Please remember Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC 1965 1,532 #8 Posted September 27, 2015 Hello and Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremygibbs42 3 #10 Posted September 28, 2015 Hi everyone just wanted to say thanks for all the information and manuals they are very helpful. I wanted to ask where do most of you guys go for parts when ordering something for your tractor? Also how about the basics like oil filter, spark plug etc. Do you guys order them from anywhere specific on the web? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,749 #11 Posted September 28, 2015 (edited) We get them from pretty much where ever we can find them. A dealer that sell Toro is always a choice for newer machine but can be somwhat pricey at times. Post a wanted thread in the wanted section here and other members may have what you are looking for. Most of the time bearings, belts and other common items can be had from online vendors. Auto places (NAPA, auto zone, etc) are good places to go for stuff and Tractor Supply is always a member's favorite for maintenance items.Great source for parts can be found here http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/92-vendors/ or here http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/forum/98-redsquare-links/Ebay is a good source for new and used parts. Lots of dealers sell there and deals can be sometimes found.Please consider being a supporter here http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/store/ which will help you post which EVERONE here loves! Edited September 28, 2015 by WHX5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,014 #12 Posted September 28, 2015 Hi, I just got three hours of seat time on my 312-8 grinding up the first round of autumn leaves. I have lots of poplar trees and will have to several leaf pick-ups.The 312-8 is a great all purpose machine.I have had good luck with agrisupply.com as a parts supplier; good quality and very reasonable prices. If you are unsure about something on the website their customer service people actuality know what they are talking about.If you plan to plow snow you will probably want some good wheel weights and a set of tire chains. Filling the rear tires with RV antifreeze is also a good idea.Enjoy your new horse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites