Auction Tractor

[PaulC 342]

decals are exact to the originals that were on my 1990 312-h. the motion control is between the legs and had a stupid jog in it at the neutral location(I put matt's foot pedal kit on it and removed the lever). I think they went to the motion control on the column in 91. My 312-h does have an hour meter. My rear tires also have a similar pattern to the ones on that tractor and I actually just noticed the other day how much different they are the all my older horses and even different then a 1990 312-8 I picked up for parts. I don't know about the front wheels though because the tires were really bald when I bought it.

my 87 312-a has the older maroon/silver style decals they used on the 300 series from the start and not sure what year between 87 and 90 they switched. the motion control is between the legs and straight forward and back. this machine also has an hour meter.

Looking through the owners manuals I don't think they offer a 312 hydro in 88 and 89? my 87 A has the eaton 700 and the 90 H has the eaton 1100. 1988 is the year they introduced the 520-h and also the 516-h and 518-h's which only lasted those 2 years I believe so it seems like were figuring our their models in those years.

So after laying all of that out I think it has to be a 1990 and those tires may be original but I don't know why it wouldn't have an hour meter . My guess is it would read 300 hours or less. That stuff is down right gorgeous and makes me wonder how it could be in that great of shape this many years later and if someone did restore it they did a fantastic job nailing every detail. My 312-h was a disaster cosmetically when I picked it up. My 312-a was always kept inside and is in pretty nice original shape but has almost 1200 hours on it and has scratches galore and flaking and missing paint in all the normal areas.

I agree it might have a hefty price tag and I don't buy my horses that way either but its hard to find them in that great of condition. I think it would be extremely difficult and time consuming to get a rough one and get it back to looking like this and I say this because I have tried.

I say go snag it up Ed and we can all drool over the pictures you will post

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

 

Any idea what year ?    It is a hydro with the F/R motion stick on the center console, not on the steering column.

 

Hi Ed,

I've seen the 312-

8

Classic as a 1993 model also, so could be a few years.

I was considering crossing the river to go to that auction, but I don't have the space for another WH.  The rain today might keep the price reasonable, but still too rich for me right now.   I've been looking for a good hydro trans WH, and that's a nice one.   Let us know what it goes for.  Good luck.

   Jim

Come on over Jim. The Norman Wood bridge is open to one lane again.   Penndot  has one plate scabbed on the 8' crack, so its safe for horse and buggies.

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

Sounds like you nailed the year Paul.   My '88 - 520H  had that motion control with the  jog in the console until I cut in a straight slot and made it a foot or hand control.

[PaulC 342]

Sounds like you nailed the year Paul.   My '88 - 520H  had that motion control with the  jog in the console until I cut in a straight slot and made it a foot or hand control.

I actually cut the slot straight on mine also before replacing it completely as it was still very jerky. so '88 must be the year they switched and I assume some sort of safety feature. I think my linkage may have had a few issues which made it harder to use but that jog sucked IMO.

I love that foot pedal setup you added I have been planning to do something similar myself. I love matts kit but it has gotten to high priced for my blood, plus im up to 2 or 3 tractors I would like to add it to so that would add up. I also do like the hand control lever for mowing the lawn and the foot pedals are a must for snow duties.

Did you make a thread for this with any details? I have the same idea for attaching the pedal to the lever but I haven't came up with a good solution for a dual spring setup for returning to neutral in forward and reverse. Maybe its not necessary or is this what the gas shock does on your setup? Appreciate any info on this Ed!

[WHX?? 51,749]

I"m thinkin at least 25 franklins..maybe 30 if the right crowd is  there...the cab is to die for and real expensive in this day and age..

Considering the time of year we are heading into. It will probably go for a bunch. Don't think there will be a deal to be had there.

Might be a deal here to be had, think about what it would be to put together a package like that nowadays.

In any case you guys know how auctions go, might not go for what's it's worth.
Deck looks like it's never seen a blade of grass.

Kinda odd that it doesn't have an hour meter?

Keep us posted as to what it goes for Ed. Edited October 28, 2015 by WHX5

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

I did make a thread on the foot control Paul, but I can't find it in the search.
Basically,  I extended the forward slot back to full reverse position so there is no neutral stop, then slid a piece of 3/8" pipe down over the control lever . It is notched at the bottom to slide over the horizontal section of the original control lever  and is locked together with the coupling at the bottom.  The gas cylinder spring pulls the control lever to the reverse position.
I know this sounds unsafe and scary to most everyone, but the fact remains, to stop, you simply need to push the left foot pedal and the tractor stops immediately.
When I installed it, I wasn't sure if I would have control of the forward/ neutral/ reverse function with one pedal, and my plan was to add a neutral notch in the console slot if it didn't work.
I found this was not necessary at all.  I use the left pedal to fix neutral for starting the tractor and when I release the left foot , the right foot takes over and has complete control for uninterrupted forward/reverse movement using the right pedal.   It took a few moments to get used to the control, but now I would not be without it for snow blowing the relatively small confined driveways where I am constantly changing direction. For blowing a mile long road or mowing 5 acres, it would be better to use an 8 speed.

[mikekot3 93]

Who made the fancy snow cab? Was it original cab company?
 

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

Who made the fancy snow cab? Was it original cab company?
 

Not sure Mike...anyone have an answer for Mike?

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

Here are a few more  pics.  I checked it out a little closer.  Don't know how I missed the meter with 601 hours. 
No sign of the deck ever being on the tractor. The mule drive, lift bar and belt still in a sealed bag.

Doesn't appear the PTO ever saw a belt and the plow was only used on pavement... no stone scratches.
Weight bracket, but no weights.  Good wheel weights and rubber chains.
Pretty clean ...no grass under the hood.
Wait a minute......That looks like my trailer.
Now what do I do with this CLASSIC GEM ???




 

[jimt1971 237]

Well what was the number if we can ask?
 

[fireman 1,022]

I've never seen an original Wheel Horse or Toro deck with black paint on the bottom. Starter motors are generally bare metal or gold/silver irridite not black. Hour meter looks like it has over spray on it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  Looks like it may have been a real nice restoration.  Not knocking it but a few things don't look original. It's a nice machine for sure. 

As as far the comment about its hard getting a rough one to look this good, come take a look at my C-160. It was a complete rust bucket when I got it. It's not that hard to do a complete rotisserie restoration if you have the tools, time, talent and the money to do it. I've seen some Wheel Horse restorations at the big show that are to die for even better then mine. 

[PaulC 342]

Ed you lucky lucky dog that stuff is just unbelievable! I have blew ALOT of snow with my 312 and just put a plow on it and with no weight or chains it moved dirt pretty well. That machine will do a lot while just sipping the fuel. The deck and parts do look like they've never been used!!

And thanks for the info on your pedal setup that really is pretty slick. I still think I want to do an auto centering setup but I do like how your setup only uses one pedal so its something I will consider. I know I have mentioned possibly borrowing one of your ideas before and it turns out I might do it again! So I guess that means you come up with some pretty cool  stuff 

[953 nut 60,014]

                    Congratulations, know you will enjoy it.                                           

[slammer302 2,156]

Looks great and i agree with some of the others i think some things have been repainted probably not a full on restore more than likely just some touch up painting the mule drive and lift bar have been painted the hardware would of been plated a goldish color not painted silver same on the lift bar chain i think not trying to bring you down its still very nice and a hard to find package and someone at least cared enough to be worried about the little details    

[roadapples 6,983]

Way to go Ed. Original paint or not, nice clean unit.  Tell us about that rear bracket.

[SPINJIM 1,986]

Congratulations Ed.   Beautiful tractor.   Sorry I missed out on that one.  Looks like it was only used for snow plowing.   If there is any touch up paint on it, that only means the PO took good care of it.   Did the rain keep the price reasonable as I expected?

 Jim

[WHX?? 51,749]

Now Ed you know we are here just dyin to know $$ and how the bidding went??? So you bought just to see the hour meter??  I'll tell ya what you can do with that classic gem ..........bring it my way!

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

Well, Fireman and Slammer, you guys are correct, some of the parts have been repainted.  The red overspray on the console guage area  is actually a reflection from the sun shining thru the red canvas.
Hey Jay, not sure what you want to know about the rear bracket. It holds the suitcase weights, a shovel, and the SMV sign. It also acts as a bumper so I don't damage the WH when I back into Mrs. Ks BMW. 
Spinjim and Jimt    I'm not quite ready to put a price on it yet, but I think the rain did help "dampen" the bidding.     Stay tuned in and thanks for the interest.
I won't bring it to Wisconsin for you Jim, but if I still have it, you could pick it up at the Big Show next spring.
 

[WHX?? 51,749]

That might be possible Ed...I won't pester you about what you $$ unless it was wayyyy too much...I might bring a BIG hauler to the show! I personally would give the left one for that cab!

[WHX?? 51,749]

Second thoughts here Ed... why would that Guage area need to be reworked  with that low of hours??? This tractor has obviously been garaged? ??

[ericj 1,579]

hey Ed i had seen that going under the hammer and i think i can fill you in on who redid it, give me a call and i will tell you what i know about it





eric j 

[MalMac 1,332]

What I would like to know is, how did you get that thing home on a open trailer with a soft cab on it? I would have thought the wind would have beat that cab to bits. Unless it was a short distance at relativley low speed. Congrats on a very nice find.

[Ed Kennell 41,989]

About 2 miles @‌35 MPH Mac.
 

[MalMac 1,332]

Alrighty then, that explains it still looking good and still all intact. There have been times I have been out in mine and caught a 20-30 mph gust of wind and thought it was going to take the cab right off the tractor. Good job on getting it home safe.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

What I would like to know is, how did you get that thing home on a open trailer with a soft cab on it? I would have thought the wind would have beat that cab to bits. Unless it was a short distance at relativley low speed. Congrats on a very nice find.

The glass windshield does stiffen the front of the cab a bit. Instead of 35 mph, you can drive up to 36 mph.   Seriously I noticed a difference in stiffness when I went to the glass windshield, but not that I would drive any faster as well.

Two cabs for winter duty. Nice!