mkevinr63 4 #1 Posted December 3, 2008 I have an opportunity to trade an "in great shape" 86, 310-8 for a really nice Toro 314 (edited after I looked back at my paperwork) with snow blade and the original mower deck. I love my 310 and it was my first Horse. I only need to kick the guy about 200.00 to do it. Can a brother get some advice? I hate to get rid of an actual Horse for a Toro that may only want to be a Horse. Oh, the rear ends look identical and it has all the looks of a Horse but is it really a "Horse"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,632 #2 Posted December 3, 2008 Could you be thinking of a 518? There wasn't a 318 that I know of- not in red, anyway... A 518 is a good machine, but the horsepower would be the only gain aside from the hydro tranny. The 700 series hydro on the 518 is it's weak link.... Hard call to make, IMHO.... Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mkevinr63 4 #3 Posted December 3, 2008 Looks like I don't need if I can't remember what it is, it is a 314 :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 8 #4 Posted December 3, 2008 The 314's, even though they say Toro, are almost the exact same as your 310. They were made from 1993-2001. I think the motor is slightly different - still a single cylinder kohler. Also depending on the year, the transmission got a little heavier. The question about whether you should trade is up to you. In my opinion, if you have a blade and a deck and the tractor runs great - I would think long and hard about it. You know what you have and how it runs. You never know what you are going to get. Do you need more horsepower? I have a 312 and have never ran out of hp. In short I think the 314 is a true wheel horse, just a little newer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butch 194 #5 Posted December 3, 2008 I'd be curious as to why he would wanna trade to something smaller and older. If you have become attached to your 310 and are happy with it then don't get rid of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mailman 1 #6 Posted December 3, 2008 Yep, like Butch said, Ya gotta wonder why he would want to trade down. Unless of course there is enough money in it for him to make the difference. Or there are a ton of hours used difference. My advice is (for whatever it's worth) :horseplay: , if your horse is running great and you love it, KEEP IT! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #7 Posted December 3, 2008 Haveing a 85' 310-8 red hood, and never wanting for more power out of it I would keep it and the 200 bucks. I have used mine to till the garden, plow the drives and used it with a chipper / composter. The chipper/composter is the only thing that would have been nice to have more power but dont know if 4 extra H.P. really would have done that much better. If you really like what you have save some bucks and get a much bigger Horse. Just my thoughts on the matter. Good luck with what ever you do, P.J. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcwh1950 2 #8 Posted December 3, 2008 I have an opportunity to trade an "in great shape" 86, 310-8 for a really nice Toro 314 (edited after I looked back at my paperwork) with snow blade and the original mower deck. I love my 310 and it was my first Horse. I only need to kick the guy about 200.00 to do it. Can a brother get some advice? I hate to get rid of an actual Horse for a Toro that may only want to be a Horse. Oh, the rear ends look identical and it has all the looks of a Horse but is it really a "Horse"? it could be a 1985 vin number 21-14k801 . https://lookup3.toro.com/partdex/modlatch.c...1&partsviewer=1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,532 #9 Posted December 3, 2008 I am restoring a 312-8 i bought for 50.00 with deck right now. the thing i did not like was the smaller tires front and back. i bought a used set if 4 tires and two shorter front spindals for 100 bucks and it made all the difference. i would just upgrade your front and rear tires and pocket the extra 100 and keep your 310. heck, you even have enough money left over to buy paint and a set of decals... sounds like a nice winter project !! steve bo- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,632 #10 Posted December 3, 2008 I'm leaning the same direction as everyone else Kevin. A 310-8 with larger tires looks pretty nice too. Here's mine: Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #11 Posted December 4, 2008 If thats the model # then it is a 85 314-8 wheel horse, pre-Toro years. I don't think Toro Wheelhorse was until 1990. I have an '87 310-8, an '88 312-8 and a '93 Toro Wheelhorse 314-8 and they are all pretty much the same. There doesn't seem to be a big difference in power between them except that the 314 seems a little smoother. I see no reason to pay to trade up if yours runs good and is in good shape. If you are looking for a plow, they seem to be going for around $100. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
