jdleach 525 #1 Posted August 5, 2016 Been a long time since I posted, been busy with the grandcritter, and other things. Wrote about getting this very nice 1985 312-8 back in 2014. Really didn't have to do all that much, other than a good cleaning, and basic maintenance, then replace all the little things that break over time with usage. Seat was replaced with an OEM-looking one I got from the 2014 Wheel Horse Show in Pennsylvania. Exactly like the original, sans the horse logo. Photo was taken yesterday after I gave the tractor a bath. Mow with it every week. Motor smokes slightly, and has some blowby. As far as I can tell, it has never been overhauled. Will try to do that this winter. Original plan was to do an overhaul last winter, but the thing just continues to run good. As I wrote in another post, I just smile whenever I hop on to do the lawn. Never knew a machine/tractor could give so much enjoyment. 17 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #2 Posted August 5, 2016 Very nice looking K series 312!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #4 Posted August 5, 2016 Very nice! Love those old Kohler engines. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdleach 525 #5 Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) Thank you very much for the compliment guys. If you want to see what the tractor looked like when I got it, take a gander at my album. Thing was awful. Just goes to show what one can do with a little elbow grease and some love... Edited August 5, 2016 by jdleach 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499 #6 Posted August 5, 2016 You did a nice turn around on the condition of that tractor, first class job. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 605 #7 Posted August 5, 2016 Be careful with that thing. I see it has so much power it jerked your drive way apart. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,809 #8 Posted August 5, 2016 jdleach Nice story and tractor. The old saying is take it and it will take of you. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #9 Posted August 5, 2016 Beautiful tractor ... never know it was the same . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #10 Posted August 5, 2016 It's hard to beat a 312-8. Always keep that one in your collection 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdleach 525 #11 Posted August 5, 2016 Again, thanks guys. One thing to remember when contemplating getting a Horse, or about any other machine, is to consider how it was stored. A tractor can have the god-awfulest amount of filth and crap encrusting it, but as long as it was kept out of the weather, you stand a good chance of getting a real gem. I am the third owner of my 312. The first owner always kept the tractor in his garage, and from what I was told, was pretty meticulous in its care. Kept all the paperwork, etc. The second owner had it the longest, took good mechanical care of the machine, but was indifferent as to cleaning. Thing was though, he kept it in a pole barn along with the big tractors and implements. The end result is what you see in my second posted photo. Underneath all the dirt, I saw a basically sound tractor. Broken and missing parts aside, I knew I didn't have to deal with a bunch of sludge and crap in the engine or fuel system, or all the rust and frozen bolts. The paint, while pretty scratched up, could be made presentable. Finally sprung the cash, and ordered the decal set, as that is probably the worst appearance issue since the originals are peeling pretty bad. Since the paint is solid and hasn't begun to fail, will just sand and smooth the hood and rear fender pan and repaint those items. Tractor should really stand out then. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrightorchid 261 #12 Posted August 5, 2016 I recently purchased a 520H. It runs well, hydro is good, no tranny or engine leaks seen. The deck looked OK, but did not take it off. 2 months later, I get some time to play with it. It needs an end welded on the muffler (too hot to run and shift with it blowing towards me). The deck, and lift rod looks like the battery must have leaked, and ate through most of the metal under the belt covers, and much of the lift rod. I don't think the deck is salvageable without much effort. The metal is too thin, and the bolts eaten away on the spindles. Even the pulleys are eaten greatly. I'm going to keep it, but lots to do to bring it back properly, maybe with a different deck Lots more power than my 312. My wife does not know how bad it is. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #13 Posted August 5, 2016 19 hours ago, jdleach said: Thank you very much for the compliment guys. If you want to see what the tractor looked like when I got it, take a gander at my album. Thing was awful. Just goes to show what one can do with a little elbow grease and some love... OK, back to this jewel hiding under a ton of dirt and crud. I can't believe it's even the same What a transformation! Congratulations on a great find and enjoy your Horse! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
