Considering 1st Wheel Horse

[jellyghost 378]

This forum and the descriptions of Wheel Horse tractors has gotten me interested.  I live in Kansas City, and it doesn't seem like many wheel horse tractors were sold this far west.  I recently found a running Toro Wheel Horse in my price range ($800?).

Does this Toro built Wheel Horse have the advantages of the originals?

 

Edited September 6, 2016 by jellyghost

[Aldon 4,828]

Do a search on this forum of 312-8 and you should get plenty knowledge. Try looking in the manuals section.

 

it is a well designed tractor but mechanical condition matters for price. Not to mention you may have to manage your own repairs. This forum is a great support for that. 

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,199]

The 300 series and the Magnum motors are a great combo!

 I see a United Rentals decal on the dash....if it was a rental all its life I would be very wary of buying it.

 Any idea how many hous on it...I see an hour meter on the dash.

 Mike....

[ohiofarmer 3,372]

 I would prefer that Kohler engine on your 312 to the more powerful onan engines on what i have, a 416 and 520. !2 HP is enough power and you get at least 30% better fuel "mileage"

[jellyghost 378]

I will investigate the hours tomorrow (thank you for seeing the rental sticker!). How many hours is considered "high mileage"?  

I have been using the classified section on this forum to investigate the availability of different parts, but it has me confused.  It would be interesting to find listings that say 312-8 and tires.  When I search, it keeps coming back as 312-8 or tires.

Edited September 6, 2016 by jellyghost

[slammer302 2,156]

Welcome to  I'm not to far from you. I have a 312-H I would sale you with  deck and hub caps think it has 700ish hours on it runs good and mowes good. And is priced couple hundred dollars cheaper than the 312-8 your looking at. Private message me if ur interested.

[KC9KAS 4,744]

@jellyghost 

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,611]

6 hours ago, slammer302 said:

Welcome to  I'm not to far from you. I have a 312-H I would sale you with  deck and hub caps think it has 700ish hours on it runs good and mowes good. And is priced couple hundred dollars cheaper than the 312-8 your looking at. Private message me if ur interested.

This deal sounds better........

[SylvanLakeWH 28,484]

[AMC RULES 37,196]

[Retired Wrencher 5,812]

jellyghost  I would take T=Mo advice. I think you would be better off.

[Jerry77 1,218]

WOW- I would jump on that 312-H in a heartbeat - you know without question what you are getting  - treat it right and last you your lifetime

[953 nut 60,166]

9 hours ago, jellyghost said:

search, it keeps coming back as 312-8 or tires

If you search "312 tires" with everything is quotes it will only bring up topics containing both.

 slammer has a good reputation on here, send him a private message and see what he is offering.

[jellyghost 378]

Thanks for all of the feedback.  I have been communicating with Slammer, and I started to cast a wider net looking at CL deals.  

There is a late 70s single owner c101 with snow kit for $650.  10hp engine.  Sound about right?

Is there a place on the web that compares the evolution of the different wheel horse tractors?

[wrightorchid 261]

There are some files that basically summarize the models, and the wheel horse book covers it pretty well, also.  You can't go wrong with this group of folks on the forum.  A great deal of info, and folks that can help.  The 312 H (hydro) and 312-8 (manual) are great tractors, and will do most everything.  The later ones with a few exceptions were basically the same WH models, but had TORO added, due to the purchase.  Many attachments fit a wide variety of model, within the common group.  There should be a serial number on the left side of the fender, under the seat.  I agree, the H is better, especially if already worked on by a good guy.  (consider the matt hydro foot pedal kit )

Who knows about the rental.  Their price seems high.  Condition is key, since some of the parts can get expensive. Deck spindles can run $125 each, so the better condition, and completeness to start, the better.  Some parts are still available from TORO, but getting fewer and more expensive each year.  Many folks have parts, so if you need something, you can usually find it.  

Some areas have lots of horses, and others very few.  This greatly affects pricing, and availability.  They are very sturdy, and well built.

[TIGman 2,006]

 To Red Square !!  Lots of great people here and information. 

[DougC 2,643]

Hello and    to the forum. If you buy a tractor from a  member like Slammer and  he tells you it's in great shape you can be sure you are getting told the truth. Too many guys on CL describe what they want to sell you as in excellent  condition and is far from it. Beware of who you buy from.      

 

Just my 

[TDF5G 2,073]

[Aldon 4,828]

Buying one in good condition from forum member with good rep is an excellent way to start in this hobby.

[DennisThornton 4,771]

12 hours ago, 953 nut said:

If you search "312 tires" with everything is quotes it will only bring up topics containing both.

 slammer has a good reputation on here, send him a private message and see what he is offering.

Seems odd.  For me the search entry " 312 tires" only found 1 topic.  Usually the quotes means the exact phase.  A search containing both words but without quotes, 312 tires, found about 15 pages with topics containing both words.  Is that what you meant?

[953 nut 60,166]

Dennis, we live in an imperfect world and our search function has some shortcomings, too much or too little is often the case. 

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,371]

 you have found the best place on the net for anything Wheel Horse related, but I must agree with everyone else here, be wary of CL ads as they can be misleading at times, if you have an idea of what you want keep an eye on the classifieds here and you are sure to find it, great group of guys here at RedSquare, bought my wife's tractor from a fellow member here and was very happy. Good luck with your future  purchase and remember as always 

[TDF5G 2,073]

12 hours ago, Professor1990 said:

Good luck with your future  purchase and remember as always 

I'll second that.  Pics are good!