Tonyp 285 #1 Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) So yesterday I picked up a very clean 315-8 with an excellent 42" RD deck, couldn't pass it by @ $950 ! 414 hrs. Everything in tact, fully operational, no issues, clearly garage kept and even the seat has no tears. Burns no oil, has no apparent leaks, starts on a half a turn , runs exceptionally smooth. Tight steering, no play or shake in the wheel. 42" deck in excellent shape, 3 blades, no rust. I also own a 1987 / 310-8 ( bought it new) which is still in full service, been mechanically restored once a few years ago.We use this as an "also" mower and for our yard 'lugging" machine. Here's a couple of questions, mostly in comparison to the 310-8. 1)When did they start making this model ? 2) the clutch assy on the 315 comes up slowly , almost hydraulic like so the tractor does not jump forward. Is this common and normal ? Is this a safety thing ? 3)The headlights work but only in the ignition switch setting of lights...whats up with that ? 4) is the power take off electric ( is that what it is ) clutch assy an improvement over the previous handle > tighten belt assy like the 310 ? OR is this a safety thing ? The machine is excellent and although we just gassed it and cut grass yesterday, I will rear it down, change all fluids including the trans-axle, grease it up, check ,clean and grease the deck pulleys etc... So far my initial reaction is this is a standard 300 series with some safety add-ons and perceived improvements. I initially bought it for the deck but after using it I think this is a keeper ! As is the 310. Any and all comments/replys appreciated with pro's/cons to this machine. thx ahead of time Edited September 7, 2016 by Tonyp 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,486 #2 Posted September 7, 2016 Nice! Love the cup holder!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,166 #3 Posted September 7, 2016 56 minutes ago, Tonyp said: 1)When did they start making this model ? 2002 to 2004 2) the clutch assy on the 315 comes up slowly , almost hydraulic like so the tractor does not jump forward. Is this common and normal ? Is this a safety thing ? There is a small shock absorbed like device similar to the ones that hold up the hatch on newer cars; prevents wheel stands! 3)The headlights work but only in the ignition switch setting of lights...whats up with that ? ? 4) is the power take off electric ( is that what it is ) clutch assy an improvement over the previous handle > tighten belt assy like the 310 ? OR is this a safety thing ? Don't know that it is any safer, just another feature for people who are to lazy to lean forward for a second. Just your basic 300 series with a few updates. Looks like a keeper. Have a friend who loves his, Kawasaki engine runs well and hasn't had any issues with it. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,959 #4 Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) The 300 series was around quite a while but with some changes. Some had 6" front wheels, some 8". You didn't mention what year yours is but it must be a later model with a Kohler Command motor. Towards the end of production they tagged them a Classic GT which is what my 2005 (my owners manual says 300 series) has where yours has 315-8 8 Speed. The clutch has a damper on it. It sucks. Yes, it's a so called safety thing but I hated it so I removed the damper and just used the spring like what has worked so well for decades. Some years just used a strut and didn't have a spring. I'm betting yours is like mine was with a spring and damper. The ignition switch is the light switch as well. Something else I don't care for. It's simple to install a normal switch. The electric PTO isn't an improvement over the manual. I suppose it might make wiring in the gazillion safeties on these later models but that can also be done with a manual with a safety switch like many have. All in all, it's a great machine. Wheel Horse to the bone with the lawyer stuff added. I'm sure it will serve you well. Richard, we were typing at the same time. Kawasaki engine? What years had those? Edited September 7, 2016 by Racinbob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonyp 285 #5 Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) THX ! I am thinking by the S/N, 240000-440 and other web info that it is a 2004 built machine. I suspected the damper on the clutch, no biggie either way, on or off. The lights switch was a tad puzzling though, a simple ON/OFF switch would have been sufficient. But I did learn that once the machine is started it stays running in the LIGHTS ON position on the ignition switch . I guess the thought was this is how they insured the lights went OFF when we were done with the machine at night as I doubt many folks turned them on during the day as " running lights" but it is possible ! When I lived in New England, upstate Ct, I plowed snow at night with the 310-8 often but I don't recall ever leaving them on without recognizing it. I'm pretty pleased with the 315 compared to the 310-8 I have , but the cup holder makes it all worthwhile ! Searching belts now, always good to have 2 or 3 spares of each, especially the PTO belt to the deck. Who can say if they will be available in 10 years ! Oh yeah, this one has the Kohler Command Pro 15 , not the KOW. Edited September 7, 2016 by Tonyp 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,166 #6 Posted September 7, 2016 7 hours ago, Racinbob said: Kawasaki engine? What years had those? Page 11 of "The List" has Kohler in 2002 and Kawasaki on the 315s from 2003 to 2004. We know that some things on there are not quite right, but my friend has a Kawasaki on his and loves it. wheelhorseallyears (1).pdf 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,959 #7 Posted September 7, 2016 (edited) I see what you're saying. I just thought the Kawasakis were limited to the XI series. . Here's an odd thing. The list does show the Kohler on the 2002 and Kawasaki in 2003/4 as you said but the engine model number is CH15S-44533 for all three years. The bottom line is if your friend has a 315-8 with a Kawasaki then they did use them. They went back to the 2005, 6 and 7 had the Kohler with the same spec. I guess Toro felt it would be a tribute to Wheel Horse by continuing the confusion. Edited September 7, 2016 by Racinbob 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,166 #8 Posted September 7, 2016 Seems like Toro felt obligated to continue torturing us the way the Ponds did! 10 minutes ago, Racinbob said: Toro felt it would be a tribute to Wheel Horse by continuing the confusion 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,285 #9 Posted September 7, 2016 I can see why you could not pass that up...it looks like it just came off the show room floor. If there is anything wrong...and I am left handed...the cup holder is on the wrong side. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,643 #10 Posted September 7, 2016 Great find! Great condition! Great price for a very well taken care of Toro ! Congratulations and enjoy your new addition! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cadmandu 67 #11 Posted September 7, 2016 Good stuff guys, thanks for all the good info. I have a question on the 85 and 86 312-8. I like the looks of the K301S better myself. Does the 86 have the test lights and the 85 does not? Is that the only difference? Did they have 85's and 86's that did not have the attach a matic no tools? What about the older units from 80 to 85 what are they like? TIA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonyp 285 #12 Posted September 10, 2016 (edited) Rod Stewart ! Kool ! Edited September 11, 2016 by Tonyp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
