giantsean 59 #1 Posted June 23, 2019 (edited) Hey All, I posted the other day about picking up a C-101 that was up for sale locally. That one went quiet so must have sold out from under me. Today lo and behold a tag sale with a 312-8 priced at 400. Researched the specs and I had no idea that the two were so close on paper. When I got to the turn radius part, it got me thinking about what I REALLY need. I am after a replacement for a Crapsman/AYP clone w/ tight turn that can pull accessories like aerators, dethatchers, etc etc. I have a pretty hilly yard so ideally something that will hold a lower gear without trying to freewheel on the way down. I am starting to think a B or C series, while super cool, would be a bit large and/or overkill for what is a very niche function in my yard. I already 2 D-200's for real work, and to be honest most of the real work in my yard is done. I have a ZTR and several push mowers to cut the grass so I don't need anything with a deck. A rear-engine would be neat too but front heavy rigs do better on my slopes. Is there anything in the wheel horse stable (see what I did there?) that is compact, tight turning, but also robust? If not a horse, any suggestions for (shudder) another brand? Thanks for all suggestions! Edited June 23, 2019 by giantsean Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,376 #2 Posted June 23, 2019 The 26X series vertical shaft lawn tractors have a tight turning radius but are hydros vs gear drive...not a "garden" tractor but were capable enough for snow/dozer blades snow thrower and a tiller... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #3 Posted June 23, 2019 My first thought was a B series. How tight do you need it to turn? Maybe a short frame like an 867? Overkill is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. If a B would turn ok... That might be a good fit for you. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #4 Posted June 23, 2019 Is a B more compact than a 3xx? Turns out that one is now suddenly available again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,376 #5 Posted June 23, 2019 2 minutes ago, giantsean said: Is a B more compact than a 3xx? Turns out that one is now suddenly available again. The B&C (1970s) series are basically the same 300&400 (late 80s-2007) series minus all the "safety" switches... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #6 Posted June 24, 2019 39 minutes ago, WVHillbilly520H said: The B&C (1970s) series are basically the same 300&400 (late 80s-2007) series minus all the "safety" switches... The B series has frame that is just a tiny bit shorter than a C if it is a 1974 or 5 model. I have one of each and I can't honestly say I notice much difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,354 #7 Posted June 24, 2019 2 hours ago, WVHillbilly520H said: The 26X series vertical shaft lawn tractors have a tight turning radius but are hydros vs gear drive...not a "garden" tractor but were capable enough for snow/dozer blades snow thrower and a tiller... Almost a tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,354 #8 Posted June 24, 2019 You will be happy with a 312-8 they are a tuff unit. Provided it runs well and is intact $400 is not a bad price. Many attachments are still available too. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #9 Posted June 24, 2019 Yeah you know as much as I'd love having it... they are all so cool... practically speaking it's just too big and turns too wide (6ft vs 1-2 feet for my crapsman) for what I'm trying to achieve. I need to get my 2nd D fixed up and out the door and then look at a medium size like this one just to have a complete stable. Too many tractors in my house = divorce lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,445 #10 Posted June 24, 2019 The late 60's early 70's short farm square hood tractors might be what you should look into. They are robust, and have a shorted turn radius 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chip61 664 #11 Posted June 24, 2019 Lawn Ranger should do it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #12 Posted June 24, 2019 Thanks guys these are all great suggestions. The trick around here is always availability of the more niche models. So anyway lo and behold, the C101 appears to be available again whereas I thought it got sold out from under me. On the other hand, I learned the 312-8 has a turning radius of something like 32 inches which doesn't seem all THAT bad. It makes me wonder if the C101 REALLY has a six foot turning radius. Add to that the fact that these C-series/3xx are not quite as big as I thought in comparison to a typical LT... so the only thing I gain w/ a Crapsman is the turning. Just to put this one to bed... if it came down to choosing a C-101 vs a 312-8, and price and condition were roughly the same, which would you choose and why? Again, don't need to mow with it at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #13 Posted June 24, 2019 11 minutes ago, giantsean said: choosing a C-101 vs a 312-8, and price and condition were roughly the same, which would you choose and why? Stylistically you'd have to answer that on your own. My Honey likes the ones in the 60s. I like the ones in the 70s. Lots of people like the ones in the 80s. As far as reliability I think I would choose the 101. Others should chime in because I don't have anything newer than a 1974 but it seems to me they would be simpler to work on. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #14 Posted June 24, 2019 Just now, ebinmaine said: Stylistically you'd have to answer that on your own. My Honey likes the ones in the 60s. I like the ones in the 70s. Lots of people like the ones in the 80s. As far as reliability I think I would choose the 101. Others should chime in because I don't have anything newer than a 1974 but it seems to me they would be simpler to work on. Less safety and simpler electronics I would think, for a start 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #15 Posted June 24, 2019 1 minute ago, giantsean said: Less safety and simpler electronics I would think, for a start Not having any of either one of them in my own yard I can't tell you for sure but I think the safety aspect is about the same. Same number of safety switches. Definitely less electronic stuff under the hood though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #16 Posted June 24, 2019 six foot turn radius though? that's ludicrous. The entire thing is three feet wide lol. Did WH have a 30 year supply of too-short tie rods or something? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #17 Posted June 24, 2019 1 hour ago, giantsean said: six foot turn radius though? that's ludicrous. The entire thing is three feet wide lol. Did WH have a 30 year supply of too-short tie rods or something? Makes fundamentally zero sense to me that it would have a six foot turning radius considering it is not, 6 ft long. I don't know where that information came from but I have to think it's an incorrect listing. If I get a minute tonight I'll have Trina help me carefully measure the turning radius on the inside wheel of the Patriot horse which is a B. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
giantsean 59 #18 Posted June 24, 2019 19 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Makes fundamentally zero sense to me that it would have a six foot turning radius considering it is not, 6 ft long. I don't know where that information came from but I have to think it's an incorrect listing. If I get a minute tonight I'll have Trina help me carefully measure the turning radius on the inside wheel of the Patriot horse which is a B. I think you just like watching women on tractors lol. Seriously though, thanks! The numbers come from tractordata.com for the C and the brochure for the 312. I really ought to check the sell sheet for the C though. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #19 Posted June 24, 2019 10 minutes ago, giantsean said: I think you just like watching women on tractors lol. Seriously though, thanks! The numbers come from tractordata.com for the C and the brochure for the 312. I really ought to check the sell sheet for the C though. There's no way I'm going to deny that!! No problem at all. We're happy to help. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #20 Posted June 24, 2019 Well, the testing has been done and the results are in. We ran left turn circles with both a 657 and my 1974 B80. The difference between the two was more than I thought it would be but the right hand rear tire of my tractor was discovered to be low on air. That would clearly make a difference. The 657 had a turning circle of about 45 inches. The Patriot horse 1974 B80 had a turning circle that was somewhere in the 60 inch range. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,791 #21 Posted June 24, 2019 That B80 looks sad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #22 Posted June 24, 2019 22 minutes ago, adsm08 said: That B80 looks sad. How so? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,791 #23 Posted June 25, 2019 19 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: How so? Its a little blue. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 71,213 #24 Posted June 25, 2019 7 minutes ago, adsm08 said: Its a little blue. HAHAHAHAHAHHA Oh that's AWESOME 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,791 #25 Posted June 25, 2019 Just now, ebinmaine said: HAHAHAHAHAHHA Oh that's AWESOME That's gotta be the worst dad joke I've told today. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
