Advise/Help choosing my first Wheel Horse

[paulygman 20]

Last summer I witnessed a guy cutting grass on a vacant lot across the street from my house, the grass was at least one foot tall, I was impressed at the performance of his garden tractor which was a 414-8 Wheel Horse. Yesterday my 20 year old MTD Murray lawn tractor died, i.e. the 16 hp Briggs engine connecting rod broke. I don't think it makes sense to put any time or money into that old mower. I talked to the guy who was cutting the grass with the 414-8 Wheel Horse, he suggests buying a 312, 412, 314 or 414 Wheel Horse, with a manual transmission and Kohler engine.  I a decent mechanic and have about 3/4 acre yard to mow. So, I am looking for some advice on choosing my first Wheel Horse, considering such issues as cost, parts availability and reliability. Thanks.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,284]

  The guy across the street gave you good advice! 
  Find a single cylinder 300 or 400 series machine and you’ll be all set. My opinion is that if you go with a 48” deck you might want to look for a 14hp machine. But with 3/4 of an acre a 42” deck would be perfect and a 312 or even a 310 would be sufficient. 

[lynnmor 7,858]

You received pretty good advice, I wouldn't rule out a hydro transmission as they are reliable and convenient to operate.  Since they are getting old now, buy considering condition as many are abused and neglected.  You should be able to buy a WH for less than a throw away mower from a big box store.  Parts are still available although you might need to buy used at times.  Reliability is very good depending on the maintenance of both you and the previous owner, you will find that maintenance will increase over the throw away models with greasing, adjusting and oil changes in both the engine and transmission.  We don't kick the junk to the curb like is done with the cheap mowers.

[953 nut 60,353]

As with anything mechanical the biggest consideration should be the care and upkeep the former owner has given it. A well maintained  will live on long after the new Big Box Store junk has gone to the crusher.

Take your time and look for a private owner sale. You may be able to find a package deal with mowing and snow removal attachments. The manual shift tractors are most common and with a Kohler engine they are nearly indestructible. The bearings and seals for the transmission are standard industrial supply house items and Kohler parts are on the shelf at Tractor Supply, NAPA and others.

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

I can't say much more!

But ......

T😎

l love my 414 8 Great tractor!

[ebinmaine 72,993]

. To 

 

The fellas above have gotcha pretty well advisified. 

 

I'd throw in that an older model from the 70s could also be a good upstanding choice. 

[ZXT 2,401]

I don't want to beat the dead horse, but don't rule out a hydro! That's all I use for mowing and I don't see a reason to get away from one. Geared tractors are better for tilling, so keep that in mind if you plan to do that with whichever Horse you get! That said, either will do a fine job. Can't beat the reliability and ease of repair. 

 

The models you listed are excellent, but don't be afraid of the older machines; C series tractors are excellent machines, and their predecessors are as well. Pretty much if you find a Horse with a horizontal shaft engine, it'll do what you want better than any new box store mower will.

 

Feel free to post pictures of tractors that you plan to look at. Most guys here can spot if anything is up with a tractor, as well as give advice as to what it might be worth!

 

Welcome to the forum!

[echris 1,425]

Hey @paulygman and welcome.

I recently bought my first WH, a 1989 310-8 with a 42" deck and mow about the same as you. I came from an 18HP V-twin Husky and was surprised to find that the 10HP Kohler is much more powerful than the 18HP Briggs.
In our area, if you look around for a while, you should be able to find a 310 or a 312 for around $500-600.

One of the things you'll come to love about the WH is serviceability. Since you do your own wrenching, you're going to love how easy everything is to work on.

And of course, Red Square. The folks here are pretty amazing. Have a question, someone has an answer, and/or a source for parts etc.
 

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

Great advice. My vote for your needs would be a 312-8 or 314-8. reliable and boolit proof. Of course you could go older with a C series and not make a mistake!;

[SylvanLakeWH 28,594]

 

All of the above...

[Bach-Ed 170]

My 857 is a little old and perhaps small but it is a testimony to how tough these things are.  I don't see my neighbors putting a plow on the front of their 20 HP tractor look alike lawnmowers to deal with the snow.   I live on a cul-de-sac. and the city takes a long time to get to us.  I've on more that one occasion plowed the whole street.  So "Get a horse, a Wheel Horse"

[echris 1,425]

1 minute ago, Bach-Ed said:

 So "Get a horse, a Wheel Horse"...

... of course!

[Bach-Ed 170]

sorry my memory slipped on the "of course"

[paulygman 20]

Thanks to all for your advice. I am going to take my time and see a few tractors before I buy. I will be back to post updates. Again many thanks to all who responded. Paul G

[Pullstart 67,043]

 

As mentioned too, even my little 1962 “Putt Putt” with an 8 hp Kohler would run circles around a box store “tractor”!  Having the mentality of “I want one but need to find the right one” might be a safe bet though.  My mentality is normally “Hey look a Wheel Horse and it’s a good deal!”

The best part, is if you happen to get more, it’s like the field of dreams!  “If you get them, riders will come!

 

[Bach-Ed 170]

Pullstart, the pics are great but especially the one of the young lady washing the horse.  Gotta love it.

[Pullstart 67,043]

3 hours ago, Bach-Ed said:

Pullstart, the pics are great but especially the one of the young lady washing the horse.  Gotta love it.

thanks, that’s my niece!  “Washing the tractor ride!” She kept singing!

[echris 1,425]

9 hours ago, pullstart said:

thanks, that’s my niece!  “Washing the tractor ride!” She kept singing!

"I'm gonna wash this Wheel Horse all over here, I'm gonna wash this Wheel Horse all over here...."

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,371]

You most definitely can’t go wrong with the purchase of a Wheel Horse, with the property care and maintenance you can expect years of service out of it. If you are planning on doing mostly mowing and snow removal with it, I would definitely recommend a hydro model, the infinite speed adjustment and ability to go from forward to reverse and back by simply moving a lever is invaluable in my opinion. But if you plan on doing any kind of ground engaging work then I would recommend an 8 speed. I personally prefer 12HP and up machines, but many times I have been surprised by the power and capability of my little 753. I have never had any experience with the 300,400,& 500 series machines, but don’t discount the older models, an old C series would serve your needs quite well. My first one was a 1967 model 1277, and it was one of the best mowing machines I have ever owned or operated

[ebinmaine 72,993]

4 hours ago, HandyProfessor said:

recommend a hydro model, the infinite speed adjustment and ability to go from forward to reverse and back by simply moving a lever is invaluable in my opinion. But if you plan on doing any kind of ground engaging work then I would recommend an 8 speed

Might as well just get 2. 

They are a herd animal after all. 

[Lee1977 7,224]

Just go ahead and buy two or three then you can decide what works best for you. Three good Wheel Horses should cost less then a new box store junkier.

[ClassicTractorProfessor 5,371]

9 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Might as well just get 2. 

They are a herd animal after all. 

Very true...they do seem to get lonely when by themselves

[tom2p 2,394]

On 10/2/2020 at 7:10 PM, Sparky said:

  The guy across the street gave you good advice! 
  Find a single cylinder 300 or 400 series machine and you’ll be all set. My opinion is that if you go with a 48” deck you might want to look for a 14hp machine. But with 3/4 of an acre a 42” deck would be perfect and a 312 or even a 310 would be sufficient. 

agree agree agree 

 

I've owned a 312-8 since the mid / late 90's - 312 and similar would be good choice for 3/4 acre and similar 

Wheel Horse 300-400 series with a Kohler Magnum performs very well and are as durable and reliable as an anvil

 

Edited October 5, 2020 by tom2p

[tom2p 2,394]

If it is going to be your one tractor and grass cutter - look for a well cared for / maintained Wheel Horse and you will have it for life - and with little / no issues 

 

don't be reluctant to pay a little more for something in very good / great condition 

 

[peter lena 9,309]

BACH-ED , your  statement on plowing the whole street is familiar to me , heavy snow virtually stops traffic , and street plowing  takes time, i also have a cul de sac just up the street from me  , so with an empty road and no cars i will make a loop up and back till traffic starts up . nothing better than a road plowing horse on an empty road ,  its the simple things that make you happy , pete