Thoughts on the late 80's 312-A?

[Tach-a-matic 357]

Happy new year!

 

Considering one of these and looking to read your thoughts on them 

First thing I would inspect is under the seat to see if the frame rails are rotten. And then the steering. 

It has the 700 Eaton 

Edited January 10, 2021 by Tach-a-matic

[JoeM 8,429]

The 700 eaton is not preferred but not a deal breaker. When you look at the machine check the hydro oil. You need to put your finger down in the oil a bit because the oil will rise up and the watery oil will stay down It will look good but can be ugly below the surface. The oil can be changed but is not real easy to remove the bottom plug under the hydro to drain. My daughter ran one for years up to 1500 hour mark and was okay. 

If you are wanting just to cut grass it is a good one. Ground engaging attachments are not recommended. 

[Handy Don 14,129]

27 minutes ago, JoeM said:

because the oil will rise up and the watery oil will stay down It will look good but can be ugly below the surface

Seconding this. Bought a 518-H where the trans oil looked ok when warm from testing. After it cooled I thought I could see ugly.  Used a long cotton swab to reach down and rub the bottom of the reservoir and it came up with gunk I didn't like. Suspected it had been neglected even though it seemed to be running ok. Decided I didn't trust the unit's future and had no interest in trying to repair/swap the 700. Got a 520-H chassis with an 1100 Eaton and moved all the topside bits over. Very happy now and the hydro lift was a bonus!

[Ed Kennell 42,164]

Like Joe says above, The 312A is a good riding lawn mower and small cart puller.   Don't use it to plow or pull stumps.

[Darb1964 1,120]

I picked one up last May with a power bagger attachment,the bagger was worth what I gave for it. The po thought the transmission was bad,it just needed adjustment,I used it all year to cut my lawn. I like it and will use for that as long as I can, I have good heard for other tasks, so it fits in good for me.

[Tach-a-matic 357]

Reputation-wise, is the 700 like the Hydro Gear K46 of today or is it still much, much better than that unit?

 

[JoeM 8,429]

I changed the oil on mine and this is what was lurking. I plug is a o-ring plug. Might have been able to use a long thin punch or chisel to loosen but made the tool. 

I was embarrassed over the oil condition. 

 

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

1 hour ago, Tach-a-matic said:

Reputation-wise, is the 700 like the Hydro Gear K46 of today or is it still much, much better than that unit?

 

 

Probably a better reputation than the K-46. There is also an additional sump for the transaxle that uses 10W-30 motor oil.