Bbaskett 5 #1 Posted February 19, 2022 Hello all, I've been looking for a Wheel Horse, there are several several available in my area. I've seen a 312 (I'm guessing 1980's?) and older models like C120's or this 1970 Electro 12. I want something I can put a plow or snowblower on. I live in N.E. Ohio. Any advice on newer vs older? The guy is asking $550 for this Electro 12. Comes with plow and 42" deck. I thought it looks like it's good shape for a 1970 model. He does say is has a small rear axle leak. Deal? Too much? Appreciate any input. Thanks! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,537 #2 Posted February 19, 2022 (edited) Not an Electro guy, so I don’t have any good input, but others will be along shortly… It does look in very good shape…! Edited February 19, 2022 by SylvanLakeWH 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #3 Posted February 19, 2022 Does the Electric PTO work ok? To check it, turn the ignition to 'accessories', then hit the PTO switch. You should hear a rather loud 'click'... that's the eleectric PTO engaging. If no 'click'... try the ign in the 'run' position & try again. If the E-PTO is ok, $500 would be fair. However, keep in mind that if the seller accepts your first offer, that offer was too high. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #4 Posted February 19, 2022 (edited) I like the older models. Less wireing and easier to work on. Axle seal is not bad once you get the hub off, but a good excuse to dicker. Almost forgot Edited February 19, 2022 by roadapples 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,541 #6 Posted February 19, 2022 The axle leak should actually help you get that hub off. Bob 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bbaskett 5 #7 Posted February 19, 2022 1 hour ago, daveoman1966 said: Good advice, thanks! (Does the Electric PTO work ok? To check it, turn the ignition to 'accessories', then hit the PTO switch. You should hear a rather loud 'click'... that's the eleectric PTO engaging. If no 'click'... try the ign in the 'run' position & try again. If the E-PTO is ok, $500 would be fair. However, keep in mind that if the seller accepts your first offer, that offer was too high.) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redav72 231 #8 Posted February 20, 2022 Worth it in my book, looks well cared for. Check the transmission fluid for freshness and ask how often he's changed the filter. The hydraulic lift is a nice upgrade. I've got a Charger 12 (similar but without the bells and whistles) and it's a fantastic plowing machine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,663 #9 Posted February 20, 2022 Electros in good shape are few and far between. If the tranny fluid was serviced regularly you should be good. They originally came with ATF in them, though some converted to 30w oil. If it has ATF in the transmission, keep it ATF. Good luck! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,395 #10 Posted February 20, 2022 to !!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,708 #11 Posted February 20, 2022 Disclaimer I have 6 Charger Electros love them... Hydro control valve was is not original but should be OK. I do not see the electric PTO but neither do I see a switch for it on the instrument panel. Should be where the black plug is under ignition switch. Muffler is not original and it may interfere with a snow blower. Will also be an issue if you want to convert to a tachmatic. Brake pedal is lying to far forward. The return spring is probably broken. (It is a bear to replace daveoman66 has a neat external fix for it) Has the breakerless ignition system which works great..until it doesn't (sort of a binary function) I have 3 with it and i like it no points /timing issues. It has the limited slip differential which is great for snow plowing. 12 hp isn't ideal for snow blowing but it will work. How does the deck look??? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,015 #12 Posted February 20, 2022 and good luck! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 9,316 #13 Posted February 20, 2022 If you are looking to move snow in the winter I would steer you towards looking at anything " Automatic" . I find them much easier when pushing or blowing snow. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #14 Posted February 20, 2022 30 minutes ago, D_Mac said: If you are looking to move snow in the winter I would steer you towards looking at anything " Automatic" . I find them much easier when pushing or blowing snow. The 1970 Elector 12 has the Sundstrand Hydrogear power unit model 90-2046 and that model has the 10-pinion Limited Slip Differential. It is much better for 'posi-traction' than the other Sundstrand model with a simple 8-pinion differential. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #15 Posted February 20, 2022 1 hour ago, pfrederi said: The return spring is probably broken. (It is a bear to replace daveoman66 has a neat external fix for it) Here is the 'External Fix' for the broken return spring on Automatics... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
