GAJoe 844 #1 Posted November 12, 2022 I've learned that the first 312-8's didn't have the trouble lights on the control panel. Then the trouble lights were added and finally the ignition system was updated with the Kohler Magnum engine. Was 1985 the first year of the 312-8's? I know that some products had issues their first year of production. Anyone know of issues with those first year units that were solved in later years of the 312-8? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,319 #2 Posted November 12, 2022 No issues. The first 312’s use the same Kohler K-301 as the C125’s and the C-120’s before that. Same with the transmission…tried and true hi/low tranny that’s had been used for years. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,562 #3 Posted November 12, 2022 2 hours ago, GAJoe said: . Anyone know of issues with those first year units that were solved in later years of the 312-8 1 hour ago, Sparky said: No issues Agreed. I'd hesitate roughly zero percent to buy one if I were on the hunt for that range. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,200 #4 Posted November 12, 2022 Bullet proof as a 37 yo tractor can be. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GAJoe 844 #5 Posted November 12, 2022 (edited) Thanks guys! Just checkin'. Was '85 the first year of production? Edited November 12, 2022 by GAJoe 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,200 #6 Posted November 12, 2022 Yep 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #7 Posted November 12, 2022 1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said: Bullet proof as a 37 yo tractor can be. 'tis got a VERY strong transmission... in low range with a little weight, the tractor pulls like an absolute hellion... Don 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #8 Posted November 12, 2022 (edited) 8 minutes ago, GAJoe said: Was '85 the first year of production? Yessir... 85-97 Years: Model Codes: 1985 21-12K801 1986 21-12K802 1986 21-12K803 1987 21-12K804 1988 21-12K805 1989 21-12K806 1990 31-12K801 1991 31-12K802 1992 31-12K804 1993 3900001 (73380) 1994 4900001 (73362/73380) 1995 5900001 (73362) 1996 6900001 (73362/73363) 1997 7900001 (73363) Don Edited November 12, 2022 by Snoopy11 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #9 Posted November 12, 2022 (edited) The only issue that I am seeing on the forum about the 312-8 is the starter solenoid. I don't necessarily think that is a model issue though... just a vulnerability of every machine. Interestingly, the Kohler K301 was used on the Wheel Horse 312-8 through the 1986 model year. The Kohler Magnum M12S replaced the K301 on the Wheel Horse 312-8 starting with the 1987 model year, tractor model code 21-12K804. Both good engines, the K301 being the arguably more desirable engine model. Don Edited November 12, 2022 by Snoopy11 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #10 Posted November 12, 2022 To my understanding, the 312-8 has the Uni-drive 2988185 which to my understanding is the 8 pinion... TOTALLY awesome... Don 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,200 #11 Posted November 12, 2022 20 minutes ago, Snoopy11 said: the K301 being the arguably more desirable engine model. No argument from me Don. But the M12 in my 312H has served me well with no issues. 2 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #12 Posted November 12, 2022 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: M12 Hey, I've got a M18 on one of my machines... and I can't complain... Don Edited November 12, 2022 by Snoopy11 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,284 #13 Posted November 13, 2022 Care and condition are the keys. If a has been kept indoors or under a shelter since new and it has been well maintained the age is rather immaterial. If it has been allowed to deteriorate or hasn't had regular oil changes and lubrication any model is eventually going to present problems. K series and Magnum Kohler engines are great power plants, I have some of both and can't say one type is any better than the other. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,078 #14 Posted November 13, 2022 4 hours ago, Snoopy11 said: Both good engines, the K301 being the arguably more desirable engine model. I prefer the Magnum to K-series. The main difference between the two is the ignition type. The Magnum engines use a magneto, whereas the K-series predominantly use points and a coil. Nothing wrong with it at all- just more to maintain. Otherwise, single cylinders of both are mechanically identical. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,632 #15 Posted November 13, 2022 @kpinnc agree with you on the magnum series , simple assurance I added to my 3 was the added battery cable from battery ground bolt point , to engine / frame ground point , next to clutch pedal , then a 12 / 10 ga wire to rectifier ground bolt point , insure solid for operation . also added A VERY LIGHT SPRING PULL TO CHOKE THROTTLE PLATE , for the lightest assist to starting . starting is near instant , consistently works . notice the yellow lug . to rectifier mount ? that comes from engine / frame ground cable point . this is a simple gain to do . that choke plate , delicate pull is all thats needed for quick starts , have years , and hundreds of starts on this set up . it works . pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
