New 310-8 Owner Itroduction

[MSGGrunt 19]

Just picked up a 310-8 rear discharge with 201 hours. Tractor is in very good condition from the others I saw on FB Marketplace. Even the seat isn't cracked. Paid $600.00. I was initially looking for a larger tractor like a 520, but I came to my senses and realize that I always go bigger than I really need for my smaller yard. The only thing I needed to buy was a new air filter and PTO belt. I like the simplicity of a non-hydro drive and manual lift mower deck. I have owned Case-Ingersols in the past and currently have a Honda 5013 4x4 for snow blowing duties.  The Wheel Horse did a great job of mowing on my first time using her. 

 

 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,489]

Great purchase! Perfect tractor for most all chores. Plus it’s way better on fuel than a 520 

[JCM 9,523]

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[ebinmaine 68,742]

38 minutes ago, JCM said:

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[ebinmaine 68,742]

Looks like you're in my Ole Stompin' grounds!!

 

 

[peter lena 8,822]

 @MSGGrunt  do a thorough baseline service on that just to verify how everything works / looks , total lubrication  every grease joint , trans oil change / engine oil . also would not hesitate to giv that paint a penetrating oil rub down , that paint is at the oil recovery stage , also , drop that deck and check for build up issues , blade condition .noting the very low deck height , you are asking for a grass packed deck . you want to prevent that ,  that would be a very good save , with those hours . pete

[Pullstart 63,174]

[MSGGrunt 19]

Thanks for the advice on the low deck height. Not a big deal to raise it. I have already planned to change all the fluids, greasing all the zerk fittings and possible taking a look at the deck pulleys spindle bearings. When I picked the tractor up the seller had a hard time starting it and I thought it may need a new fuel pump, but it hasn't given me any issues on the first outing. Maybe after sitting a few days it loses its prime?

 

The starter makes a heck of a racket/grinding sound when starting.   

 

I also thought the paintwork would benefit from a good buffing and wax.   

[Wheel-N-It 2,969]

That was the perfect entry level wheel horse purchase for mowing a small yard. Those magnum starters can be a bit noisy. Its probably not worth diving into until you learn more about wheel horses. You will need to be a regular on red square for that. Grease everything, especially the grease fitting where the front axle pivots, and the steering fan gear behind the engine. Those are two fittings you will overlook if you don't know about them.

[Ed Kennell 39,036]

1 hour ago, MSGGrunt said:

Maybe after sitting a few days it loses its prime?

A common problem with these tractors with the tank under the seat.       Couple easy fixes....keeping the tank full helps,  installing a marine quality primer bulb works for me.

 

Oh, to the

Edited June 12, 2023 by Ed Kennell

[kpinnc 12,743]

A 310-8 is a great machine. Sips gas, but plenty of power. Keep the engine oil and tranny checked, and she'll run for a long time. Use ethanol-free fuel too.

 

My 310-8 was my first Wheel Horse, and 20+ years later she's still going (with a few upgrades).

 

[8ntruck 7,161]

Good find.  When you grease the front spindles and axle pivot, jack the front of the tractor up, taking the weight off of the axle.  That will allow the grease to get to where it is really ended.

[Tractorhead 9,065]

  to.  

 

At picts it appears a great condition of the Rig

Sounds to me it was a good trade 👍

 

[ebinmaine 68,742]

@MSGGrunt

 

The above mentioned marine primer bulb is a great solution to the hard start. Kohler fuel pumps are much better at keeping the flow going than priming a long pull like the under seat fuel tank requires. 

 

The Orange engine show is in a couple weeks... Something you'd go to?

There'll be several Wheelhorses there including at least one from here. 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 26,101]

[ineedanother 1,369]

 

Very nice. I have one as a cart-toter and it's a great machine. With just 200 hours, yours has sat a lot! You're definitely on the right track with maintenance and Magnum starters sound awful...to be expected.

 

One suggestion I would make would be to clean the fuel system. Pull the tank and flush it (really pretty easy). Replace the fuel line with good quality 1/4" (NAPA carries decent replacement by the foot, don't use clear line or other "best" stuff on the ), Use a good filter near the motor (beneficial as the line degrades from ethanol), and a check valve might solve any hard starts as an alternative to a fuel bulb if you want to go that route. Enjoy and welcome to the site!

[ebinmaine 68,742]

11 hours ago, ineedanother said:

degrades from ethanol

Even better. 

Pop up into New Hampshire and get some NON ethanol gas.