Just got my first tractor, a 312-8

[JCD 59]

Hey all, new to the forum as I just bought my 312-8, my very first tractor.

It will be here Mon morning.  It won't get any use until we move to VA in a couple of weeks but I just couldn't pass it up.

I hope I did good, paid 900$ for her.

Did I do alright?  I will probably have a ton of questions for you guys, I hope you all are patient.

 

Thanks,  Jim 

 

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

Beautiful machine Jim! In that condition I would say you did fine. 
 

[ebinmaine 67,484]

1 minute ago, Sparky said:

Beautiful machine Jim! In that condition I would say you did fine. 
 

[Handy Don 12,217]

Yeah, what they said! 

That 37” deck will do a good job. 

@ebinmaine can post a link to the “new to me” list of possible things to look at. Includes checks for oil in the engine and transaxle, greasing and other lubrication, and so forth.

Get the model number from the sticker near the seat and search this site for manuals and other documents.

Looks like it was hardly used or else very carefully maintained.

Edited July 20 by Handy Don

[SylvanLakeWH 25,557]

 

[pfrederi 17,739]

Welcome aboard!!!

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,175]

,Looks really clean from here ! 😎👍

[ebinmaine 67,484]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

@ebinmaine can post a link to the “new to me” list of possible things to look at.

 

 

Here ya go: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rick3478 428]

5 hours ago, JCD said:

Hey all, new to the forum as I just bought my 312-8, my very first tractor.

It will be here Mon morning.  It won't get any use until we move to VA in a couple of weeks but I just couldn't pass it up.

I hope I did good, paid 900$ for her.

Did I do alright?  I will probably have a ton of questions for you guys, I hope you all are patient.

 

Thanks,  Jim 

 

The 312's are nice tractors, I've owned a couple.  To my eye, it looks like the seat and tires have been replaced, and maybe the tie rods, so it's probably had good maintenance.  The two blade deck should cut well for you, the six-sided belt on the early version tended to be a bit fussy, but the later version with standard V-belt is a pretty solid worker.

[Keaton 435]

6 hours ago, JCD said:

I will probably have a ton of questions for you guys, I hope you all are patient.

I'm Shure we can help or do our best to help, and welcome beautifull tractor, I just bought a 310-8, there fun to drive

[Brockport Bill 1,661]

bought a 312-8 new in 1989 -- terrific model - - will do every task you need done -- be sure to keep that underneath of deck clean of any sticky grass build up after using -  you need to be able to discharge the grass cleanly as well as avoid any rust through rot from sticky grass build up - Good luck  - enjoy

[kpinnc 12,023]

A 312 is a solid worker. While you have a 37-inch deck (which has one of the nicest cuts), that 12 horse Magnum will easily carry as much as a 48-inch. It's a very capable tractor, and in the apparent condition should last a long while! 

 

As has been said already, it looks like someone was definitely aware of the importance of regular maintenance. If you keep it up, that machine will last another 30 years!

 

Ask plenty of questions. Post pictures. Welcome to the sickness! 

[953 nut 55,221]

13 hours ago, JCD said:

I will probably have a ton of questions for you guys, I hope you all are patient.

Your $ 900 Wheel Horse will outlast a big box store mower costing three times as much, you done good!

We will be glad to help with any questions you may have along the way.

[ebinmaine 67,484]

29 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

Your $ 900 Wheel Horse will outlast a big box store mower costing  three   times as much

 

 

Or four. Or five...

 

[rjg854 11,361]

[JCD 59]

Ok my first question, I spoke with the seller who is to deliver it Mon and thought to ask about the hour meter.   

He said 2000 hours but that it was not correct as the previous owner had left the key on.

That would be 83 days to rack up 2000 hours on the meter how long would the battery last in this senario?

He said he bought in the condition pictured, it doesn't smoke or leak any fluids, mows and runs great.

Would you believe him and ignore the meter or pass on the sale?

 

Thanks,  Jim

[ebinmaine 67,484]

4 minutes ago, JCD said:

Ok my first question, I spoke with the seller who is to deliver it Mon and thought to ask about the hour meter.   

He said 2000 hours but that it was not correct as the previous owner had left the key on.

That would be 83 days to rack up 2000 hours on the meter how long would the battery last in this senario?

He said he bought in the condition pictured, it doesn't smoke or leak any fluids, mows and runs great.

Would you believe him and ignore the meter or pass on the sale?

 

Thanks,  Jim

 

 

For a tractor that looks that good I would ignore the meter. If it was left key on, and nothing else (like lights) was in play, that battery would last for a very very long time just running the hour meter.

[JCD 59]

Thanks Eric, I checked the manual and the key positions are 1 off, 2 lights, 3 run, 4 start.  

That tells me the lights should have been on the entire time the meter was running. 

Doesn't mean it couldn't have happened but a bit skeptical that someone wouldn't notice the lights for months.

 

[kpinnc 12,023]

31 minutes ago, JCD said:

Would you believe him and ignore the meter or pass on the sale?

 

 

The scenario is a common one, so it certainly possible. 

[ebinmaine 67,484]

1 minute ago, JCD said:

Thanks Eric, I checked the manual and the key positions are 1 off, 2 lights, 3 run, 4 start.  

That tells me the lights should have been on the entire time the meter was running. 

Doesn't mean it couldn't have happened but a bit skeptical that someone wouldn't notice the lights for months.

 

 

 

 

I don't have a 312 here that's complete. 

 

I'd think the lights would be on a switch though(??)

 

@Sparky

@Rick3478

@Brockport Bill

@kpinnc

[kpinnc 12,023]

5 minutes ago, JCD said:

That tells me the lights should have been on the entire time the meter was running. 

Doesn't mean it couldn't have happened but a bit skeptical that someone wouldn't notice the lights for months.

 

My 310-8 lights only came on if the engine was running. Flipping the switch with the engine off did nothing, regardless of key position. 

 

My $.02: This tractor is 30 years old. Even if the hours are somewhat closer to accurate, it's not so bad. If a large chunk of those hours came from leaving a switch on, even better for you.  

 

The hour meter is a nice option, but is not necessarily a true indicator of overall health. Especially true given how it can be energized by leaving the key on. If the machine was properly maintained, it still has many years of life left in it. 

Edited July 21 by kpinnc

[JCD 59]

From the manual

 

Lights The headlights are turned on with a separate position, “LIGHTS”, of the ignition switch (Fig. 15). The lights are on while the ignition switch is in the “LIGHTS” position even with the engine off. Remove the key when the machine is left unattended so lights cannot be turned on discharging the battery.

 

I'm still not sure what to think about this

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

I think in position 3 the lights are off…so if the key was left in that position the hour meter would tick away but light would be off. 
 

[kpinnc 12,023]

2 minutes ago, JCD said:

I'm still not sure what to think about this

 

Me personally, the hours wouldn't be a deal breaker- as per my previous post.

 

That being said, I have been through several complete tear downs and restorations. That includes rebuilding Kohler Ks and Magnums. Nothing about the classic machines is intimidating for me. 

 

Point being, your mechanical skills and level of interest will determine how this turns out. It might be best to go have an in person preview of this tractor. 

[Pullstart 62,851]

 Jim!  It may have run out of gas, or a safety killed it, etc, and it was left that way.  I helped my kid sell a mower the other day.  The buyer’s daughter took it for a test drive, and hopped off it without setting the parking brake.  It died and she just walked around it.  I reminded them all if that happens, turn the key back before they forget.