Time for a new tractor!

[krystolo 504]

Hello everyone!

 

Looking for a new tractor to help build a landscape.  Anticipate grading, hauling, pushing, and snow removal.  Any suggestions?

 

As some of you may remember, I had a c160, which I absolutely loved.  So many of you helped me keep her running.  I even met my husband over a carb rebuild! 

 

Well, I traded her for some home repairs to a lovely Ukrainian gentleman who just fell in love with her.  He had that light in his eyes when he saw her.  I just couldn't say no.  We were planning to move, and honestly there just wasn't room to take her.

 

We have relocated to Geneseo, NY as of 2 weeks ago, and I have 1.5 acres to play with. 

There is a 312 hydro available locally... and it seems they are pretty common around here, so hopefully we will find the right fit! 

 

We welcome your suggestions!

[Ed Kennell 38,114]

14 minutes ago, krystolo said:

There is a 312 hydro available locally.

My 312 H is my main worker.  The M12 engine and the Eaton 1100 tranny  handles a 48" SD deck and a 48" snow plow with no problem.

I have changed the 6" fronts to 8" and added a primer bulb in the fuel line for instant starts.

[Brockport Bill 1,661]

like many members here i have had and used multiple wh tractors but the 312-8 was my first since 1989 bought new -- used it with tiller - mower deck/bagger, - and 48 inch plow in Hudson Valley snow area as well as pushing piles of dirt and stone -- also pulled a WH roller - etc --  Frankly, the 312 with that wh 8 gear tranny never lacked for power to do any task - over 2,000 hours - yes, you can go back to the 16 Kohler or a 17 twin etc -- or bigger with 400 or 500 series or even have multiple tractors for different tasks as do many wh members -- but my guess is a 312 would satisfy most of your needs. .......... of course if you are going to anticipate some lake effect winter snow in Geneseo and want to plan for lots of plowing or using snow blower the 312 can handle that also but that maybe another consideration if you want to go more hp ?????? Good luck -- 

[Ed Kennell 38,114]

I have had 17 and 20 HP twin engines and never used them for mowing.     IMO, they burn too much fuel and throw off too much heat to be used hot summer mowing.

I do still have my 520H with a heated cab and a dual stage blower.   It has only been used for snow removal.     BTW, I use turf tires and  rubber chains on the 312H for pushing the 48" snow plow, and I am amazed by the traction.    And of course they don't mark up the paving on the 5 driveways i keep clear.

[ebinmaine 67,397]

7 hours ago, krystolo said:

even met my husband over a carb rebuild! 

 

This, ladies and gentlemen,  is the PINNACLE of proper human interaction! 

 

 

Agreed on the 300 series. 

 

Be sure to clarify the transmission. 

 

One of the others can define this. 

I believe the "A" is lighter duty than the "H"  

 

You could also use other, older models, and be perfectly fine. 

 

Lots of 12 HP and up engines out there. 

 

BTW.... welcome back. 

[Retired Wrencher 5,450]

@krystolo Being in NY you should be able to find a C160 or something you would like to own. You live in an area that has many Wheel Horse tractors. I see them all the time but too far to drive for me. Best of luck and enjoy the ride when you find one.

[squonk 41,051]

I sent you pictures of my tractor I have for sale on FB. I have it in the classified here as well. About 40 miles to the east of Geneseo.

 

 

Edited August 23 by squonk

[953 nut 55,163]

10 hours ago, krystolo said:

So many of you helped me keep her running.  I even met my husband over a carb rebuild!

 BACK

The aroma of GUNK carburetor cleaner works every time.                 Having been a Wheel Horse owner you know a good one when you see it. The Finger Lakes area hasn't seen much snow the past few years but you know it will return. If you can find a package deal with a mower and snow blower that would be ideal.

Happy hunting and let us know if we can help.

[squonk 41,051]

I find the older tractors (Pre 300-500 ) series tractors easier to work on and swap out some attachments (less sheet metal and what sheet metal there is is thicker) and have better original paint quality as well. Older tractors get rusty patina whilst the newer ones seem to get rust blotches and rot. 

 

Yes we haven't gotten much snow around here the last few years. Geneseo's location puts it on the edge of the Lake Erie lake effect. I have a single stage tall shoot snow blower that I may consider letting go but I'd have to think about it.

 

If you decide you want a 2 stage blower I know where I can get my hands on one. 

Edited August 23 by squonk

[Ed Kennell 38,114]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I believe the "A" is lighter duty than the "H"  

Correct, the "A" has the weaker Eaton 700 and manual lift.

Whereas the "H" has the stronger Eaton 1100 with hydraulic lift.

[Lee1977 6,655]

I suggest to look for a 414  8 speed they are all single cylinder Kohler  1985 to 1989.  They also built some  416-8 speed with a single cylinder Kohler 1985, 1986  and 1987.

All later model 16 HP were Onans.

As said above the "A" 700 Eaton auto's won't have a transmission oil filter on the left side above the rear axle. For heavy work you need the 1100 Eaton it will have the filter.

Edited August 24 by Lee1977

[Brockport Bill 1,661]

2 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

I suggest to look for a 414  8 speed they are all single cylinder Kohler  1985 to 1989.  They also built some  416-8 speed with a single cylinder Kohler 1985, 1986  and 1987.

All later model 16 HP were Onans.

As said above the "A" 700 Eaton auto's won't have a transmission oil filter on the left side above the rear axle. For heavy work you need the 1100 Eaton it will have the filter.

of course I don't know the factory production quantity but finding a 400 series WH with a 14 or 16 Kohler is challenging - - I watch online for them and rarely see them - Either few were built or owners keep them to themselves - or perhaps both !!! I agree with your recommendation to look for one but might take awhile to find !!

[dcrage 628]

On 8/23/2024 at 7:26 AM, Ed Kennell said:

Correct, the "A" has the weaker Eaton 700 and manual lift.

Whereas the "H" has the stronger Eaton 1100 with hydraulic lift.

There are exceptions to these naming rules:

 

418-A and 417-A do NOT have Eaton 700s; 418-A has an Eaton 1100; I assume 417-A does also

 

518-H and 516-H HAVE Eaton 700s

[Ed Kennell 38,114]

46 minutes ago, dcrage said:

There are exceptions to these naming rules:

Dave, Can the lift, manual or hydraulic, be used to determine to the transmission?    All the tractors I have seen with manual lifts were 700s and hydraulic lifts were 1100s.

[ebinmaine 67,397]

6 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

Dave, Can the lift, manual or hydraulic, be used to determine to the transmission?    All the tractors I have seen with manual lifts were 700s and hydraulic lifts were 1100s.

 

 

After the change to Eaton transmissions around 1980 this might be. 

 

In the 70s when the older square hoods were using a Sundstrand there were many manual lift hydros  but the transmissions were the same other than valves. 

[ebinmaine 67,397]

7 hours ago, dcrage said:

Eaton 1100; I assume 417-A does also

 

Correct. 

 

I'm not aware of ANY 400 series with a 700. 

 

 

When I mentioned the A vs H initially I was thinking of the 300. 

 

I'd forgotten about the 500s. 

 

Good reminder. 

 

 

[krystolo 504]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

@squonk, your tractor is gorgeous.  I would love to drive it in the sunshine, but it is sooo fancy!  I would trash it in an instant.  HAHA!