'97 or '98 312-8 ?

[manahale 43]

This 312-8 is being offered for $720 (down from $1000 on FB). He says it's a '97 but it has a Kohler Command engine, which I believe started in '98. Wondering what thoughts you all might have on this? What transmission? Is it a hydro? Not sure on the hours. I messaged him on that. Here is the listing ...97 Wheelhorse 312-8 Manual trans w 12.5HP Kohler Command. Just had annual tuneup which includes: oil/filter change, New plug, air filter, greased zerks. Kohler engine Runs excellent with no smoke. Comes with triple blade 42" mower deck, which was completely redone last year. 3rd owner. Always maintained & Comes with service manual. This tractor is dead reliable & ready to do some serious work, always garaged, so it's in real nice shape. New tires all around & battery.

The reason he is selling is that he went "electric". Thanks in advance.

[peter lena 8,653]

@manahale get some penetrating oil on that paint finish  (  only if you want to  ) to soak in and retrieve paint , let it soak in a couple of days , then a clean cloth wipe down , no sandpaper  or  scratching , that would trap / restore patina , also like 303  black vinyl restorer , for engine covers , feeds the finish . might get some GORILLA  tape on the seat tears , would take advantage on what works , and enhance / verify it . when you drop the deck , give it a thorough look over , break the grunge / build up cycle , probably going on . mine are rear discharge , but cleaning / lubrication effect over winter , is vital  for longer deck life .pete

 

[manahale 43]

Thanks Pete. Long drive to just look at it. Seems like a good deal to me, but I'm a newbie at this.

 

[oliver2-44 9,787]

The -8 indicates a manual 8 speed.

Regarding the engine, it may be a late 97 and WH had used up the Kohler magnum engines, so they grabbed the next one on the shelf. 

The picture was taken just after the tractor was washed or sprayed down with water.

The "wetness possible makes the paint look a "little" better than it is.

Notice the hood and top of the fenders is dry and shows a little fading.

There are 2 spots on the black front part of the hood that look different, almost like exhaust heat burn.

But that paint looks like it would buff out real nice with some auto buffing compound.

Yes, some of us buff and wax our horses!

The mower deck belt guard is missing.

The left vertical side of the mower deck usually has some scratches. I suspect this one has been touched up.

Ask them if they have it.  If not you can get one from one of our salvage vendors. 

But it is a very clean looking horse. 

Prices vary regionally, but hat seems to be a good price if hours are not excessive.

I live in Texas, so most of my tractors were a road trip. 

I restored an 1985 312-8 for my son.  It will do anything you ask of it.

Keep us posted!

Edited September 5 by oliver2-44

[953 nut 55,393]

2 hours ago, manahale said:

always garaged,

Based on the appearance of the paint I would doubt that it was "always garaged" but if that is the only shortcoming I would say it is a good horse. The Kohler Command is a good engine and the eight speed manual transmission is nearly indestructible so it will probably serve you well. 

  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,070]

1998 was the first model year using the 12.5

More

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=73428&quick=1&type=downloads_file

[manahale 43]

Thanks 953nut,

I understand that it is easier to plow with a hydro transmission. Is that what this one has? And if not, is it really that inconvenient to not have a hydro trannie? I'm learning...

[Handy Don 12,281]

Hydros permit calibrating your speed to the load (mowing or blowing or plowing) a little more easily. They are also handy where you have to change directions a lot--hence the snow blowing comment. Most hydro WH tractors also have hydraulic lift which can make snow plowing or blowing a bit easier when lifting the blower/plow. 

If the tractor listed here is in as good shape as described, it isn’t a bad deal. If you really would prefer a hydro, put an ad in the forum’s classified want ads and with a bit of patience you’ll likely find one.

A LOT of folks are very happy with the manual transmissions, by the way!

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 150]

I have plowed with the 8 speed it works fine. I have a 8-12 from 1987

[manahale 43]

Thank you all! You've been a big help. Unfortunately, this gentleman is not responding to my queries on FB about the machine. Puzzling.

 

 

[clueless 3,006]

Just remember he is try to sell it and that used car ad he posted makes the tractor way more nice than it probably is. As Richard said it has not always been garaged unless the garage had no roof, so that's B.S. number 1. The first thing I do when I see an ad like that and their not the original owner is ask how long have you owned it and are you the one who did all the recent work? The guy may be a straight up guy but unless he knew both the first two owners he just knows what the last owner told him. All that being said I think the asking price is not that bad for a decent running and looking 312-8 but then again I live in Florida. If the guy is not responding back to you all this may be a moot point.

Edited September 7 by clueless