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Alrashid2

Bought my first tractor, a 312-8

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WHX??

Browse here for seats ... if it says universal it will most likely fit. If they just give hole dimensions one of the guys who have this tractor can let you know what mounts you have. 

 

https://www.northerntool.com/categories/lawn-mower-seats

Edited by WHX??

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Alrashid2
1 minute ago, WHX?? said:

Browse here for seats ... if it says universal it will most likely fit. If they just give hole dimensions one of the guys who have this tractor can let you know what mounts you have. 

 

https://www.northerntool.com/categories/lawn-mower-seats

Thanks! I'll peruse and find the style I was looking for.

 

When I do get the tractor, could I get dimensions myself?

 

Is it as simple as measure the bracket holes on my tractor? And the thread pitch?

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WHX??
Just now, Alrashid2 said:

When I do get the tractor, could I get dimensions myself?

 

Is it as simple as measure the bracket holes on my tractor? And the thread pitch?

Yes and Yes ...   thread size will be determined by the replacement seat. 

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Alrashid2
17 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Yes and Yes ...   thread size will be determined by the replacement seat. 

Sweet. I'll hold off on ordering then until I can confirm my bracket dimensions...

 

Would a new seat come with new bolts too?

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WHX??
Just now, Alrashid2 said:

Would a new seat come with new bolts too?

 

Lol I doubt it dude ... that's what hardware stores are for ... :)

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Alrashid2
Just now, WHX?? said:

 

Lol I doubt it dude ... that's what hardware stores are for ... :)

Haha fair enough... Just wanted to avoid carrying a giant tractor seat into my local store if I could! Haha. The listings didn't say what thread pitch they were.

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WHX??
5 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

carrying a giant tractor seat into my local store

 

Gotta love the enthusiasm of a green horn eh fellas ... don't worry we'll coach ya :handgestures-thumbupright: 

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Lee1977
On 10/21/2024 at 9:22 PM, Alrashid2 said:

Wow she is gorgeous! I tried looking at the few pictures I took again, none of the rear end... however I did see this sliver of something on the back. They kind of look like reflectors more than taillights to me after seeing yours, so you could very well be right... is the 310-8 still a good thing? Any other differences I should know of? 

 

wh4.jpg

 

I think it's a 1985 312-8 they came that way. also has a 3 amp. alternator and AC head lights  

I have one just like it. I did change out the wheels and tires on mine.

SAM-1803-2.jpg

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Alrashid2
2 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

 

I think it's a 1985 312-8 they came that way. also has a 3 amp. alternator and AC head lights  

I have one just like it. I did change out the wheels and tires on mine.

SAM-1803-2.jpg

Thanks for sharing! Is your seat aftermarket do you know?

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Lee1977
23 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

Thanks for sharing! Is your seat aftermarket do you know?

Yes. I got it from AGRI Supply back last spring Its Item 14119  $64.99.  They have an on line catalog. Not as soft as some but at a better price then most.

It a big farm store about 40 miles south of me.

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Alrashid2
6 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

Yes. I got it from AGRI Supply back last spring Its Item 14119  $64.99.  They have an on line catalog. Not as soft as some but at a better price then most.

It a big farm store about 40 miles south of me.

Aw perfect I found that one online!

 

Did it require any modifications to work? Did you buy new bolts?

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Lee1977
1 minute ago, Alrashid2 said:

Aw perfect I found that one online!

 

Did it require any modifications to work? Did you buy new bolts?

It has  7 1/2" x 7 " mounting and will bolt right up.

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Alrashid2

That is the exact info I needed, thank you Lee!

 

The Agri Supply shipping was over half the cost of the entire seat. Luckily it looks like Northern Tool sells the exact same seat: it's a bit more, but shipping is only 9.99 and will get here faster so I'm going with that one. 

 

https://www.northerntool.com/products/black-talon-high-back-lawn-mower-seat-black-model-115000bk-17462

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ebinmaine

@Alrashid2

 

It would be in your favor to familiarize yourself with our Vendors Section as well. 

 

Several good sellers there.  

 

 

 

 

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WHX??

Good seat I have one... not real soft but gives good firm control of tractor. 

20150824_110047.jpg

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Alrashid2
19 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Good seat I have one... not real soft but gives good firm control of tractor. 

20150824_110047.jpg

Thanks for sharing! I don't need soft so that's great to know.

 

I did see this one that was a bit cheaper and not as tall which I'd prefer. Wonder if anyone here has tried this one?seems like it should fit too 

 

https://www.northerntool.com/products/k-m-uni-pro-km-105-bucket-seat-black-vinyl-model-8543-89684

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WHX??
7 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

seems like it should fit too 

Yes this is what you look for ...

  • Universal threaded mounting patterns (W x L): 6in. x 5in.; 7.5in. x 7in.; 8.125in. x 1.25in.; 8.125in. x 3in.; 8.125in. x 3.75in.; 8.125in. x 4.25in.; 8.125in. x 5in.; 8.125in. x 5.825in.; 8.125in. x 7in.
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Alrashid2

Hi boys, the tractor is home and it's awesome!!! I've got photos too. Unfortunately my time will be limited the next week or two but I'm going to try to slowly chip away at asking questions and cleaning this thing up, and learning about it... so stoked!

 

It is in fact a 312-8, as someone earlier mentioned that their 312-8 also lacked tail lights and an hour meter.

 

Unfortunately the VIN sticker is very worn down. I can barely make it out. To my eyes, there are 2 numbers and not sure what each means: 2112K801 and 10638. Any idea on year?

 

The engine stickers are much more legible! I'm assuming, based on my readings, that this is a pre-1986 model as I have the Kohler K301AS engine. Spec No on it is 47812 and Serial is 14161038. Maybe the engine numbers will help us better figure out some details.

 

Luckily, looks like the previous owner (who passed away) took care of this thing. Fluids are all topped off and replacement parts look fresh and not original. I can get part numbers off the Spark Plug and Air Filter! Fuel filter is easily accessible too and looks fresh and like a newer, non-80's part. 

 

Ironically enough, the thing that is baffling me now is the seat! It looks to be original, as there is a Wheel Horse logo on it, but it's bolted to some old chunks of wood that are then bolted to the frame? Any ideas here? 

 

Also noticed the gas cap does not have a fuel gauge/float on it. That normal for the 312-8? Is it worth looking into a cap that has a gauge? 

 

Photos attached! Thanks boys! I'm so stoked

312-8 Engine Sticker.jpg

312-8 Number 1.jpg

seat3.jpg

seat2.jpg

Seat1.jpg

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OutdoorEnvy

Cool rig!  My 1985 312-8 doesn't have an hour meter or taillights either.  It has the same seat as yours.  As for your question on the wood under the seat.  I think this was done so a light weight rider could still engage the PTO seat safety switch.  Looks like it's taped down in your pic.  The wood would help it reach when you are sitting on it.  Hope you enjoy it!  Glad to know it came from a good owner too!  

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ebinmaine
46 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

 

Ironically enough, the thing that is baffling me now is the seat! It looks to be original, as there is a Wheel Horse logo on it, but it's bolted to some old chunks of wood that are then bolted to the frame? Any ideas here? 

 

34 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

As for your question on the wood under the seat.  I think this was done so a light weight rider could still engage the PTO seat safety switch.  Looks like it's taped down in your pic.  The wood would help it reach when you are sitting on it.

 

 

Agreed with above and I'd add that the seat appears further back than normal to me...

Perhaps a tall or long legged former owner?

 

You do you. It's your rig. I like that OE seat. 

Was it me I'd carefully remove the black tape and replace that.  

 

 

46 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

Also noticed the gas cap does not have a fuel gauge/float on it. That normal for the 312-8? Is it worth looking into a cap that has a gauge? 

 

Check with Brian Badman of K and B Horse Parts. 

See if the one I've linked below is for your tractor.  

 

 

 

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Alrashid2

Thanks guys, looks to be the same gas cap part. I'll hold off on doing more research for now as i need to figure out some other things first on this beast!

 

Any of you guys have a picture of what your seat/bracket connection looks like? I'm a bit confused looking at mine. Check out my pictures. It looks like a bracket, mounted to a bracket, mounted to a third bracket, mounted to the seat... Not sure if some of the parts are custom? I'm a bit confused on how I'd install an aftermarket seat. 

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ebinmaine
4 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

Not sure if some of the parts are custom?

Definitely. Well done too.  

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Alrashid2

Think I was right. Found this photo online. I'm not sure of what the official names are, but looks like the online photo has the (1) main seat bracket and (2) sliding bracket. Mine has 1 and 2 but also a (3) custom looking bracket, with the wood. Guess I can order the replacement seat and remove this weird third bracket!

 

Also, yes the seat is way far back! Going to slide it forward now!

 

On a side note: I noticed that the seat bracket is just barely pushing that center safety button down. Doesnt look to be enough to fully engage the safety feature (it was duct taped down) - any idea what that is about? 

seat2.jpg

seat onlne.jpg

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Alrashid2

Think I got the seat figured out! I'll tinker with the custom fab. Maybe just leave it until I get my new seat and go from there. 

 

My next two big issues I need to figure out are the safety lock out switch and the brakes...

 

1. When looking at the seat I found that the safety switch (called the Lock Out switch?) Was duct taped over to keep it pushed in. Pulled the duct tape and now find that the seat bracket doesnt even touch the switch when I'm sitting on the seat. Any ideas here? Bracket doesnt seem to be bent, maybe a little warped but not enough to make it not touch let alone push in the switch...

 

2. Need to adjust the brakes! They work enough to slow me and stop me but the e-brake is not pulling hard enough - put it on on a hill and it kept on rolling! Any write up here on how to adjust the brake and e brake?

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