Which snow blower for my 312-8

[persof 14]

Saturday's snow storm with 24+ inches was to much for my front blade even though I have 60lbs of fluid in each tire and 75lbs bolted to the drawbar.

I am now looking for a snow blower for my 312-8. Some Questions?????

Will models other than the 06-42ST05 fit?

Does the thrower rest on it's skids all of the time?

Is the tractor hard to manuver with a snow blower attached?

What is the max height of snow it can handle?

Is the 06-42ST05 a dual stage?

In real use is dual stage a significant advantage?

Thanks in advance

Francis

[clintonnut 126]

For your tractor, a single stage that fits a tach a matic tractor will work. For your HP a single stage is best. A single stage has wheels to roll on and adjustable height. The lift handle on your tractor attaches to a lift tube for the snowblower. It will lift the snowblower about 8" off the ground. A lift assist spring is very nice as it is hard to lift the snowblower without it.

Charlie

[persof 14]

Charlie,

Is the tractor hard to manuver with a snow blower attached?

What is the max height of snow it can handle?

Last weekend it snowed 20+inches so the amount it can take in is important. a few of my neighbors have large walk behinds that can handle this amount with some wrestling and sweat on the operator that's why capacity and maneuvability as so important. And, more Wheel Horse stuff is always a good thing.

Thanks

Francis

[Confused99 2]

Charlie,

Is the tractor hard to manuver with a snow blower attached?

What is the max height of snow it can handle?

Last weekend it snowed 20+inches so the amount it can take in is important. a few of my neighbors have large walk behinds that can handle this amount with some wrestling and sweat on the operator that's why capacity and maneuvability as so important. And, more Wheel Horse stuff is always a good thing.

Thanks

Francis

The single would take a good amount of snow. I think the limiting factor would be the engine. Even the 20hp Onan in my 520 bogs down pretty good in packed snow. Manuverability isn't too bad but you will for sure need chains and wheel weights. You may also need additional rear weight if you have some bigger hills.

Jason

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,722]

The top of my single stage's deflector is 19" so anything over that would spill over the top of the blower and defeat its purpose. The skids are adjustable so you can set the hieght to your conditions. My asphalt driveway is new and real flat/smooth so I have the skids set real high to keep the blower close to the pavement. Back when the driveway was gravel I had it setup for about an inch of clearance to help avoid scooping rocks.

Steering with the blower down is crappy unless you add some chains to the front tires like some member here have done.

Most any blower made from 1973 to present and designed for the attach-a-matic tractors with horizontal shaft engines will work on your 312. Your biggest snag will be if the motor can handle it.

My opinion on the motor (only my opinion, remember)....yes it will handle it. You will have to adjust your ground speed to not let it bog down and loose rpm's as that means the auger is spinning slower and you'll end up with a clogged chute.

Mike.........

[erik 0]

I have a 312-8 with a 42" single stage snowthrower. I don't know the exact model # for some genius removed the id tag but I think it is a 06-42SY01. I have wheel weights and 2 link chains. This is absolutely the coolest snow removal tool I have ever used. My thrower has an intake height of 16". I used it in deeper snow and it just under cut the snow and I had to back up frequently and make another cleanup pass.

My blower has disc wheels it rides on that are adjustable. You can lower in right down to scrape the driveway or lift it up a bit. I actually cut across my yard and just lifted the blower up with the lift handle. That worked well.

I have not yet run into any trouble with horsepower to throw the snow but the last (only) storm was light snow so I'll let you know if I find out anything different after this next storm (tomorrow).

I found it difficult to steer the tractor with the blower on the ground. It unweights the front wheels too much. I don't have any front weight set up which I think I need. I often need to lift the blower and turn then put it back down.

You definitely have to keep the chain well oiled. It gets exposed directly to the snow/water and easily rusts. When I first got the blower, the chain was so stiff it started toasting my pto clutch. I thought the whole unit was seized but the chain just needed a good soaking.

You can check out a couple pics I posted here:

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...topic=14214&hl=

Good luck!!

[Smike740 0]

I am also using a single stage 42" with my 312-8. Last weekend when the snow was heavy and deep the blower wouldn't handle the snow in one pass. I had to raise the blower and take a cut off the top then back up and clear the remaining depth. This made for a long day, my driveway is 700 ft long.

Yesterday we had another 6 or 8 inches of light stuff and the blower cut right through it without any problems. Also I added a spring to assist the manual lift and it makes raising the blower much easier and also puts significant weight on the front wheels, I have no problems steering the tractor (without the spring it was impossible to steer).

Also I am using AG tires without chains and have no problem with traction (my driveway is relatively flat).

Mike

[persof 14]

Does any body have a picture of this lift assist spring and what it attaches to?

Thanks

Francis

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,722]

Does any body have a picture of this lift assist spring and what it attaches to?

Thanks

Francis

Read thru this thread. Good info and of course pictures.

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...13977&hl=spring

Mike.........

[persof 14]

Thanks Sparky, I will now search craigslist for a snow blower attachment. There is a two stage thrower for $850 (sounds high) but is "looks" good in the pics. If anyone knows for sure what model #s fit on my 1988 312-8 then let me know.

Thanks

Francis

[JoeMonag 1]

Persof, i just put a model 79361 two stage on my '88 310-8, this same model will fit your 312-8.

I paid 700 for a 1997 unit in excellent cond. The po had it since new on a 314-H. He advertised it for 1000. He said he would take an offer around 750, I offered 700 and got it the next day. You can down load the two stage manual form Toro.

I'm glad I did, as I knew what parts were needed.

The PO still had the Belt guard and more importantly the anti-sway bar ( a very heavy duty brace) that attaches the belt guard assy. which bolts up to the frame; still attached on his tractor. WhenI went to pick it up I had the manual. He agreed to give me the parts only after I showed him that the manual listed those parts as needed for the proper installation.

Good luck Joe in Norton

[rickyinbg 0]

Hello, everyone. I just found this site tonight. Do you have to use a lift spring? I have a 520H. When I bought my 42" blower a few weeks ago, they did not have the spring with it.

Rick in Bowling Green

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,722]

Hello, everyone. I just found this site tonight. Do you have to use a lift spring? I have a 520H. When I bought my 42" blower a few weeks ago, they did not have the spring with it.

Rick in Bowling Green

The spring is for the guys with manual lift tractors to help take some of the weight. You should have hydraulic lift on your 520-H so no spring is required.

Mike.........

[erik 0]

Persof -

We had our "blizzard" here in CT. Didn't really happen, the storm stopped at Long Island for some reason. I wound up with 4-5" of heavy snow. I now see that a good 12" of heavy snow would be more difficult. It still works better than any snowblower I've ever used.

I am going to look into that spring assist to help load the front. There is also a really good thread right now on "foam" filling tires. This apparently adds significant weight. http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=15868