316-8 / 416-8 what's the difference?

[wheeledhorseman 574]

 This is probably a bit of a dumb question but it's been puzzling me.....

 

I have a 1989 316-8 (Onan) and thinking about what you got for the extra bucks 1989 416-8 (Onan) the only thing I could find on the Toro site was a different transmission (stronger I'm guessing).

 

Checking out the 1990 models under the Toro badge that difference disappears as both models have the same (stronger) transmission so was there any difference at all by 1990, if not then why two models?

 

Am I missing something here?.

[GlenPettit 1,716]

The front spindles, bearings and wheels are all larger & stronger on the 400-series which helps the tractor sit a little higher.    There is more . . . ?

[ericj 1,578]

i have seen 416 H and 416-8 with the 6" front tires and 8" front tires. i think it depended on what deck you got. the 37" would only work with the 6" front tires.

i wonder was the 316, only a Euro model. i have never seen a 316 in my neck of the woods., also what about the 512D I believe is the right # never heard of 1 till i saw it on the toro model # list. i would like to see some of both of these models

 

eric j

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,040]

1986 512-D 8-speed parts list

 

Garry

[wheeledhorseman 574]

Thanks Glen, I'd spotted that there were different spindles from the Toro site but having double checked mine today to be sure, the 316 has stronger spindles than say the 200 series. I think the reason for the two different spindles is actually tire size. The 316 had the small tires and having changed mine for the larger tires to cope with ruts better, the tractor is visibly up at the front so I'm guessing that longer spindles were used for the small tires, shorter for the larger tires to keep the tractor level. (Just a guess)

 

Thanks Eric for your observations about the 416. I'd had a look at some 416 pics and also noticed that some seem to have been fitted with the smaller tires all of which makes the definitive differences between the two models (apart from transmission and rear hubs in 1989 only) a little unclear. It also has me thinking that maybe the 316 was essentially the Euro model.

 

I'll get some photos of the 316 to add to the gallery - for now this is about the only one I have.

Forgot to say that the 316 model in Europe had a smiley face.

I did work out one other difference that applies to the '89 316 but not the 1990 model - the '89 model has a different engine spec and that relates to it being an Onan with no oil filter (as I discovered when attempting to change it).

Out of interest has anyone got a price list showing how much more you had to pay for the 316 vs 416?

 

Andy

Edited April 20, 2013 by wheeledhorseman