PMaine 31 #1 Posted August 13, 2013 I've found a 312-8 with mowing deck, snowblower, cab, and tire chains in what appears to be good shape. I am concerned that this setup won't have enough power to blow snow well. I am in maine and we get a lot of wet snow here on the coast. Can anyone comment on their experiences with these tractors and wet heavy snow? I see youtube videos of people blowing smow with various wheel horse tractors, but it always seems to be 2-3 inch fluffy stuff. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chevydave 25 #2 Posted August 13, 2013 I have a 416-8, same size tractor with a little more hp. I have handled 12" of wet snow with no problem. It's all about getting the proper speed for the amount of snow. If it's wet I will spray the auger and chute with some silicon spray before I get started. I don't think you will have any problems. I am sure others with your exact model will chime in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,408 #3 Posted August 13, 2013 Look up posts from MaineDad.... that will give you your answer! (hint.... no problem.) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 85 #4 Posted August 13, 2013 John: That 12 HP Kohler can easily handle the weather we get in Maine if it's tuned up and running correctly. I know you have interest in the hydro on the 200 series, but you simply cannot beat an 8 speed WH Classic Garden Tractor. Below are just a few examples of what my 12 HP C-120 has done Or watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n8_o-OBKgs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 85 #5 Posted August 13, 2013 Look up posts from MaineDad.... that will give you your answer! (hint.... no problem.) LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #6 Posted August 13, 2013 and you really are worried about the snow. get a two stage blower. you would need some more horses to power such a beast! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 85 #7 Posted August 13, 2013 A 12 HP with a single stage will work just fine as long as you use the correct ground speed, have a well tuned tractor, and know when to get out there to clear the snow. I have been using these tractors with single stages for many years and have only experienced one spring storm that was so wet that I had to plow instead. But to be honest, if I had not waited and cleared the first 6 inches before it started raining, I would not have had to use the plow. There you go! Get two tractors Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #8 Posted August 13, 2013 I have a 42" single stage on my '88 312-8 and it blows snow great. It has wheel weights and chains. If the snow is wet I try to do it before it gets too deep and slow down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PMaine 31 #9 Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Thanks everyone. The guy wants $1100 for it, electric attachment lift, snow cab, 42" mower, wheel weights, chains, snowblower. I am only going by the photos, but it seems in good shape. Seem like a fair deal? I was thinking 800-900? Edited August 13, 2013 by PMaine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoctorHfuhruhurr 137 #10 Posted August 13, 2013 Do you know how many hours it has on it? Or the year? That sounds pricey to me but I'm cheap. I got mine for $250 4 years ago with a rototiller but it looks very rough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PMaine 31 #11 Posted August 13, 2013 Not sure. I know he has had it for sale for a month now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 85 #12 Posted August 14, 2013 John, Where is this tractor. If you want help, I could look at it for you and give you my thoughts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RMCIII 838 #13 Posted August 14, 2013 Last year, in Cleveland, I went through 2 sets of shoes for my snow blower. Last year I also has a JD-212 w/36" blower. Same Kohler 12hp. No issues what so ever. Again, wore out 2 sets of shoes in one winter. That is A LOT of use on a garden tractor and snow blower. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwilson 128 #14 Posted August 14, 2013 wasn't Duke's first snow chucker a C-120? I know he had a 44" 2 stage on it. Maybe he will chime in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PMaine 31 #15 Posted August 14, 2013 Micah, thanks for the offer but its in NH! I am heading to Hartford CT for meetings in the morning and hope to swing in on my way home to look at it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbartlett1958 96 #16 Posted August 14, 2013 PMaine, I have a 42 inch single stage on my 416-H and it works awesome. Here in the western mountains of Maine, we get a fair amount of snow, dry and wet. Even though I have a couple more HP, I think you would be very happy with what a 312 can do! Man I love my blower. Wish I had a cab! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #17 Posted August 14, 2013 I'd say 7-800 if it's in good condition and runs well with no smoke or noises and the attachments are in good shape. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welderman85 53 #18 Posted August 15, 2013 it will handle the snow just fine I used a single stage on a electro 12 and it worked great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
