Mark Bartlett 83 #1 Posted August 20, 2020 A guy gave me a "Toro Wheel Horse" yesterday. He said" it was under a tarp, had a little something wrong with it". It had been park for years!! The finish is in pretty good shape, rotten tires, had to winch it up my trailer. I need help identifying it from more experience owners than myself. It has a horizontal shaft Kohler engine, A decal on the side, "312-8". A tag under the seat reads: ID Number 3112K801 12372, underneath this number there is another 4 digit number with the first digit unreadable, for a 019 follows it. :Where can I find out: 1.Parts Source, where to obtain parts and O&M manuals 2.What is the year built 3.What numbers do I use when ordering parts Is this worth fixing up to use? Sell of the parts ebay? Need some advice folks? 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,791 #3 Posted August 20, 2020 That’s quite a gift, once fixed up it would easily lend decades of trouble free service! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,032 #5 Posted August 20, 2020 Welcome to the forum. Added your serial to the list 2 more pages https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=31-12k801&quick=1&type=downloads_file Garry 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,504 #6 Posted August 20, 2020 19 minutes ago, Mark Bartlett said: 1.Parts Source, where to obtain parts and O&M manuals 2.What is the year built 3.What numbers do I use when ordering parts 1. Parts can be ordered from a Toro dealer or there are venders on this site that sell parts. A manual can also be found on this site. gwest_ca posted the link above 2.Your tractor is a 1990 3. The manuals will have exploded views with part numbers 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #7 Posted August 20, 2020 (edited) This is the group for you. Try this site to for a good overview of your machine. http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/5/0/506-wheel-horse-312-8.html But to get the specifics this is the site for you. Also lets see some photos. Edited August 20, 2020 by bottjernat1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Bartlett 83 #8 Posted August 20, 2020 Thanks so much! 6 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cschannuth 3,816 #10 Posted August 20, 2020 That should clean up really nicely. Change all the fluids, drain the old fuel and replace with new, put in a new battery and it will probably start right up. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,168 #11 Posted August 20, 2020 Welcome to the best site going -- especially for horses!! Good to see another coon-a## here, I'm not too far away, just out of Shreveport. That tractor appears to be in really nice condition, if the rest of it is like the seat then you got a good un! 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #12 Posted August 20, 2020 Wow You have a keeper there!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Bartlett 83 #13 Posted August 20, 2020 Yep, pays to be a good neighbors! 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,190 #14 Posted August 20, 2020 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Mark Bartlett said: Yep, pays to be a good neighbors! Agreed also pays to just be a nice human being. I have gotten a few things given to me over the years and i return the favor all the time. This was given to me by a guy in ohio 4 hours away from me one way. Here is my before and after photo so far what ive did. Edited August 20, 2020 by bottjernat1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,684 #15 Posted August 20, 2020 I have a 312-8 I cleaned up, its a great tractor. My son uses it for his weekly mower and other task. if you just need to hear it run before you do a lot to it, Hook some jumper cables to it and spray gas or WD40 in the carburetor. I suggest you stay away from spraying starting fluid in the carb. One you hear it run give it a good maintenance. also consider replacing the fuel line tubing Some of those tires might be just fine with a tube in them. But if they have been sitting flat for quite a while they are probable to cracked. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Bartlett 83 #16 Posted August 20, 2020 Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gracie's Dad 155 #17 Posted August 20, 2020 Welcome...312-8's are a great multi-purpose tractor and will do just about anything for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,064 #18 Posted August 20, 2020 to a real great gift you get. that little machine can not be compared with the rideon mower crap today will be sold. it‘s more an industial grade of Machinery. as allready suggested, change all Fluids and give it a Try. if the Engine runs, resharpen the blades and listening to scratching bearings on the deck. it looks in good condition, so i believe it will fire right up after a first Service. i would suggest also immediately change the whole fuellines an put a inline filter in. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R Scheer 502 #19 Posted August 20, 2020 I've got the 1992 312H, a cousin of your tractor. They are a great little tractor, mine does snowblower duty and boat moving duty. The only thing I've found with mine is that if it sits for a long time the carb will lose it's prime, means that they'll be a lot of cranking until it will start. Others have fixed this either by installing an electric fuel pump, or putting in a priming bulb similar to what you see on outboard motors. I just try to make sure I start it and let it warm up every 3-4 weeks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #20 Posted August 20, 2020 Welcome aboard.Nice 312-8 you've got there.I have several of that particular model.They're one of my favorite Horse's.I mow with one about every other time I mow.Lots of power.Fit into tight spots.They sip gas.Have fun with your new toy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Bartlett 83 #21 Posted August 20, 2020 WOW......thanks to all for the manuals, advice, and suggestions!!! This is a great site with real sharing members!!! I really appreciate all you have provided. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #22 Posted August 20, 2020 (edited) 6 hours ago, Mark Bartlett said: Welcome ! appears to be in good shape from the pics - and should clean up well the seat even looks good ! Wheel Horse tractors in general are well engineered and reliable - including 312-8 ; 312-8 with a Kohler Magnum is about as durable as an anvil many attachments are available - and typically install in minutes and often with no tools clean / solid mower decks are often in demand - again because the tractors will continue to perform well for decades a Wheel Horse mower deck can last 20-25 years with little maintenance - but can also last for decades with more attention tubes can be used if the tires are dry rotted ; dry rotted tires are actually fairly common on Wheel Horse tractors - again because the tractors go a long long time before they are parked (if ever) I've owned a 1990 312-8 since late 90's - still use it fairly often ... currently has around 800 hours zero mechanical failures or issues - zero as in 0.00 20+ years / 800 hours - and not one issue I cut almost 3 acres - and also have used it to plow snow and dirt (and heavy brush etc), pull cart, remove stumps, move trailers ... Edited August 20, 2020 by tom2p Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,593 #23 Posted August 20, 2020 Welcome to the Square and congrats on a nice tractor. I popped my Wheel Horse cherry with a 308-8. It was a great trouble free machine. You should be very happy with that one. In fact your are going to be so happy that I am willing to bet money that you will be getting another one soon. That is what usually happens. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,075 #24 Posted August 20, 2020 11 hours ago, Mark Bartlett said: He said" it was under a tarp, had a little something wrong with it". When you begin the process of bringing it back to life please feel free to ask any questions that come up. We can guide you through any system on the and help save you from costly mistakes. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Bartlett 83 #25 Posted August 20, 2020 Your timing is perfect! I am still looking the tractor over, haven't had a lot of time since I winched it off my trailer....and the first thing I noticed is these things are heavy!! I found another information tag in the mower deck. It has the following ID: 1542SC02 A lot of folks have provided me with tons of literature but I don't find the mower deck details in what I have looked at so far. I did learn it is a 42" deck. If someone could direct me to a parts source I would be much appreciative. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
