New Horse in the family

[Yossarian 208]

So my folks had a string of bad luck this summer with a couple of older Simplicity (one was Deutz branded Simplicity) tractors and I was in a spot where my wife and I could do something nice for them. I found this 312-8 on Facebook Marketplace local to them. Looked clean, excellent seller reputation and it's the right color, so after they checked it out a bit it went home on their trailer. I was just reading a thread about these 312-8's on here and the consensus seemed to be that they are solid, strong workers.

[Gracie's Dad 155]

Very true story...not too big, not too small. And you can't beat a kohler engine.

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,490]

Nice tractor!

Nice gesture for your parents!

[Achto 27,504]

Nice looking tractor. With the proper care it should last them a long time.

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

312-8 is one hell of a tractor.I have 5 or 6 of them.Very capable machine.They sip fuel and like others have said "You can't beat a Kohler engine ".

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

Nice!!

[Retired Wrencher 5,441]

Nice tractor and plus The Magnum is a great engine. Take care of it and it will do the same.

[peter lena 8,580]

YOSSARIAN , solid pick up on that , yes they are a very solid tractor , but don't just count on a name to get the job done, if you were to give that a complete baseline service , all fluids changed , trans and engine, new shift boot, aerosol lubricate every rusted /stuck movement point , new spark plug, air filter and fuel filter , use SEAFOAM  FUEL TREATMENT  ,regularly. that would really let you know what you have , also check fuses for corrosion , and replace with a dielectric grease on contact points. if nothing else get some , MARVEL MYSTERY OIL , ON A CLEAN RAG AND RUB THAT DOWN , and watch it come back to life. the oil feeds the paint and helps restore it , wipe it on till dry . also use it on the engine " tins " that cool it down , the engine will take on a like new fresh shine. done all of this regularly , my oldest horse is a 1982  c-85 , make it live on , pete 

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

I love my 312-8. It may be My favorite and will do just about anything. I run a 42” recycler deck on it.

[Yossarian 208]

2 hours ago, peter lena said:

YOSSARIAN , solid pick up on that , yes they are a very solid tractor , but don't just count on a name to get the job done, if you were to give that a complete baseline service , all fluids changed , trans and engine, new shift boot, aerosol lubricate every rusted /stuck movement point , new spark plug, air filter and fuel filter , use SEAFOAM  FUEL TREATMENT  ,regularly. that would really let you know what you have , also check fuses for corrosion , and replace with a dielectric grease on contact points. if nothing else get some , MARVEL MYSTERY OIL , ON A CLEAN RAG AND RUB THAT DOWN , and watch it come back to life. the oil feeds the paint and helps restore it , wipe it on till dry . also use it on the engine " tins " that cool it down , the engine will take on a like new fresh shine. done all of this regularly , my oldest horse is a 1982  c-85 , make it live on , pete 

All solid advice, thanks. Plus I kinda love the smell of MMO.  Unfortunately I won't actually see the tractor in person for quite some time. I live about 5 hours away. I'm sure I'll visit it at  Christmas though. I do have a nephew that lives close to them and with a little guidance he's more than capable of doing all needed maintenance.

[peter lena 8,580]

glad to hear  about your nephew and the possibility of him starting on that horse, i hope it works out for you , pete

[Andy N. 2,136]

The 312-8 is a great machine. Very simple to maintain and solid. I have one that's a few years older than yours. My wife loves to mow with it. I like using it with the tiller. I recently did a hood and seat pan refresh with new decals and LED lights all around. 

[Yossarian 208]

Thanks guys!  The "good news" is that I'll get a shot at fixing the  two Simplicity tractors. So I'll probably spend a lot of time in the "Other Brands" forum.

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

Nice tractor. Last a long time if maintained. Mine is an 87 with 2000 plus hours.