ebinmaine 70,743 #26 Posted October 19, 2020 1 minute ago, pfrederi said: Bg are to mow no doubt about it 417A with 48 inch deck. 417 has a series 2 KT 17 good smooth power and hydro for max speed efficiency. That's kind of the direction I was thinking. Would that have the heavier duty 1100 Eaton hydro? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 70,743 #27 Posted October 19, 2020 @pfrederi Paul do you know how the wiring system or reliability of the electronics in a 417 would compare to the other two tractors? is a 417 actually going to be just as simple except for one extra plug wire? As you know everything we have is a lot older and hand wired by me so I don't have any comparison to go by. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,333 #28 Posted October 19, 2020 6 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: @pfrederi Paul do you know how the wiring system or reliability of the electronics in a 417 would compare to the other two tractors? is a 417 actually going to be just as simple except for one extra plug wire? As you know everything we have is a lot older and hand wired by me so I don't have any comparison to go by. Actually as I think about it 417a didn't have the idiot lights. So there are no electrical issues. just the normal PTO seat switch issues. Eaton 1100. Other two option listed don't have the power to run a 48" deck in heavy grass at reasonable speeds. C-125 might be in 1st on heavy grass.. too slow for me... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 10,017 #29 Posted October 19, 2020 (edited) I have had very good luck with the 312-8 with either a 42'' or 48'' SD deck since new in 1989. Never have cut wet grass with it and keep it under a 3'' cut. The 312 can mow the yard 3 times before a fuel fill up and the 417-8 uses close to a full tank on one mowing. Both machines run at 3/4 throttle. Love the 312 but the sound of that Kohler Twin is music to my ears. Both GREAT tractors and both do have idiot lights that have a mind of their own when it comes to working. Edited October 19, 2020 by JCM 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #30 Posted October 19, 2020 4 hours ago, mic575 said: You all have convinced me of the value of a Wheel Horse. So if I need a strong mower for 3-4 hour mowing sessions in some moderately heavy grass. I'm going for something that won't break too easily. Which would you want? a C-125 a 417A a 312 hydro 3-4 hour mowing sessions ? bigger is better not too familiar with 417A - but my guess is it would be the better option will be able to handle a 48" deck better and cut more grass quicker Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #31 Posted October 20, 2020 3 hours ago, pfrederi said: Actually as I think about it 417a didn't have the idiot lights. So there are no electrical issues. just the normal PTO seat switch issues. Eaton 1100. Other two option listed don't have the power to run a 48" deck in heavy grass at reasonable speeds. C-125 might be in 1st on heavy grass.. too slow for me... agree Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mic575 27 #32 Posted October 20, 2020 Thanks for the opinions all. Very helpful! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
