Pushing a Wheel Horse 312-A

[Porkskin 20]

I have no understanding of what it is like to push one of these when the trans is disengaged and motion lever is in the forward position as the manual mentions. I hope this is not old ground and that I am not cross posting. With the trans disengaged and motion lever set forward there is still something spinning in and about the transaxle that is giving resistance. I need to know if this is normal or if I should be expecting more of a free wheeling experience. In effect, much less resistance. Thank you for comments or pointing me to a topic that already covers this. 

[Ed Kennell 38,141]

Do you have a Hydro or a gear drive?

If your 312 is a 8 speed gear drive as your title states...312-8,  with both the transmission shift levers in the  nuetral position, there should be very little resistance from the axle and differential gears turning.

 

If your tractor has manual lift, it probably has the Eaton 700 hydro .   These are very difficult to push and should never be towed.

 

If it has hydraulic lift, it has the Eaton 1100 hydro.  These are easier to push, but also should not be towed.

 

 

Oh,   to the 

Edited April 15, 2021 by Ed Kennell

[953 nut 55,190]

Any time a  is in motion the break drum will be turning and the break band will cause some resistance. This is true of a manual or hydrostatic transmission.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,040]

The same operators manual is used for the gear transmissions and the hydro automatic models.

The motion control is for hydro models.

Go to the 8-speed instructions.

 

Garry

[Porkskin 20]

Should have mentioned. It's hydro.

[Ed Kennell 38,141]

1 minute ago, Porkskin said:

Should have mentioned. It's hydro.

I assumed it was a hydro even though your title   312-8   indicates it is a gear drive 8 speed.      You actually have a 312 A  with a Eaton 700 transmission    or a 312H  with a Eaton 1100  transmission.

[Porkskin 20]

I really started the conversation off bad all the way around. I have triggerd a few wild goose chases on this, so I do appreciate everyone's patience. There it is right on hood, a decal showing 312-A. I've been going on the previous owner's mention of it as an '87 model, but that too is wrong since it has a K301S engine and not an M12 that was used in '87 forward. The tractor's model-serial tag is all but worn off so I am needing to work backwards in all departments.

[Ed Kennell 38,141]

No worry Pork.     We got this.     It does seem to be a 1986 312A  with a k301 and a Eaton 700 hydro.      They are the hardest to push...sometimes impossible.

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

T😎

! You wont find a better bunch

of folks anywhere!

[Porkskin 20]

Thanks all. Seriously you guys are the best! I'm having a blast getting all this figured out. Ed, that sounds like you nailed it. Took three men and another tractor to push it out of the yard and up the ramps on the trailer.  

[shallowwatersailor 3,213]

Ed at one time was actually the recipient of my old 312A. It should never be pushed as it will cause internal damage to the transmission. It must have been cheaper per unit for Wheel Horse to produce than the Eaton 1100. It essentially is the Wheel Horse transaxle with the Eaton 700 transmission attached.

 

The transaxle uses 10W-30 motor oil and the transmission (the clear reservoir on top) uses 20W non-detergent oil.. 

[Porkskin 20]

Thanks John. So far pushing was at a minimum just to get it on a trailer and in my garage. Then just a little and gently at that to move it out to work on it. Now that I have spark and it runs I'm in the clear. Of course will avoid pushing in the future. Lynchpin for no spark was were the points, totally corroded. Replaced and fired up pretty well. I had to resist driving it around town as if I was the happy village idiot.