314-8 "Classic" vs 416-8?

[wfopete 15]

318 (1992) has a Kohler Mag and the 418 (1993) Onan twin.

 

If both of these were in = condition, which would you choose and why?

Edited July 28, 2021 by wfopete

[WHX?? 48,815]

I would go with the 314 just because of the Kohler. If she blows I can fix her. If the Onan blows yer done. 

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

I like them both,but for ease in repairing and ease in obtaining engine parts,I'd go for the 314-8.Both VERY capable tractors.

[wfopete 15]

Is the 300 and 400 series about the same physical size (tire/frame)? 

[oliver2-44 9,750]

They are the identical size frame and body.  tires are also probable the same but could be different.

Edited July 28, 2021 by oliver2-44

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

314 would be my first choice!  Good all around tractor!  I use 42 recycling deck, 36 inch snowblower and 36 inch tiller on my 314!   Outside of the 1960 and 70 ten and 12 HP Kohler driven tractors I think the Kohler K and Magnum 14 were great.  I do own a couple c-160s with the 16 HP Kohler K motors and they are great too. 

I never owned an Onan powered Wheel Horse and don’t plan on owning one.  
 

 

[D_Mac 8,619]

I would go with the 416-8 with the Kohler 16hp Magnum engine. One I wish I could have back.

[wfopete 15]

44 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

They are the identical size frame and body.  tires are also probable the same but could be different.

 

 

So what IS the difference?  Fluff?

[pfrederi 17,739]

From what I could find the 314-8 was a one year model 1985.  There seems to be some conflict info about details.  It "MAY" have 6 inch front wheels and a 3 Amp unregulated charging system.  Have to defer to Stevasaurs  on eh differential...  On the plus side simpler wiring than the 416....

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

314-8. Was made into 2000 and later Paul. 

[wfopete 15]

I think that TORO offered the 300 series as the "Classic" as it represented the backbone of the old Wheel Horse line for years.  It may have been the 312-8 though.  I was checking the Toro lineup the other day but the old "Classic" was not listed.  I suppose the old "Classic" was just to expensive to offer and to take advantage of it's benefits TORO would need to offer all those attachments for it.  They made the decision to put the old Horse down and bury it.  Sniff, sniff  

[clueless 2,991]

Well if your asking about a '92 314-8 with a Kohler Magnum, and a '93 416-8 with a Onan, in the same equal shape then the 314 hands down . 

[Achto 27,575]

In my opinion there is no sweeter sound than an Onan purring away under load. There is also no small engine that is harder on your wallet when it comes to repairs. For this reason and this reason alone, I would choose the 314-8. 

[WHX?? 48,815]

I best come get yer 520 then Dan.... 

It is a love hate relation with an Onan but nothing like the sound or power of one when stuffing a deuce into a snowbank. I had a 416 for a short time once but was just so accustomed to a 520's steering so it had to go. That and the fact the Onan got into my wallet right from the git go so she went to someone I didn’t like..... my step son...kidding! 

It's just the fact that when I go looking for K or M parts easy to find and easy on the pocket. An Onan it's soul searching do I really want to save it? 

[Achto 27,575]

11 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

I best come get yer 520 then Dan.... 

 

You did seem to be a bit shy on 520's the last time I checked. 

[WHX?? 48,815]

48 minutes ago, Achto said:

 

You did seem to be a bit shy on 520's the last time I checked. 

Guys gotta have a backup for the backup right?  

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

Damn, again I have to set the record straight. K series and Magnum Kohler parts are, if oem, way more expensive than Onan parts. Period. If you are fine with China or Taiwan parts ok, those Kohler parts can be had cheaper than Onan parts. Also, a lot of Kohler parts are NLA. Not so with Onan. Which is better? I love both but I’m tired of the miss truths I see constantly parroted. 

[WheelhorseBob 1,549]

In addition, if of equal condition, I’d go for the 314.

[tom2p 2,394]

I would lean strongly toward the 314-8 - Kohler Magnum single is as durable as an anvil 

 

would consider the 416-8 if you cut a lot of grass - but not as much as if it was a 416-H ... the hydro can enable you to cut grass faster ... ( 8 speed trans - most times 2nd is too slow and 3rd is too high )

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by tom2p

[tom2p 2,394]

WFO Pete ...

 

to put it in bike terms - the 314-8 could be a RM250 - and the Onan powered 416-8 the RM465

 

or for the Mopar guys - the 314-8 could be the 340 ... the 416-8 could be a 440 ... (520 could be the 426 Hemi)

 

or for the bow tie guys - the 314-8 could be the small block 350-350 ... and the 416-8 could be the L78 396-375 ... or 396-425 ... ? ... (the 520 would be the LS6 454-450)

 

Ford ... ? ... 302 or 351 Windsor ... compared to 351 Cleveland or 429 CJ  ... ? ...

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by tom2p

[roadapples 6,983]

My money's on the chevy 350...

[Tuneup 1,433]

Yeah, it's over. If an Onan is like to a 396, I'm an Onan man. Oh, that engine...

[Pullstart 62,878]

I vote for a square hood.  Or a round hood.  Or a black hood.  Or any other Wheel Horse.  They are great!

 

 

[varosd 1,185]

I vote Tecumseh 

LOL

[pfrederi 17,739]

15 hours ago, Lane Ranger said:

314-8. Was made into 2000 and later Paul. 

I was going by the all years wheel horse spread sheet. (which I know is not always correct).  But also looked in the manuals section here (1985-199) only 3 hits all for 1985....