alexmandeltoon 1 #26 Posted November 12, 2021 I can advise you not to be afraid to put the price that you think is right, because now they can give $ 1000 for this quietly 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReelFaster 53 #27 Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) Hi folks, circling back and started looking at picking up a wheel horse for my mowing and the occasional trailer and boat moving around the property. Couple of quick questions I am kind of hung up on. One is the hydraulic lift? What exactly is it and what does it do? Other question I have and most of you have answer is hydro vs. manual transmission. I never really drove a manual transmission anything except for an older ATV. My property is not very big but goes far back in a rectangular shape for about 0.82 of an acre. Much of that I don't touch except for the occasion downed tree that I'll use for firewood. However I am not opposed to it! How hard is using a manual transmission? Is it that much of a PITA? I see more of them than anything, the hydros are bit pricier as expected. Prices I am seeing are all over from $400 to over $2000, sweet spot for a good condition one is around $900 - $1500. Here is a real beauty asking $650 I am looking at. Bit of a drive for me but might be worth it. Many other locally but not in as good condition and a bit more asking price. I am seeing a lot of 312-8 models.... Thanks in advance! Edited July 13, 2022 by ReelFaster Remove FB Link 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,170 #28 Posted July 13, 2022 @stevasaurus check the above link. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,170 #29 Posted July 13, 2022 @ReelFaster to the Please edit your post and remove the link to marketplace. This forum does not permit posting links to other buy/sell forums. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davem1111 2,030 #30 Posted July 13, 2022 45 minutes ago, ReelFaster said: Hi folks, circling back and started looking at picking up a wheel horse for my mowing and the occasional trailer and boat moving around the property. Couple of quick questions I am kind of hung up on. One is the hydraulic lift? What exactly is it and what does it do? Other question I have and most of you have answer is hydro vs. manual transmission. I never really drove a manual transmission anything except for an older ATV. My property is not very big but goes far back in a rectangular shape for about 0.82 of an acre. Much of that I don't touch except for the occasion downed tree that I'll use for firewood. However I am not opposed to it! How hard is using a manual transmission? Is it that much of a PITA? I see more of them than anything, the hydros are bit pricier as expected. Prices I am seeing are all over from $400 to over $2000, sweet spot for a good condition one is around $900 - $1500. Here is a real beauty asking $650 I am looking at. Bit of a drive for me but might be worth it. Many other locally but not in as good condition and a bit more asking price. I am seeing a lot of 312-8 models.... Hey, @ReelFaster - First in case you didn't notice, you've been requested to remove the link to FB Marketplace - that's not permitted here. Regarding your questions: Personally at present I have a 312-A, a 416-8, and a GT-1848 Work Horse. The 416-8 is an 8-speed (hence the "-8", "H" also means hydro I believe if the model name has that in it). The 312-A has the Eaton 700 hydro trans but has no other hydraulic functions available... i.e. you have to use the handle to lift the deck or blade or whatever you have under the belly. The GT-1848 has the Eaton 1100 (which someone else recommended earlier in the thread and I will second that). It has a hydraulic lift for the deck or snow blade, and has the capability of having additional hydraulics added with extra hoses, controller etc. (others correct me if I'm wrong on that). So, mowing with an 8-speed is a bit less convenient but kind of depends on the property layout. Big rectangular yard, piece of cake. Lots of trees and other obstacles, it could be annoying compared to a hydro. I enjoy mowing with both hydros, but I have a 48" deck on the 18hp GT-1848 versus a 42" on the 312-A and can knock off the yard much faster. I haven't done much pulling but I'm thinking the 18hp and Eaton 1100 would make the GT the winner there. I haven't plowed any snow since I got the GT, and raising and lowering the blade on the 312-A was a major pain so I'm looking forward to using the GT for that. And personally after owning a bunch of other junk, I would not own another brand or probably anything newer than 1995 or so, in this size tractor.You could pick up the one you've shown, but keep an eye out for an affordable hydro. Resale value seems to hold well if you take good care of the machine. Ultimately it's a matter of preference, I think. Good luck! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,854 #31 Posted July 13, 2022 @ReelFaster the pictures above show a lift arm on the left. It has numerous uses, such as a snow plow, snow blower, mower deck, one bottom plow or cultivator, etc. It gets heavy after a while if lifting and lowering and the hydro lift eliminates that arm and replaces it with a hydraulic cylinder to do the big work. There are also electric lift units on occasion too. Don’t think driving a manual like a car. Garden tractors, you push in the clutch, select what gear you want, then let it out. There is no shifting, no engine speed matching, etc. you run a GT engine at full rpm for best oiling of the engine. Best of luck on finding one! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,747 #32 Posted July 13, 2022 The WH 310-8 and 312-8 are great all around machines. That 310 is a pre Toro. I think Toro bought them in roughly 1992. It has a Kohler magnum engine so is1985 or later. The magnum engine has solid state ignition so no points or condenser tune up needed. The C series of the 1970’s and 300,400,500 series of the 1980’s had simpler electrical systems. In the 90’s and later lots of Consumer Safety laws added electrical safety switches ie more complex wiring to the 300,400,500 series. I refurbished a free/rundown 1984 312-8 for my son and he mow’s and pulls a small trailer with it. I have C series gear and hydro and mow and have done a lot of yard dirt work with each kind. No snow in Texas. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReelFaster 53 #33 Posted July 13, 2022 11 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: @ReelFaster to the Please edit your post and remove the link to marketplace. This forum does not permit posting links to other buy/sell forums. Done, sorry about that! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,023 #34 Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) Your pics are of a 310-8, and that is a great machine. The deck in the pic is a 36 inch, so that tractor has plenty of torque for that setup. I have several machines, but my 310-8 was my first Wheel Horse. I bought it used back in 99. Today, it is still my hardest worker and most dependable. Not all the bells and whistles of higher hp machines, but still just as tough. It is more than capable enough to move heavy trailers around. Just be aware, as has already been said- these tractors have great power. They can move much more weight than the brakes can stop. Towing on a hill can be dangerous! Edited July 13, 2022 by kpinnc 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReelFaster 53 #35 Posted July 13, 2022 Thanks for all the replies and advice so much appreciated! My only other question is I have a slight incline on my driveway its not much at all however I usually pull my small bass boat from the back yard to the front and back it in the driveway. I know many of you mentioned inclines and hills are not great with manual transmission just wanted to see if anyone thought it would be a problem. Sorry don't have pic's, I am able to do now with my Craftsman Hydro for little issue although sounds much louder when backing the boat up the driveway. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutdoorEnvy 1,522 #36 Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) The manual trans is fine pulling on an incline. It's the braking and stopping the load that can be the issue. To brake the manual trans you push the clutch in first, putting it in neutral basically as there's no drive power to the axle, then apply the brake. The brake really isn't strong enough to stop the tractor when it's moving and clutch isn't pressed in. A couple things that work better for this, I only have manuals currently, is to really dial in the brake band adjustment. Get it squeezing hard when you push the brake down and tighten the parking brake adjustment so it is firm and barely releases when you push the brake pedal down. When you get to the steep part of the downhill decent shift to a low range gear. This will help prevent excessive speed. Just be careful and mindful of the situation and they're fine. I pull my boat and trailers loaded with wood often and the rig gets the job down well. That's a good looking 310-8! Not sure of pricing in your area but $650 for a clean machine like that with nice mowing deck is fair to me. Especially if you don't have one and need one. Edited July 13, 2022 by OutdoorEnvy 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #37 Posted July 13, 2022 I'll only add two notes: - Use a proper hitch on the tractor if you'll have heavy tongue loads (the standard drawbar is for pulled loads with light tongue weights) - Pay attention to balance. Many WH users raise the trailer's wheeled tongue jack only a couple of inches off the ground when moving heavy trailers to prevent unintended "wheelies". 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R Scheer 502 #38 Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) And if possible, a second person with a wheel chock can be handy, when you're moving the trailers. Edited July 13, 2022 by R Scheer 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Freightliner Guy 1,327 #39 Posted July 13, 2022 Yeah good luck finding some one to follow the tractor where ever it goes haha but you could always like some how store a chock on the tractor and when you want to park or something reach it out and put it behind one of the wheels worst case scenario you rip yer arm off but there’s just an idea for you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Freightliner Guy 1,327 #40 Posted July 13, 2022 Also I don’t know if my rj even has brakes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,625 #41 Posted July 13, 2022 @Jimdad85 WELCOME , others familiar with your model will chime in on ideas / suggestions ,having said that , suggest that you soak down that cabling on that winch with a can of lubricant , the rust can be dissolved with a penetrating oil , otherwise it could be frozen in rust . good luck with your project , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sergeant 291 #42 Posted July 14, 2022 22 hours ago, oliver2-44 said: The WH 310-8 and 312-8 are great all around machines. That 310 is a pre Toro. I think Toro bought them in roughly 1992. It has a Kohler magnum engine so is1985 or later. The magnum engine has solid state ignition so no points or condenser tune up needed. The C series of the 1970’s and 300,400,500 series of the 1980’s had simpler electrical systems. In the 90’s and later lots of Consumer Safety laws added electrical safety switches ie more complex wiring to the 300,400,500 series. I refurbished a free/rundown 1984 312-8 for my son and he mow’s and pulls a small trailer with it. I have C series gear and hydro and mow and have done a lot of yard dirt work with each kind. No snow in Texas. Mr Pond sold Wheel Horse In May 1974 to AMC. Since His son did not want to take the Helm of the company AMC sold Wheel Horse in 1982 to a Private Investment company Private Investment company sold Wheel Horse In 1986 to Toro Toro added their Name to the Hood decal In 1990 The 310-8 was a Toro/Wheel Horse Model as well 2007 Toro ceased Production of the Wheel Horse Line 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReelFaster 53 #43 Posted July 17, 2022 That prior 310-8 sold pretty quick as I knew it would. In discussions and looking at this 416-H, low hours and in what looks to be very good cosmetic condition. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sergeant 291 #44 Posted July 19, 2022 On 7/17/2022 at 8:26 AM, ReelFaster said: That prior 310-8 sold pretty quick as I knew it would. In discussions and looking at this 416-H, low hours and in what looks to be very good cosmetic condition. Boy Looks as good as the 1992 416H I Bought 2 years ago. The 416H was One I had been Hunting for for awhile Had Looked at Buying One Back In the 1990's ended Up with a Ingersoll 3016PS instead at the time. But so Far it Has been a Great WH for Me. Around me people tend to Hold On to there Wheel Horses so I had to travel about 5hrs round trip to pick up my 416H. I Just Have a 42inch deck and a clevis Hitch for My 416H. The 416H has Just been used as a Garden cultivating tractor or a Cart Puller 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReelFaster 53 #45 Posted July 20, 2022 3 hours ago, sergeant said: Boy Looks as good as the 1992 416H I Bought 2 years ago. The 416H was One I had been Hunting for for awhile Had Looked at Buying One Back In the 1990's ended Up with a Ingersoll 3016PS instead at the time. But so Far it Has been a Great WH for Me. Around me people tend to Hold On to there Wheel Horses so I had to travel about 5hrs round trip to pick up my 416H. I Just Have a 42inch deck and a clevis Hitch for My 416H. The 416H has Just been used as a Garden cultivating tractor or a Cart Puller I was debating how far is too far with current gas prices. I saw a beauty 520H but was close to 2hrs 45 for me one way I just can't bring myself to do it. That's just a long day, this is about 1hr 30 one way doable for a nice low hours WH. Hopefully still available Saturday! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sergeant 291 #46 Posted July 20, 2022 On June 12th I drove 212 Miles round trip to Pick Up a 30-inch Mechanical tiller for My John Deere GX335 Even when Fuel was Good the furthest I would drive Is 4hrs there and 4hrs Back, I never want to spend more than 8hrs In a Vehicle 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,854 #47 Posted July 20, 2022 I drove 1300 miles last year for 4 tractors and some attachments…. Sometimes it’s worth it to just go take an adventure 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #48 Posted July 20, 2022 Just checked my log and in the last month ~1,500 miles with a trailer, sometimes empty but mostly moving tractors. Started with 550 (round trip) for the Show. Yeah, I know, easy peasy compared to some of you iron-bottom long haulers--all y'all can save the snappy ripostes! A lot for me depends on the total cost--the item plus transport plus time invested--versus the satisfaction of getting what I was looking for. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sergeant 291 #49 Posted July 21, 2022 (edited) On 7/20/2022 at 5:22 AM, Pullstart said: I drove 1300 miles last year for 4 tractors and some attachments…. Sometimes it’s worth it to just go take an adventure I have traveled from one end of this earth to the Other, either In the US Military or as a Civilian Military advisor for Uncle Sam. I have had enough adventures to last a Lifetime. Spent 3 Years In a Car all Day as an IL State Trooper as well So I hate traveling, and No Tractor Is worth it for me to travel that Far and I have 14 Garden tractors, 2 Rear engine riders, 1 Lawn Tractor and 1 Compact tractor BTW 2 of the Garden Tractors (Ingersoll & White) followed Me across the Eastern United States When I Got transferred Duty stations Besides the White GT2055 Furthest I Picked Up a Tractor was south Central Tennessee to Elburn IL for a Simplicity 7016 Sovereign in 2008 which Gave Up the Ghost in 2015. The Most Miles though was the Ingersoll as It was a Camp follower . But for a Wheel Horse 312H or a 314H I might consider an overnight trip But I'll get One of my Children to do the driving or My Older Brother as they all Love to spend Hours In a Vehicle Edited July 21, 2022 by sergeant 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites