Toro Wheelhorse 312-8

by steve
(baldwinsville ny)


My lawn mower is a Toro Wheelhorse 312-8 its a small garden tractor with a 12 hp cast iron fan cooled Kohler engine belt driven to a dual range 3 speed w/ reverse gearbox for a total of 8 gears. The tractor was purchased brand new in 1984 with a recycling deck and a small pull cart.


for the first 8 years of its life it was used to move yard waste and mowed a 1/2 acre lot every week all summer and was stored winters although i have heard good things about the available snow blower I've always had access to a plow truck.

for the last 16 years its mowed 1 1/2 acres of varying terrain. the deck was a 3 blade 42" wide model. the reason for the recycler deck is i don't like to rake grass and it helps keep the lawn fertilized. as long as i didn't let the lawn go to long the deck always cut clean and straight. the desk is attached with toros attach-o-matic system that requires no tools.

After the first couple times you take it off and on it takes maybe 5 minutes to remove or install for cleaning or sharping. every spring i changed the oil and replaced the air filter . along the way i've installed a small clear fuel filter and replaced the gas line from the tank to the carb. also the rubber grommet that seals the petcock to the fuel tank had gotten brittle and dry so i replaced that as well.

Its worn out one drive belt and one mower belt. and about 10 years ago the deck was rotting around were the blade attach so i picked up a used side discharge deck for $150 the pto clutch has always worked smoothly and never slipped. after backing into a couple shrubs the taillight cover and bulbs were broken and never replaced but the headlights still have the factory bulbs and work great i once had to replace the main fuse and it has a new battery.

a few years ago i removed and rebuilt the carb and just this year the muffler gave out and was replaced the engine has always ran flawlessly and started with just a few turns. in the past 24 years my I've seen my neighbors go threw 4 or 5 mowers each but my wheel horse still works today like the day i bought it.

along the way its worn out a few parts but over all for the 500 or so in parts plus the high initial price to buy it I feel it was well worth it, and would recommend to anyone to buy a wheelhorse mower.

With a little tlc it will probably be the only lawnmower you ever buy.

Comments for Toro Wheelhorse 312-8

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 02, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Built like a tank
by: Anonymous

I have a 416 and a 520 wheel horse with Onan engines, and while they may have nicer steering and more comfort, stick with the Kohler engines and you will be much better off.
I bought an earlier series than yours, a Raider 10 with a 42" side discharge deck, and it does a better job mowing and the old Kohler cast iron k-series just keeps going. The sweet spot for the most durable and simple and reasonably comfortable Wheel Horse tractors seems to be from the late sixties to late 70's

Collectors are grabbing them up. Simple to refurbish and fifty year old machines will run like new

Jun 19, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Awesome machine
by: Anonymous

I have a 312 1989 wheelhorse tractor... had it for 6 years. Never done a thing to it except maintenance...... awesome tractor. Don't make like this anymore...



Mar 24, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
where is the rototiller?
by: Marc

I am in need of a tiller for my 312-8. Please contact me if you know where I can find one. mackeral74@hotmail.com

Sep 28, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
tough
by: Anonymous

Father in law bought new in 1985, was used to deliver news papers by my brother in law w/ diabetes in a small town for 5 or 6 years. Mowed grass and anything else that got in its way I got it in 1996 moved 2 acres and pull hundreds of cars in my shop for repair. Moved to tn in 04 still mowed 1 acre, I have a completely restored 214 John Deere and still mow with the wheel horse. 10 hp Kohler never smokes and starts every time. Starter is starting to drag a bit may have put bearing in it bit thats all thats been done to it in 29 years Greatest Tractor ever made

Sep 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Lifetime mower
by: Billy in nc

I bought my 312 8. in 1984 in CT and cut 1a of grass and plowed Snow on a hilly driveway. I moved to NC. in 1995 and have cut grass. I only replaced the air filter and changed the oil and mower belt when it needed it. The mower was kept in a closed shed and looks new even today. It is the best investment you can make when buying lawn equipment.

Sep 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
what size grout belt does it take
by: dennis

I have a Toro wheelhorse what size drive belt does it take

Aug 14, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
What We All Hope For
by: Joe Coyne

When buying a riding lawn tractor, you tell yourself that it will last for many years and that it's worth investing the $$.

Well, I purchased my 321-8 in 1990 and use it year round for mowing, plowing, picking up yard waste, and hauling firewood.

I'm still on the original drive belt, and aside of yearly oil changes, air filter and the occasional spark plug, and greasing, the only thing I've replaced (three times) is the mower deck drive belt.

The engine runs strong, doesn't use oil, and is totally reliable.

It's the best product ....hands down ....that I've ever purchased and used for more years than I expected.

Apr 29, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
love my wheelhorse
by: Anonymous

We bought our 312-8 in 1996 and didn't have a blade of grass.... I have mowed my lawn and other lawns just so I could mow with this tractor. I wouldn't trade it for nothing.

Sep 28, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
WHEELHORSE, The absolute best
by: Courm Evans

I have owned a 310-8 for ten years,got it used and put liquidweighted ag tires and weights on it and a dozer blade. I filled in a pond with no problem,put a set of rings in it last year and it needs a new muffler this year. I also own another 310-8 and a 312-8 for about a year now. I will never own any other tractor but a wheelhorse. I have a 48" side discharge deck on my later 310-8 and am looking for a tiller for my 312-8.

Apr 06, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
workhorse
by: Dave

I bought my 312-8 twelve years ago. I have put this tractor through a lot. I just used it last fall to cut four acres of brush. It takes anything i can throw at it. There isn't a tractor out there i would trade it for!

Sep 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Need rear tiler for 312 8
by: Anonymous

Need a rear mount tiler for 312 8 Toro wheel horse

Sep 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
parts
by: Anonymous

i have parts lists and deck drawings

Aug 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Mower Belt
by: Anonymous

Try a Gates 110265

Aug 07, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Belt size...
by: Grouse

Just got one 2 years ago and just lost the mower belt. Any one know the belkt size off the top of their head??

Aug 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
312-8
by: egulf

I have one it is a 1990 and has never fiailed to start. been through one mower deck, my fault for not cleaning it, bought a new pan and changed over all the original parts, I did install new bearings and seals while it was apart but none were bad. I hve used it to grade dirt and mow my 1.5 acre lawn for 21 years as far as I'm concered its one of the best lawn tractors ever made. Both my brothers have been through two John Deeres since I bought this one, they did buy the smaller units(cheapskates)and I still tease them about it "nothing runs like a deer but nothing works like a Horse" My dad bought a 22 horse and a blower. That baby will really toss the snow. I just replaced the idler mule "V" pulley. and the muffler Cheap repair for 21 years of service. I would like to pick up another one and put a snow blower on it.

Jul 31, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Only Tractor I ever owned
by: Billy

I have a 86 312-8 and cut 1.5 acs. for 10 years along with plowing snow on a steep driveway in Ct. Now I live in North Carolina and cut only 1/3 of an ac. and my Wheel Horse is still in like new condition. I have only replaced the rear tires and the seat along with mower belts and blades but she still runs great. I change the oil and air filter often and keep it parked indoors. This tractor was worth every penny I paid for it.

Jul 22, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Wheel Horse 312-8 Mower Deck
by: smarty1948@live.com

Hello folks I would like to find out some info on my mower deck,A pic would be great but just info will be a help.It is a side discharge.It is a hemming deck.Not sure what size,I think 38 or 40 in.Shouldn't matter.Its seems to be in good shape considering.Needs one small patch.What I need to know is what the shields underneath are like.There a three blades .Most of the center shield is there but the two side ones are missing.I am wondering if those shields go up against the deck and if not how far down from the deck they are.I can see where they were fastened on the back of the deck but dont see where they were fastened to the top of the deck.Any help would be appreciated.

Jul 19, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
wheel horse
by: Anonymous

I'm got a option to bu a wheelhorse toro built in the 90's should i buy it 200.oo dollars. runs good new battery

Jul 10, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
The best small tractor ever
by: Bahama, North Carolina

The Wheel Horse is the greatest small tractor ever built. I bought mine in 1973 (Kohler 8 HP engine)replaced rings once added carburetor kit - never ever anything else. Today it runs as good as when I bought it. In addition To the mower deck I have a plow which I use mostly for cleaning backyard and garden.

Why was it discontinued and why is it that no one can build a tractor like my 1973 WHEEL HORSE.

Jul 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Want to buy a 312-8 wheel horse
by: Rob

I want to buy another wheel horse if u live near olean my hive
Me a email
rpilon@portvillecsd.org

Jul 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Help with deck parts
by: Mike from NC

I am trying to locate deck parts for my 1989 model. Never had any problems but now need to replace some parts and can't seem to locate a diagram of the deck as I do not have a parts diagram. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May 28, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
front pulleys 312-8 europa model
by: pieter from belgium

hi you all out there
i have a 312-8 wheel horse who has in front 2 pulleys where the belt is mounting on coming from clutch to mower deck and they are mounted on a part wich can tie or untie the belt.
in fact these two pulleys are damaged
can somebody help me finding them

greetz pieter

May 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
deck question
by: Rita

we have one and also love it.

our biggest challenge right now is finding a replacement deck. any ideas?

thanks, rita

May 05, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
The Wheel Horse is the best mower ever made
by: Waldo

I just bought a Wheel Horse 312-8 mower and was amazed that it stated at all. This mower sat in my neighbors back yard through rain and snow for a whole year without a cover on it. All I had to do was charge the battery and put new gas in it. Pulled the choke and turned the key. Wouldn't you know it started right up. Now I am a believer that the Wheel Horse \ Big Red is the best riding mower ever made. Now I have a mower for another 10 to 20 years. I thank my friend for that.

May 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Old Red
by: Anonymous

I have owed my wheel horse tractor now for 12 years.
In all that time, I have never had one problem with it.
You can't say that about to many things today. I do my own
Routine maintenance when needed. For me I don't think
That their is a better garden tractor out their, then the
Wheel Horse. Best tractor ever built! Old red is a 312-8.

May 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
312-8
by: TomM

I had the 312-8 since 1985 bought it from the dealer as it was thier shop demo unit. I had the rear discharge deck and purchased the 42" dozer blade.
All I can say is it is still running today. I sold it when I moved 8 years ago to my neighbor.
I mowed 2.5 acres of grass for 11 years then moved to VA with a smaller yard of 1.5 acres of grass. Additionally I plowed my driveway in Up State NY and after moving to VA a 1/4 mile road of snow for 4 years and driveways all winter. The thing is a beast and I sold it to get a larger model just because. It is currently only mowing 1.5 acres of grass now for my old neighboe because I kept the blade for the newer unit.

Apr 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Working Horse/Big Red
by: Waldo

This is one of the best riding tractors mowers ever made and after 25 years in use it will out last any new one out there now.

Jan 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
312 -8 the best
by: don

23 years no problems have not missed one snow storm plowing

Mar 31, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
My Wheelhorse 312-8 "Old Red"
by: Anonymous

I bought mine new in 1989. It has about 450 hours on it. Unfortunatly it has been sitting in a barn for about three years now (bought a zero turn mower), and this Spring I have decided to put in a fresh battery and whatever else it needs to be brought back to life.
It has the 48inch mnower deck, and also the rear mounted tiller attachment. The Kohler 12hp motor has an amazing amount of torque for its size.
I give my old 312-8 a 5+ star rating.

Mar 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
25 years and still works like a horse!
by: Anonymous

Nothing runs like a Deere

Nothing WORKS LIKE A WheelHORSE

Feb 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Love my 312-8
by: Anonymous

I have two 1985 312-8 machines , i leave the snowplow and weights and chains on the one , and the rear discharge mower on the other .These little tractors do a great job and they are easy to maintain Dave in kalkaska mi.

Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
312-8
by: Anonymous

I've owned my 312-8 for 21 years. I've worn out 1 deck. I have a small business & I use the rototiller during the spring. These things are true workhorses. I will always be a Wheel horse junkie.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to RIDING mowers - toro.