
Wheel Horse 312-8
Power
12 hp
Production
1985-1997
Engine
1-cylinder
Transmission
Belt-driven gear
Weight
547 lbs [248 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Wheel Horse 312-8 Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is a garden tractor produced between 1985 and 1997 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for property maintenance and lawn care, this two-wheel-drive machine features a manual transmission and an open operator station.
Engine and Power
The tractor is powered by a Kohler M12S air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 476 cc. It provides a gross power output of 12 hp (8.9 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The engine utilizes a 6.6:1 compression ratio and requires a sparkplug gap of 0.025 inches.
Transmission and Drive
The drivetrain consists of a belt-driven gear transmission offering 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. This setup allows for versatile speed selection during various tasks. The tractor utilizes a mechanical clutch and features an independent front PTO for implement operation.
Chassis and Dimensions
Built with a wheelbase of 45.5 inches (115 cm), the tractor has an overall length of 65 inches and a width of 36.5 inches. The machine weighs approximately 547 lbs (248 kg) without a mower deck. It is equipped with 15x6.00-6 front tires and 22x9.00-12 rear tires designed for lawn and turf applications.
Electrical System
The electrical system operates on a 12-volt battery with a 160 CCA rating and 24 AH capacity. Charging is managed by an alternator providing 15 charging amps, with the system utilizing a negative ground configuration.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is a standard garden tractor suitable for residential lawn maintenance and light groundskeeping duties. Its compatibility with mower decks ranging from 36 to 48 inches makes it a versatile tool for varied property sizes.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, 312-8
- Garden tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 312-8
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 547 lbs [248 kg] |
| Height | 42.5 inches [107 cm] |
| Length | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 656 lbs [297 kg] |
| Width | 36.5 inches [92 cm] |
As listed in the sales brochure for tractor without mower. May include a shipping crate.
| Lawn/turf front | 15x6.00-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 22x9.00-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 312-8
- The Kohler M12S replaced the K301 on the Wheel Horse 312-8 starting with the 1987 model year, tractor model code 21-12K804.
- Air-cooled
- 1-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 2.5 qts [2.4 L] |
| Power (gross) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
| Displacement | 476 cc [29.1 ci] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion RH10 |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Compression | 6.6:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.38x3.25 inches [86 x 83 mm] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 312-8
Transmission variants 1
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 90 GL5 |
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Type(optional) | SAE 90 GL5 |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 312-8
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, 312-8
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Mechanical |
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 312-8
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 160 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery AH | 24 |
| Charging amps | 15 |
Where it sits
With 12 HP, the Wheel Horse 312-8 sits just above 310-8 (10 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 56th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 312-8 have?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 delivers 12 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse 312-8 produced?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 was produced in 1985-1997.
What engine does the Wheel Horse 312-8 have?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse 312-8 use?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse 312-8 weigh?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 weighs 547 lbs [248 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse 312-8 4WD?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is available in 2WD.