Have lately gotten back into collecting/fixing/using old Wheel Horse Garden tractors. I started this hobby 20 years ago...and for various reasons..had to sell everything off . Glad to be able to mess around with them again. I find these very simple to work on..for my simple brain lol. I like how they are not over complicated..but heavy duty at the same time. This is very soothing to me. Actually using the 312-8 as my full time lawn mower now. For years..i was focusing on getting mowing done quicker..cuz i don't enjoy it as much anymore ! Then one day it hit me ....why hurry..there's just more work waiting for me when I'm done ! Slow and easy now..enjoying it too !
I know a shed where 3 are located. I think one each from 70s, 80s, 90s. A buddy's grandfather's mowers that have not been touched in a decade. Will be sold when his grandmother finally passes as no one in the family cares about such things. I think he had some attachments too. I understand the appreciation for these machines. I'm a fan of Bolens too.
He kept them all real nice too from what I remember. He was a plant manager and in his time off Willard liked two things.... having a drink and mowing. I liked that I would see him use the old unit when he had newer 'nicer' stuff. They were all used regularly. I liked Willie a lot. He never came down on us when his grandson would 'borrow' gas for our dirt machines without asking (or some sips from his unatended beer lol).
I understand your interest in working on the Wheel Horse tractors. I’m a JD fan and also have done ground up restoration and engine rebuild on the 214 series. Fun and rewarding just don’t add up the parts costsand it’s more enjoyable!
Can't beat the old machines. I've got a simplicity 6211 and case 646. Both have their quirks but are solid machines.
Ended up selling because I had the need for a machine with a larger mower deck. Went from 48” to 62” when I got a JD X720. It was bittersweet but couldn’t justify having the 214 just sit in the barn and collect dust I have some pictures somewhere that I might be able to find. She was better than brand new!
312-8 has been my wood puller for a long time now. I live about 15-20 minutes from the biggest Wheel Horse show at the South Mountain Fairgrounds. Not my vid:
Thanks! That was more than a few years ago . Don’t know that I have the “get up and go” to start another restoration anymore
Dude ! Good to see another 312-8 doing what it does best ! Best all around Wheel Horse in my opinion. Good horsepower..good fuel economy! That show sounds like a great time. Someday !
