Brand siblingLawn and GardenPerformance profile
Wheel Horse 312-8
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1985 to 1997. It's designed for homeowners who need a reliable machine for yard work. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to maneuver around gardens and lawns. The 312-8 is powered by a Kohler K301S engine, which is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has one cylinder and produces 12 horsepower, which is below average for tractors but suitable for most lawn care tasks. The engine's size is also below average, measuring 29 cubic inches. This tractor features a belt-driven gear transmission with 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, allowing for smooth speed changes. It can reach a top speed of 5.5 mph going forward and 2.6 mph in reverse. The 312-8 weighs 547 pounds, making it lighter than many other tractors, which helps prevent lawn damage.
ManufacturerWheel HorsePower12 hpEngine1-cylTransBelt-driven gear
Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 12hp
- Operating Weight
- 547 lb
- Transmission
- Belt-driven gear
At a glance
How the 312-8 compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
12 hp · 16th
This model
4
Median 18 hp
28
This modelLawn and Garden tractorsMediann = 380
The 312-8 ranks at the 16th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Wheel Horse 312-8
The Wheel Horse 312-8 is a compact lawn and garden tractor built from 1985 to 1997. It's designed for homeowners who need a reliable machine for yard work. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to maneuver around gardens and lawns. The 312-8 is powered by a Kohler K301S engine, which is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has one cylinder and produces 12 horsepower, which is below average for tractors but suitable for most lawn care tasks. The engine's size is also below average, measuring 29 cubic inches. This tractor features a belt-driven gear transmission with 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears, allowing for smooth speed changes. It can reach a top speed of 5.5 mph going forward and 2.6 mph in reverse. The 312-8 weighs 547 pounds, making it lighter than many other tractors, which helps prevent lawn damage.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Model | 312-8 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1985–1997 |
| Operating weight | 547lb |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | K301S |
| Power | 12hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 29ci |
| Bore | 3.39in |
| Stroke | 3.27in |
Transmission
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with mechanical clutch |
|---|
Dimensions
| Length | 65in |
|---|---|
| Width | 36.2in |
| Height | 42.1in |
| Operating weight | 547lb |
Head to head
312-8 vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Wheel Horse 312-8 compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 12 hp | 18 hp | -33% | 16th |
| Engine Displacement | 29 ci | 41.1 ci | -29% | 23rd |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Forward Gears | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 547 lb | 738 lb | -26% | 27th |
| Length | 65 in | 71.7 in | -9% | 13th |
| Width | 36.2 in | 43.3 in | -16% | 19th |
| Height | 42.1 in | 42.9 in | -2% | 40th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the lawn and garden tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 152–380 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Wheel Horse tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Horse C-120 | 12 hp | 595 lb | 1974–1977 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse C-125 | 12 hp | 600 lb | 1980–1984 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse Charger 12 | 12 hp | 670 lb | 1968–1972 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse 310-8 | 10 hp | 527 lb | 1985–1993 | Compare → |
| Wheel Horse GT-14 | 14 hp | 870 lb | 1969–1973 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolens 3212G | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1987–1992 | Compare → |
| Bolens 3212H ST120 | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1988–1992 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1200 | 12 hp | 648 lb | 1974–1980 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1210 | 12 hp | 586 lb | 1985–1989 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 122 | 12 hp | 798 lb | 1965–1967 | Compare → |
Explore
Wheel Horse siblings
Explore
Similar-spec models
Gallery
Wheel Horse 312-8 photos
FAQ
Common questions
When was the Wheel Horse 312-8 in production?
Wheel Horse 312-8 production started in 1985 and ended in 1997.
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 312-8 have?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 produces 12 hp from its 1-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 29 ci.
How much does the Wheel Horse 312-8 weigh?
The Wheel Horse 312-8 weighs about 547 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Wheel Horse 312-8?
Transmission on the Wheel Horse 312-8 is Belt-driven gear, with 6 forward speeds.
What maintenance does the Wheel Horse 312-8 require?
Like any tractor, the Wheel Horse 312-8 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.