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John Deere 312's

8K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  Trav1s 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Anyone out there got a 312? It was the 120 of the 300 series machines that was replaced by the 314. Made for only two years. Just wondering if anyone out there has one? I think one would look cool next to my 120.

WFM says this about the 312:

Manufactured briefly from 1977 to 1978, the model 312 provided a basic, no frills 300 series tractor with 12 HP Kohler engine, no engine side panels, no ammeter, H1 hydraulics, narrower rear tires, and a single brake pedal for both rear wheels. Headlights were an option on the 312.
Year Serial Number Range

1977 70,001 - 80,000

1978 80,001 - 95,000

I have attached some pics I found with a simple search...
 

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#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
#4 ·
That's a cool tractor. Interesting info about it!
 
#5 ·
I've never seen one for sale here. it's pretty much like the 314 accept it doesn't have front remotes and I think it had narrower rear tires. The drivetrain is strong on those tractors and the same as all the other early 300's. If you can get it reasonable it's well worth the effort IMO.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Arrangements made to pick it up in October after I get moved since it is less just over an hour from my new location Sending out a deposit later today. Here are some pics of the actual machine which is a early 1977 model. Deck is not included which makes it cheaper.
 

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#9 ·
Looks to be in decent shape! That graphic is hood graphic is bad though.
Yep, my thoughts exactly. I am loving the old school graphics of the 312. If I want something with the strobe I would go for a 318/322/332 :smilewink:
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
Another bit more information about the 312 - The steering box/drag link/tie rods look to be the same as the 120/140 design and it uses the same style drive shaft. The 314/317 got updates in both of these areas. The 312 has one brake (like the 120) and the 314/317 use dual brakes (one on each side). The 312 uses the same cradles/isolater as the 314 but the frames are different between the early 312, late 312, and 314.

So, while it initially seems the 314 is a 312 with side panels there are some significant differences that are more than skin deep between the two.
 

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#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Heading up to get this one tomorrow but will stash it away until spring. Could not resist another "odd" tractor for the collection. Still watching for a 200/208 too

Goning to grab the deck while I am at it, too. I think I will give it a H2 swap (got the parts from a 316k stashed somewhere in storage) and use is to run the 49 snowblower in the winter. The k301 will need rebuilt and it will get some of Kirk's tricks from the Killer Kohler build. :smilewink: The 110 will be a "take my time" project once we get settled in.
 
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#12 ·
Travis, I hope you enjoy your 312 as much as I have mine. Got my '78 312 in '85 at Twin Falls, ID, so it's going on 29 years for me already. It's still my main mowing machine used routinely. Only repairs over that time was to have my son (aircraft mechanic) rebuld the Kohler about 8 years ago. Still has original rear tires, finally put on new front tires just couple months ago. Mower deck had new bearings before I bought it and never needed replacement yet. Deck is needing couple holes patched (scheduled this spring). Needs a new muffler, so if you come across a good used one let me know.

It is the most nimble, easy driver of my herd including two 112's, recently restored 214, 140h3 with Johnson loader, and '91 265. Lee
 
#13 ·
Thanks for your thoughts Lee. I started a new thread with more info on this tractor. Maybe the mods can merge the two threads together or snip out stuff specific to this one tractor and put it in the other thread.
 
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