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Wheel Horse 12-38XL vs Wheel Horse 312-8
Verdict: Wheel Horse 12-38XL vs Wheel Horse 312-8
The Wheel Horse 12-38XL and the Wheel Horse 312-8 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 12 hp. Wheel Horse 12-38XL is the lighter machine (186 kg vs 547 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Wheel Horse 12-38XL is the newer design (1993 vs 1985). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.
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Fit & specs
Wheel Horse
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Wheel Horse
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Rated power
12 hp
12 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
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—
Overview
Manufacturer
Wheel Horse (a part of Toro)Reference
Wheel HorseReference
air-cooledReference
The Kohler M12S replaced the K301 on the Wheel Horse 312-8 starting with the 1987 model year, tractor model code 21-12K804.Reference
Original price
$1,699Reference
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Engine
Power (gross)
8.9 kWReference
8.9 kWReference
Starter
electricReference
—
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Fuel tank
—
8.5 LReference
Displacement
—
29.1 ciReference
Bore/Stroke
—
86 x 83 mmReference
Compression
—
6.6:1Reference
Rated RPM
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3600Reference
Sparkplug
—
Champion RH10Reference
Sparkplug gap
—
0.635 mmReference
Oil capacity
—
1.9 LReference
Transmission
Gears
5 forward and 1 reverseReference
6 forward and 2 reverseReference
Oil type
—
SAE 90 GL5Reference
Dimensions
Weight
186 kgReference
248 kgReference
Wheelbase
—
115 cmReference
Front tire
—
15x6.00-6Reference
Rear tire
—
22x9.00-12Reference
Lawn/turf front
—
15x6.00-6Reference
Lawn/turf rear
—
22x9.00-12Reference
Length
—
165 cmReference
Width
—
92 cmReference
Height
—
107 cmReference
Shipping weight
—
297 kgReference
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Charging system
—
alternatorReference
Charging amps
—
15Reference
Battery CCA
—
160Reference
Battery AH
—
24Reference
38" Mower deck
Type
gearReference
belt-driven gearReference
Cutting width
96 cmReference
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PTO & Hydraulics
Front PTO
—
independentReference
Clutch
—
mechanicalReference
312-8 Serial Numbers
1985
—
21-12K801Reference
1986
—
21-12K803Reference
1987
—
21-12K804Reference
1988
—
21-12K805Reference
1989
—
21-12K806Reference
1990
—
31-12K801Reference
1991
—
31-12K802Reference
1992
—
31-12K804Reference
1993
—
3900001 (73380)Reference
1994
—
4900001 (73362/73380)Reference
1995
—
5900001 (73362)Reference
1996
—
6900001 (73362/73363)Reference
1997
—
7900001 (73363)Reference
Location:
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Model codes shown.Reference
Attachment overview
Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.