Guest Posted May 24, 2000 Share Posted May 24, 2000 E-Mail: david.a.sohn@juno.com (Sorry it's not "Clickable") Request Help, AC 312-- David A. Sohn 5/24/2000 Saint Louis Missouri To All Readers-- "Thank You" to Kent and to everybody for the excellent website. I am overwhelmed with all the available material-- forgive me if I overlooked some materials I should have seen. I am trying to learn all I can before diving into a reconditioning project-- may I tell you what I got and ask questions to those who might have the answers? On Saturday 20 May I picked up a basket- case AC 312-- this is the most apparent model conclusion based on the site's model descriptions. My (apparent) AC 312 has the Vari-Drive system. 21speeds forward (3x7). It has a 48 inch mower deck. Kohler 12 HP engine determined by bore and stroke-- the engine has been out in the weather long enough to wear off the K-301 that it should have-- and the other engine tag numbers. Apparently the AC 312 (1600046 or 1600153) was more unique than other Simplicity and AC models. According to the history material here, a factory was opened in S.Carolina about 1971 just for the AC series 300 and 400. Also, from what I have read, the bevel gearbox and the transaxle is common to some of the Simplicity models. But the Vari- Drive pulley system with its seven speed settings-- might be a bit unusual. Also, the AC 312 appearance seems to differ from the rest. I have numerous questions and would like to know about these. If you know of other owners, please pass my note along to them, I would like as much info as possible before I start this tractor- renovation job. (a) How would I know if my AC 312 "Product Number" is 1600046 or 1600153? There seems to be no tags on the tractor itself to specify such. (b) How might I obtain a parts breakdown for this tractor, and for its 48 inch mower deck? And-- what about availability of a service manual? What might these cost? What about a manual for the mower deck? Maybe a user's manual too? Are these already on the Simple Tractors site in .JPG form? (c) Besides Bevel Gearbox and transaxle commonalities-- is the Vari Drive and any other mechanical items common to other AC or Simplicity models? (d) Are all parts readily available, used, new or ??? (e) How might I connect with fellows familiar with this design and pitfalls to look out for? (f) The mower deck is 48 inch size. What is the AC Product Number equivalent? (the deck lacks a tag, sorry to say) (g) I was overwhelmed with the materials at the website-- just in terms of quantity. Again-- the site managers like Kent are to be congratulated for thoroughness. However, may I ask for the inexperienced fellow like myself-- Is there a quick way to determine what attachments fit this tractor? I saw a note that Simplicity had no equivalent to the AC 300 and AC 400 series. Does that mean that I will be unable to determine any attachments that should fit my tractor? Would attachments for the AC B-112 or B-212 fit the AC 312-- as the B-112 and B-212 appear to have been built during the same time frame as the AC 312? (h) Is there any sensible way to put a value on the AC 312 model? Sorry for so many questions. Thanks for any help you can lend me. David A. Sohn david.a.sohn@juno.com Saint Louis Missouri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ka9bxg Posted May 24, 2000 Share Posted May 24, 2000 Hi David, Welcome to the club. I'm a newcomer myself, so I can't help you at all on the specifics regarding your AC 312. However, I suggest you call Simplicity and see if the manuals you want are available. The Simplicity folks are very friendly and have been a wealth of information for me. Apparently there are some "old timers" in their parts and services departments. If you get a parts manual, www.jackssmallengines.com has an online database, with prices, where you can get an idea of what's available new. Good luck with your project.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlcentral Posted May 25, 2000 Share Posted May 25, 2000 THe AC 300 and 400 series are a model all to their own.Nothing other than possibly a tiller or garden plow will interchange from the b or 3000 ser. to fit your 312.And then modifications to hitches will be needed.Of course ANYTHING can be accomplished with a cutting torch and a welder! Mower is totally different as well as the snowthrower and even the snowplow.Even the AC model 700/900 attachs. won't fit. Sorry to bring you the bad news! dlc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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