18 Automatic / "D"-Series Grill Housing?

["D"- Man 827]

Is there a reason Wheel Horse used a taller grill housing on the D-series than on the 18 Automatic?

[JackC 616]

Just a guess but maybe they wanted more clearance over the engine and exhaust for cooling purposes.

They apparently had carburetor vapor lock issues with the D-160 and had a heat shield to protect the carburetor from the heat of the exhaust.

Not sure if the heat shield was used on the Kohler powered D-180 and D-200.