userj8670 68 #1 Posted May 30, 2016 Looking at a new mower for my mother's property and was considering a big block beast! What's the differences between these 3? Is one better than another? Would prefer manual to automatic... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #2 Posted May 30, 2016 No real difference. The C-161 will have a wobble mount engine. Personally I don't like that mount but you won't go wrong with any of them. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
userj8670 68 #3 Posted May 30, 2016 Forgive me but what's the difference between the mounts? I am not familiar with either? Also is one say a stronger tractor than another? I was always with the impression it's the same tractor with different stickers? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #4 Posted May 30, 2016 The wobble mounts have rubber mounting spacers between the motor and frame. It was suppose to reduce the felt vibration but in my opinion made it worse and introduced other issues. It didn't take long before they went back to bolting the motor directly to the frame. I found out the SK-486 has a 4 pinion differential and 1" axles. The C series has 8 pinion and 1.125 axles. That does make a difference but I can assure you that the 4 pinion is one tough puppy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,888 #5 Posted May 30, 2016 (edited) I'd take the SK-486 due to the rarity factor. It was made from left over parts from several model years. The C-160 in my humble opinion, wins out over the C-161 due to the engine/engine mounting on the C-161. Edited May 30, 2016 by rmaynard 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cschannuth 3,795 #6 Posted May 30, 2016 All your choices are good tractor. Our '78 C-161 is still going strong and has had nothing done to it except regular maintenance since dad bought it new in '79. I did some rattle can to freshen it up. The old Briggs runs great and doesn't use or leak any oil. Except for some cracking, even the original tires are in good shape. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #7 Posted May 30, 2016 2 hours ago, rmaynard said: I'd take the SK-486 due to the rarity factor. It was made from left over parts from several model years. The C-160 in my humble opinion, wins out over the C-161 due to the engine/engine mounting on the C-161. I definitely agree on the C-160 over the C-161 for the very same reason. The 78 C-161 cschannuth is referring to is a twin cylinder if it has a Briggs. They also made a C-161 that year with a K-341. There is something cool about the SK-486 and unless you're going to make a puller out of it I wouldn't worry about the transmission. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
userj8670 68 #8 Posted May 31, 2016 Sounds like a c160 is the way to go...now here's a curve ball...... A c160 or a raider 14? Any difference besides the motor? One bigger or stronger? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #9 Posted May 31, 2016 They are the same size tractor. The Raider may have a 10 pinion limited slip differential where the C-161 has an 8 pinion. The 8 pinion would be the preferred choice. The Raider may not have the front attach-a-matic but that can be added. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
