C-81 or B100 - To buy or Not to buy

[Rustyred 58]

C81 or B-100 To Buy or not to Buy

 

Hi guys. Yesterday I posted that I am looking for a fixer-upper for my son and I was looking at a C-161. Now it may but may not be available.

 

I have two other options. A C-81 in unpredictable shape for $300 (tractor only - no extras shown on picture below) or a B-100 with pictured blow (it runs) for $450. (I would hope to get the price down.)

 

The C-81 is being listed as an 8 speed with an 8 hp engine. The B-100 is listed as an 1976 8-speed with a 10 hp engine.

 

My question is - are they worth the price? Which would you buy for your kid to fix up? Does either one have a better record than the other?

 

We are not looking at mowing and likely not plowing. At least not to start. We would have a trailer and be doing landscaping projects.

 

Hopefully this post isn't too long but some pictures are below. The first 3 are the C-81 and the last 4 are the B-100.

 

THANKS

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,492]

The mower deck is much newer than the tractors and uses blades that are easily available. Blades from the tractor era are no longer available.

B-100 is 1974-1977

C-81 in 1978 or 1979

Both use 1-1/8" axles and 8-pinion differential.

 

Garry

[953 nut 51,650]

Judging by the pictures the C-81 is an honest worker that has been used but maintained; the B-100 looks a bit scary to me, not too well maintained and could be a problem child.    

Edited August 31, 2016 by 953 nut

[oldredrider 2,547]

Get the C-81 and don't look back!

[russellmc301 600]

c-81 looks to be more maintained and looks better.

[Rustyred 58]

Thanks everyone for your input. It is appreciated. 

 

How would the C-81 do pulling a small trailer of lets say dirt, much, shrubs type stuff. Is 8 hp enough for that type of activity? Do wheel weights help for that kind of work?

[953 nut 51,650]

You will be amazed at what an 8 HP  can do. For that matter the RJs and Suburbans had 4 HP and could pull a lot of weight.

[oldredrider 2,547]

Yeah, and they only sip gas doing it. 

[pfrederi 17,146]

My Lawn Ranger will haul the coal wagon in the avatar that weighs about 750 lbs. You will run out of traction long before you run out of HP...even with wheel weights

[wfrpalm 217]

C-81 has my vote.

[woodchuckfarmer 333]

Get the C-81 its got a lot more goodies with it.

[Racinbob 10,276]

You could always put a 16 on it in the future. The C-81 and C-161 share the same frame and transmission and the swap is simple. But I'm betting that you would be happy with the 8.

[Upper Canada 213]

I have a Commando 800 (not the same tractor as c81 but same HP engine).  I was hesitant at buying it due to the smaller engine, but the fine people here at Redsquare convinced me to buy it.  I do not regret that purchase one bit.  You would be amazed what the 8hp engine in a  can do.

 

I would buy the C-81.

Edited August 31, 2016 by Upper Canada

[russellmc301 600]

i have an a-100 and it has a a 10 hp and the wheels spin before the engine bows down. i have pulled up alot. that was draging and in my wagon ive hauled it full of what ever will fit half the time i forget im pulling the trailer. the c-81 is my pick my b-80 pushes snow with ease.

[N3PUY 1,031]

I think Rusty said there are NO EXTRAS with the C81.

 

 C-81 in unpredictable shape for $300 (tractor only - no extras shown on picture below)

[can whlvr 991]

if the 161 comes available get her,you would like the 8hp but would love the 16hp

[cafoose 3,135]

I love my 8hp 876. I have pulled a 16 by 8 all steel diamond plate dual axle car trailer around the yard with it with no problem except for traction on grass sometimes going up an incline. I have also leveled a tri-axle load of topsoil, spread tons of driveway stone, and pushed eight to ten inches of snow. That little tractor surprises me what it can do.  

[Rob R 951]

Absolutely love my C-81 plows like a bear, maneuverable, starts easily, sips gas..... would never part with it.

[DennisThornton 4,769]

Love both my 8hp Cs!  All the power I need for snowplowing and running a 36" deck!  Like mentioned earlier, sips gas!

[Rustyred 58]

Well - thank you for all the input on which way to go with this. As soon as an purchase is made and we are proceeding my son and I will be depending on your advice!!

 

Again, thanks for the support.