Work Horse 1848

[ML3 2,006]

3 hours ago, Bill D said:

An M16 would be an easy swap if you can't find a good Briggs.  The electrical connections are nearly identical.  There are some Snapper and Bolens machines that use Briggs twins in addition to Craftsman tractors.  A Craftsman II,  18 HP is probably the easiest to find.  I just checked the local FBM, lots of choices.

Sounds like there may be options engine wise. I just dont do Facebook though.

[ML3 2,006]

4 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

 

An advantage to staying with a stock type engine is parts availability.  

 

 

A K341 single at 16 HP will have comparable torque to a KT17. Maybe more.

IIRC, the K341 has 25.9 lb-ft. 

The KT17 shows 23 to 25 depending on source.  

 

A Magnum 18 should be slightly higher. 

 

I have a Briggs 18 twin here in a similar tractor. Seems good but I've never truly "worked" it like I have a torque monster K341.  

 

 

Good info on potential compatability.  I'll start to try & figure out what I'm gonna do. Don't wanna put huge $$ into a $300 tractor. Probably find a parts tractor that runs as the engine donor. Maybe with bad trans or other non-engine related issues??

Edited Sunday at 02:16 AM by ML3

[ebinmaine 75,297]

7 minutes ago, ML3 said:

Good info on potential compatability.  I'll start to try & figure out what I'm gonna do. Don't wanna put huge $$ into a $300 tractor.

 

Don't use what you PAID as the blocker. 

 

Use the FUTURE VALUE. 

 

You have a $300 tractor....

 

You dump a grand in it....

 

You still have a  $1300 tractor that'll outperform and outlive any $5000 machine on the new market. Period. 

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, ML3 said:

Probably find a parts tractor that runs as the engine donor. Maybe with bad trans or other non-engine related issues??

 

This would be ideal. 

Also consider calling Lincoln at A to Z Tractor in PA.  

[kpinnc 16,061]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

You still have a  $1300 tractor that'll outperform and outlive any $5000 machine on the new market. Period. 

 

 

[Bill D 2,420]

9 hours ago, ML3 said:

Sounds like there may be options engine wise. I just dont do Facebook though.

I don't either,  but I like to look a marketplace to see what's available. If you have a friend that's on Facebook maybe they'd be willing to pickup something for you.  Local mower shops and Craigslist may also be options to find an engine.  If you were closer I do have a Briggs twin here.

Edited Sunday at 11:44 AM by Bill D

[Nay 3]

Navion?

[sqrlgtr 1,210]

On 11/29/2025 at 5:07 PM, ebinmaine said:

A K341 single at 16 HP will have comparable torque to a KT17. Maybe more.

I have a C-160 with the K-341 that I named thumper, and it is indeed a torque monster. The K-341 would defiantly be my choice. Simple easy to maintain and parts availability big +++++'s

[sqrlgtr 1,210]

On 11/29/2025 at 5:07 PM, ebinmaine said:

A K341 single at 16 HP will have comparable torque to a KT17. Maybe more.

I have a C-160 with the K-341 that I named thumper, and it is indeed a torque monster. The K-341 would defiantly be my choice. Simple easy to maintain and parts availability big +++++'s

[sqrlgtr 1,210]

sorry for double post IDK what I done.

[ebinmaine 75,297]

20 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

sorry for double post IDK what I done.

 

That just means you hit the enter button faster than your internet wanted to talk to you back

[ML3 2,006]

I did find a Magnum 16 about an hour from me. Just not sure if its enough hp/torque to run the Bervac as well as the hydro too.....

 

Also may have a lead on 18hp Briggs thats out of a Workhorse 

[bds1984 1,505]

A K341 will have more than enough power for your need.  The only concern I would have with the example you found is the stubby crankshaft on the PTO side.  

[ebinmaine 75,297]

33 minutes ago, ML3 said:

I did find a Magnum 16 about an hour from me. Just not sure if its enough hp/torque to run the Bervac as well as the hydro too..

 

Don't let the 16 vs 18 fool ya....

 

Gimme a minute here 'n I'll post some info-may-shun.  

[ebinmaine 75,297]

Here's some interesting numbers. The 16 HP single cylinder Kohler torque is 28.25. 

KT17 Kohler twin is LOWER at 25.8. 

 

That's fine most of time but WILL matter under serious loads. 

 

The Briggs... I couldn't find a direct comparison but this 16 HP opposed twin would obviously be close. It would be reasonable to assume that an 18 HP would be 2 to 2.5 lb-ft higher. So figure 27.8 to 28.3 for a Briggs 18. 

 

 

 

I'd still take a Kohler 16 single cylinder... rougher running for sure. And VERY strong for the given amount of cubic inches. 

 

 

 

 

[sqrlgtr 1,210]

Just for giggles what is the shaft size for a k341 Kohler on say a C160? I thought that pic of the shaft looked smaller dia. and length, but pics are deceiving sometimes.

[ebinmaine 75,297]

4 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

Just for giggles what is the shaft size for a k341 Kohler on say a C160? I thought that pic of the shaft looked smaller dia. and length, but pics are deceiving sometimes.

 

 

Seems to me it's a 1 1/8" diameter.

 

Length?  @pfrederi any idea? 

[sqrlgtr 1,210]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

Seems to me it's a 1 1/8" diameter.

 

Length?  @pfrederi any idea? 

I thought they were just looked small in pic to me. 

[ML3 2,006]

11 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

Seems to me it's a 1 1/8" diameter.

 

Length?  @pfrederi any idea? 

The seller said in the ad that the shaft is 1". I'll contact to ask bout the length. From what little I researched it there were a few different shaft sizes for the magnum16. 

 

For sure dont want to be under powered or even just adequately powered. Really dont want to go under the original 18hp. Its still a fairy expensive purchase & last thing I want is to go through all the trouble & have it not work well. 

 

As far as the single Kohler being rougher running.....I dont care about that. 

 

Still gonna see what happens with the 18hp from other lead I have......

[ebinmaine 75,297]

9 minutes ago, ML3 said:

Still gonna see what happens with the 18hp from other lead I have......

 

Apples to apples straight swap would certainly be the easiest.  

 

 

10 minutes ago, ML3 said:

Really dont want to go under the original 18hp

 

Horsepower doesn't move snow. 

 

Torque does.  

 

 

 

[davem1111 2,244]

On 11/29/2025 at 1:18 PM, ML3 said:

I saw the peen marks & figured thats where I need to start looking. Looks like its got the potential to turn into a big repair. May consider trying to find a repower option instead??? Gotta look into whats the best financial option.  

 

Just thought I'd toss this thought out there. I have a GT-1848 that was re-powered by a previous owner with a Honda GX610 V-twin. Apparently this is/was a "sanctioned" re-power by Wheel Horse back then, but I know it's a very expensive engine.  One downside is that the stock muffler requires a cut-out in the right side of the hood. I took that muffler off and put a stack on it, so now I'll be putting an original un-cut hood back on it.   These engines are used a lot in generators and pressure washers, so maybe a good used one of those could be a donor?

I love this engine, would not have loved buying it new.  Got the tractor for $200 a few years ago, put new tires on it, and it is a beast.  Good luck with your search for a new engine.

[kpinnc 16,061]

3 hours ago, ML3 said:

did find a Magnum 16 about an hour from me. Just not sure if its enough hp/torque to run the Bervac as well as the hydro too.....

 

Also may have a lead on 18hp Briggs thats out of a Workhorse 

 

Normally I would say between these the Kohler is superior. A Kohler Magnum engine is nearly bullet proof with decades of longevity built in. 

 

The engine in your pic is unfortunately not suitable for Wheel Horse in any way due to the stubby PTO shaft. No adapter made will make it capable of supporting the side loads generated on these machines. If you made it work, it would eventually fail and likely damage things even possibly the operator. 

 

If the Briggs has at least 2 and 3/4 inches of PTO shaft it will work better in this case. If you have to sleeve it to 1.125, it is still a safe option. 

 

I'm a huge fan of Briggs Vanguard v-twins. I have several of them.  That being said, I do not expect them to last like a cast iron Kohler will.