wfopete 16 #1 Posted Monday at 02:45 PM Looking at a D160. I plan to see it up close, pictures show it to be in very nice condition. I'm concerned about if later model decks and other attachments will work with these units. Also what areas should I be checking close with this model? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #2 Posted Monday at 03:00 PM D 160-200 attachments are unique to that series. Decks, Blowers and plows from C 300/400 series will not fit There are two versions of D160 some came with Kohler K341 other with a twin onan. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfopete 16 #3 Posted Monday at 03:50 PM That's good to know. Parts availability is important for the long term; are parts like finding hen's teeth? Are there any reliability issues with these. Ideally I was looking at the 300 series but this D160 popped up on FB claiming it was restored. Priced at $1800 so I don't want to go into this without some knowledge on the model. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #4 Posted Monday at 04:24 PM Restoration can mean a lot of things ranging from a quick wash and a bit of paint to overhauled engine and hydro. Personally I would much prefer the Kohler, parts for that are plentiful Onans not nearly as much. Onan has an electric PTO not sure about parts for that. Big thing is to test the hydro. Get it warmed up there may be a hydro temp gauge to check that. Then put it up against an immovable object and see if it will dig holes with rear tires. What are you planning on using it for. They are big heavy not the most maneuverable tractor overkill for lawn mowing.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfopete 16 #5 Posted Monday at 05:03 PM (edited) Id rather stay away from the Onan too. I'm not a hydro fan either but if unit is solid I could live with it. I have not seen a D series up close so I can't appreciate what it is or isn't. What years was the D series produced? Edited Monday at 05:06 PM by wfopete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #6 Posted Monday at 05:50 PM (edited) First year it was only an 18 hp and called 18. 1973 last year was 1981. Not much changed over the years. Some modifications to the motion control and parking brake setup. The are heavy over 1000 lbs. I would ask again what you are planning on doing with it. I have a D200 but it has an FEL. If you want to add a rotor tiller or 5' finish mower you have to add a rear PTO unit and 3 pt hitch. D160 did not come standard with 3pt hitch or rear PTO they were an option. Edited Monday at 05:52 PM by pfrederi 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #7 Posted Monday at 05:56 PM I notice you have a Lawn Ranger...The front wheels and tires on most D series are the same size as your lawn rangers back tires.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfopete 16 #8 Posted Monday at 07:10 PM 1 hour ago, pfrederi said: I notice you have a Lawn Ranger...The front wheels and tires on most D series are the same size as your lawn rangers back tires.... LOL! Yeah, for sure they are a beast and more than I need just for mowing. Ugly as sin too (IMO). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 12,167 #9 Posted Monday at 07:17 PM Also be aware that the D Series tractors were made in Belgium & imported here by / for WH. My FIL had a D250 that came with a 25HP Renault 4 cylinder liquid cooled car engine and car style clutch. A beast of a tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #10 Posted Monday at 07:35 PM 16 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Also be aware that the D Series tractors were made in Belgium & imported here by / for WH. My FIL had a D250 that came with a 25HP Renault 4 cylinder liquid cooled car engine and car style clutch. A beast of a tractor. Only the D250s were made in Europe. D160-200 all made in US 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfopete 16 #11 Posted Monday at 09:47 PM Getting back to the parts subject, are the normal wear and tear parts tuff to come by and what are the parts that require routine replacement or adjustments? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,609 #12 Posted 18 hours ago The hydro is essential the same piston to piston unit used in early C series. Steering gear is a Ross unit that JD and some others used so you can find parts for it. However bell crank tie rods etc are unique. The splined coupler between engine and pump is very difficult to find if it fails. The motion control linkage is a rube goldberg nightmare if it gets out of whack. I like my D and it works well as base for an FEL however D series are a real PITA to work on. I swear they had a guy hold the hydro pump and then built the tractor around it. You really need to test the hydro. i had to redo mine after I bought it. That was a long time ago and I was younger and more flexible. In my book that is top dollar for a D160 unless it has the optional 3pt and rear PTO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfopete 16 #13 Posted 6 hours ago Thx. Went and checked it out today. Good looking unit. I drove/cut with it seemed fine (rebuilt deck beatings/blades). Did not do the wall test... sorry. I noted some oil around the breather and a few specks on the underside of the hood. So it could be a clogged PVC valve or rings. Oil pressure gauge was in the 40 psi range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
