jpmcleod 4 #1 Posted February 24, 2010 I looked at a Wheel Horse today and it is restorable, but has a lot of surfice rust on the hood and fender pan. No real pitting yet. Not coming close to being an expert, I really don't know if the hood decals are correct but it has C-81 on both sides. It has a 8 HP Kohler that the owner says needs a carburator. I looked in the photo gallery and can't fine a C-81. Is this for real. I'm afraid to ask what it may be worth due to reading so many responses in this forum and knowing it's only worth what I am willing to pay for it. Saying that, I would like just a "ball park" figure as to what a C-81 would be worth if that is what it is. There appear to be no parts missing. It has a "belly" scrape blade underneath that has been adapted to raise and lower by the mower deck handle. Thanks for any suggestions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimD 3,347 #2 Posted February 24, 2010 The C81 is a real Wheel Horse tractor. I'm not sure what years they were made, but others here will know. If the mid mount grader blade is an original Wheel Horse attachment, it adds some value. They can be difficult to find to say the least. Pictures would help greatly, and then you may get some idea of what other members might pay for it in it's existing condition. Placing a value on it is a subjective thing, with greatly varying opinions. I hope this helps you, and I'm sure there will be more help coming. There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here that can offer great advice. Best of luck to you. Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-Series14 15 #3 Posted February 24, 2010 1978-1979 Pics in the photo gallery... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,293 #4 Posted February 24, 2010 Click the link below to see one in the gallery. C-81 has a lot of interchangeable parts with other models. They ranged in date years from 1978 to 1981. Bob http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=2907 If it's a 1981, it will look closer to this C-85 http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=8853 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-Series14 15 #5 Posted February 24, 2010 Several places list the C-81 up into the 1980's but it was the same years as the rest of the C-1x1 tractors. In 1980, the C-85 and C-1x5 Series started. I have one source that lists the C-81 from 1978-1983, another that list it from 1978-1979. The ID tag will tell you what year it was made for sure! B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cody 277 #6 Posted February 24, 2010 This past fall i sold my C-81, it was completely restored top to bottom with a 36" deck and a 42" snow plow for $1000. If the blade on the tractor you are looking at is a wheel horse blade that alone is worth a few hundred dollars, I would say the tractor would be worth 200-400 hundred dollars depending on condition and if the blade is wheel horse or not. I personally loved my C-81 and wish i had never sold it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeithB 6 #7 Posted February 24, 2010 i got my C81 eight speed for free had a blown motor B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jpmcleod 4 #8 Posted February 24, 2010 Hey guys. Thanks for the replies. I will post some pics if I get it. It's kinda hard to take a photo with the owner standing there. I believe I will wind up with it soon as he wants to sell it and some other stuff. If I do, pics will be posted. It really doesn't look that bad. My wife gave me a new digital camera for Valentines so that I can start posting pics. Again, thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 74 #9 Posted February 25, 2010 The C81 is a good tractor,you would like it!,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wizard 0 #10 Posted February 25, 2010 I have a c-81 it is a 1979. Has been a great tractor. Has had the original head gasket on it till a week ago. Estimated value priceless Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #11 Posted February 25, 2010 JPM- Please (all) where are you located? Nice to know, it has something to do with WH values. Bought a C-81 last fall with blown engine and 42" deck for $250. The C's with 8-speeds are, in my opinion, the most straightforward Horses, easy to work on, prolific for used parts, and beautiful in their simplicity (huh). Tom in RI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jpmcleod 4 #12 Posted February 25, 2010 I live in St. Cloud Florida, just East of Disney. Wheel Horse tractors are not real common here and you take what you can find. I have a couple of Craftsman 917's tractors that we use around the house and orange grove. I try to limit the use of the Wheel Horses me and the family to play on. They are kinda special. I love the long hoods. If you ever come to Florida, just let me know. Remember, Orlando Florida is #7 in the nation for crime. Don't fly, drive so you can bring protection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites