C-171

[MalMac 1,332]

I was looking over an old Wheel Horse Dealer Bulletin dated October 1,1978. The subject is Suggested List Prices. Going down the list there is a listing for a C-171 8-speed model #91-17K8T1 also a C-171 Automatic model# 91-17KSC1 They both have Kohler's. I have never seen a C-171 or found it listed on the Toro site. The only 17 hp I have seen were the C-175's. Were these tractors ever made? or maybe they were overseas model not offered here.

[Kelly 1,033]

I think this was a subjuct here before, they planned to use the Kohler 17hp twin in a tractor that never was, but in the end used a 16hp briggs twin in the C-161 twin.

[MalMac 1,332]

Kelly you might have a point there. Because on this list it shows the 161 with the Kohler and not the 161 with the Briggs. If I remember Wheel Horse had trouble getting Kohler's from the factory or something like that. There was some reason that they ended up using the Briggs. Must have printed out all the dealer bulletins before all this happens. Thanks for chiming in.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,510]

The C-171's made it into the 1979 B, C and D-Series owners manual.

Garry

[wh500special 2,277]

It was a planned model, but problems with the early KT-17's also used by Deere, Simplicity, Cub Cadet, etc made them wait a few years to incorporate the Kohler twin in the C175. WH didn't have as much problem with the series I KT's as the other brands, but it wasn't a high point for anybody.

The 1979 brochure was tentatively printed with a 171 on the cover:

I thought the first run of 175's shared the tentative 171 model number, but I don't recall...

It was a model that never was released...although who's to say an example or two didn't sneak out of the Ireland Rd. plant as a "USED" model?

Steve