Some Q's about the C Series tractors...

[Old Ways 30]

Okay, I was wondering how hard it would be to put a bigger pulley on the trans, to act as a SR kit? I should't have to mod much should I? I am getting a C-161 (gear) with a 12hp Kohler in it, and I want to have it so I have more power transferred to the ground, even though I have Hi/Low. I plan on using this tractor to mow, plow, pull a trailer, and do ground work. I will eventually have this thing weighed down pretty well, and have my cab on it year round, and I want it to be able to handle all of the tasks I throw at it, even with the 12. I may eventually replace it with a 16 single or 18 twin, but for now the 12 is all I have for it. Thanks.

[smoreau 658]

Shouldn't be too hard to find a larger pulley, Try TSC or a implement store.

[Forest Road 595]

I do everything with a 12hp. Grade 1/2 mile gravel driveway, tow logs, plow snow and dirt.....

[kpinnc 18,391]

The final ratio on the 8-speed in low, and first is something like 364:1. Don't quote me on that, but it's close right off the top of my noggin. Not sure how much lower you may need than that, but so long as the diameter of the pulley remains small enough to stay inside the belt guard, you will be OK. The belt guard must be in place to allow the clutch to function properly.

Otherwise just use a belt that is long enough to handle the added diameter of the rear pulley, or a smaller puller together up front to give slack back. Of course you'll need one up front with holes drilled for the clutch plate to mount...

Just food for thought- but I have never found anything yet, even for a little 8 hp Wheel Horse that would stall my geared tractors before breaking traction. Hydros maybe, but on 8 speeds the wheels spin LONG before I run out of horses. Maybe on pavement with turf tires and 200lbs of added weight, but not likely even then.

[Old Ways 30]

Shouldn't be too hard to find a larger pulley, Try TSC or a implement store.

I can get them, I just don't know if I would need to mod the clutch, belt guard, or anything else in order for one to fit. Like the SR's came with a bigger pulley, belt cover, clutch end, etc.

[Sparky-(Admin) 25,554]

Have you ever used an 8 speed in low first? Seems like it would be slow enough for anything we want to do with our tractors.

Mike...........

[Old Ways 30]

Okay, So I should be in the clear. I really don't mind going slow, I just don't want the engine to bog down easily under a load, especially at PA Plow Day.

[Old Ways 30]

Have you ever used an 8 speed in low first? Seems like it would be slow enough for anything we want to do with our tractors.

Mike...........

I drove one once, and L:1 still seemed a bit fast if I was to be doing something, like pulling logs, tilling, or some of the more delicate work I do around here. I want to see if I can get first to almost a Cub Creeper Gear.

[bowtiebutler956 650]

Tractor supply does carry pulleys but you have to buy the pulley and the hub seperate, an the pulleys are just stamped steel an look kind of flimsy to me when compared to the originals. I had to buy a new pulley for mine, and i picked it up at the local bearing and industrial supply. It was cheaper than tsc and it was a cast iron, heavy duty like the original. $22 for a 6in. 3/4 shaft, fit perfect. Matt

[Old Ways 30]

Tractor supply does carry pulleys but you have to buy the pulley and the hub seperate, an the pulleys are just stamped steel an look kind of flimsy to me when compared to the originals. I had to buy a new pulley for mine, and i picked it up at the local bearing and industrial supply. It was cheaper than tsc and it was a cast iron, heavy duty like the original. $22 for a 6in. 3/4 shaft, fit perfect. Matt

I have a local, family-owned place I go to for my parts, they should have some.

[c161rat 185]

Just my 2cents but I have a c161 with an 8 speed and in low one it is frequently lapped by turtles and snails. I would try the existing set up first before modifying anything. You may find that it suits your needs without any modifications. I have ran out of traction way before i lost power!!!!! that tractor would climb a tree and drag 1000 #'s with it if it could find the traction!!!!!!!!!

[meadowfield 3,027]

agree with the sentiments here... Low first on tickover will pull trees out in my garden, it's hard to even here the engine revs change tone.

[SAM58 34]

If your 12 HP is running correctly, there is no reason you can't do all that you listed with everything stock.

If you change the pulley, it will cause the belt to rub the cover making it out of aligment, the belt cover is required to make the clutch work correctly,

I think it will become a bigger job than you think.

Run it with the 12 HP & Stock Pulleys.

:twocents-02cents: =.04

[Forest Road 595]

My brother in law and I were horsing around last summer and decided to tow my new F150 crew cab. My 312-8 was in second or third low and pulled with ease. Once we got to the hill the tires dig holes in the gravel driveway. If it aint broke dont fix it!

[Don1977 606]

My !977 C-120 used a none standard size key for the 5/8" input shaft on the transmission. Any other 5/8 bore pulley you buy will have a larger key way. That is if your is like mine.

[varosd 1,185]

I agree to leave it stock for now. My Dad's B-80 in L1 is perfect to pull stuff or along. I remember as a kid when most lawnmowers went over to high HP vertical shaft engines. Neighbors would try to hook up a chain and try to pull bushes out etc and had to always come over to get my Dad to do the job with the B-80!