Clarification(s)

[Tankman 3,523]

I have four WH's. All great machines.

My 1st Horse, years ago, a pull start. Another great "tractor." Easier to pull than crank my '32 Farmall M. The Farmall did have rubber tires though! 1st year for that!

To the point, reading model numbers I'z a bit confused (at 65+ I'm allowed this luxury).

Lots of Horses popular nowadays seem to be "C" models, garden tractors. "B" models, lawn tractors I guess.

I think, my Raider 12 and '73 "No Name" are in the "C" class ratings? Huh?

The two 400's I have, also "C" class ratings too? What?

I'm happy I have nothing that says TORO on it. I perceive a downward trend, sheetmetal, on the two 400's. The steering vertical shaft through 16 ga cold rolled steel....well, oops. Cheezamundo. Both 400's, removed the 3/8" horiz hood pivot rods, were worn to high you-know-what. Installed shoulder bolds with hair pin cotter's keepin' the nuts in place, vibration would shake 'em loose. Next time, removable, replaceable bushings.

I would never have use for a "B", my Stallions have all earned a living. They continue to do so. "Doze" snow, plow the earth, mowed, swept, tilled. Lots of wo....wo....work.

[Rollerman 290]

A "C series" is a model designation.

C series tractors were built from 74 through 84.

Your Raider & 73 "no name" predates the C designation, just as your 400 series came along afterwards in 1985.

There were three styles of the C series first generation are very compareable to your 73 "no name", 2nd generation had the new wide body style, then the 3rd generation used the black hood & plastic rear fender.

Those are just things you can spot at a glance, there were several small changes made between the differant C's.

[Tankman 3,523]

Thanks Rollerman, cleared up my thinkin'.

I've seen the black hoods as well as numerous destroyed beyond repair, plastic rear fenders.

Never desired a "plastic" fender Horse. :-(

[rmaynard 16,344]

The "B" series in 1974, 75, 76, and 1977 were garden tractors. My 1977 B-100's are every bit as strong a unit as the C's that came out with it and followed it. During those years, every attachment that could be put on a C, could also be put on a B. Other than the '74 and '75, they were built on the same frame, have the same 8-speed, 8 pinion transaxle, and are in every way the exact same tractor as C of the same year, minus headlights, and a couple of horsepower.

[varosd 1,185]

The "B" series in 1974, 75, 76, and 1977 were garden tractors. My 1977 B-100's are every bit as strong a unit as the C's that came out with it and followed it. During those years, every attachment that could be put on a C, could also be put on a B. Other than the '74 and '75, they were built on the same frame, have the same 8-speed, 8 pinion transaxle, and are in every way the exact same tractor as C of the same year, minus headlights, and a couple of horsepower.

Bob is right on target! The 70's B's had the Kohler engine and finally they changed the 8 and 10 hp Kohlers to the C series and the B's only had a Briggs in it.

[boovuc 1,090]

The blackhoods had both plastic and steel fender pans. Most metal pans on the Garden Tractors would fit the blackhoods if you matched an 8 speed to an 8 speed and hydro to hydro.

My C-175 came with a steel fender pan from the dealer. I was told that some dealers would swap them out before they sold them.

The blackhoods are one of those designs that you either hate or love. Not much middle ground. I love mine because it's still a rugged WH garden tractor and it's different. I think there is more room under a blackhood than the older C series hood. Maybe a little more wiggle room for mods and engine swaps/muffler positioning than the newer hoods too.

[Racinbob 11,978]

Another one here saying rmaynard is correct. My 76 B-80 was a new leftover unit I bought new in 78. The price was right and it was for all purposes a C series. 8 pinion transaxle and 1 1/8" axles. If I have my numbers right the rear tires were 23-7.50 instead of 23-8.50. It quickly became a "C-160" and I used the 8 hp on an 854. That confused B/C series worked it's tail lights off on our 26 acres in Indiana before getting sold to move down her in 2000.

[rmaynard 16,344]

...If I have my numbers right the rear tires were 23-7.50 instead of 23-8.50...

Actually, my B-100 was purchased new by the original owner with 23 x 9.50 ag lugs.