D160 - I'm looking at one...

[dyt4000 2]

I'm looking at a D160 and would love for the membership to give me the good the bad and the ugly about these tractors. Please tell me what to look for that's specific to this model.

 

Thanks!

 

David

Edited September 3, 2013 by dyt4000

[JamesBe1 84]

Hmmm.  Personally speaking, I like the D-series.  The D-160 is obviously the smaller of the series.  They came with the onan engine, which I believe most people are not too fond of.  Also, the rear pto and 3 point hitch were options on that tractor (as opposed to being standard on the D-200).  You might want to make sure that the tractor has those if you want to hang any attachments off of the back of it.

Also, check out the hydro system.  If it makes loud whining sounds, it is probably on it's way out.  Repairs can be costly and difficult.  At least there is a fair amount of info here on rebuilding the hydro systems.

[dyt4000 2]

I don't know about the rear PTO but it does have the three point lift arms and center link. They claim that it only has about 630 hours on it. What is the beef with the Onan?

[bitten 134]

The D's are a beast of a garden tractor.

74' and 75' model years had the Kohler in them, but with only 630 hrs I would say that it is a newer model. 

Good luck

[dyt4000 2]

Are 630 hours too many for the Onan? Still would like to know what makes them troublesome...

[pfrederi 18,696]

I would check out the hydro very carefully.  Run it for 15-20 minutes driving it around get it warmed up.  then put the front wheels up against something immovable and see if it will spin the wheels on pavement with you sitting on it.

[dyt4000 2]

No feedback on the Onan?

[Irv 115]

Onans are a good motor but they are no longer in business and if you need parts they are hard to get and exspensive.

[Trouty56 567]

D series are big and clumsy.....just not a tractor to jump on and get it done quick....a 160 is about 900 lbs maybe more.....the steering can be a weak spot...I really only turn the wheel when moving to avoid any unnecessary wear....  The coupler between the engine and pump strip sometimes....or worse the splines on the pump shaft strip.  Possibly these tractors were asked to do bigger jobs than designed to do and maybe that had something to do with the hydro issues that a lot of owners deal with.  The removal of the steering wheel and rear hubs can be the hardest job to tackle in Wheelhorse repair history....  Attachments are big and take up lots of room.....they attach easy but are heavy/awkward....  I don't have an Onan engine but I would not be afraid because of that...  Take it for a long ride and then see if the hydro loses any strength.....if it does....walk away!!!  The hydro should brake for you also.....you should be able to creep down a hill.....I've read where strong hydros run away a little down a hill....I would not like that.  You can get other engines.....a good hydro is not so easy to get your hands on....or replace.

 

I like my D-180.....drives like a big old Caddy.....smooth ride....engine sounds great.  I like the looks....it grows on you......  Nice to have but it is not used much.....

 

Good luck and heed advice about the hydro system from the members here.....

Edited September 4, 2013 by Trouty56

[JackC 617]

All good advice so far.  The early D-160 (maybe 1975?) had a single cylinder Kohler.  After that they had twin cylinder ONANs.   I have two D-160s with ONANs and other than fuel pumps and carburetor cleaning I have had no problems with the engines.  639 hours should be low if the engine was maintained properly with oil changes.  You could do a compression test on the engine and if it is the twin ONAN look for around 110 pounds on each cylinder.  There should be less than 10% difference.  i only use mine when I need a brute to move things around but they are neat machines and I like having them in my collection.

[dyt4000 2]

This is a tough call. I'm now between the Wheel Horse and a John Deere 425. Both have 3 point hitch setups. Both are the same money with about the same hours. As I already have a Wheel Horse I'm leaning towards the Deere...

[pfrederi 18,696]

At the risk of being ridden out of town on a rail I would have to go with the JD425.  It has a reliable Kawasaki motor (better parts availability than the Onan) and it has a 540 rpm PTO, much easier to get implements for.

 

http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/0/4/43-john-deere-425.html

[JackC 617]

I agree with Paul and would go with the JD425.

[dyt4000 2]

Well, I drank the green kool-aid. I bought the JD 425 and it has to be the quietest gas engine I've ever used with the exception of maybe my 2hp B&S edger...lol. It came with the 3 point hitch and 540 PTO already installed and has only 427 hours on it. It's a 2001 so no worries about the cam gear. It's my first green tractor as I've always been a Cub Cadet and Wheel Horse fan. That being said, this thing is a hoot! Still getting used to the idea of power steering on a garden tractor but I think I'll be able to adapt...lol. I've already purchased a Heavy Hitch adapter and garbage can carrier. Here it is taking out the trash...

 

[JamesBe1 84]

Pretty cool.  That's the first time I've ever seen a garbage can adaptor.

[bitten 134]

Blasphemy 

[Sycoticca 37]

"GREEN"...    Paint it RED..... It would run better and last longer too.

Edited October 3, 2013 by Sycoticca

[dyt4000 2]

Not to fear! I still have my Wheel Horse and my IH Cub LoBoy...trust me, they are going no where!

[leeave96 490]

The 425 is a awesome garden tractor!

Very nice find. You'll love that tractor.

[JackC 617]

You made the right choice.

[dyt4000 2]

Thanks! The Wheel Horse was equally equipped with a 3 point but the foot controlled hydro on the Deere was a contributing factor.

 

Here's the D160 I was looking at...

 

http://brunswick.craigslist.org/grd/4072301853.html

[Trouty56 567]

Yikes!!!  3500 clams is a on the top side of the price spectrum....IMHO.....but if you were considering....what do I know.....

Edited October 7, 2013 by Trouty56

[dyt4000 2]

Well, high quality garden tractors aren't real plentiful around here...especially Wheel Horses! I paid less for the Deere.

Edited October 7, 2013 by dyt4000

[Jack Fate 7]

deere looks good d160 looks good too (really a lot better)  

bet the WH mows better.

 

But if you wanted a mower you'd got a Simplicity right

[dyt4000 2]

I was looking for an all purpose tractor...so far, this one fits the bill! My biggest concern with the Wheel Horse / Onan was parts availability.