bmsgaffer 2,053 #1 Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) I have a C165 that needs an engine rebuild, and lots of paint and work. I am looking at a much better condition C165 but it has the sunstrand transmission. I would probably use most of the tractor and switch out for the eaton (for some reason i have a bias towards the eaton without any basis). I also have a C-125 8 speed that i may sell or part out and use the good body panels. I spotted a 417A that I dont know if i can get, but it intrigued me. I like the look of the C-1x5 series blackhoods, but I think I really like the KT17 series 2. So should I go for the looks and Kohler 1 lung or go for newer power with the kohler twin? Edited Title: see below. Edited February 14, 2014 by bmsgaffer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #2 Posted February 7, 2014 From my perspective,,,,that is a very tough call. I am so new to wheel horse I like every one I see. I can only wish you luck making that choice. It will be interesting to see what one wins you over and why. Best of luck. Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #3 Posted February 7, 2014 I have a c160 auto,the 16 is an absolute beast,pretty hard to slow it down,i don't own a 17 twin,but its a series 2 so that's a good thing,the series 1 like to be on flat ground as they had some problems with the splash lube system,so its a tough call,both are great machines,my 160 has a rebuilt Sundstrand and its very strong,and I have an 1100 eaton and the Sundstrand is just as nice to use Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smoreau 658 #4 Posted February 7, 2014 I have two 417A's and would never trade them for anything. I really like them for there great power and easy on fuel. One has a V-blade on it and the other is the mower and blower tractor. I just bought another that needs a lot of work, but I have a KT17 i put together to put on it to make another. I really like the Kohler KT twins and Magnum twins, they are a great engine. They are my go to tractors for yard work. I repowerd a 520 with a Magnum 18 witch is a big brother to the KT17 and it worked out great to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SousaKerry 503 #5 Posted February 7, 2014 Speaking as one who has a converted C-175 auto with a series II and Eaton tranny they are the perfect storm of the best of style and utility. But converting a sundstrand to an Eaton may be more work then you realize. I would wait and find a roller with a blown engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #6 Posted February 7, 2014 I am assuming the 417 is all there and runs??? Then of course I had much rather have the 417. I could go on and on about how it does this or that, but the bottom line is its a Wheel Horse with a twin cylinder Kohler engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #7 Posted February 7, 2014 One of my rules with these garden tractors is to know my limits. rebuilding an engine is past my abilities and the price of a rebuild can be a wallet stinger! Don't own a KT-17 Series II, but have heard nothing butGREAT things about them. I would suggest you get the 417A, keep what you've got - for now, then sell the tractor you want to let go of. Other options might be buy the 417A, keep the C165, look for a donor engine or perhaps transplant the KT-17 into the C165 - if you just like that style tractor. So many options, so little time... Good luck, Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #8 Posted February 7, 2014 I am a big fan of the 417A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #9 Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) Yea the 417A is all there but the owner wont respond and its priced pretty high. So I'm loosing hope on that one. As far as converting from sunstrand to eaton, basically I would be replacing the whole rear end, pump assembly, motion control levers, etc, right? I would have the entire donor tractor to pull parts from and would probably want to get some paint on it while its apart Anyone know of a good running complete 417A? No attachments necessary. Hmm. Might have a lead on a GT1848 too.... I like that thought except not having the kohler... Edited February 7, 2014 by bmsgaffer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #10 Posted February 14, 2014 I now have a lead on a 416A How does this compare to you all that own both on fuel usage and power to the 417? I know I am looking at a Kohler vs and Onan but same transmission etc. I am refurbishing a C165 and I know that the one lunger will be better on fuel but the twins run smoother for a daily worker. Is the 416A a worthy advirsary to the 417 even though its not a kohler? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #11 Posted February 14, 2014 I really like the KT17 I or II twin flat heads. The twin cylinder is a smoother running engine than the single cylinder. I would not bother replacing a Sundstrand unless it failed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
