KetchupHead 1 #1 Posted May 28, 2014 I have an opportunity to buy a C-175 for a fair price. The guy has two to pick from in comparable shape. One has a 17hp Kohler and the other an Onan 18hp. Both run very well. Which one would you buy to mow 1 1/2 acres? Thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #2 Posted May 28, 2014 Is that a flat 1.5 acres? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KetchupHead 1 #3 Posted May 28, 2014 Not all of it. I have a hill in my back yard that is about 20+ degrees. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,156 #4 Posted May 28, 2014 If it is the series 2 kohler 17 that would be my choice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #5 Posted May 28, 2014 Is the 18 HP Onan on a 518 with an Eaton 700 pump? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KetchupHead 1 #6 Posted May 28, 2014 It's on a C-175 with a Sundstrand 90. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #7 Posted May 29, 2014 Ok then! If the Onan is on a C-175, it's a transplant engine. Nothing wrong with that if it was done correctly. This is a tuff one! If the KT17 Kohler is a Series I and you have a hill to mow on, I say no to that tractor. If the C-175 with the Kohler is a Series II KT17, then i say yes to it. Especially true if the C-175 that has the Kohler engine also has the Eaton 1100 transmission. (You stated the Onan powered C-175 has a Sundstrand but you didn't say what the Kohler powered trannie is) The transplanted Onan is a good engine but the Sundstrand transmission is great until it breaks. then your hosed! (they are older transmissions and parts and the people to work on them are hard to find). Both engines are expensive to rebuild! Both engines have some "issues" that crop up with the exception of the Series II full oil pressure KT17. Depending on how much the gentleman is asking, for mowing 1.5 acres, you may want to look elsewhere. Again! It depends on how much he is asking dollar wise! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KetchupHead 1 #8 Posted May 29, 2014 Boovuc. The kohler has a Sandstrand as well. It's a KT17 but I don't know if its a series 1 or 2? How can I tell the difference? The price is $650 for each tractor. In Connecticut that price reasonable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #9 Posted May 29, 2014 On the spec number of the engine, the improved Series II engine will have a spec number higher than 24300. Normally, they would also state it right on the engine's air cleaner that it is a Series II but to be sure, look at the spec number. Chances are it is a Series I which were prone to problems due to oil starvation. Especially running them on hills. My own opinion is 650 each is too much. Again, this is my opinion only. If only one of those tractors had an Eaton 1100 in it, it would be worth it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baerpath 517 #10 Posted May 29, 2014 I would go with the KT 17, what shape are the decks in, are the bodies in good shape. $650 is high but might be worth it if everything is in good shape. No way to tell from here if ones better than the other Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KetchupHead 1 #11 Posted May 31, 2014 Thank you for the info guys. I bought a C-175 from a different guy that was very well taken care of. It is all original with low hours. Again... Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,196 #12 Posted May 31, 2014 IMHO...a great choice. Congratulations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,571 #13 Posted May 31, 2014 Thank you for the info guys. I bought a C-175 from a different guy that was very well taken care of. It is all original with low hours. Again... Thank you for sharing your knowledge. The important consideration for the 17 hp Kohler is if the engine is a Series 1 or Series 2. Given the slope of your land, a Series 1 engine can easily encounter oil starvation issues and suffer in the long term. A Series 2 with an oil pump will not have these same issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwilson 128 #14 Posted May 31, 2014 I have a C-175 with a series 1 KT17 and an eaton 1100 HYDRO. I have had no issues with it on hills or anything. I have been running my tractor on hills, up, down, and side to side. Dont get me wrong I still have a concern for oil starvation but I dont think i'm going to worry about it too much. Most important thing to remember is to pull the dipstick before you start it. I like mine just a little above the full mark. like 1/16th or 1/8th inch. Have fun, enjoy, and good luck with your new tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #15 Posted May 31, 2014 One of my friends bought his C-175 new and it came with the series-I, he ran it all summer months for mowing and towing a cart, that thing was the reason I first bought a WH tractor. It is a great running heavy duty tractor and the Kohler went many many years with no problem, then he hired a guy to mow his property with his C-175 and you guys are already guessing what happened next....yup, oil was not checked regularly and now he has a series-II. The black hoods are a great tractor and the Kohlers are nice, but the pressurized lube in the series-II just makes it a little more forgiving if you are not going to do regular oil checks etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
