cdsl810 181 #1 Posted August 10, 2015 (edited) I have the opportunity to buy one of these:A C-125 Auto with low hours and great condition, or a C-175 Auto that has worked much harder and is in good but worn condition. I have no experience with the 17hp Kohler Twin, but I have had great experiences with the K series single cylinder engines. From a maintenance standpoint I feel that the C-125 may be more reliable. I can't buy both. I welcome your opinions and perspective. Edited August 10, 2015 by cdsl810 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aldon 4,828 #2 Posted August 10, 2015 I would probably choose the C125 for low hours and good condition. If both were in similar shape, then perhaps it would come down to what primary usage was planned. JMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,156 #3 Posted August 10, 2015 C-125 for sure 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #5 Posted August 10, 2015 C-125 for sure Ditto on the C125 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsl810 181 #6 Posted August 10, 2015 All I will *need* it for is to push a front blade, mid grader, and haul clevis hitch attachments. It will be a backup mower. No loader, snowblower, or tiller. Just pushing and scraping. It will be for the kids when it's not working. I have two powerhouse Horses for anything big and power hungry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #7 Posted August 10, 2015 All I will *need* it for is to push a front blade, mid grader, and haul clevis hitch attachments. It will be a backup mower. No loader, snowblower, or tiller. Just pushing and scraping. It will be for the kids when it's not working. I have two powerhouse Horses for anything big and power hungry. The C 125 sounds like its made for your needs. Dont forget pics when you choose. Best of luck.Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #8 Posted August 10, 2015 If you have a less than flat yard, definitely the C125. If your yard is flat, then it would be a harder decision from my experience between the two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #9 Posted August 10, 2015 The twins are nice running engines, but from a practicality standpoint the C-125 will be cheaper to maintain and use less fuel running and will easily handle all of those tasks you have laid out.I would prefer an 8 speed for those tasks but an Auto will do just fine. If you ever do have to mow with it though, remember the Auto sill suck around 2hp right off the top, so size your deck for a 10hp (My opinion is no more than a 42"). I would consider putting a foot pedal kit on it for the hydro if you keep it as such.Oh and I have extensively used a grader blade over the last couple months and it was SIGNIFICANTLY better and easier to use on the manual lift tractors, so don't change out your lift to hydro for best use of the grader blade. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsl810 181 #10 Posted August 10, 2015 (edited) I just looked at the C-125 Auto. The tractor pictured was not the tractor I saw. This on has 1015 hours on it with a transplanted seat pan (rear fender). The carb has a fuel leak at the bowl. The battery is shot (not a deal breaker). The choke cable is broken. One of the motor mount positions needs a new rubber grommet. It is actually a 1980 model with the Sundstrand. It can be pushed when off, so I don't know if there is a valve issue with the hydro, or if it is like the Eaton, and that's normal. The engine runs smoothly despite the carb issues, it just won't run at high rpm without flooding out. Other than the rear pan, it is solid. I'm sure it would restore nicely. Im going to meet the C-175 Auto next... Any thoughts? Edited August 10, 2015 by cdsl810 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #11 Posted August 10, 2015 I just looked at the C-125 Auto. The tractor pictured was Not the tractor I saw. This on has 1015 hours on it with a transplanted seat pan (rear fender). The carb has a fuel leak at the bowl. The battery is shot (not a deal breaker). The choke cable is broken. One of the motor mount positions needs a new rubber grommet. It is actually a 1980 model with the Sundstrand. It can be pushed when off, so I don't know if there is a valve issue with the hydro, or if it is like the Eaton, and that's normal. The engine runs smoothly despite the carb issues, it just won't run at high rpm without flooding out. Other than the rear pan, it is solid. I'm sure it would restore nicely. Im going to meet the C-175 Auto next... Any thoughts? yes, if the gas tank has a leak throw a smoke under it. Lol Did the guy miss represent the item for sale? Ummmmmmmmmm. More crazy stuff going on.Glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #12 Posted August 10, 2015 Ha. I love it when they post a picture from 5-10 years ago of the "beautiful" tractor they are selling. Or one straight up stolen.The sundstrands DO have a hydro release valve for free pushing... It should not roll if that is closed. I dont know much about the sundstrands beyond that though.The thing about the twins, they are awesome, but they will require big $$$ if you need to rebuild them. Total rebuilt on a K-341 for me (to have a shop do it) was a bit less than $500. To rebuild a Kohler twin it was a bit more than $1300. If its running good though, you should be fine. They last a long time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsl810 181 #13 Posted August 10, 2015 Ultimately, this round went to the C-125 Auto. The C-175 I looked at was priced at six bucks, and it needed valve adjustments and other maintenance on an 1180 hour engine. I didn't like the hydro lift on it either--it seemed annoyingly slow. The C-125 Auto has 1081 hours on it, and it has manual lift with a Sundstrand hydro. The K301 engine runs well, but needs a new carb float. The hydro is very strong. And, it only cost me a buck twenty-five. So, I felt more comfortable dealing with the minor issues of the C-125 than I did the C-175...especially for the price. I think the 12hp K301 will be able to handle things nicely, and since I was planning on using it as a grader, the manual lift with repeatable/adjustable height will be a plus. I will post some pics later this evening. Thanks for all your input. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #14 Posted August 11, 2015 Pics!? Good choice and good price! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsl810 181 #15 Posted August 11, 2015 This is what followed me home today. It's going to be named "Dark Horse" because of the black hood and the fact that it is the underdog of the herd, at 12hp. It's stablemates are at 20hp and 22hp. I already like it better than the 300 series, as for me, it seems more comfortable to operate. The motion lever is actually in a really good operating position, and it doesn't bother me like the one on the 520-H that is overdue for Matt's magic. The Sundstrand hydro is strong and smooth, and I don't regret that this one didn't have an Eaton. It needs work, and the mower deck is useless because of holes. But this one is a prime candidate for a restoration. The Kohler K301 is practically bullet-proof. This is a welcome addition to the herd, and I am looking forward to putting this Horse to work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
