YOOPER906 13 #1 Posted November 23, 2016 Hi everybody, I'm new to the site and new to wheel horse's in general. I recently moved and needed a lawn tractor as well as for snow removal. I ran across a c161 twin Speed on craigslist. The tractor is in excellent condition as a restoration took place approximately 5 years ago. The tractor had sat for a couple years when I went to check it out. Tractor was starving for fuel. (used to be a small engine technician). That didn't bother me. I paid $950 for the tractor, which included the mower deck and a single stage snowblower. I later have found out that the c161 was a bit more rare and parts can be tougher to find. $100 in parts and a couple hours of my time that tractor runs great. Just curious if I over paid for the tractor and is it something i should be nervous about as far as parts. Thanks Guys, Mike 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #2 Posted November 23, 2016 Mike, first order of business . Glad you could join us. If it was restored and done well with clean attachments it don't sound to bad. But, pictures would help and we all like pictures here. Will be looking forward to some and best of luck. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YOOPER906 13 #3 Posted November 23, 2016 (edited) Currently this is the best I can do tonight, I will try for more pictures tomorrow when I'm home. The snowblower is in matching conditions with no rust and good paint. Edited November 23, 2016 by YOOPER906 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #4 Posted November 23, 2016 This thing is gonna be a snow pushing horse...(horse) lolololo and there are a couple of members near Fenton,,,,they might chime in soon maybe......If it is clean and quiet....it sounds like the hard (fun) work has already been done,,,, MAybe sevice it....oil,change ,,,,the rear axle fluid,,,,,new fuel filter,,,and air filter....ethenol free fuel if needed....Oh,,,and new fuel lines.. Welcome to the Fireside.....this place can keep your brain warm with good help..... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aldon 4,826 #5 Posted November 23, 2016 I agree with Glenn. Some folks prefer to get something inexpensive and then pour money and lots of time into it. You paid basically 1050 total, and the snowblower if in similar shape is good for ~ 200. ~ 800 for a well running recentish refresh/restore is not smoking good deal but not too bad. The tractor parts that differ from most of that era are primarily the engine, hood and headlight lens. I have a Twin Briggs Hydro C-161 and really like the engine. Although Kohlers are the mainstream. Enjoy your tractor! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YOOPER906 13 #6 Posted November 23, 2016 (edited) 857 Horse The hardwork or like you said fun is done. Ran rough when purchasing, would only run on choke. Went home, pulled the plug and pickup line out of the tank to drain the old gas, of course the rubber grommet crumbled lol. Picked up a new one, replaced fuel lines, completed an oil change, new plug, rebuilt and cleaned the carb and fuel pump and new filter. New air cleaner as well. Changed the gear lube in the axle, greased everything and so far so good. My only stumbling point was on top of the engine the tubes from the air cleaner push into a valve cover with mesh like filter for the oil. Mowed the lawn, which is hilly, and noticed a bit of oil leaked from that area. It appears oil bubbled out from under that cover, and there's no gasket there??? Edited November 23, 2016 by YOOPER906 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #7 Posted November 23, 2016 Nice looking tractor! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,803 #8 Posted November 23, 2016 You done good. If you had gone to a Big Box Store and paid that amount you would have come out with a small piece of junk riding mower and a snow shovel! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 24,183 #9 Posted November 23, 2016 Good to see another Michigander and another Black Hood Wheel Horse! Given your "name" YOOPER906 - are from the UP? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #10 Posted November 23, 2016 Nice looking tractor, the only thing that makes it more on the rarer side is the motor and the hood. Everything else is pretty much standard. Don't be surprised if the back fenders break on more or less go all to prices on you. Very common for that style. Very easily replaced with the standard metal fender seat pan. Some parts are still available new from Toro at astronomical prices, but most can be found on eBay or right here on Red Square or swap meet/tractor shows. As far as to what you paid. Your close to the top end. There again try and buy something of that quality new. You did alright and if taken care of will more than give you your money's worth. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 616 #11 Posted November 24, 2016 (edited) The plastic fender on the C161 is an earlier version and much thicker than the later versions. It is the only model that came with a fiberglass hood along with the smooth running twin Briggs. They are rare. One thing I like about the Wheel Horse styling is the way they have their engines hanging out. Here is some C161 eye candy. Edited November 24, 2016 by JackC 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,462 #12 Posted November 24, 2016 I wonder if the newer v-twin Vangaurd line engines would fit without alteration ? I just saw a 161 awhile back with a blown engine - would be nice to upgrade one to the bigger 21hp engine w/oil cooler ... Full pressure lube is a very nice upgrade , sure better than rod knocking splash lube engines if you ever even think about side hills . Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
