C & D series- help me figure out what I want

[Jeff1981 18]

Good morning,

As I’ve been reading more about the 520-8 I acquired I’ve also been trying to figure out what I’d like to trade it for- looking for some help with understanding models.

 

i really like the c-161 style, as well as the d180 style- and I want to have a 48” deck and  probably but not definitely a hydro trans. I am after a working tractor, not a show machine, and I definitely want a snowplow or snow blower. 

 

I am am not overly fond of the slanted hood like the c-175... nor the tractors in a similar style to the 520 I have. 

 

What models do you all suggest would fit the bill? How much horsepower do I really need? Are the older hydros reliable? 

 

I mow 4.5 acres weekly and have a long driveway to keep clear of snow, though we don’t get a lot of snow here compared to many states. 

[squonk 43,952]

C series . 160 or 120 8 speed .Better parts and attachment availability. More dependable. 

Edited July 4, 2019 by squonk

[ebinmaine 73,024]

I'm going to put in my vote for a 1973 to 1981 C Series with a 16 horse. I prefer Gear Drive tractors but I can see the practicality of a hydro for certain things.

Parts availability for a c series of any year is excellent.

Not so much for the d-series.

I don't own any of the d-series but my impression is that the c is more reliable overall.

[peter lena 9,318]

agree with squonk and others on this issue, the practicality of a c series just makes sense. like stated , you can pick or build one of those fairly easy. modify it to your needs, pete

[Jeff1981 18]

Great info, thanks! Can anyone comment on the reliability of the C series hydro trans? Also plow vs snowblower? I’m assuming either way I’d need weights and chains. We get a lot of the 1-3” slushy snow here. 

[ebinmaine 73,024]

6 minutes ago, Jeff1981 said:

Great info, thanks! Can anyone comment on the reliability of the C series hydro trans? Also plow vs snowblower? I’m assuming either way I’d need weights and chains. We get a lot of the 1-3” slushy snow here. 

I'll let the others comment on the hydro.

 

As far as snow blower vs snow plow. They're two completely different modes of removal.

If you're only getting 1 to 3 inches of slushy snow most of the time you definitely want to get a plow. A snow blower needs to have a certain volume of material moving through it to be effective and they are also not super fond of slush or very heavy snow.

Weights 'n chains are also highly preferred. There are those that don't consider them to be a necessity and I respect that opinion but here on my mountainside we can't even move without them.

The tractor I use for snow removal is a 1974 C-160. I have all four tires fluid-filled and cleated ice chains and also a hundred pounds of steel weight. The fluid alone weighs 255 lb.

 

Edited July 4, 2019 by ebinmaine

[pfrederi 18,719]

Early C series will have Sundstrand Hydros  later years will have Eatons. Both are reliable units IF they were maintained properly.  The parking brake in the Sunstrands if misused could damage the unit.  More important than the type is to test it before you buy it.  Get it warmed up and put it against an immovable object The tractor should dig its rear wheels in dirt or spin then on pavement.

 

My personal choice is Sundstrands i have 6.  and only 1 Eaton.  The Eatons slow initial response for the lift bothers me.

 

I live in NEPA.  90-95% of the time i use the plow for snow removal.  Last couple years the blower went unused.

Edited July 4, 2019 by pfrederi

[ZXT 2,401]

I will also jump in on the C-series bandwagon. 

 

There are 3 C-series, a C120, a C141 and a C160 on my place. All hydros, and all are still strong after 40+ years. I know the C141 hasn't had the transmission oil or filter changed in at least 25 years. 

 

People say that the key to keeping the hydro units happy is keeping clean oil in them. Change it fairly regularly and I doubt you will ever have a problem.

 

I don't live up in your area, but I will say that finding attachments for a C series will be easier (and cheaper) than finding them for a D series. Plus, you can't beat the simplicity of a K series Kohler. Parts for both the tractor and the engine are readily available. 

[squonk 43,952]

If you're mowing 4.5 acres all the time I'd go 8 speed unless you have 4 million obstacles to go around.

[dkg520 527]

Here may be a good trade.  1975 C160-8

[Jeff1981 18]

8 minutes ago, dkg520 said:

Here may be a good trade.  1975 C160-8

That's a nice looking machine, are the armrests removable? Could the muffler be put back to stock? What about mower deck and mule drive? (I'm thinking that's what it's called?) Is that the Kohler engine? 

[dkg520 527]

The arm rest are original and removable.  It’s all original and yes it’s the original 16hp Kohler.  

[ericj 1,579]

@Jeff1981 pm sent. you might want to use your 520-8 for a while to see how you like it before you go and trade it off and get ride of it. Like been said before wheel horse's are pack animals and like to be in a heard. You might find you want more then one tractor for different attachments. that's why most of us on here have more then 1 horse lol

 

 

 

 

eric j 

[Goofey 89]

why is it so many say 8 speed. A hydro is a million times easier when mowing and many other chores. + you get the hydro lift. I don't get it. Is it because a 8 speed is more like a "real" tractor or what?

[pfrederi 18,719]

13 minutes ago, Goofey said:

why is it so many say 8 speed. A hydro is a million times easier when mowing and many other chores. + you get the hydro lift. I don't get it. Is it because a 8 speed is more like a "real" tractor or what?

 

 

I have both and each has advantages depending on its usage.  for snow plowing and Snow blowing hydros are the only way to go.  The much faster reverse when plowing and infinite speed control when blowing are why I like them.

 

For rototiling 8 speeds 1st gear low range....

 

For mowing it depends.  I like the set it and forget it 8 speed.  With 17 hp up hill down hill thick grass or thin she just moves along at the same speed.  with a hydro you have to make constant adjustments to speed if you have a hilly yard.  The hydro hand controls are awkward for me anyway.  I converted one to the foot control and it is better but I still use the 8 speed more often...but then I am not in a rush.  

[Jeff1981 18]

2 hours ago, dkg520 said:

The arm rest are original and removable.  It’s all original and yes it’s the original 16hp Kohler.  

I think I would be interested in that! Feel free to shoot me a pm if you’d like to discuss further. 

[squonk 43,952]

1 hour ago, Goofey said:

why is it so many say 8 speed. A hydro is a million times easier when mowing and many other chores. + you get the hydro lift. I don't get it. Is it because a 8 speed is more like a "real" tractor or what?

"As Paul said set it and forget it" Hydros are great for constant stopping and backing up like around trees flower beds ect. The OP is mowing 4.5 acres. Unless he's mowing Arlington National Cemetery , I doubt there's much stopping and backing up. I have many obstacles in my yard so I prefer a hydro. Plus with all that mowing the OP is doing, I'd worry about chaff build up on the hydro cooling fins.

[Jeff1981 18]

6 minutes ago, squonk said:

"As Paul said set it and forget it" Hydros are great for constant stopping and backing up like around trees flower beds ect. The OP is mowing 4.5 acres. Unless he's mowing Arlington National Cemetery , I doubt there's much stopping and backing up. I have many obstacles in my yard so I prefer a hydro. Plus with all that mowing the OP is doing, I'd worry about chaff build up on the hydro cooling fins.

Good point- I do have obstacles but generally use a push mower around them. I have some hateful hills too, so perhaps the gear drive would handle them better. 

[ericj 1,579]

1 minute ago, Jeff1981 said:

Good point- I do have obstacles but generally use a push mower around them. I have some hateful hills too, so perhaps the gear drive would handle them better. 

 

2 hours ago, ericj said:

you might want to use your 520-8 for a while to see how you like it before you go and trade it off and get ride of it

hind sight is 20/20, don't get in a rush if you haven't tried it much yet. There is almost nothing that beats that big Onan sound running up against the governor. and I think it safe to say that it  is one of the most powerful motors wheel horse installed on a tractor. The D200 might have more power out of that K532, but the tractor is more cumbersome and the attachments are harder to find. I have a D200 that dad bought when I was a kid, so I have both. I do prefer the 520  

 

 

eric j

[Jeff1981 18]

4 minutes ago, ericj said:

 

hind sight is 20/20, don't get in a rush if you haven't tried it much yet. There is almost nothing that beats that big Onan sound running up against the governor. and I think it safe to say that it  is one of the most powerful motors wheel horse installed on a tractor. The D200 might have more power out of that K532, but the tractor is more cumbersome and the attachments are harder to find. I have a D200 that dad bought when I was a kid, so I have both. I do prefer the 520  

 

 

eric j

The Onan is sure powerful! This tractor certainly meets all my needs... but growing up my neighbor had a d200 and a c121 and I guess I’m just chasing the nostalgia! We had a Cub Cadet with a cast iron Kohler and I sure loved the sound! 

[Jeff1981 18]

Here’s a link with a bunch more pictures.

 

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/FCrD0zSoRTemENNHuT7ndA.A0UhfMg2K7xASkLI-7WgWA

[DrabHorse 2]

4.5 acres is a large area to mow, what are you mowing with now, and how long does it take?  My property is also 4.5 acres, but some of it is woods, so I'm mowing about 3 acres I would guess.  I use a 520H with either a 48" or 60" deck depending on the weather and other factors.  Even with the 60" deck, it can take awhile to mow, maybe if you have super smooth ground and can travel a bit faster it would not be too bad.  

[Jeff1981 18]

8 hours ago, DrabHorse said:

4.5 acres is a large area to mow, what are you mowing with now, and how long does it take?  My property is also 4.5 acres, but some of it is woods, so I'm mowing about 3 acres I would guess.  I use a 520H with either a 48" or 60" deck depending on the weather and other factors.  Even with the 60" deck, it can take awhile to mow, maybe if you have super smooth ground and can travel a bit faster it would not be too bad.  

I had been mowing with an old cub cadet 71 with a 38” deck, which took about 7-8 hours to mow the place. That mower burned (fuel leaked onto the hot engine) a couple weeks ago and I was able to trade my way into this 520. I mowed  yesterday and was done in 5 hours, so this is quite a bit faster. 

[ebinmaine 73,024]

6 minutes ago, Jeff1981 said:

I had been mowing with an old cub cadet 71 with a 38” deck, which took about 7-8 hours to mow the place. That mower burned (fuel leaked onto the hot engine) a couple weeks ago and I was able to trade my way into this 520. I mowed  yesterday and was done in 5 hours, so this is quite a bit faster. 

That's quite a difference

 

8 hours in a month

 

Same as not needing to mow one time if it takes you 7 or 8 hours with the old Cub

[82Caddy 851]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say a zero turn would be the best bang for your buck with all that mowing.  There'd be no having to use a push mower to get close to anything, it's by far faster then any tractor I've seen mow and it'll cut your mowing time easily in half.

 

You could keep the 520 for snow duties or trade it for a c series to do the same thing.

 

I'd avoid a d series and I've  had a few.  While good tractors when maintained, parts and attachments are scarce then expensive when you do find some.  The turning radius is huge and are like driving a dump truck around (big, heavy and slow).

 

Just another thought for you to consider.