12Horse Paladin 1,038 #1 Posted November 7, 2019 (edited) I am in the process of searching for my next tractor, and it will b worked, as i hope/plan to pick up odd jobs...mainly grass cutting and snow plowing. Id like your input, as ive decided to try n find either a c160 or a comparable Blackhood...only because those blackhoods are my favorite styling of all the Horses. Id even like to find a c 165 or 175 anyway. And no matter what i know ill own a Blackhood or 2 someday...but ive read enough to know the c160 is a worker, simple and reliable. So which would you choose, and why? Manual or auto (im leaning towards manual due to the plowing aspect)? To that end, should hydraulics be considered/needed, in case i try to use a blower at some point, as well? And pics of what u run/think is best would be appreciated though totally unnecessary😊 Edited November 7, 2019 by 12Horse Paladin Info added Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 70,947 #2 Posted November 7, 2019 @JCM Jim has a c165. I'm thinking other than hood shape/size it's pretty comparable in capability to my Cinnamon Horse C-160. Safety switches maybe different? 165 may have a plastic/fiberglass seat pan? Not sure as we don't have any blackhoods here. If you like the blackhoods... Go for it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 64,776 #3 Posted November 7, 2019 A C-160 and a C-165 will be he same guts, essentially. I am not sure if possibly one is a shaker plate or not... but all the important stuff is the same Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 70,947 #4 Posted November 7, 2019 As to manual or hydros.... Trina and I both prefer Gear Drive Tractors. I understand the preference some have towards hydros... I just would rather have a manual. We use ours for grading, plowing snow, and pulling heavy loads. No real driven implements here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 27,653 #5 Posted November 7, 2019 Partial to Black Hoods... But I think both would serve you well... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 10,027 #6 Posted November 7, 2019 I also like the looks of the blackhoods and own a 1984 C-165 8 speed that has the metal seat pan and is the last one of my WH tractors that needs some work, I am not a fan of the shaker plate and would consider the solid mounts that are now available, as for the transmission type it's personal preference, but I can tell you the manual lift for a plow and or snowblower get's real old during a significant storm, you will tire from it. The C-160 is a real nice model and was top of the line in it's day. 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,865 #7 Posted November 7, 2019 26 minutes ago, 12Horse Paladin said: Manual or auto (im leaning towards manual due to the plowing aspect)? Manual's are a must in my book for ground engagement tools like tillers, mold board plows & cultivators. If you are mowing, snow blowing, and push blade plowing I would suggest a hydro. For one thing hydraulic lift is more common on a hydro and if you are going to be working for long periods of time you will be grateful that you weren't pulling on a handle all day long. Trust me your arm & shoulder will thank you at the end of the day. Second the hydro will be quicker at switching directions, this may not seem real important until you are trying to get a job done so that you can move on to the next one. 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheelwhores 107 #8 Posted November 7, 2019 Maybe a dumb question but does hydro trans also mean hydro lift...in my case for a 520h. Sorry to hijack the thread! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,865 #9 Posted November 7, 2019 1 minute ago, wheelwhores said: Maybe a dumb question but does hydro trans also mean hydro lift...in my case for a 520h. Sorry to hijack the thread! Hydraulic lift is more common on a hydro drive tractor. Mainly because they can use the hydro pump that drives the tractor to also run the hydraulic lift. On a manual trans a pump has to be added in order to run a hydraulic lift. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 10,027 #10 Posted November 7, 2019 To answer your question in relation to a 520-H yes, if you had a 1988 / 1989 516-H / 518-H you would have a Hydro trans with Manual lift, I believe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #11 Posted November 7, 2019 +1 for a C160. I prefer automatics (on GT's), but to each his own. I know many people prefer autos for plowing because you essentially have an unlimited number of speeds - no need to slip the belt to achieve your desired speed. @wheelwhores Hydro tractors do not always mean hydro lift; for example my GT-14, C-120 and C160 are all hydro tractors but the C-120 has a manual lift. A buddy of mine also has a C160 hydro with a manual lift. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,637 #12 Posted November 7, 2019 Just my I am not a fan of the shaker plate engine mounts. A gear drive may be OK for plowing or blowing snow on long runs, But for the five short (100ft) driveways I plow, the hydraulic transmission and hydraulic lift is a must. I probably reverse direction and raise the plow over a hundred times while clearing these driveways and mailboxes. I also add foot control to all my hydros so I have one hand to steer and one hand to operate the lift. 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,399 #13 Posted November 7, 2019 The Eaton 1100 transmission support a hydro lift installed The Eaton 700 hydro transmission do not support a hydro lift The Sundstrand hydro transmissions support a hydro lift 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,721 #14 Posted November 7, 2019 C-160 No shaker Less "tinny" Easier to get to the rockshaft to connect attachments Easier to grease the steering support that a lot of people forget about 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,956 #15 Posted November 7, 2019 All good choices, the big issue is finding one in good enough shape. It depends how much work with the wrenches you want to do. Those C160's in great shape get a little pricey. Don't over look the C145 or C141. I have used a C145 as a fall mower, tiller machine, plow machine etc. for years. Always had enough power. I like the hydro for the reasons Ed talked about. Hard to beat a hydraulics when plowing for a couple hours. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,172 #16 Posted November 7, 2019 Horse power is a secondary consideration for plowing snow, traction is the key factor. My ten HP 1055 manual shift will push snow just as well as my eighteen HP hydro 418-C. The primary difference is that the hydraulic lift on the 418-C allows me to function the remainder of the day once the snow plowing is finished. It consumes more gas, but it saves my arms and shoulders. I mow with a ten HP 310-8 the majority of the time for the same reason, it uses half as much gas as the 418-C and my yard is large enough (1.5 acres) that I don't change direction too frequently. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,354 #17 Posted November 7, 2019 Well here we go with my again. I have to say if you come across a C-160 hydro, they are the perfect combo of power, usability and are simple to and maintain. Mine has never let me down and the hydraulic lift simplifies the use of any attachment. I tried to use a snow thrower on my Charger 12 with the manual lift. My left arm is now 2" longer than my right arm, lets just say that I won't do that again. 9 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chip61 664 #18 Posted November 7, 2019 I really can't add anything to what Squonk and Herder said!! My C160 Auto is my favorite by far. The Cxx0 tractors are much easier to work on and maintain. And I'm no fan of the shaker mount either. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,399 #19 Posted November 7, 2019 If you come across one with the rubber shaker engine mounts for a good price, don't immediately reject it. There are aftermarket steel mounts available. One you replace the rubber mounts with steel the tractor should be just as solid as the others. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 64,776 #20 Posted November 7, 2019 I picked up a C-160 auto this summer, you guys are making me want to pull it out and give ‘Er a whirl! 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,721 #21 Posted November 7, 2019 I had a C145 hydro. Fine tractor but putting the snow blower flag on that rock shaft was a PITA. Same thing with my 520H. Just put the flag on my C160 this weekend in like 30 seconds. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,354 #22 Posted November 7, 2019 1 hour ago, pullstart said: I picked up a C-160 auto this summer, you guys are making me want to pull it out and give ‘Er a whirl! What are you waiting for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chip61 664 #23 Posted November 7, 2019 1 hour ago, pullstart said: I picked up a C-160 auto this summer, you guys are making me want to pull it out and give ‘Er a whirl! I'm thinking you won't like that tractor and you should send it down here to Virginia But...I could be wrong!!! 1 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 64,776 #24 Posted November 7, 2019 If I get it running, you guys might not like me for the price I paid. I think it was $100 or $150 all said and done I can’t recall. Either way, the guy gave me $50 back after we were loaded up and I was on my way out the drive. He said I paid him too much, after he realized I was truly a collector, not trying to make money off him. 3 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 50,816 #25 Posted November 7, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, pullstart said: the guy gave me $50 back after we were loaded up and I was on my way out the drive. Yah right and he gave you another 50 off for your good looks.... yah happens to me ALLL the time! Edited November 7, 2019 by WHX24 1 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
