horseyheaven 113 #1 Posted July 23, 2020 I am going to look at a d160 with loader and 3 pt tiller. It has a 16 twin Onan. I have never been around a d series. What things are problem areas and things to look for? Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kick 72 #2 Posted July 24, 2020 (edited) I own a 1974 d160 with a 16 horse single kohler and a 3 point hitch. I freshened it up roughly 14 years ago when I bought it from my friends father. As long as it’s been maintained it should be like any other horse- solid. Make sure the spider bushing isn’t ready to grenade (the union between your engine crank and hydraulic pump). Take a look at the condition of all the hydraulic lines. From research on this forum there are some bolts that could come loose in the transaxle. I don’t remember exactly but I never had the issue. I just plow snow and cruise mine around so it doesn’t see constant service. Implements may be a little harder to come bye but they are out there. I’m sure other d owners will chime in. Good luck if you purchase. Edited July 24, 2020 by kick 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,177 #3 Posted July 24, 2020 Ahhh, the BIG D's -- kind of a ... love/hate thing with them (undeserved in my opinion!) The hyrostat drive by Sundstrand is the first thing to ck out. Drive it, moving between rev & fwd. Butt the bucket against a tree, or any thing solid and with throttle up it should spin the wheels easily. If it passes these it may still have a weakness, but the drive can be repaired if not neglected too long. The steering can get a lot of slop, but again here, it can be fixed. The Onan if in good/decent condition is a real bear, very strong -- and most everybody LOVES the sound of an Onan when up on the throttle! It can be a bit finicky in tuning.... And of course you'll want the loader and tiller to be good, so check them over. Now, if you buy it and it runs/drives OK, as SOON as possible change the hydro fluid/filter, take the tins off the engine and check for chaff buildup in the fins and change the oil/filter. You never know what the PO did, or didnt do in maintenance. And of course if any questions arise, come to the forum here and you can bet somebody can help you out!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
