C-175 New to me - clueless newbie

[Brockport Bill 1,971]

I have had for 32 years a 312-8 I bought in 1989 -- great machine !  But knowledge of other WHs is limited --- Just obtained a C-175 hydro - ( 0117KE03 ) totally unfamiliar to me -- no real knowledge of it, what to expect, how it runs and performs, how it operates, how to take care of it, etc?????????? So I thought I'd ask the experts and C-175 owners what should I look for, mechanically, engine, hydro, tranny, hoses, the lift, etc?  And any attachments insights - mower, blower, plow -- heck, I have no idea how the hydro even works -- ok, don't laugh --  Need guidance - so any suggestions? No info is too simple to offer -- Many thanks - oh yeah, important info --- its not running yet but hopefully will soon after it goes to the tractor doctor next week.

[haydendavid380 759]

You're going to want to find the spec number of that engine.

 

I wouldn't put any more money into a series 1.

[oliver2-44 10,778]

The tractors 17 Hp Kohler engine was made as a series I and then a Series II.  The series I suffered from engine lubrication problems/failures especially on a slope.  With that said there are Series I engine still in use and running fine.  Some recommend keeping the oil level a little over full on a Series I to compensate for any questionable usage when operating on a slope.  The Series II has improved lubrication to take care of that problem.  See if you engine has a decal on it that sayys "Series II, or post the engine serial number here and the pro's can tell you where it falls. good luck with your new WH.   

[AMC RULES 37,211]

The KT-17.5 engine serial #'s ending in 300 and above are series 2.

[Brockport Bill 1,971]

is this what you need ????  spec # 24223 -- model # KT 17S

[pfrederi 18,712]

Yes that makes it a Series 1.  But if it runs and doesn't smoke and you take care of it it will run a long time.  Avoid using it on steep lopes for extended periods. as mentioned keep the oil a bit over filled. They are smooth powerful engines.  i have 3 (I think) KT17s.  One is a series one with well over 2000 hours on her.  She smokes for a couple minutes on start up but still starts and runs well. 

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

24 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

if it runs and doesn't smoke and you take care of it it will run a long time

 

Yep.  Since 1980 on mine.  No idea the hours on it but must be a lot.  No smoke, no oil consumption, still has both rods intact and no holes in the block.

 

The 'horror stories' you hear are exaggerated.  They aren't as bad as 'all that'.

 

@Brockport Bill

Edited March 20, 2021 by Jeff-C175

[Brockport Bill 1,971]

thanks for reassurance -- i have my 312-8 -- been great --- and now two C175s i just got so starting my adventure --- here's another question -- its not running yet but when i try to roll it or push it the wheels are almost unmovable - do i need to do something to release the hydro -- or another locking mechanism -- or is the tranny /hydro wrecked and frozen?

[pfrederi 18,712]

Yours should be an eaton hydro (hydro filter points to the rear).  I have a bunch if Sunstrands but only 1 Eaton so I am no Eaton expert but it should roll slowly with out a lot of struggle It may help to push the motion control lever in the direction you desire to push it. Clicking noise is common while pushing.    Have you checked the tranny fluid is it clean looking?  Yours should be 10w-30 or 10w-40 motor oil.

Edited March 20, 2021 by pfrederi

[R Scheer 505]

Yeah that.  I have the Eaton and I have to set the motion lever to the direction I'm trying to push.  Don't tow the tractor, and don't try to push it quickly.  IYou will hear a clicking sound as you push it.

[AMC RULES 37,211]

For sure, you push that thing in slo-motion.