C160 vs C161 differences

[Gunny 240]

Maybe this has been answered somewhere on here, I could not find it.

I am finally getting around to cleaning up my Dad's 1979 C161.  All original, as far as I can remember, side discharge mower.  This is the last of the 4 my Dad had and have decided to just give a good cleaning and leave it as is, patina and all.  

My Son picked up a very clean C160 and we were curious about the visual/mechanical, differences.  Mine has  16 horse Kohler and his has a 16 horse Techy.

We had to rebuild 5091 Tranny and next is assemble the rest of his tractor.  He wants to do most of the work so we will work on it when he is available.  (My 857 is put on hold for a couple of days.  You Dads know the deal!)

Is more fun when he has his own that we can do together.

Surpisied to see we still have WH deals available here in East Texas!

If has a thread on the differences here, let me know.

 

Dennis

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,462]

Your son has acquired a rare bird. 

The C160 with Tecumseh engine was made for only one year. 1974. And available as a manual transmission only.  

Some say as little as 200 to 300 were produced. 

 

 

Most C160 had the Kohler engine like yours.  

 

The difference between a C160 and C161 is the years made. 

The "lean"  of the steering tower is the giveaway.  

 

First years from 1974 to 1977 had a forward angled tower. 

Seen here:

 

 

 

1978 and up had a tower front that was straight up and down 90⁰ to the frame.  

 

 

[Gunny 240]

Thanks.

That clears that question up.  We were looking, but our observation skills are lacking....

When we get them all completed, he wants to have a "Pull off".

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

The C-160 should have a rigidly mounted motor and the C-161’s motor would be on a motor mount with rubber often called a “cradle mount”. 
 

[Blasterdad 2,692]

C-160, narrow tower, big block Kohler K341 mounted to frame, gas tank under the hood, hydraulics mounted outside of tower, deeper offset front wheels.

 

1978 C-161, straight tower, hydraulics moved inside tower, first year of gas tank under the seat, battery moved into tower, first year of shaker plate engine mount, Kohler K-341 shallow oil pan engine, shallower offset front wheels, two tailights vs. one. Lip on front of footrest wider, removed turtle/rabbit - slow/fast from dashplate & electric clutch hole, replaced with Idle/Operate.

Love them both.

 

[Gunny 240]

Thanks to all replies.  Answers some questions I had....why my Dad's many spare parts included the rubber shock mounts for the motor.  He always believed in having spares and never threw anything away.  

Also, I now have pics of a WH with a tiller and snow blower attached.  Have the tiller but no snow blower, hmmm might need one of them, if they could only blow leaves!

[Blasterdad 2,692]

10 minutes ago, Gunny said:

if they could only blow leaves!

Got that covered too...

[clueless 2,989]

C-160/C161: C161= gas tank under seat, engine shaker cradle, narrow engine oil pan, battery up on tower are the big differences. Other small differences also, my '77 C-160 has twin rear tail lights.

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

Supposedly my C-160 is a 1977, but it only has 1 taillight…

[Blasterdad 2,692]

48 minutes ago, Horse Newbie said:

Supposedly my C-160 is a 1977, but it only has 1 taillight…

Yours is correct, didn't officially have 2 until '78. They're the same fender pan though...

[Gunny 240]

That leaf machine is exactly what I need!  

[ineedanother 1,369]

33 minutes ago, Gunny said:

That leaf machine is exactly what I need!  

Ah, c'mon man, we can tell you really just want the carpeted garage 

[Racinbob 11,071]

13 hours ago, Gunny said:

Thanks to all replies.  Answers some questions I had....why my Dad's many spare parts included the rubber shock mounts for the motor.  He always believed in having spares and never threw anything away.  

Also, I now have pics of a WH with a tiller and snow blower attached.  Have the tiller but no snow blower, hmmm might need one of them, if they could only blow leaves!

 

Hey @Ed Kennell Gunny needs a picture of your leaf blower!! If I can ever find the older style blower I'll be steeling your patent. 

 

Or was it one of the other great minds @953 nut ??

Edited February 8, 2023 by Racinbob

[Ed Kennell 38,165]

Here ya go Bob.        Good pic of Richards leaf blower on post #68.       I have the same blower.      

 

Fun thread! What’s the most interesting attachment you have seen/own? Most useful? - Page 2 - Implements and Attachments - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

[Racinbob 11,071]

10 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

Here ya go Bob.        Good pic of Richards leaf blower on post #68.       I have the same blower.      

 

 

No wonder I was confused. You both have them, Those older style belt drive blowers are hard to find anymore. I left one in the attic down in Florida when we moved back here. 

[Ed Kennell 38,165]

4 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

Those older style belt drive blowers are hard to find anymore

Do you need one Bob?     May be one could appear at the big show.

[Racinbob 11,071]

Thanks Ed. I'll keep that in mind. The big show is ??? for me this year.

[rmaynard 15,449]

 

14 hours ago, Horse Newbie said:

Supposedly my C-160 is a 1977, but it only has 1 taillight…

 

What is interesting about the 76/77 C-160 rear fender pan is that it is the same one used on the 76/77 B-60, B-80, B-100, C-120, and C-160. The mounting holes for the tail light was on all of them, and because the B-60/80/100 had no lights, the Wheel Hoese decal was placed over top of the holes.

[Racinbob 11,071]

1 hour ago, rmaynard said:

 

 

What is interesting about the 76/77 C-160 rear fender pan is that it is the same one used on the 76/77 B-60, B-80, B-100, C-120, and C-160. The mounting holes for the tail light was on all of them, and because the B-60/80/100 had no lights, the Wheel Hoese decal was placed over top of the holes.

Yes, the B's and C's in 76 & 77 were identical body and frame wise. The headlight kit was optional. Apparently the decal placement was at the whim of the installer that day. The decal on my 76 is low like yours. I bought the headlight kit over the counter and I don't recall if I had to drill holes or not.