Back in 1979 the C-161 a rare Wheel Horse

[Wild Bill in VA 1,455]

Today I got to look over this 1979 C-161 Briggs and Stratton powered Wheel Horse with the factory fiberglass black hood and back fender. Note the hoods head light lens opening is the older style not the two sealed beam type. And the hood stand is also off earlier models along with the rear fender molded different from the later versions. Even the exhaust has a factory cut out section in the hood. This particular Wheel Horse was used to power a sawmill, hence the chain sprocket on the PTO pulley. It needs a little work, but it is being restored.

Wild Bill in Richmond VA

[oliver2-44 10,144]

1 hour ago, Wild Bill in VA said:

. This particular Wheel Horse was used to power a sawmill, hence the chain sprocket on the PTO pulley. It needs a little work, but it is being restored.

Wild Bill in Richmond VA

Powering a Sawmill the engine may have a lot of hours, but the transmission might be mint condition (if they kept the rubber boot on the shifter)

That sounds like an early one with that parts setup.

Edited July 23, 2023 by oliver2-44

[Handy Don 13,142]

37 minutes ago, Wild Bill in VA said:

I love the innovation of welding the sprocket onto the PTO shell. I’m gonna file that idea away for future use!

[c-series don 9,314]

I have that tractor in the automatic version, haven’t used it in years. I inherited it many years ago, but seeing this makes me want to go fire it up! @cschannuth has a fine example of the 8- speed version, perhaps the nicest one I’ve seen. I believe it belonged to his father? I don’t think he’s been on here for a while now? 

[Moonshine*Connoisseur 435]

I have one of these in the automatic flavor. Tucked away in really nice shape. Hasn't ran in years. I should get it going and bring it to the next big show.

[Racinbob 11,585]

That was the first (and my favorite) blackhood and the only year for that hood tower and dash. I've never really warmed up to the large flat dash on the other models. Tagged a C-161 Twin (Automatic or 8-Speed). They also had a C-161 with a K-341 that year but it was a square hood. 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Racinbob

[JoeM 7,889]

79 / 80 time frame was kind of a transition period. The old thick metal hoods and seat pans were being replaced. Almost like WH was experimenting with plastic.

I like the old metal stuff, especially the C model hydro's of 79, but the 80's was the change over to the Eaton 11. I have had both hydro's in both machines and the Sunstand seem tighter but are more prone to dirt because of the filter arrangement. 

The shaker engine mounts was good when new but then those rubbers fatigue and those cheap metal hoods of the early 80's rattle bad. 

That opposing briggs should be smooth as butter tho.

i have an old 79 C141 hydro that runs good but looks bad. Thought about an engine swap. I have a decent Onan 18 out of a sears or Kohler M16 for choices. Onan will need a electric clutch. Or just keep the 14. IDK. 

Got a decent 14 black hood worker in the barn. 

Nice find Bill. Just made me think. 

 

[cschannuth 3,817]

21 hours ago, c-series don said:

I have that tractor in the automatic version, haven’t used it in years. I inherited it many years ago, but seeing this makes me want to go fire it up! @cschannuth has a fine example of the 8- speed version, perhaps the nicest one I’ve seen. I believe it belonged to his father? I don’t think he’s been on here for a while now? 

I still pop in from time to time. Here’s my late father’s 1978 he babied for decades before he passed when I got it and how it looks today. He replaced the original seat pan with the metal version. It still pushes snow 54” at a time every winter. Thanks for the nice words. 

Edited July 24, 2023 by cschannuth

[c-series don 9,314]

@Moonshine*Connoisseur We would love to see pictures of your C-161 even if it’s not running! We love pictures! That being said I guess I should go take a few pictures of mine and post them! 
 I have all of the 78-79 C-Series except a C-101, and the C-161 Twin 8-Speed.