Introduction
Wheel Horse C-160 Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse C-160 is a classic garden tractor produced between 1974 and 1977 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. It served as a versatile utility platform for residential and semi-professional land maintenance during the mid-1970s.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder Kohler K341AS gasoline engine. With a displacement of 588 cc (35.89 ci) and a rated speed of 3600 RPM, it delivers a gross power output of 16 hp (11.9 kW). The engine utilizes a bore and stroke of 3.75 by 3.25 inches.
Transmission and Drive
Two transmission configurations were available: a belt-driven gear system providing 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, and a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission offering infinite forward and reverse speed control. The unit operates on a two-wheel drive system with manual steering.
Power Take-Off and Attachments
The C-160 is equipped with an independent mid-mounted Power Take-Off (PTO) driven by a pulley system, engaged via a manual dry disc clutch. The tractor is compatible with 36, 42, and 48-inch mower decks and supports an optional sleeve hitch for additional implements.
Dimensions and Chassis
The tractor features an open operator station and rides on lawn/turf tires, measuring 16x6.50-8 at the front and 23x8.50-12 at the rear. It has a wheelbase of 45.5 inches (115 cm) and a total length of 65 inches (165 cm). The operating weight varies by transmission, weighing approximately 600 lbs (272 kg) for the gear model and 640 lbs (290 kg) for the hydrostatic version.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse C-160 is a robust and mechanically straightforward garden tractor suitable for lawn mowing and light groundskeeping duties. Its combination of a high-torque Kohler engine and multiple transmission options makes it a durable choice for collectors and users requiring a reliable, vintage utility machine.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, C-160
- Garden tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | $1,950 (1975 hydro ) |
| Original price | $1,700 (1975 gear ) |
| Original price(optional) | $2,145 (1977 gear ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, C-160
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
|---|---|
| Gear Weight | 600 lbs [272 kg] |
| Height | 41 inches [104 cm] |
| Length | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Hydro Weight | 640 lbs [290 kg] |
| Width | 36 inches [91 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x8.50-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, C-160
- Kohler K341AS
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Power (gross) | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 588 cc [35.89 ci] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.75x3.25 inches [95 x 83 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Oil capacity | 1.5 qts [1.4 L] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, C-160
Transmission variants 1
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 2 qts [1.9 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Manufacturer | Sundstrand |
|---|---|
| Type | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
- 6-speed gear
- Hydrostatic
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, C-160
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, C-160
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Manual dry disc |
| Mid PTO Type | Pulley |
Three-Point Hitch of Wheel Horse, C-160
| Type(optional) | Sleeve hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, C-160
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the Wheel Horse C-160 sits just above C-120 (12 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse C-160 have?
The Wheel Horse C-160 delivers 16 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse C-160 produced?
The Wheel Horse C-160 was produced in 1974-1977.
What engine does the Wheel Horse C-160 have?
The Wheel Horse C-160 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse C-160 use?
The Wheel Horse C-160 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse C-160 weigh?
The Wheel Horse C-160 weighs 600 lbs [272 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse C-160 4WD?
The Wheel Horse C-160 is available in 2WD.