Introduction
Wheel Horse C-161 Twin Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin is a garden tractor produced between 1978 and 1979 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential lawn care and garden maintenance, this model is recognized for its robust build and the inclusion of a two-cylinder engine.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 401407 gasoline engine. This air-cooled, two-cylinder unit features a displacement of 655 cc (40 cubic inches) and provides 16 horsepower (11.9 kW) at a rated speed of 3300 RPM. The engine utilizes a horizontal-shaft configuration and requires periodic maintenance, including a 0.020-inch point gap and a 0.030-inch spark plug gap.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The C-161 Twin offers two transmission choices to suit different operational requirements. The standard configuration is a Wheel Horse belt-driven gear transmission providing six forward and two reverse speeds. Alternatively, a Sundstrand belt-driven hydrostatic transmission is available, offering infinite forward and reverse speeds for smoother speed control. Both versions utilize a manual dry disc clutch and a mid-mounted PTO.
Dimensions and Chassis
The tractor features a two-wheel-drive system with manual steering, designed for an open operator station. It has a wheelbase of 45.5 inches (115 cm) and an overall length of 65 inches (165 cm). Depending on the transmission, the tractor weighs between 565 lbs (256 kg) for the gear model and 605 lbs (274 kg) for the hydrostatic model. It is equipped with 16x6.50-8 front and 23x8.50-12 rear turf tires.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin is a versatile garden tractor suitable for property owners requiring a machine capable of handling mower decks up to 42 inches. With its combination of a reliable twin-cylinder engine and flexible transmission options, it remains a functional choice for traditional garden maintenance tasks.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
- Garden tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | $2,990 (1978 hydro ) |
| Original price | $2,675 (1978 gear ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
| Wheelbase | 45.5 inches [115 cm] |
|---|---|
| Gear Weight | 565 lbs [256 kg] |
| Height | 41 inches [104 cm] |
| Length | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Hydro Weight | 605 lbs [274 kg] |
| Width | 36 inches [91 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x8.50-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
- Briggs & Stratton 401407
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
- Gasoline
- 2-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 1.75 qts [1.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 655 cc [40 ci] |
| Rated RPM | 3300 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.438x2.156 inches [87 x 55 mm] |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Power (gross) | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
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 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 5.5 qts [5.2 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
- 6-speed gear
- Hydrostatic
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Manual dry disc |
| Mid PTO Type | Pulley |
Three-Point Hitch of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
| Type(optional) | Sleeve hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, C-161 Twin
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Charging amps | 15 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin sits just below C-175 (17 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-161 Twin have?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin delivers 16 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin produced?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin was produced in 1978-1979.
What engine does the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin have?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin is powered by a Gasoline, 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin use?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin weigh?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin weighs 565 lbs [256 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse C-161 Twin 4WD?
The Wheel Horse C-161 Twin is available in 2WD.