Wheel Horse C-85

Name: Wheel Horse C-85
Brand: Wheel Horse

Power

8 hp

Production

1980-1983

Transmission

Belt-driven gear

Weight

540 lbs [244 kg]

Drive

2WD

Under 15 HP 1980s

From the same series:

C-105

Introduction

Wheel Horse C-85 Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse C-85 is a garden tractor produced between 1980 and 1983 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential property maintenance and light landscaping tasks, this model serves as a representative example of the compact, versatile utility machines manufactured by Wheel Horse during this period.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by an air-cooled engine generating 8 horsepower (6.0 kW). It features a displacement of 304 cc (18.6 ci) with a bore and stroke of 2.94 by 2.75 inches. Maintenance requirements include an oil capacity of 1.25 quarts (1.2 L) with recommended oil changes every 25 hours. The ignition system utilizes a Champion J-8 sparkplug with a gap setting of 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) and a point gap of 0.020 inches (0.508 mm).

Transmission and Drivetrain

The C-85 utilizes a belt-driven gear transmission manufactured by Wheel Horse, offering 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. This two-wheel-drive machine is operated via a manual clutch. The system requires 2 quarts (1.9 L) of oil for lubrication.

Electrical and Hydraulic Systems

The machine is equipped with a 12-volt electrical system powered by a 24 AH battery. Charging is managed by an alternator providing 15 amps. The tractor includes an independent front power take-off (PTO) engaged by a manual clutch, allowing for the operation of various attachments, including the standard 36-inch mower deck.

Mechanical and Dimensions

Built with an open operator station, the C-85 features manual steering and mechanical band brakes for operation. The chassis has a wheelbase of 45.5 inches (115 cm), with an overall length of 69 inches (175 cm) and a width of 36 inches (91 cm). The shipping weight of the unit is 540 lbs (244 kg). It is fitted with 16x6.50-8 front tires and 23x8.50-12 rear tires, specifically designed for lawn and turf applications.

Conclusion

"The Wheel Horse C-85 is a straightforward, mechanically driven garden tractor suitable for standard mowing and light-duty garden maintenance. Its design prioritizes ease of manual operation and compatibility with the wider C-series ecosystem, making it a functional choice for collectors and property owners seeking a traditional, gear-driven utility machine."

Introduction

Production Information of Wheel Horse, C-85

The production information of the tractor (C-85) includes details about its manufacturing.

Garden tractor

Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA


Manufacturer	Wheel Horse

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, C-85

This section sums up the dimension and tires information of the tractor.


Wheelbase	45.5 inches [115 cm]
Shipping weight	540 lbs [244 kg]
Height	41 inches [104 cm]
Length	69 inches [175 cm]
Width	36 inches [91 cm]


Lawn/turf front	16x6.50-8
Lawn/turf rear	23x8.50-12

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, C-85

Get the specifications for the engine and if different options are available.

Air-cooled


Sparkplug	Champion J-8
Displacement	304 cc [18.6 ci]
Oil capacity	1.25 qts [1.2 L]
Air cleaner	Dry element
Bore/Stroke	2.94x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm]
Oil change	25 h
Point gap	0.020 inches [0.508 mm]
Sparkplug gap	0.025 inches [0.635 mm]
Starter volts	12
Rated RPM	3600
Power	8 hp [6.0 kW]

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, C-85Y

Discover all variants of transmission available for this tractor model.

Transmission variants 1


Manufacturer	Wheel Horse
Oil capacity	2 qts [1.9 L]
Type	Belt-driven gear
Gears	6 forward and 2 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, C-85Y

This section summarizes all mechanical information such as the brake system and other specifications.

Two-wheel drive

Open operator station.

Mechanical band brakes


Steering	Manual

Power Information of Wheel Horse, C-85Y

Discover the power specifications and options available for this tractor model but also PTO (Power Take-off) information.


Front PTO	Independent
Clutch	Manual

Electrical System of Wheel Horse, C-85

Battery voltage, charging system and ground.


Ground	Negative
Battery AH	24
Battery volts	12
Charging system	Alternator
Charging amps	15

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse C-85 have?

The Wheel Horse C-85 delivers 8 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse C-85 produced?

The Wheel Horse C-85 was produced in 1980-1983.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse C-85 use?

The Wheel Horse C-85 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.

How much does the Wheel Horse C-85 weigh?

The Wheel Horse C-85 weighs 540 lbs [244 kg].

Is the Wheel Horse C-85 4WD?

The Wheel Horse C-85 is available in 2WD.

More Wheel Horse models

8HP8 HP · 1973 8HP 4-Speed8 HP · 1973 1088 HP · 1981 - 1988 208-38 HP · 1985 - 1986 208-48 HP · 1988 208-4SB8 HP · 1989 308-88 HP · 1986 - 1988 512D8 HP · 1986

View all 238 Wheel Horse models →

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