Wheel Horse C-81 garden tractor specs and service data

The Wheel Horse C-81 is a garden tractor model from the C series, manufactured from 1978 to 1979 by Wheel Horse in South Bend, Indiana, USA. It was available in two-wheel drive (2WD) version.

The Wheel Horse C-81 is equipped with a 305 cc (18.6 cu·in) single-cylinder gasoline engine with 74.62 mm (2.94 in) of the cylinder bore and 69.85 mm (2.75 in) of the piston stroke, and a belt-driven gear type transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears.

The Wheel Horse C-81 garden tractor features:

The Kohler K181S gasoline engine which produces 8.2 PS (6.0 kW; 8.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower.
Manual steering
Open operator station
Sleeve hitch (optional)
Independent middle PTO with mechanical clutch

General specifications

General Specifications
Model	Wheel Horse C-81
Tractor type	Garden tractor
Production years	1978-1979
Factory	South Bend, Indiana, USA
Dimensions and weight
Length	1,650 mm (65 in)
Width	910 mm (35.8 in)
Height	1,040 mm (40.9 in)
Wheel base	1,150 mm (45.3 in)
Weight	245 kg (540 lbs)
Fuel capacity
Fuel tank capacity	11.5 liters (3 US gal.; 2.5 Imp. gal)

Engine

Engine Specifications
Engine model	Kohler K181
Engine type	4-stroke, L-head (side valve), single-cylinder
Displacement	305 cm³, (18.6 cu·in)
Bore and stroke	74.62 mm X 69.85 mm (2.95 in X 2.75 in)
Max. horsepower	8.2 PS (6.0 kW; 8.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Cooling system	Forced air
Lubricating system	Splash type
Fuel system	Carburetor
Fuel used	Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)
Starting system	Electric starter
Governor	Centrifugal governor
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance:	0.15-0.20 mm (0.0059-0.0079 in)
Exhaust valve clearance:	0.43-0.48 mm (0.0169-0.0189 in)
Oil system
Lubrication system:	Splash type
Oil type:	API SF or SG
Recommended oil:	Summer: SAE 30W Winter: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30
Oil capacity:	1.2 L (1.27 US. qt, 1.06 Imp. qt.)
Ignition system
Spark plug:	Champion RJ8C
Spark plug gap:	0.65 mm (0.0256 in)
Spark plug torque:	27 N·m (2.8 kg·m, 19.9 ft·lb)

Transmission and chassis

Chassis, steering and brakes
Chassis	4×2 2WD
Steering type	Manual
Brakes	–
Transmission
Transmission manufacturer or model	Wheel Horse
Transmission type	Belt-driven gear type
Gears	6 forward and 2 reverse
Speed	Forward: 8.8 kmh (5.5 mph) Reverse: 4.2 kmh (2.6 mph)
Transmission oil capacity	1.9 L (0.5 US. gal, 0.4 Imp. gal.)

Tires

Tires
Front tires	Lawn/turf: 16×6.50-8
Rear tires	Lawn/turf: 23×8.50-12

Rear Hitch

Three-Point Hitch
Category	Sleeve hitch (optional)
Control type	–
Lift capacity (at ends)	–

PTO (Power take-off shaft)

PTO
Middle PTO type	Independent with mechanical clutch
Middle PTO speed	–

Electrical system

Electrical system
Ground	Negative
Charging system	–
Charging amps	15A
Battery	12V

Attachments

Wheel Horse 36″ mower deck with 3-blade and rear-discharge
Cutting width	910 mm (36 in)
Cutting height:	30-80 mm (1.25-3.25 in)
Wheel Horse 36″ mower deck with 3-blade and right-discharge
Cutting width	910 mm (36 in)
Cutting height:	30-80 mm (1.25-3.25 in)
Wheel Horse 42″ front-mount blade
Cutting width	1,060 mm (42 in)
Wheel Horse 42″ front-mount snow blower
Cleaning width	1,060 mm (42 in)

Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

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We try to use official documentation and verify the published data, but errors may occur. In addition, specifications of machinery and equipment may vary depending on markets and modifications. We do not recommend the use of this data for spare parts or repairs. Use official service manuals or parts catalogs for your product.

Wheel Horse C-81