DucksMowers 40 #1 Posted March 4, 2023 This is my first post and i figured id make it about what started me in this hobby. This is my grandfather's 857 he bought new in 1967 and was used for many years on the farm the engine blew up and they got a replacement, later there was issues with the fuel and they didn't have time to properly fix it and later it sat in the barn. My dad saved it from being scrapped in the early 2000's and it sat in our garage until about 3 years later i formed an interest in garden tractors and it became my first project. After many discouraging hours of work and help from my dad, fixing the fuel pump and fuel system and later replacing the piston rings it was finally in somewhat working order. Even though i like all my tractors this will always be my favorite. Thanks for a read, Ducky 3 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,099 #2 Posted March 4, 2023 Is that an old cow parlor? Reminds me when I was growing up. I lived in the village but my parents bought a house that was owned by the owners of a feed mill. They had horses and other animals at the house. There was an old carriage barn with 5 horse stalls and a indoor corral. How cool would it have been if I still lived there and was able to keep all of my Wheelhorse's in stalls. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,166 #3 Posted March 4, 2023 to the Ducky. Great story and pictures. Like Mike said, what a nice storage ... a stall for each horse. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #4 Posted March 4, 2023 (edited) Nice patina on her... a 857 is a favorite model around here & plenty of good advice to be had on her. 1 hour ago, squonk said: Is that an old cow parlor? Well duhh ... old granddad even has a pipeline! Edited March 4, 2023 by WHX?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OoPEZoO 522 #6 Posted March 4, 2023 Excellent story.......and welcome 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,361 #7 Posted March 4, 2023 that's a fun model of tractor. Can't beat the 8 horse. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497 #8 Posted March 4, 2023 Glad to have you here. I wish I had at least one of my wheel.horses. but it didnt fit with beach living. Maybe one day. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DucksMowers 40 #9 Posted March 4, 2023 2 hours ago, squonk said: Is that an old cow parlor? Yes, the barn has 88 stalls i believe but i forget how many cows my family used to milk but it was pretty close to that number but now half is used for beef cows in the winter and the other half is used for storage but maybe one day i will have every stall filled with garden tractors 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DucksMowers 40 #10 Posted March 4, 2023 1 hour ago, WHX?? said: Nice patina on her I do like the look of it currently but one day it will be restored but probably when there's some heavy rust but i will be doing a revival and restoration on a 1965 655 so stay tuned. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Treepep 564 #11 Posted March 4, 2023 Man, . family on both sides were dairy farmers. That brings back memories and smells. That is awesome. Welcome 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,361 #12 Posted March 4, 2023 8 minutes ago, DucksMowers said: one day i will have every stall filled with garden tractors Just make sure they're all 's . 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DucksMowers 40 #13 Posted March 4, 2023 6 minutes ago, rjg854 said: Just make sure they're all 's . They likely will be all horses but there are some other brands and models that I wouldn't mind having around 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,815 #14 Posted March 4, 2023 (edited) 48 minutes ago, DucksMowers said: other brands and models that I wouldn't mind having around @Achto says gotta have one oddball in the herd...who am i to argue... Let's show Ducks our 857's... Edited March 4, 2023 by WHX?? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,614 #15 Posted March 5, 2023 I had an 857, it to was a favorite of mine. I also had a Cub similar to yours there. Even though this is a Wheel Horse fourm, we all have soft spots for other brands. My 857 was in rough shape when I got it. When I sold it it shinned like a new penny. My Cub was a 106 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,291 #16 Posted March 5, 2023 Nice stable of tractors there. I immediately noticed the milk cow set up and what caught my eye was the barn cleaner paddles in the gutter. Spent all my formative years on my dads dairy farm in Iowa cleaning those stalls and milking cows every day! Chores before school, after school and ALL WEEKEND. Worst part was in the dead of winter, sub zero temps and the barn cleaner would break.....those stalls needed cleaning out EVERY DAY! Oh I don't miss those days 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,099 #18 Posted March 5, 2023 HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! POWER!!! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,454 #20 Posted March 5, 2023 (edited) Ducky: Great start to this addictive hobbie. I have had a few 857`s and they were great workers. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. I am working on the cousin of that the Commando 8. Edited March 5, 2023 by Retired Wrencher 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,454 #21 Posted March 5, 2023 10 hours ago, Sailman said: Nice stable of tractors there. I immediately noticed the milk cow set up and what caught my eye was the barn cleaner paddles in the gutter. Spent all my formative years on my dads dairy farm in Iowa cleaning those stalls and milking cows every day! Chores before school, after school and ALL WEEKEND. Worst part was in the dead of winter, sub zero temps and the barn cleaner would break.....those stalls needed cleaning out EVERY DAY! Oh I don't miss those days Ditto on that. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DucksMowers 40 #22 Posted March 5, 2023 3 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said: I am working on the cousin of that the Commando 8. Buried within my other grandfathers old truck garage is a Commando V8 which I hope to get out and get running in the next few months. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
