Wheelhorse#1 1,657 #1 Posted December 2, 2023 (edited) Does anyone know if the 856 had 8speed trans or 6 ? Looking through tractor data it does list them coming with a 4 speed ? This one looks to have a 8 or 6 speed -custom maybe or am I missing something? Edited December 2, 2023 by Wheelhorse#1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,439 #2 Posted December 2, 2023 Note that 6 and 8 speeds are not the same transmission. Six speeds were available from 1967 to 69 (maybe 1970??) 8 speeds were available from 1970 or 71 up. The brake drum position is the difference. 856 decodes as 8 HP 5 = THREE speed 6 model year. I don't believe there was a SIX speed available in 1966. Trina's Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" was/is an 856. We added and updated with a SIX speed transmission so she could have Limited Slip Differential and lower gear for reversing. 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse#1 1,657 #3 Posted December 2, 2023 59 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Note that 6 and 8 speeds are not the same transmission. Six speeds were available from 1967 to 69 (maybe 1970??) 8 speeds were available from 1970 or 71 up. The brake drum position is the difference. 856 decodes as 8 HP 5 = THREE speed 6 model year. I don't believe there was a SIX speed available in 1966. Trina's Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" was/is an 856. We added and updated with a SIX speed transmission so she could have Limited Slip Differential and lower gear for reversing. Thanks for the explanation Eric ,much appreciated.Been on the hunt for a decent 856, not that I don't have enough projects as it is 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,607 #4 Posted December 2, 2023 They don't have to be decent when you find it. Just decent when it's finished. My 856 when found and as it is today. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,439 #5 Posted December 2, 2023 1 hour ago, Wheelhorse#1 said: Been on the hunt for a decent 856, ..... And one just popped up in Rochester IL.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse#1 1,657 #6 Posted December 2, 2023 (edited) 3 hours ago, D_Mac said: They don't have to be decent when you find it. Just decent when it's finished. My 856 when found and as it is today. Amen to that @D_Mac I just look for the ones with good bones ! I enjoy bringing them back from the dead, at least the best I can mechanically so they can be put to work again. That 865 is a nice find, nice work .I just recently missed a nice one, someone was quicker on the draw and snatched it up! As the that old saying goes....Ya snooze, you loose Edited December 2, 2023 by Wheelhorse#1 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,607 #7 Posted December 2, 2023 Thanks. I bought 2 from the guy that day. The 856 and a 500 Special. I had to literally drag them out of the weeds. I couldn't leave them. The 500 I sold when I finished it. The 856 I still own. As you can see I named it .... " Forsaken " . I kept it crusty but had a friend do some nice pinstripe on it. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,451 #9 Posted December 5, 2023 (edited) Hard to beat those K181`s. Never owned a 66 model.I have had a few 857 and now a Commando 8 and of corse the No name 8 and B80`s four and eight speeds.All great engines. Enjoy the ride! Edited December 5, 2023 by Retired Wrencher 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,451 #10 Posted December 5, 2023 On 12/3/2023 at 6:09 AM, dkg520 said: My 856 Looks to nice to work with.I see your Shepard is always buy your side like mine. Great dogs. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diesel Actual 4 #11 Posted January 30 i like the upright exhaust . did you modify that? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,439 #12 Posted January 31 6 hours ago, Diesel Actual said: i like the upright exhaust . did you modify that? @dkg520 is that a Kemp exhaust? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,007 #13 Posted January 31 On 12/2/2023 at 9:20 AM, ebinmaine said: I don't believe there was a SIX speed available in 1966. Correct. In 1967, Wheel Horse introduced the 867, 1067, and 1267. These were the first "6 speed" tractors with high/ low range. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dkg520 509 #14 Posted February 2 Yes. It’s from Kemp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,656 #15 Posted February 2 (edited) On 12/2/2023 at 9:20 AM, ebinmaine said: Note that 6 and 8 speeds are not the same transmission. Six speeds were available from 1967 to 69 (maybe 1970??) 8 speeds were available from 1970 or 71 up. The brake drum position is the difference. 856 decodes as 8 HP 5 = THREE speed 6 model year. I don't believe there was a SIX speed available in 1966. Trina's Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" was/is an 856. We added and updated with a SIX speed transmission so she could have Limited Slip Differential and lower gear for reversing. My 1971 Raider has a 6 speed transmission.5073. 1-0310 Edited February 3 by Lee1977 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
