Crash course - what do I want to buy?

[Pete D 175]

2 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Having both an 854 and a C81, there is a distinct wheelbase difference that should be considered when buying a tractor for the long term. You get more leg room with a C Series over an 854...... If you are over 6 foot in height, you tend to look look like the circus bear on the tricycle riding a round hood...!! and on an RJ!!!!!

Both machines are K181 powered, and as Don stated, that is ample horsepower even for a snowthrower too.

 

I'm 5'10", and I've just dropped to 161 - 6# to go!  So, perhaps a monkey, but not a bear! 😉😁

 

It's the (hopefully) rototiller I'm a little worried about, after some of the warnings, above.

Edited February 18 by Pete D

[Handy Don 13,110]

2 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Don't overlook the 1966 and 1967 Lawn Rangers......

I didn’t want to confuse things. ’68 LR was the LAST of the last but these were really just an extra sturdy 6hp mower and snow pusher. They were definitely not set up for ground-engaging implements. 

Edited February 18 by Handy Don

[Handy Don 13,110]

The earliest WH tiller had its own engine, but since ’61 there have been tractor-powered tillers available.

Unless you’ve got a really large plot or very difficult soil, the 8hp tractors can do the job. The 6/8 speed tractors might have a slight edge because of the low gear range. Wheelbase isn’t a major factor.

The tillers had different mountings and belt routings for different models of tractor so unless you buy them already paired, you’ll need to look at the “interchange” document from the files to see which works on what. I’ve read here that replacement tines can be hard to find--something to consider when considering a purchase. 

[kpinnc 13,147]

1 hour ago, Pete D said:

It's the (hopefully) rototiller I'm a little worried about, after some of the warnings, above.

 

You can always swap in an 8-speed tranny into whatever machine you decide on. Low range works great for tilling. 

Edited February 18 by kpinnc

[Pete D 175]

This is all great info.  Hopefully I'll have a good plan of what I want/need before the show in June.  I'm guessing I can find some stuff there?

 

The C81 isn't BAD looking; it just looks like a lawn mower.  The 6 fwd, 2 Rev is the 8 speed trans?

 

 

Edited February 18 by Pete D

[ri702bill 8,769]

3 hours ago, Pete D said:

The 6 fwd, 2 Rev is the 8 speed trans?

 

Yes. A rugged machine. A later version, almost exactly like the later B-80 8 speed model.

And, yes the 8 speed with its 4x reduction allows you to run WOT at a crawl for ground speed.... but I believe there is no substitute for more HP. Any 8HP model may struggle with the demands of a tiller...

[ebinmaine 69,812]

5 hours ago, Pete D said:

The 6 fwd, 2 Rev is the 8 speed trans?

 

Not to add to the confusion but just for clarification here.

 

1967, 68, 69. There is a transmission that has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds that is not the same as the 1970 and up. 

In the 60s it's called SIX speed. 

In the 70's it's called an EIGHT speed. 

They are functionally similar but the older ones have Limited Slip Differential.

 

60s vs 70s are not a direct interchange because the brake drum is located on different shafts.

[Pete D 175]

I saw this listed in my town.  Seems odd that it was listed sold, then relisted again.  But, since I'm in no rush, I will just keep looking,. As said, I really like the more "classic tractor" appearance, although function over form makes more sense.

Edited February 18 by Pete D

[Handy Don 13,110]

33 minutes ago, Pete D said:

I saw this listed in my town.  Seems odd that it was listed sold, then relisted again.  But, since I'm in no rush, I will just keep looking,. As said, I really like the more "classic tractor" appearance, although function over form makes more sense.

Headlights and even a left side rear view mirror!

$500 might be a respectable price. Visually(except for the seat) it looks OK and the plow, rear wheel weights, and chains add value (a mowing deck isn’t a value add in your situation). Current condition and what you can learn of its history of use and how it was maintained would be the deciding factors. It appears to be parked next to another tractor. 

[ebinmaine 69,812]

If those weights are steel that's $200 just by itself. Half that for plastic ones. The plow looks to be decent. That's another $150 or so. Chains are worth 50 bucks.

[Pete D 175]

Here's what concerns me, and maybe it's a glitch + coincidence:

It looks like the same 8 HP B-80 sold, in his profile, 2x before.

I guess I could go look, we're in the same town.

Or, I can just keep looking and waiting until the June show.

 

 

[Handy Don 13,110]

1 minute ago, Pete D said:

Here's what concerns me, and maybe it's a glitch + coincidence:

It looks like the same 8 HP B-80 sold, in his profile, 2x before.

As you surmise, some sellers tell the whole truth, some stretch the truth, and some utterly avoid the truth. 

Looking with your default reaction as “no thanks” might be a useful exercise. 

[Pete D 175]

Can I keep throwing some out here without driving you all away from boredom?

Here's another, at the bottom, with plow, but no weights and chains.  But I read that they are 3-speeds.

Also a commando 8, single owner, (3 spd), but $900 😮.

Then there's the 857, below, that probably needs a trans.

I did reach out about the B-80, just to see what I'm told about the 3 listings.

 

[adsm08 2,406]

That 855 is def worth a look. The 857 as well, because even if the trans is shot it's not hard to swap in a 6-speed.

 

I do love me an 855.

 

The 855 and 857 will, mechanically, be pretty much identical units, just different model years. They are 3-speeds, but they are great tractors and I absolutely love mine, when I'm not waiting for parts for it. That is the biggest downside, is that when something breaks, and let's be honest, they are 60 years old, so its when, not if, something breaks nobody local has parts. They usually have to be ordered in, and it takes a few days.

Edited February 19 by adsm08

[Handy Don 13,110]

1 hour ago, Pete D said:

Slipping out of gear is a symptom of wear from heavy use, poor maintenance, or grinding gears.

If tilling is a goal, I’d opt to replace the three with a six instead of fixing the three. Not that fixing is especially hard, it isn’t, (and many folks here have surprised themselves with transaxle repairs) but you do get the crawling gears. I bought a 6-speed from A-to-Z and he took my three speed in trade against the price--you can always ask. 

Edited February 19 by Handy Don

[Pete D 175]

The 857 is 2 hrs away.  The 855 is 40 minutes away.  

The 867 comes with a 6-speed, so that should bolt right up. (See, I've been doing my research as fast as possible!)

 

How much can I expect to pay for a used 867 6-speed in good condition?  Or any other compatible 6-speed.)

 

 

[kpinnc 13,147]

4 hours ago, Pete D said:

How much can I expect to pay for a used 867 6-speed in good condition? 

 

867 models were only made one year (1967), and are the only short frame 6 speeds Wheel Horse ever made. That doesn't necessarily make them rare, but 855 and 857 models seem to be more common. 

 

As a result, an 867 may be slightly more expensive than an 855 or 857. But it should be marginally so. 

[WHX?? 49,953]

7 hours ago, Pete D said:

expect to pay for a used 867 6-speed in good condition

 

I think 4-500 is a good range for something unmolested. 

I give Tom about that for a really nice one. Smoked abit but only when it was running.  He's got it back now traded for a tool cab i needed worst but keep in mind a couple of things.

They ALWAYS look better in pics and expect to travel for one unless you get really blind out house lucky. 

 

A nice 855 all orginal I got from Craig down in MO when I picked up the FEL. Think I paid around 5 for it and shoulda never sold it but it went to a really good home. 

Being patient is the key when looking for one I guess. 

 

Someone mention a 857 KP? This one dropped off at my door for around 4-5 WITH the mid mount! She'll never leave my harem. 

Edited February 19 by WHX??

[squonk 41,963]

My 857 I bought from HHHOOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! in 2018. It's my go to utility tractor for haulin, mowin and plowin. Turns nice and sharp which is nice over the long frame models. I'm 6'1" 240 and I don't look like a circus bear on a tricycle on it. More like a water buffalo in the Serengeti

 

Edited February 19 by squonk

[pfrederi 18,201]

As you get older for a chore utility tractor yo can't beat a Lawn Ranger.  Much easier to get on and off...at my age I don't give a damn about what people may think about me on a little tractor

[WHX?? 49,953]

One thing I didn't mention Pete is many of my nicer tractors came home when I wasn't even looking. 

[Pete D 175]

Well, I contacted all three sellers.  The guy with the 857 only said he has several WHs, and they all look not so hot other than the 857.

I guess I can set my radius to 100, instead of 50 miles to see what's out there.

 

Are there usually a lot at the big show?

Edited February 19 by Pete D

[Pete D 175]

Okl, here's the last bunch of photos, I promise.  It's strange, more "local" tractors showed up too, after the greater radius.

Some are just "interesting" and not something I'm interested in.

Does anyone see anything worth investigating further?

 

Oh, concerning this one: ( hmmm, photo missing)

1986 Wheel horse  416-8 Kohler 

416-8 Kohler 16 horse power. Tractor runs and plows good but starter needs rebuilt. Selling with snow thrower and garden tiller included. 

 

Edited February 19 by Pete D

[squonk 41,963]

1 hour ago, Pete D said:

 

 

Are there usually a lot at the big show?

TONS! 

[Pete D 175]

Just now, squonk said:

TONS! 

 

Awesome!  I guess I'll bring my trailer.