Crash course - what do I want to buy?

[Handy Don 13,109]

1 hour ago, Pete D said:

 

Awesome!  I guess I'll bring my trailer.

So, about buying at the Show...

There is no on-site ATM. Bring enough cash or get it before coming to the fairground. 

 

While “tons” is an apt description overall, that does not mean that there will be tons that meet a particular set of requirements. My experience is that availability does vary a lot. I make a list in advance of my needs, wants, and nice to haves and keep it in my pocket.

 

Also, the Show is not a place to be indecisive, skip quickly past things that are interesting but not on your “buy” list as there are a lot of shoppers as well sellers. Best to have a clear idea of what you are looking for and are willing to pay based on condition, etc. Then, if you see a close match, negotiate immediately. The “steals” and well-priced stuff go quickly. Twice I thought “ok, that’s a nice possible, but I’ll look around some more...” Both times the item was gone when I returned a few hours later. Sigh. 

 

Lastly, best availability will be Thursday afternoon (the setup day, but many sellers are ready to go by noon) and Friday morning. Best deals on slow-movers will be Saturday by about 10am. Lots of sellers pack up and head out during the afternoon and prefer lighter loads!

Edited February 19 by Handy Don

[Pete D 175]

Hmmm, so maybe I should plan on 2 nights.

I guess that will depend upon if I find a tractor & tiller before then.

I'll look into the hotel cancellation policy before booking.

 

EDIT: WOW! If you need assistance, do NOT call the toll free number.  Multiple call resulted in poor connections, clueless agents, and automated assistant application errors resulting in a disconnect. Instead, call the hotel directly at 1-223-220-2828.

Cancellations may be made with no penalty with 48 hours notice, FYI.

Edited February 19 by Pete D

[Pete D 175]

So, I found a trans for the 857.  $250 + shipping for the 6-speed. ( @lae51967 created a thread about it:  https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/110976-need-help-on-compatibility/ )

I'm considering this, but will need to go see it, first.

 

 

 

 

Edited Thursday at 10:30 PM by Pete D

[ebinmaine 69,812]

@Pete D

 

Whatever you grab onto we'll help out with the transformation.  

That 857 is likely a fair deal as it sets.  

 

Trina's Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" was an 856 that we put a SIX speed in. 

Similar conversion.  

 

[Pete D 175]

23 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

@Pete D

 

Whatever you grab onto we'll help out with the transformation.  

That 857 is likely a fair deal as it sets.  

 

Trina's Military Tribute Tractor "Millie" was an 856 that we put a SIX speed in. 

Similar conversion.  

 

He's got a rototiller too, but 450 seems steep.  Maybe he'll make a package deal.

 

I just saw the "Here's Millie" thread.  Nice!  Underglow, no less! 

Edited Thursday at 10:59 PM by Pete D

[Pete D 175]

Also, is a local $40 8-speed worth the risk?

 

"Not sure on specific model. This 8 spd came attached to a plow I bought. It had some water in it for a couple weeks according to the prior owner. I drained it, sloshed some diesel in it, drained that, then filled with fresh oil. Spinning the input shaft by hand, I can see the axels turn. Hasn't leaked any oil. "

[ebinmaine 69,812]

15 minutes ago, Pete D said:

Underglow

 

It's a cool accent that's practical too.  The lights are used by us for night plowing.  

My C160 Automatic has red ones out front too.  

 

 

16 minutes ago, Pete D said:

rototiller too, but 450 seems steep

 

If it's a 

SUPER nice one,  that's fair.  

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 69,812]

Just now, Pete D said:

Also, is a local $40 8-speed worth the risk?

 

 

 

DEFINITELY 

[oliver2-44 10,094]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:19 PM, Pete D said:

 

Awesome!  I guess I'll bring my LARGE trailer.

Fixed it for you!

[Pete D 175]

13 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

Fixed it for you!

 

Enclosed, and it'll fit 3 motorcycles.  That's as big as I've got!  If I stand 'em on end, I'll bet I can fit 9 - 12 tractors! 🤣

[ebinmaine 69,812]

8 minutes ago, Pete D said:

 

Enclosed, and it'll fit 3 motorcycles.  That's as big as I've got!  If I stand 'em on end, I'll bet I can fit 9 - 12 tractors! 🤣

 

Pete understands the assignment!!!

[adsm08 2,406]

11 minutes ago, Pete D said:

 

Enclosed, and it'll fit 3 motorcycles.  That's as big as I've got!  If I stand 'em on end, I'll bet I can fit 9 - 12 tractors! 🤣

 

That's it? Those are rookie numbers man. You need to go to Michigan and study under Master @Pullstart in the ways of hauling the horse.

[Pete D 175]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

It's a cool accent that's practical too.  The lights are used by us for night plowing.  

My C160 Automatic has red ones out front too.  

 

 

 

If it's a 

SUPER nice one,  that's fair.  

 

 

 

 

 

Found another, nicer rototiller for $400, but "it only fits a 1076 or 1276"

(Well, the times are cleaner, and sharpened on the $475 one.)

 

Adaptable to an 857?

Edited Friday at 12:17 AM by Pete D

[adsm08 2,406]

31 minutes ago, Pete D said:

 

Found another, nicer rototiller for $400, but "it only fits a 1076 or 1276"

(Well, the times are cleaner, and sharpened on the $475 one.)

 

Adaptable to an 857?

 

No. Not easily.

 

The 3-speeds have no way to route belt-power to a rear implement. The tiller that fits the 855/857 was powered by it's own on-board 2HP Clinton engine. I've only seen one in person.

 

A 6 or 8 speed, or a hydro is required for rear power.

[Pete D 175]

Interesting.  I found 3 that fit the 1076.  Of those, 2 of them are compatible with the 855, so should be with the 857.

The 7-1211 is not listed, but the RT-366 & RT-367 are.

From the implement cross-reference spreadsheet here.

 

Oops, my screw up.  I was looking at the 1075.

 

The RT-366 fits the 1076, but "(Requires 83112)"

 

 

Edited Friday at 02:32 AM by Pete D

[Pete D 175]

Btw, I'm converting it to an 8 speed

[Pete D 175]

I'm going up to look at the 857.  I found an 8 speed for it.

 

The 857 seller has this rototiller.  Will it fit an 857, with or without mods?  He says "It clips in on later model mower deck attachment mounts", and "The idler pulley clips where mower deck originally mounts."

 

Pics of tiller:

 

 

Edited Saturday at 04:14 AM by Pete D

[kpinnc 13,147]

41 minutes ago, Pete D said:

The 857 seller has this rototiller.  Will it fit an 857, with or without mods? 

 

The tines on that tiller are very worn down. Not terrible, but about as worn as I would go with. 

 

To answer the questions: Yes, it can be done with mods. 

 

If you convert to an 8-speed, it will work better. The low range allows the tiller to engage the ground better. It takes smaller bites on each revolution due to the slow speed. 

 

-You will need the rear axle hitch for the tiller.

-You will need the rear lift cable that fits the 857.

-Obviously you'll need the PTO kit.

-You'll also need the pulley assembly from the belly hitch of the donor machine.

-You will also have to get a belly hitch and add it to the 857.

-And finally you will have to figure out for yourself the proper belt length for a short frame tractor. 

 

There may be other things, but it can definitely be done. 

Edited Saturday at 04:56 AM by kpinnc

[pfrederi 18,200]

Those tines are about done...

[ebinmaine 69,812]

8 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

Those tines are about done...

 

 

Good eye Paul. 

 

@Pete D

 

Look at other pics of tiller tines. You'll see they should have a fair amount more length and angle. 

 

Replacing them is expensive.  

 

 

[Pullstart 63,604]

On 2/20/2025 at 6:49 PM, Pete D said:

 

Enclosed, and it'll fit 3 motorcycles.  That's as big as I've got!  If I stand 'em on end, I'll bet I can fit 9 - 12 tractors! 🤣

Look me up there, I’ll help you load 

 

 

[adsm08 2,406]

1 hour ago, Pullstart said:

 

 

 

You need more air in that tire.

[Pullstart 63,604]

16 minutes ago, adsm08 said:

 

 

You need more air in that tire.

It had about 50 psi in it!  It rolled a little flat on the bottom all 650 miles home…

[Pete D 175]

21 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

The tines on that tiller are very worn down. Not terrible, but about as worn as I would go with. 

 

To answer the questions: Yes, it can be done with mods. 

 

If you convert to an 8-speed, it will work better. The low range allows the tiller to engage the ground better. It takes smaller bites on each revolution due to the slow speed. 

 

-You will need the rear axle hitch for the tiller.

-You will need the rear lift cable that fits the 857.

-Obviously you'll need the PTO kit.

-You'll also need the pulley assembly from the belly hitch of the donor machine.

-You will also have to get a belly hitch and add it to the 857.

-And finally you will have to figure out for yourself the proper belt length for a short frame tractor. 

 

There may be other things, but it can definitely be done. 

 

Well, now the guy says it doesn't run, AND said he's selling the 857 to someone else.  I'm glad he's not a member here!

 

I'm feeling frustrated at the time I wasted.  Guess I'll take a break and look for something else in a while.  Maybe something newer.

 

Think I should still buy that 8-speed, $350 shipped?

[ebinmaine 69,812]

32 minutes ago, Pete D said:

Think I should still buy that 8-speed, $350 shipped?

 

Unless it's completely rebuilt that's too steep. 

You'll find whole tractors for that.