857 Restore in NE Ohio

[OhpasHorse857 0]

I have an 857 that has been in my family (grandfather to father to me) and working since it left the showroom in 67.  I only use it to plow snow now but it was used as a mower and and garden plow until about 15 years ago.  I have had issues with the unidrive (sticking between gears) and general engine problems (smoke, carb adjustments that won’t keep working – maybe the fuel pump, head  replacement) that I have taken care of myself but result in the all too familiar game of working on the tractor for longer than it takes to use the tractor.

Mama suggested that perhaps we should buy a new machine to plow snow and speed up the mowing as well (I use a JD now) like a used Steiner or Ventrac 4WD.  After considering the options I think I would rather try to refurb/restore the horse because I am not going to get rid of it anyways – too much sentimental value – but I have a few questions to make sure I am not being unrealistic.

1.    Can I have the unidrive refurbed to the point where it will no longer get stuck between gears and require me to pull the gearshift and reset the forks – which I am getting too old and grouchy to do.

2.    Are there things in that I should have someone smarter than me look at in the engine or rear end (like piston clearances) that could constitute a deal breaker before the project begins?

3.    What level of body restoration would be reasonable for a tractor that will continue to be a worker subjected to salt and moisture every winter?

Sorry this post is so long and thanks for any help you might be able to offer

Ralph

[slammer302 2,155]

go for it!!!!!

[slammer302 2,155]

you should post a pick

[slammer302 2,155]

I would leave it original paint and patina if it still has the original look the trans are pretty easy to work on just a little heavy to move at first the motor will need the bore checked but there is lots or posts that can walk you through a rebuild this is the 857 I've been working on over the winter for my daughter built the engine on a stool in my kitchen over the cold nights I think you can do this no problem lots of help here if you get stuck on something

[rmaynard 15,721]

 

1.    Can I have the unidrive refurbed... Yes. The uni-drive is simple, and straight forward in design. Gaskets and seals are available, as well as most bearings. If you have any mechanical ability, you can fix it yourself. Check the "transmission" section for tutorial videos.

2.    Are there things in that I should have someone smarter than me look...Anything as far as measurements inside the engine should be done by a machine shop.

3.    What level of body restoration would be reasonable for a tractor that will continue to be a worker...This is a judgement call. Post some pictures. 

 

 

And by the way...

Edited March 26, 2015 by rmaynard

[OhpasHorse857 0]

Thanks for the welcome - while I do have some mechanical skills I think I want a mechanic/machinest to do the work on the engine and rear end, mostly to deal with my lack of tools to handle stubborn seals, bearings, fasteners correctly as well as a lack of time.  I have done enough lurking to have seen pictures of the inside of the last 857 trani that got the rmaynard treatment and i know that I am not a jedi yet.  So...  I guess i need to pull the engine and rear end (as well as the original rear end in the shed) and start reaching out to find some local talent.  I will try to get some pictures and figure out how to post them tomorrow re: the body work.

 

On a side note: I live on a pretty steep incline - I threw rods on two JD mowers before I figured out that I needed pressurized oil - and I only use the horse to plow up and down the driveway (about 300 feet) - and I've always wondered why it never seemed to have the same problem as the mowers - bulletproof kohler? - cold in the winter? - advanced technology in oil slings?

 

Ralph