Talk to me about the 856 model...

[Jay Wellwood 28]

Looked at the Tractor Data website - http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/3/2/325-wheel-horse-856.html - it came with some basic detail (hats off to that guy).

 

That said, any owners? 

 

Looking for implements that I can attach for some basic yard work (besides rotary mower) - blade and maybe a tiller?

 

TIA-

 

 

[rjg854 11,511]

Dozer blade, disc, wagon, snow blower,  rotor tiller, harrow.  Just about any attachments Wheel Horse made you can use on that tractor. 

[Ed Kennell 38,748]

Here's mine.   

[Pullstart 63,113]

8 horse Kohler, 3 speed trans, bulletproof for anything pretty much... within reason👍

[WHX?? 49,193]

I have a 857, same tractor year later, only difference is the belt guard does not have the badge indent.  She currently sports a later year mid mount blade and is a go to tractor for anything I can throw at it. Grading, pulling big loads of firewood, moving trailers around.... you name it.  Runs out of traction long before power. Other than turf tires and with weights would help out but she is all original as sets and would like to keep it that way.

 

 Like Kev said those 8's are about bullet proof. Some guys think a bit under powered for blowing or pushing snow but there are fellas here that beg to differ and have pics to prove it.

Any attachments in the mid sixties years for a short frame will fit. Front blade is a very usable attachment and easy to find. Tiller might be a little harder to find but another very usable one.

[stevasaurus 22,883]

The 1965, 1966, and 1967s are basically the same horse.  Most like the K-181 Kohler 8 hsp engines, and some came with the Tecumseh 6 hsp engines.

Here is my 857...8 hsp   electric start   1967

 

This is my 876   8hsp   automatic trans   1966

[rjg854 11,511]

My 68 Commando 8 is basically the same also 

Edited December 13, 2018 by rjg854
Picture

[953 nut 55,909]

My first  was a 1055 (two more HP and a year older) and it has pushed a lot of snow for me. I have the rear tires loaded with RV Antifreeze, wheel weights, tire chains and a weight box on the back (we have a very steep drive way). The short frame tractors are very maneuverable and when it comes to working they don't take a back seat to anything.

[Vinylguy 4,674]

44 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

The 1965, 1966, and 1967s are basically the same horse.  Most like the K-181 Kohler 8 hsp engines, and some came with the Tecumseh 6 hsp engines.

Here is my 857...8 hsp   electric start   1967

 

This is my 876   8hsp   automatic trans   1966

Steve

 Your 876 appears to have the extruded plastic console? 

What year did they change to the metal console plate with screen printed lettering?

[stevasaurus 22,883]

Terry, I do not know the answer to that question.  :(

[Vinylguy 4,674]

40 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

My first  was a 1055 (two more HP and a year older) and it has pushed a lot of snow for me. I have the rear tires loaded with RV Antifreeze, wheel weights, tire chains and a weight box on the back (we have a very steep drive way). The short frame tractors are very maneuverable and when it comes to working they don't take a back seat to anything.

 

Dick

 I agree with you 100%. After selling my commando and purchasing a 1990 312-H I quickly discovered how much easier it is to mow in and around trees, fire pits and other obstacles with the commando than the 312-H.

Love the hydro and the extra power but it feels clumsy in comparison. The 37 inch deck on the 312 is certainly not a plus. The little 32 rear on my commando cut beautifully. 

 I was fortunate to find a really nice 657 this fall with a K181 upgrade (867 now) for an affordable price and will bring my 312-H to the show this summer to sell. For my money the little square hoods are the Bomb.

If I had a large open area to mow then I would find a 42 side for the 312-H. Much better suited for that assignment.  

Edited December 13, 2018 by Vinylguy

[Vinylguy 4,674]

Just now, stevasaurus said:

Terry, I do not know the answer to that question. 

What?? First time in 12 years I have stumped you.

 

[Jay Wellwood 28]

Thanks guys.

 

Looks like this one will be finding it's way to my storage building from Indiana.  

 

After viewing the videos from the seller - it sounds good, new battery and new head gasket.  Tires are original - but will be replaced at some point in the near future due to evidence of dry rot.  Should get to see it in person next week.  

[rjg854 11,511]

That style of   is my favorite along with my 854. Even the 854 is the same, the only difference is the sheet metal.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,014]

Short frame square hood with the 8hp kohler is my favorite type of horse. Can't beat em in my opinion. I have an 855 that is a trailer queen and putters around at shows and an 857 that gets extensive use. Love them both!

 

 

[WHX?? 49,193]

2 hours ago, Jay Wellwood said:

Tires are original - but will be replaced at some point

May not be necessary, if they don't hold air one can always tube them.  Especially if they have the  molded into them. The originals are the best tires unless they rotted that bad that they are falling off the rims,

 

2 hours ago, Jay Wellwood said:

will be finding it's way to my storage building

 That tractor has got some serious character and looks to be original and unmolested ....would be welcome in my herd any day!

 

2 hours ago, Vinylguy said:

Steve

 Your 876 appears to have the extruded plastic console? 

What year did they change to the metal console plate with screen printed lettering?

Ok you got me scratching my head now Terry  but it don't take much to confuse me.

Dino's 876 should have the metal dash ... the plastic ones didn't come out till the 70's and the B/C series? Where's out resident historian @Racinbob when you need him?

Edited December 13, 2018 by WHX21

[stevasaurus 22,883]

I talked with Bob for almost 3 hours yesterday on the phone.  I think I wore him out and his ear hurts.

 

I think Terry is talking about the plastic piece down by the shifter???     DA BEARS...bring on the Packers.

[WHX?? 49,193]

10 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

Terry is talking about the plastic piece down by the shifter???

Oh I see... where the hoobie pointer for the hydro is next to the seat latch?? All my '77s hydros have the metal plate there Terry. Steve's  should been too, Dan's 1076 is metal too.

 

14 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

DA BEARS...bring on the Packers.

No Comment

[WHX?? 49,193]

16 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

talked with Bob for almost 3 hours yesterday on the phone

Couple a cackling hens!

[Ed Kennell 38,748]

20 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

I talked with Bob for almost 3 hours yesterday on the phone. 

That's not allowed on our four party line.

[rjg854 11,511]

49 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

    DA BEARS...bring on the Packers.

 

 

Edited December 13, 2018 by rjg854
More

[Lane Ranger 10,992]

The 854 was the first 8 hp Wheel Horse.  A round hood but I have owned three 856’s and although they have the square hood and some other differences the vim and vigor of this tractor is noticeably different from say a 1970’s B-80. 

 

The 856 is a great all-around garden tractor.  

[cafoose 3,355]

Love my 876

[WHX?? 49,193]

Now there a knarly old '66 still given her.... thanks 'foose. Since we're on the subject of mid 60's eights why is that 854 such a desirable tractor? Seems as fast as they come up for sale they are gone? The last of the round hoods in a eight?

[rjg854 11,511]

Desirable to me because I was born in August 1954.......8/54