856

[dkg520 509]

So my brother shows up at our family reunion today and he has this 1966 Wheel Horse 856 in the back of his truck.  He tells me he is looking for a good home for it and drops his tailgate and parks it in my driveway.  It’s in really nice shape and fires right up and runs great.  Can anyone tell me anything interesting about this model?

[Wild Bill in VA 1,452]

Yes, somebody has taken a lot of time to keep it in good running shape and it even has the original "horse head" ignition key. This was a short framed Wheel Horse model with a good turning radius. If you're in Powhatan area the Wheel Horse was proably purchased at the dealer in Cartersville or maybe at Knabie in Powhatan. Outdoor Power Equipment up on Broad Street also sold Wheel Horse product in the era. Let me know what you want to do with the 856. 

Wild Bil in Richmond VA

[ri702bill 8,327]

A nice looking, mostly original short frame 4 speed. A continuation of the previous 8 HP 854 and 855 with sheet metal changes. Only things missing , as I see, are the 2 plastic caps for the front spindles. Do check the tierods for excessive wear at the ends - they are known to come apart - usually at a very bad time ....

[ebinmaine 67,571]

41 minutes ago, dkg520 said:

Can anyone tell me anything interesting about this model?

Short frame 8 horse Kohler is the absolute favorite worker of the BBT here on our acreage.  

Piles of torque for the size. Fuel sipping. Great little working tractor.

 

[ri702bill 8,327]

11 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Short frame 8 horse Kohler is the absolute favorite worker of the BBT here on our acreage.  

Piles of torque for the size. Fuel sipping. Great little working tractor.

 

And, with a little time and some later parts, replacing the 4 speed with either a 6 or 8 speed really makes it more versatile - did that with my 854 - no regrets.

[dkg520 509]

I appreciate the comments from everyone.  I’d like to find a front blade for it and maybe keep keep my driveway clear from any snow this winter.  So Wild Bill if you know of a short frame snow blade in the Richmond area please let me know.  

[Achto 27,597]

Very sweet score!! I really like my 856, 857 and 867. Very handy little tractors. 

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

dkg529. Nice tractor for its age. I have the younger brother in Commando 8. Great little tractors. Enjoy the ride. Plowes are everywhere just have to look in your spare time.

[ebinmaine 67,571]

28 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

And, with a little time and some later parts, replacing the 4 speed with either a 6 or 8 speed really makes it more versatile - did that with my 854 - no regrets.

 

Absolutely recommend doing a SIX speed for two reasons.

1. 6 speeds have limited slip differential. 

2. Having tried to replace a 6-speed with an 8-speed, the linkage is different and if you want to use it for plowing it will not be using friendly because the back forth back forth back forth action will wear out the belt faster.

 

 

21 minutes ago, dkg520 said:

short frame snow blade

 

Does not need to be a short frame plow. You can use either short or long frame from most Wheel Horses.

[Pullstart 62,905]

2 hours ago, dkg520 said:

Can anyone tell me anything interesting

You’re one lucky dog!

 

Congrats on the new toy!  

[squonk 41,145]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Absolutely recommend doing a SIX speed for two reasons.

1. 6 speeds have limited slip differential. 

2. Having tried to replace a 6-speed with an 8-speed, the linkage is different and if you want to use it for plowing it will not be using friendly because the back forth back forth back forth action will wear out the belt faster.

 

 

 

Does not need to be a short frame plow. You can use either short or long frame from most Wheel Horses.

The long frame plow needs to have the extra holes in it to use it on a short frame tractor. Not all do. If it doesn't the plow will bolt up but the angle lever will hit the foot stirrup you need 8 foot arms to run it!