Looking at an 856

[C100_8 22]

I'm looking to add a tractor to complement my C100.  I have a deck in poor condition for the C100, but it is normally wearing the dozer blade and ready to pull the trailer for hauling firewood.  I'm therefore looking for something that will likely carry a mower 90% of the time.  I've got my eye on an 856 that runs, but needs some work.  The deck is the square one with rounded sides bolted on and it has some rust holes.  I'm thinking those wouldn't be too bad to patch since most of the sheet metal is flat.  The deck is stated to work, but who knows the condition of all the bearings and gears.  Are these decks usually pretty good, or is the driveline commonly worn out?  Other than the sheet metal, how rebuildable are they?  

The tractor also needs a battery, ignition switch, and it slips out of 3rd gear unless it's held in.  It also includes a dozer blade.   

Do these make good mowers?  From the little bit I've mowed with the C100, it seems like mowing is a second gear proposition.  Does that hold true for an 856?  If so, maybe the 3rd gear issue with this tractor isn't a big deal for the time being.

Any thoughts on a fair price for a tractor of this description?  

[Achto 29,091]

58 minutes ago, C100_8 said:

slips out of 3rd gear unless it's held in

 

To fix 3rd gear you will require one of these.

https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/product/3523-3rd-gear/

 

And at least a gasket & seal kit

 

The 856 is a good tractor. That deck is fine too. Main wear points are the bevel gears and spindle bearings.

[ri702bill 9,135]

Welcome!!

That deck is earlier than the 1966 856 tractor. Probably a 1963 ot 4 36" model. I refer to that style as the "suitcase" era - they are an open rectangular design, the 1966 would have the curved corners and no removable sides. Both are gear driven - not a bad design when it is working OK.The blades spin in opposite directions and MUST be timed 90 degrees apart so they do not collide. Do check the condition of the large cast iron bearing housing plate under the deck. Look for a crack in the center, indicating that someone hit a fixed object while mowing. Most parts can be found used. Bearings & seals are still available new.

Look over "The New to Herd" checklist - great info for what to look for and what to avoid....

Lowell at WheelHorsePartsandMore has the reproduction 3rd gears for sale...

Popping out of third is a common problem - caused by the unknowing (or uncareing) shifting on the fly from 2nd to 3rd. Pick a gear and let the clutch out - no shifting unless stopped.

Be CERTAIN that the seatpan latch works properly. There is a good reason they no longer make them like that. If the latch comes undone and you don"t know it, you WILL know it when you let the clutch pedal up and you get pitched off out the back!!

[ri702bill 9,135]

2 minutes ago, Achto said:

Main wear points are the bevel gears and spindle bearings.

Agreed - lack of adequare periodic grease is what wears them out.

IF the gears are worn AND no one switched them from side to side, they can be switched, the shaft gears flipped over to give like brand new contact surfaces. 

[squonk 43,055]

32" gear drive deck blades are tough to find. If you find a pair it's $$$$  36 inchers do pop up from time to time halfway reasonable

[C100_8 22]

Thanks for all the replies.  How about what gear for mowing.  Is 2nd gear where most people mow with these?

[oliver2-44 10,495]

While the 856 can be a good mower, it would also be good for hauling and dozer duty.

If the old style deck  on the 856 takes too much to repair, you could easily modify a modern mule drive to mount on the front of the 856 and run a modern deck on it. 

The dozer you have for the C100 is considered a "Long A Frame", but it can be used on the 856 by clamping on the 2nd round bar from the end.

So you have several options to consider.

 

Edited May 1 by oliver2-44

[rjg854 11,976]

I have a Commando 8 which is basically the same tractor and I mow in 2nd gear.

I don't think a newer deck would work on a short frame tractor.

[squonk 43,055]

34 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

I have a Commando 8 which is basically the same tractor and I mow in 2nd gear.

I don't think a newer deck would work on a short frame tractor.

Yes I think it will hit the tires

[Handy Don 13,529]

4 hours ago, C100_8 said:

Thanks for all the replies.  How about what gear for mowing.  Is 2nd gear where most people mow with these?

I run an 854 with a 36” rounded-end gear deck. 2nd gear works best for both ground and blade speed at just under full throttle. 

Definitely an essential goal to not hit stuff with the mower--nothing good will come of it. It’s a grass machine, not a brush hog.

[adsm08 2,825]

On 5/1/2025 at 6:18 PM, Handy Don said:

 

Definitely an essential goal to not hit stuff with the mower--nothing good will come of it. It’s a grass machine, not a brush hog.

 

Pinecones usually work out alright.

 

Splitting mauls, not so much.

[Retired Wrencher 5,688]

@C100_8  You will like the 856 Good tractor in tight spaces. Easy to move when not running. Rock solid K181 engine. I put an electric fuel pump on mine for easy starting. 

[ML3 1,501]

I think the 856 will get a good mowing tractor if you dont mind shifting.  I mow with a 654. The rear discharge round deck does mow nice. I agree on using 2nd gear & about 3/4 throttle for mowing. Actually the same gear/throttle application seems to work best for plowing snow. 

[C100_8 22]

Thank you for all the information about the 856 model.  I've left you all is suspense, but today I have something to report.  Did not get the 856 due mostly to the distance, and transmission issue.  But today I brought home a one owner 1976 C120 with a 42" deck and a snow blower.  According to the owner it never spent a night outside, and the condition of the paint says that might be true.  The harness went up in smoke about 5 years ago and it's been sitting since then.  I'm pealing it apart now trying to figure out where the problem is.    

 

Edited May 17 by C100_8
picture change