Difference 1057, 856, 857 other than engine?

[FLtractor 62]

Evening, other than the engine size, are there any differences between a 856, 857 and 1057? Are any of them considered more rare useful or valuable as a work horse mower? Easier to maintain or desirable features? 

[rjg854 12,511]

All those are basically the same tractor as my 68 Commando 8, nothing rare about them. Just model changes yearly.

[Retired Wrencher 6,054]

Basically decals. Or possibly seat change design wheel horse golden era. Because these are four speeds, I would not consider them rare. But that timeframe if you had a six speed that would be somewhat rare because of the production numbers I hope this helps.

Edited Sunday at 10:20 AM by Retired Wrencher

[ebinmaine 74,498]

18 hours ago, FLtractor said:

Evening, other than the engine size, are there any differences between a 856, 857 and 1057?

 

The mid 60s model numbers break down:

Ex: 856

8 HP

5 = THREE speed

6 ≈ 1966

 

Transmissions: 

4 or 5 = THREE speed

6 = SIX speed 

7 ≈ hydro

 

18 hours ago, FLtractor said:

Are any of them considered more rare useful or valuable as a work horse mower?

 

The six speeds are a special tractor because of the Limited Slip Differential. 

 

IMHO the SIX speeds with the Limited Slip Differential are the best of the mid to late 60s workers. 

 

 

18 hours ago, FLtractor said:

Easier to maintain or desirable features? 

 

Maintenance would be about equal across any model. 

 

Desirable features might be a certain correct steering wheel or the cigar lighter. 

Certain implements too.  

[squonk 44,579]

Best thing about the short timers. Turning radius. Great for mowing. I can buzz around and trim around my trees with my 875 and RD deck whilst my C-160 I have to futz around the trees to get it all. They are also great for plowing snow.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,719]

856 and 857 short frame tractors with 41-1/4" wheelbase

1057 long frame tractor with 45-1/2" wheelbase

[Retired Wrencher 6,054]

11 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

856 and 857 short frame tractors with 41-1/4" wheelbase

1057 long frame tractor with 45-1/2" wheelbase

Thanks Garry. I forgot about the long frame on the 1057.

[Handy Don 14,618]

I’ll chip in that the LSD has more internal metal-to-metal friction than the 8-pinion or older bevel gear differentials whenever the real wheels are turning at different speeds. For that reason, it runs with a higher oil level than the earlier 3-speeds and I keep a closer eye on the transaxle oil and change it every other year (I estimate 30-ish hours of runtime per year). I’ll be putting in a magnetic drain plug at the next oil change, as well.