My First Resto…..854!

[ElectricApprentice123 38]

Picked this up over the weekend for $200 form a “picker” in the area. Besides the tractor it came with a 36 Rear discharge deck and a 42” dozer blade. I also noted the slot (or Celvis, not sure what) hitch on the back. He pulled it out of the woods at a widow’s house due to her wanting to relocate and needing to liquidate the  estate of her late husband. 
Once I got it home and on the surgery table, inspection lead to find the motor seized (likely due to the “tractor” exhaust) as well the most of the electrical shot. Obviously the tires are blown out and will need replacement.

Other issues that were noted were the seat (or the lack of I should say), the clutch rod hanging because it snapped in the middle and various rusted hardware being snapped off or corroded.

Got it on stands and the heart removed and somewhat broken down tonight.

after removing the head and covers, I found the piston and both valves seized in place. The cause is definitely water getting into the intake as the exhaust side is more stuck then the intake. More to come soon after some ATF and Kroil work their magic on it.

 

[WHX?? 57,887]

She's a project alright! Good luck and keep us posted along the way. 

[oliver2-44 11,708]

That horse appreciates you saving it. 
Take lots of pictures as you disassemble it. 
Heavy Zip Lock bags work good to bag and label parts

[702854boy 1,120]

Definitely following as the 854 is one of my favorite models, however, I may have to take that one off your hands because the serial number is only 4 after the one on mine, my serial number is 40473

[ri702bill 12,904]

Looks like you got your money's worth. Three things to check.

Since I saw a plow in one picture... check the "F" plate on the frame where the Unidrive bolts on for cracks around the 4 bolt holes. A very common issue as plowing flexes that area to a fatigue failure. A disapointment, not a show stopper.

Inspect the ears (tabs) on the lower steering block for cracks. Plowing can induce twisting forces into the frame and break the block - easily replaced.

The Unidrive - since so much of the tractor is rusty, I suspect the Unidrive's innards may be too. If so, it may be able to be fixed - but consider swapping in a later known good 6 or 8 speed. I did the 8 speed on my 854, @Handy Don did the 6 speed on his. A bit of work, but well worth it.

The picture below is from another 854 I picked up for parts - that frame was severely cracked & twisted.

 

 

[Achto 32,454]

Following along, I like a good challenge.