My First Resto…..854!

[ElectricApprentice123 48]

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?? 57,959]

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

[oliver2-44 11,718]

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 1,132]

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 12,937]

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 32,564]

Following along, I like a good challenge. 

[702854boy 1,132]

2 hours ago, ri702bill said:

I did the 8 speed on my 854, @Handy Don did the 6 speed on his

I also did the 6 speed swap on mine, I highly recommend doing it, low range third or second is nice for mowing heavy grass

[ri702bill 12,937]

41 minutes ago, 702854boy said:

I also did the 6 speed swap on mine, I highly recommend doing it, low range third or second is nice for mowing heavy grass

And low range comes in handy when using the front mounted single stage snowthrower... max RPM with a very slow ground speed for processing the heavy stuff.

WH DID offer a speed reduction kit - larger input pulley, different belt guard, longer belt.... BUT - it affected all the gears & made reverse a loooong process.

[ri702bill 12,937]

2 hours ago, Achto said:

Following along, I like a good challenge. 

Thirty plus years of Marriage can be seen the same way.

[953 nut 68,930]

Much like Steve Austin, this 854 can be saved!

 

[Handy Don 17,400]

Wow, you’re starting farther back than I did. At least my engine wasn’t seized and the tires held air. 

I did the six-speed swap mostly to get the low range but getting the modest assist of the LSD has been noticeable. I have sloped property so not having to finagle with an 8-speed’s linkage for running and parking brakes was also a real consideration. 

Good luck!

[ElectricApprentice123 48]

On 9/23/2026 at 5:42 AM, ri702bill said:

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.

 

 

It’s definitely on the list to check.

For now the goal is to get it mechanically sound enough to be used as a worker and then in 6-7 years, teach my son (he’s due in February) the basics of mechanics and go a little more in depth.

The engine continues to soak.

Time source some new tires and probably a new shifter/seat.

[WHX?? 57,959]

19 minutes ago, ElectricApprentice123 said:

in 6-7 years, teach my son (he’s due in February) the basics of mechanics

Nothing like planning ahead ...  Hopefully those plans don't change !

[ElectricApprentice123 48]

Unfortunately all good things have bad things happen. I was able to get the piston up enough to remove the crankshaft. After removing it that’s when I noticed the block had a crank in the cylinder and when I shined a flash light on it there was a chunk missing.

Went to think on it and upon looking at good ole marketplace I found the exact same model for sale.
Upon meeting with the gentleman I discovered he was also a like minded horse fanatic and had the shifter I needed as a spare part.

I was able to Pick the motor and shifter up this morning. I spent most of this afternoon hunkered down swapping accessories over and fabing up a temporary solinoid mount with a new solinoid as the old school switch is seized. 

I was also able to weld up the battery box and make a new retaining part to hold the battery in. I also ordered up some new choke and throttle cables for it to get it temporarily running around the yard. 
@ri702bill I was able to flip the frame up after removing the motor and found no cracks on the transmission and the plow shows little to no signs of wear on it so I’m hoping that means it was not used (or lightly used) as a plow machine. 
Hopefully the storm eases up tomorrow and I can get it mounted down and attempt to pop it off before diving into tires, exhaust and brake work. 

[SylvanLakeWH 32,362]

Nice job!

 

[ri702bill 12,937]

Looks like you are on your way. The frame looks pitted but not damaged and is useable.

Good score on the replacement engine - I see that it has a solenoid added - not fond of the location, but a good addition.