My 855

[SilviaMan 0]

So here is the story of my wheel horse.

My Grandfather purchased it new in 64/65. He used it for many years, then bought another wheel horse. I am not 100% on the model of the other tractor.

Some years later my grandfather gave the 855 to my father who used it for many years. Years after that grandpa gave my father the other tractor too. So my dad gave my uncle the 855. My uncle used it for many years and finally retired it after he broke both of the axles and hubs.

So I guess I got the crappy part of the family tradition, normally the tractor is passed on in working condition. I recieved it in pieces about 3 weeks ago. I have never had a wheel horse apart and it was a pretty interesting puzzle to put together without having a manual of any kind.

Since it was in pieces I decided that painting it and refurbishing the rusted parts was definitely needed. There were some stress cracks in the frame that needed to be welded and some parts that were broken and needed to be fabricated. Here are some pictures of the project. I hope you all enjoy them. I hope to keep this tractor in the family for a few more generations.

These pictures are from my phone so the quality maybe a little iffy.

This winter I plan to make a new mower deck for her, the original is too rusted out to be repaired. Its a 2 blade rear discharge. and I have a blade for it, I can't wait to plow my driveway this year instead of shoveling!

[Duff 206]

First, !

Thanks for the pix and sharing your story....you are doing a GREAT job of bringing that machine back. I am sure it will live on in your family for many, many more years to come!

Don't hesitate to ask us any questions that may come up along the way. We're glad to have you aboard! And keep us updated!

Duff :scratchead:

[TJ 184]

Nice tractor and a great story. :scratchead:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,531]

That looks great !! There is a vendor here that you can purchase decals for this machine. That would bring it all together

Welcome to RS

[Coadster32 793]

:hide: Great story, and nice job on the repair. Thanks a bunch for sharing.

[Suburban 550 28]

:hide: Good job on the repairs and great to see it up and runnin' again. :scratchead:

[Indy w h 5]

Hey that's an amazing story!!! That 855 will b around another

100 generations(if ya take care of it !!). Glad to have ya

Indy

[JimD 3,347]

very nicely done!! be sure to post some pics of the new deck you're building, can't wait to see it. :scratchead:

[SilviaMan 0]

Thank you for the comments.

As for the new deck. I am trying to decide if I should keep the original design or just make it completely square. It really won't add that much extra labor to the project to make the round bump outs on the edge of the deck but if they are not really necessary then I suppose it being square would be a little easier. Any thoughts on this?

(Just for reference its a 2 blade deck. I haven't measured it but I believe its a 36" deck.)