Wheel Horse 856

[CasualObserver 3,411]

I've got an opportunity to buy an 856 with deck, two blowers and a WT-24x tiller. Anything particular about this model that anyone can point out that makes it any more desirable? Guy wants a pretty good price for it, but I'm trying to pinch the pennies with the baby coming and all. I can't think of anything about an 856 that would make it a "can't miss", but I wanted to ask to be sure. I know Eldon just bought his... but I think this one's in better shape and has the extra attachments. Of course.... no boat seat... so that could be a negative! :whistle:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

There's nothing special that I can think of, Jason.

They are basically an 855 with a different sticker on the belt guard.

Eldon just bought one for $125 (needs a little work though) and I've seen a few others for sale in the last year or so.

If it's as nice as this 656 on ebay, it's probably worth about $250 - $300 by itself.

[Confused99 2]

I would NOT buy it. It is probably junk and runs like crap.

Just wondering though, where is it located? Do you have a phone number

Just kidding, let us know what you come up with

Jason

[CasualObserver 3,411]

:whistle: Thanks Jason... It's at least an hour south of me... so I figured you probably wouldn't be interested. Gas alone would add about $100 to the trip for you, and it's already at the high end of the "worth it" price range!

[Confused99 2]

Thanks Jason... It's at least an hour south of me... so I figured you probably wouldn't be interested. Gas alone would add about $100 to the trip for you, and it's already at the high end of the "worth it" price range!

I actually make it down that way around 10-12 times a year to visit my family down in SE Iowa. What town is it located in? I am out of play money right now anyway. Trying to save back up. I would say go for it but I hear you on the new baby, I have 3 myself.

Jason

[Buzz 502]

Hey Jason, I have a 854 and 856. I bought the 856 7 or 8 years ago for $350 with mower deck and snow thrower. Fair to good shape. On the down side, 8 hp and 3 speed transmission is not a good combination to throw snow or probably rototill. If you have enough engine speed to work the attachment properly, you have too high a ground speed. I traded my snow thrower for a snow blade after the first winter and am glad I did. On the upside, it is the easiest starting engine I've ever owned on ANY kind of equipment. Engine makes 1 revolution and it's running. Personally, unless you really need a tractor right now, I'd pass unless he would come down on price.

[rustbucket 4]

i dont know what it is buzz but i can tell you im in love with my GT it dose exactly the same 1 to 2 turns and its idling like a purring kitten and then you stoke the fires and it roars like a ticked lion. got to love 14HP beasts.

[linen beige 15]

On the down side, 8 hp and 3 speed transmission is not a good combination to throw snow or probably rototill. If you have enough engine speed to work the attachment properly, you have too high a ground speed.

I would agree with that if you're trying to use a tractor mounted, PTO powered tiller, BUT, the WT-241,WT-242, and WT-244 tillers have their own engines and can be throttled seperately from the tractor. When I have used my WT-241, at about 2/3 throttle, in pretty hard ground, I had to ride the brake on my near idling 702 to keep it from pushing the tractor. A little more work than just tweaking the motion lever on a hydro, but effective. Nearly the same with my 1054a. There was a speed reducer (SR-64) made available in 1964 that I think probably made a little better speed match between tractor and tiller. The WT-30 from 1960 was also self powered and had a speed reducer (different pulley size from SR-64) included with the tiller.

These tillers are not all that common, and if you do get it, clean and check the bearings in the vertical drive shaft closely before you use it. The bottom cone bearing in mine gave out and one of the rollers jambed between the worm gear teeth and the case. I'm lucky the old belt slipped enough to keep that from breaking the housing, but gave enough resistance to kill the engine, without even shearing a woodruff key! By the way, Any body have a cone bearing, Part # 1500 (need 2)they could part with? Cup bearing #1525? (need 2) Ball bearing #1515? (just one) :whistle:

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Thanks Buzz...

The guy was firm on his price when I talked to him. He was one of those "I'll just leave it in the shed if I can't get $xxx for it." I figure I'll give him a couple weeks, and ask again, maybe make an offer, let him simmer on it. You know... if he still has it at that point.