Willhtron 2 #1 Posted June 7, 2019 I have a 856 with a deck and snow blade in original condition that I recently acquired and was just curious what it is worth it's in pretty good shape and runs, considering restoring it what's one worth before and after restoration? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,093 #2 Posted June 7, 2019 Hi Will, the value would be better determined with pictures and how well it runs, the transmission shifts and stays in gear. Restoring these tractors is a labor of love, not typically your wisest investment. Hopefully you’ll realize it’s value around the house and decide to keep it around for a while. to !!, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,433 #3 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) 26 minutes ago, Willhtron said: considering restoring it what's one worth before and after restoration? I enjoy restoring my tractors. Truth be known, a true every nut & bolt restoration is for the love of the tractor or love of the hobby. You will never get your money back after a good restoration. Edited June 7, 2019 by Achto 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,232 #4 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) I'll put it this way. If you bought it to resale you will make more money to sale it as it is. There isn't a lot of money to be made. A complete restore you would be lucky to get back a third of what is required to spend on a complete restore. Just replacing the ware items, tires, belts, wheel bearings. tie rods, carb. kit, points, condenser, and fuel pump. You are over $500 not counting your time. It is worth every bit of that If you bought it to keep and use. Edited June 7, 2019 by Lee1977 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,307 #5 Posted June 7, 2019 Welcome to Red Square. The way you describe that horse, it is probably worth from $250 to $400...really can't say without pictures What you have is a short frame square hood...it is an excellent garden tractor. They are not really rare, but they are built well and are very easy to work on. The turning radius is much better then with the round hoods, and that 8 hsp Kohler is powerful, reliable and a miser on gas. I would say if you did a restoration, it might be worth $700 to $800, but if you keep it nice and take care of it...it will last another 60 years. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #6 Posted June 7, 2019 I just recently picked up a Commando 8 (very similar to your tractor) with a good running 8 HP Kohler. It came with a complete plow & frame, a usable 36" deck, and all the proper hardware / mounts. I paid $250 for mine, but I honestly think it was worth a little more. A non Wheel Horse enthusiast will probably value it a little lower, but I think I got a very good price considering what I got. As others have said, do not restore it if you think you're going to make all your money back and then some. I've been replacing little things here and there on mine, but keeping the patina for now. I am using my Commando every week to mow my lawn, and using it for yard chores around the house. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,177 #7 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) Aw, come on now fellas, of the 12-14 horses Ive rebuilt/refurbed etc I actually made about $40 on one!!! course that was just for parts/pieces. I probably had some 100-125hrs in it! Really tho, the guys are right, if youre looking to make a dollar or two it just isnt likely to happen........... Edited June 7, 2019 by pacer 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willhtron 2 #8 Posted June 7, 2019 I'm kind of in the air about restoring it it's in good shape for how old it is. I'm thinking maybe going through it and fixing it up and using it I have just never restored anything and I know it would be awsome to keep for my kids to mess around with when they are older. They definitely dont make them like this anymore. I work for a john deere dealership so I see first hand the quality of older machines. Thank everyone for your input. That being said what are some key things to replace/fix on them? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
71_Bronco 1,072 #9 Posted June 7, 2019 Fluids first, transmission and engine oil. Fuel filter / lines would be a good idea. May want to clean the carb if it isn't running right and you suspect that. I also changed the plug on mine (to be on the safe side). Drive belt should at least be inspected for wear / damage. Obviously you will need to at least look at the tires, make sure they hold air or if they need tubes. I'm sure other people will chime in too on what to check, but that's where I started when I got my Commando 8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,433 #10 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) The one weak/neglected point on these tractors IMO, is the rear wheel hubs. Jack the back of the tractor up & check the hubs for slop. If you have a lot of movement remove the hubs & check the key and key ways for wear. If they are not worn bad replace the key. If they are worn bad you can have a new key way broached in the hub at 90 degrees to the old one. Then drill & tap a new set screw hole over the new keyway. If you have very little or no movement on the hubs, check the set screw for tightness and run it. I check the set screws on my tractors 1 or 2 times a year, depending on how much run time they get. Edited June 7, 2019 by Achto 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #11 Posted June 8, 2019 Its been asked before, but... Pictures? Original paint tractors are my favorite, especially if they're still in decent shape! All of the character that came with the weathering took decades to form. We like pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,642 #12 Posted June 8, 2019 Other folks have covered value nicely...enjoy your tractor. They are amazing machines... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
