Wheel Horse 855
Power
8 hp
Production
1965
Engine
Gasoline, 1-cylinder
Transmission
Wheel Horse Uni-Drive
Weight
464 lbs [210 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Wheel Horse 855 Garden Tractor
The Wheel Horse 855 is a vintage garden tractor manufactured in 1965 in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for residential lawn care and utility tasks, this model serves as a representative example of mid-1960s compact landscaping machinery.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Kohler K181S, a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. It features a displacement of 305 cc (18.64 cubic inches) and produces 8 horsepower (6.0 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The engine utilizes a bore/stroke ratio of 2.938 by 2.75 inches.
Transmission and Drive System
The 855 utilizes the proprietary Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission system. It is a gear-based manual transmission providing three forward gears and one reverse gear. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a two-wheel drive configuration, ensuring maneuverability in garden environments.
Dimensions and Handling
With a wheelbase of 41.25 inches (104 cm) and an overall width of 34 inches (86 cm), the machine is designed for tight spaces. It weighs 464 lbs (210 kg) and provides a ground clearance of 7.25 inches (18 cm). The operator operates the machine from an open station using a manual steering system.
Equipment and Tires
The tractor is compatible with 36-inch or 42-inch mower decks for grass maintenance. Traction is provided by lawn/turf tires, with 16x5.50-8 tires on the front and 22.5x8.00-12 tires on the rear, suitable for turf-sensitive applications.
Conclusion
The Wheel Horse 855 is a compact, mechanically straightforward tractor suited for light landscaping and residential lawn maintenance. Its simple construction and manual controls make it a reliable choice for enthusiasts and collectors of historical garden equipment.
Production Information of Wheel Horse, 855
- Garden tractor
- Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
| Manufacturer | Wheel Horse |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 855
| Ground clearance | 7.25 inches [18 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 41.25 inches [104 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 33.5 inches [85 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 37 inches [93 cm] |
| Length | 61 inches [154 cm] |
| Weight | 464 lbs [210 kg] |
| Width | 34 inches [86 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x5.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 22.5x8.00-12 |
Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 855
- Kohler K181S
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Power | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 305 cc [18.64 ci] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.938x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 855
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Wheel Horse Uni-Drive |
|---|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 855
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station.
Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 855
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse 855 sits just above 655 (6 HP) in Wheel Horse's range. Its power puts it in the 72th percentile of 1960s models in our database (550 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Wheel Horse 855 have?
The Wheel Horse 855 delivers 8 HP.
What years was the Wheel Horse 855 produced?
The Wheel Horse 855 was produced in 1965.
What engine does the Wheel Horse 855 have?
The Wheel Horse 855 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Wheel Horse 855 use?
The Wheel Horse 855 uses a Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission.
How much does the Wheel Horse 855 weigh?
The Wheel Horse 855 weighs 464 lbs [210 kg].
Is the Wheel Horse 855 4WD?
The Wheel Horse 855 is available in 2WD.