Wheel Horse 856 lawn tractor

Wheel Horse 856

Power

8 hp

Production

1966

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Wheel Horse Uni-Drive

Weight

428 lbs [194 kg]

Drive

2WD

From the same series:

656
876

Introduction

Wheel Horse 856 Garden Tractor

The Wheel Horse 856 is a garden tractor produced in 1966 at the manufacturer's facility in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Designed for property maintenance and lawn care, this model belongs to a series of compact tractors engineered for residential and light agricultural utility.

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 ci) and produces 8 hp (6.0 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The engine configuration uses a bore and stroke of 75 mm by 70 mm.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 856 utilizes the Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission system. It is a gear-type transmission providing 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The drivetrain is configured as a two-wheel drive system, requiring SAE 30 oil for maintenance of the transmission unit.

Dimensions and Operator Station

The machine features an open operator station with manual steering. It measures 154 cm in length, 81 cm in width, and 85 cm in height at the hood, with a steering wheel height of 93 cm. The tractor weighs approximately 194 kg. It is equipped with 5.50x8 front turf tires and 8.00x12 rear turf tires.

Electrical System

The tractor operates on a 12-volt electrical system, utilizing a negative ground configuration for its starting and electrical components.

Conclusion

The Wheel Horse 856 is a compact, gear-driven garden tractor suited for standard lawn maintenance and light property tasks. Its robust construction and simple mechanical design make it a representative model of mid-1960s American garden tractor manufacturing.

Production Information of Wheel Horse, 856

  • Garden tractor
  • Built in South Bend, Indiana, USA
ManufacturerWheel Horse

Dimension and Tires Information of Wheel Horse, 856

Length61 inches [154 cm]
Weight428 lbs [194 kg]
Height (hood)33.5 inches [85 cm]
Width32 inches [81 cm]
Height (steering wheel)37 inches [93 cm]
Lawn/turf front5.50x8
Lawn/turf rear8.00x12

Engine Specifications of Wheel Horse, 856

  • Kohler K181S
  • Air-cooled
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power8 hp [6.0 kW]
Displacement305 cc [18.64 ci]
Rated RPM3600
Bore/Stroke2.938x2.75 inches [75 x 70 mm]
Starter volts12

Transmission Information of Wheel Horse, 856

Transmission variants 1

TransmissionWheel Horse Uni-Drive
Transmission(optional)SAE 30
Oil typeSAE 30
TypeGear
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of Wheel Horse, 856

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station.

Electrical System of Wheel Horse, 856

GroundNegative
Battery volts12

Where it sits

With 8 HP, the Wheel Horse 856 sits just above 656 (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 856 have?

The Wheel Horse 856 delivers 8 HP.

What years was the Wheel Horse 856 produced?

The Wheel Horse 856 was produced in 1966.

What engine does the Wheel Horse 856 have?

The Wheel Horse 856 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Wheel Horse 856 use?

The Wheel Horse 856 uses a Wheel Horse Uni-Drive transmission.

How much does the Wheel Horse 856 weigh?

The Wheel Horse 856 weighs 428 lbs [194 kg].

Is the Wheel Horse 856 4WD?

The Wheel Horse 856 is available in 2WD.

Compare the Wheel Horse 856 with another model