Versatile 856
Power
240 hp
Production
1985
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
Versatile
Weight
24,900 lbs (20.8-38 duals) [11294 kg]
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Versatile 856 Four-Wheel Drive Tractor
The Versatile 856 is a four-wheel drive agricultural tractor produced between 1985 and 1986 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Designed for heavy-duty field operations, this machine belongs to the high-horsepower segment of the Versatile tractor lineup.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Cummins L10 turbocharged diesel engine. This 10.0-liter, 6-cylinder powerplant produces 240 horsepower (179.0 kW) at a rated speed of 2100 RPM. It delivers a maximum torque of 780 lb-ft (1057.7 Nm) at 1300 RPM, providing the necessary lugging capability for demanding tillage and traction tasks.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 856 features a four-wheel drive configuration with outboard planetary final drives. Two transmission options were available: a 12-speed constant mesh transmission with 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, or a 12-speed full power shift transmission with 12 forward and 3 reverse gears. The latter facilitates on-the-go shifting without clutching.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system utilizes a closed-center load-sensing design, providing a pump flow of 25.2 gpm (95.4 lpm) for implements and 25.9 gpm (98.0 lpm) for steering. The rear hitch is a category IVN/III type with a lift capacity of 21,700 lbs (9843 kg) measured at 24 inches behind the lift point. An independent 1000 RPM rear PTO is also equipped.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
The tractor has an operating weight of approximately 24,900 lbs (11294 kg) when equipped with dual 20.8-38 tires. It features a wheelbase of 130 inches and an overall length of 260 inches. The operator station consists of a standard cab factory-equipped with air conditioning to maintain comfort during extended operation.
Conclusion
The Versatile 856 is a heavy-duty 4WD tractor engineered for large-scale farming requirements. Its combination of high torque, substantial lift capacity, and multiple transmission configurations makes it suitable for intensive primary tillage and heavy implement work.
Production Information of Versatile, 856
- On the Versatile 856 the PTO was standard equipment with the power shift transmission but not available with the manual shift.
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| Manufacturer | Versatile |
|---|---|
| Original price | $78,000 (1986) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Versatile, 856
- Flange rear axle
| Bar rear axle | 4 inch diameter [101 mm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 130 inches [330 cm] |
| Front axle | Bar: 4 inch diameter [101 mm] |
| Operating weight | 24,900 lbs (20.8-38 duals) [11294 kg] |
| Length | 260 inches [660 cm] |
| Front axle | Flange |
| Height (exhaust) | 131 inches [332 cm] |
| Ag front | 18.4-38 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 18.4-38 |
Engine Specifications of Versatile, 856
- Cummins L10
- Liquid-cooled
- 6-cylinder
- Turbocharged diesel
| Air cleaner | Dual dry element |
|---|---|
| Torque | 780 lb-ft [1057.7 Nm] |
| Displacement | 611 ci [10.0 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.921x5.354 inches [125 x 136 mm] |
| Power | 240 hp [179.0 kW] |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Coolant capacity | 55 qts [52.1 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Torque RPM | 1300 |
Transmission Information of Versatile, 856
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Versatile |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 21.5 qts [20.3 L] |
| Type | Constant mesh |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 3 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 18 qts [17.0 L] |
- 12-speed constant mesh
- 12-speed full power shift
Mechanical Specs of Versatile, 856
- Four-wheel drive
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Cab standard with air-conditioning.
| Steering | Hydraulic power |
|---|---|
| Final drives | Outboard planetary |
| Final drives(optional) | Inboard planetary (row-crop axle) |
Power Information of Versatile, 856
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Versatile, 856
| Type | Closed center load sensing |
|---|---|
| Steering flow | 25.9 gpm [98.0 lpm] |
| Pump flow | 25.2 gpm [95.4 lpm] |
| Capacity | 15.3 gal [57.9 L] |
| Steering press. | 2300 psi [158.6 bar] |
| Valves | 4 to 5 |
Three-Point Hitch of Versatile, 856
| Rear Type | IVN/III |
|---|---|
| Rear lift (at 24"/610mm) | 21,700 lbs [9843 kg] |
Electrical System of Versatile, 856
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 625 |
| Batteries | 4 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 240 HP, the Versatile 856 sits between 836 (210 HP) and 855 (250 HP) in Versatile's range. Its power puts it in the 92th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Versatile 856 have?
The Versatile 856 delivers 240 HP.
What years was the Versatile 856 produced?
The Versatile 856 was produced in 1985.
What engine does the Versatile 856 have?
The Versatile 856 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Versatile 856 use?
The Versatile 856 uses a Versatile transmission.
How much does the Versatile 856 weigh?
The Versatile 856 weighs 24,900 lbs (20.8-38 duals) [11294 kg].
Is the Versatile 856 4WD?
The Versatile 856 is available in 4WD.