| Manufacturer |
Farmall |
| Price |
23,211(USD) |
| Model |
856 |
| Equipment Type |
Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
Rock Island, Illinois, USA |
VARIANTS
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 970 2
| Description |
Diesel Torque Amplifier 2WD April 15 - 30, 1968 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 970 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 1-H-TA used for power test. Gear 3-L-TA used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed |
100.49hp / 74.9kW |
| Fuel use |
6.6gal/hour / 25.0l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed |
94.29hp / 70.3kW |
| Max power |
87.17hp / 65.0kW |
| Max pull |
9,417lbs / 4271kg |
FARMALL 856 POWER
| PTO (claimed) |
95hp / 70.8kW |
| Drawbar (tested) |
87.17hp / 65.0kW |
| PTO (tested) |
100.49hp / 74.9kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Farmall 856 features multiple engine options: a robust 6.7L diesel for high torque and fuel efficiency, a 4.9L gasoline variant for flexibility and lower initial costs, and a 4.9L LP gas engine for cleaner emissions and potential tax incentives. The diesel engine excels in heavy-duty applications, while the gasoline and LP options present advantages in lighter tasks and operational costs. However, diesel may incur higher maintenance costs; thus, the choice should align with the specific operational demand and budget factors.
| Description |
International Harvester 6.7L 6-cyl diesel/International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl gasoline/International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl LP gas |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Farmall 856 features a robust International Harvester D-407 diesel engine, providing high torque at a compression ratio of 17:1, which enhances fuel efficiency and power delivery at lower RPMs (2400 RPM). The dual dry element air cleaner is advantageous in dusty environments, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. However, the relatively high oil and coolant capacities (13 quarts and 24 quarts respectively) may pose maintenance challenges, necessitating larger storage and handling solutions for fluids.
| Description |
International Harvester D-407 diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
406.9ci / 6.7L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.321x4.625inches / 110x 117 mm |
| Air cleaner |
dual dry elements |
| Compression |
17:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2400 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Oil capacity |
13qts / 12.3L |
| Coolant capacity |
24qts / 22.7L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Farmall 856 features a C-301 gasoline engine with a displacement of 301 cubic inches, delivering reliable performance at a rated RPM of 2400, ideal for moderate load applications. Its dual dry air cleaner enhances engine longevity by preventing dirt ingress, while its 7.7:1 compression ratio allows for efficient combustion at lower RPMs. However, the 9-quart oil capacity may necessitate more frequent changes for optimal maintenance, particularly in high-use scenarios, highlighting the importance of regular servicing for sustained performance.
| Description |
International Harvester C-301 gasoline 6-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
301ci / 4.9L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.8125x4.39inches / 97x 112 mm |
| Air cleaner |
dual dry elements |
| Compression |
7.7:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2400 |
| Oil capacity |
9 qts /8.5 L |
| Coolant capacity |
21qts / 19.9L |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Farmall 856 is powered by the International Harvester C-301 LP gas engine, offering a robust 301ci displacement, ideal for agricultural tasks requiring significant torque at lower RPMs, operating efficiently at a rated RPM of 2400. Its dual dry air cleaner enhances engine life by reducing particulate intake, while the 8.8:1 compression ratio supports efficient thermal management, although LP fuel reliance may limit availability in some regions. With modest oil and coolant capacities, proper maintenance is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure long-term operational reliability.
| Description |
International Harvester C-301 LP gas 6-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
301ci / 4.9L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.8125x4.39inches / 97x 112 mm |
| Air cleaner |
dual dry elements |
| Compression |
8.8:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2400 |
| Oil capacity |
9 qts /8.5 L |
| Coolant capacity |
21.5qts / 20.3L |
FARMALL 856 ENGINES
The Farmall 856's versatility with three engine options—diesel, gasoline, and LP gas—allows farm operators to choose the best fuel type for their specific needs and operational costs. With a generous 42-gallon diesel and gasoline tank and a 48-gallon LPG tank, this tractor supports extended hours of operation, making it suitable for large-scale farming or heavy-duty tasks without frequent refueling. However, the choice of fuel type can impact power output and efficiency, with diesel generally offering better torque and fuel economy, while LP gas may provide cleaner emissions but at the cost of power under heavy loads.
| Description |
International Harvester 6.7L 6-cyl diesel International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl gasoline International Harvester 4.9L 6-cyl LP gas |
| Fuel tank |
42gal / 159.0L (gas/diesel)/48gal / 181.7L (LPG) |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Farmall 856 features an 8-speed or optional 16-speed two-speed power shift transmission, providing versatility in speed selection for varied field conditions and applications. This allows for efficient load management and optimal power delivery, particularly useful in tasks requiring precision, such as planting or tilling. However, operators must familiarize themselves with the shifting mechanism to leverage its full potential, as improper use can lead to increased wear on the drivetrain components.
| Description |
8-speed/16-speed two-speed power shift |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Farmall 856 features a sliding gear transmission offering 8 forward and 4 reverse gears, providing flexibility for various field applications. The dry disc clutch allows for smooth engagement and durability but may require more frequent adjustment compared to wet clutches. With an oil capacity of 68 quarts (64.4L), adequate lubrication is crucial for optimal performance and longevity, especially during prolonged operation under heavy loads.
| Transmission |
sliding gear |
| Gears |
8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
68qts / 64.4L |
SPEEDS 1
| Description |
With 16.9-38 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Farmall 856 features a two-speed power shift transmission with 16 forward and 8 reverse gears, enabling precise control over speed and torque for various farming tasks. The inclusion of a torque amplifier enhances torque output for challenging conditions, making it ideal for heavy tillage or transportation. However, the dry disc clutch may require more frequent adjustments and maintenance compared to wet clutches, impacting long-term reliability under heavy usage.
| Transmission |
Torque Amplifier |
| Type |
two-speed power shift |
| Gears |
16 forward and 8 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
68qts / 64.4L |
SPEEDS 2
| Description |
With 16.9-38 rear tires |
MECHANICAL
The Farmall 856 features a versatile chassis option with 2WD or 4WD configurations, allowing for adaptability to various terrain, although 4WD provides enhanced traction in challenging conditions. The independent hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power, especially beneficial for heavy loads or inclines, while the optional cab with heating and A/C enhances operator comfort during extended use. The 8-speed or 16-speed power shift transmission allows for precise control over speed and power delivery, making it suitable for both fieldwork and transport applications, though operators may require time to master shifting under load.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Steering |
power |
| Brakes |
independent hydraulic disc |
| Cab |
Cab optional with heat and A/C |
| Transmissions |
8-speed/16-speed two-speed power shift |
TRACTOR HITCH
| Rear Type |
2 |
| Type |
IH Fast Hitch |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
independent |
| Rear RPM |
1000/540/1000 |
| Engine RPM |
540@2100 / 1000@2100 |
FARMALL 856 TIRES
The Farmall 856 tractor features a robust tire configuration with 7.50-16 Ag front tires optimizing maneuverability for smaller farming tasks, while the 16.9-38 Ag rear tires provide substantial traction for heavier loads over diverse terrains. This setup offers excellent stability and performance in row-crop and tillage applications, enhancing overall productivity. However, the tractor's weight distribution should be monitored to avoid soil compaction, especially in wet conditions.
| Ag front |
7.50-16 |
| Ag rear |
16.9-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
105inches / 266cm |
| Length |
164inches / 416cm |
| Width |
92inches / 233cm |
| Height (steering wheel) |
86inches / 218cm |
FARMALL 856 WEIGHT
| Shipping |
9,270lbs / 4204kg |
| Operating |
10,290lbs / 4667kg |
| Ballasted |
12,035lbs / 5459kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Farmall 856 features a 105-inch wheelbase, providing stability during field operations while enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces. Weighing between 9,270 and 10,290 pounds, it offers substantial traction for heavy tillage and competitive pulling power, yet may challenge transportability due to its weight. Transitioning between various terrains with its 7.50-16 front tires and 16.9-38 rear tires ensures adaptability, but tire selection can impact overall ground pressure and soil compaction.
| Wheelbase |
105inches / 266cm |
| Weight |
9270 to 10290 pounds |
| Front tire |
7.50-16 |
| Rear tire |
16.9-38 |
856 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
On clutch housing, left side |
| 1967 |
7501 |
| 1968 |
9854 |
| 1969 |
19554 |
| 1970 |
28693 |
| 1971 |
32420 |
