IH 856 gas price???

danielguam

New User
Hi,
I found a 1971, 856 gas that had the motor overhauled 10 years and 150 hrs ago. It has a two point hitch. The seller is asking for $7000-7500. I would use it to brush hog/light medium blading. I"d like to have a FEL put on it so I could do some rock work with it also. I don"t plan on using it heavy so I"m not too concerned about it burning lots of gas. I haven"t been able to find a lot of comparisons on the sale boards. I"m thinking about offering $6,500 but don"t know what these tractors are going for? Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Thanks!
Daniel
 
If the tires are great on both ends, and it runs and starts well with brakes, TA, and sound PTO, it is a good buy at his price. if less than great tires, or other issues, yours is a go get it price. Jim
 
You have the first I have ever heard of - an 856 gas. I have heard they were around but they must be rare as hen's teeth. As I recall there are no number break downs to see how many were made - just all 856s lumped together. I seriously doubt you will find a unit for comparison. Double check tractorhouse, but I don't think there's another unit out there to guage your deal. If it is in good shape otherwise I think that is a good amount.

It will be thirsty. If that doesn't scare you go for it. They are outstanding tractors. It is the one that I remember most fondly growing up with. I would snatch that thing up in a heartbeat.
 
Thanks, it has good rubber on it and the seller said it is in full working order to include the TA. I haven"t been able to look at it yet.
 
Would a gas tractor be more collectible in another 20 or 30 years or do you guys think it's just going to get harder to find parts?
 
I would think rare things like that (gas "option") should affect price. Not crazy money but it should affect it. I did see the equivalent of an 856 industrial lower hour machine go for nearly 50K about 18 months ago, though. I think the money you quoted is only slightly higher than a well cared for machine goes for that is diesel. If the tires are good, the remotes work, and it hasn't been welded up it is worth it

I would enjoy having it because of its uniqueness but I would use it like any other tractor. Take care of it and it will only appreciate in value.
 
My neighbor has one,his dad bought it new. He had it overhauled recently. If I remember right he told me the engine doesn't have sleeves, like a car engine.
 
go to tractordata.com and go to international 856 they show 3 motors for the 856 diesel
gas
lp gas
does not say how many of each were made.
maybe some one can fnd more information
 
$7000-$7500 is pricy on a gasser unless it"s mint. I realize the benefits of the 856 shifters, but your still looking at quick hitch which is nice if you have the implements/adapter, but a pain if you don"t. I converted my 806 to three point. Does it have dual hydraulic remotes? To add a loader you will probably use one or maybe two and then you can"t plug anything else in. Just saw an 856 diesel with duals go for $5000 on auction. Just some of my observations and experiences.
 
Don't worry about parts. There are plenty.

Eventually the C301 block will be too hogged out to overhaul again without expensive machine work, but there are plenty of C291 blocks with replaceable sleeves out there. For what you're planning to use the tractor for, I doubt you'd notice any lack of power, and I doubt you'll use the tractor enough to need another overhaul in your lifetime.

As long as they did a good job on the overhaul, and you feed it right (IMHO, per tractor vet's recommendations, 93 octane fuel and genuine IH low ash oil), you will get many long years of service out of it.
 
As for me (1) I do not like the 301 ) and (2) that is way to much for a 856 gasser . You can find a good diesel for that money . If ya want a good gasser then look for a late 706 or 756 .
 
Tractorhouse.com has 21 of them listed,seems like you're in the same price range as the ones they have with less hours on yours.
 
that is enough money but if overhauled less than 150 hrs and good tires most likely worth the price. For a part time errand tractor like you are describing a gas engine is better than a diesel. IH diesels have to be worked hard regularly to keep the rings seated and prevent slobbering (low temp fuel gel build up) Big gas tractors remained popular into the 70s because they are easier for the shade tree mechanic to work on. It will use more gallons per hour than a diesel but since diesel currently costs more than gas this cost will be negligible. I ran two different gas 706 tractors when I was a kid, they kept right up with the diesel IH tractors in the same field and they didn't break down as much.
 
Gas tractors have their place but resale isn't the best.Not collectable and $6500 would be plenty.I would try and find a nice 1066 as they are in that range also.
 
The 2 point hitch would concern me much more than the gas engine would. 3 Point equipment is very common and reasonably priced. I don't know where you can find a used 2 point blade built heavy enough to hold up to a 10,00 pound tractor like an 856, or what would it cost? It might cost you another $500 to $1000 to exchange the 2 point hitch on the tractor for a 3 point hitch, but you will probably save that much when you buy your first implement.

Check the archieves for discussions on 2 point hitch equipment and 3 point conversions.

At over $7,000 I think the tractor is priced for the collector market, even if it is great condition.

You should be able to find a decent IH 706, JD 4010, or early 4020 with a gas engine and a 3 point hitch for under $4500, $5000 maximum.
 

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