Finally Got My Dream Tractor!

[shroyster]

Have just purchased a 1956 Ford 800 Series 850, and could not be more excited! I know this tractor is famous for its unusual shift pattern, and just looking for any advice about that. As I understand, it is:
4 2 3
DN UP
5 1 R

Any idea where I can buy a decal? All the ones I see online are for 1965 or newer. Thanks!

Samantha

 

[murphy1244]

Looks brand new! Nice

 

[shroyster]

Thanks! It is completely restored to the original specs. Considering switching to 12-volt, but will see how it does first. I'd like to keep it original if possible.

 

[joefromga]

Looks amazing but be super careful. That tractor wants to kill you. Almost no safety features besides neutral safety switch.

 

[shroyster]

Looks amazing but be super careful. That tractor wants to kill you. Almost no safety features besides neutral safety switch.

Yikes! Thanks for the warning!

 

[Gordon Gould]

Man - What a beauty. Congrats on your dream !!

gg

 

[kebo]

Congrat's on getting a REALLY NICE restored tractor! Like Murphy commented, it does look brand new. I would also suggest to check and see if that tractor needs an overrunning clutch. Or, maybe someone here can tell us, I'm not sure if that tractor had one built in or not?

 

[Creamer]

Now tell us why this is your dream tractor.

 

[fried1765]

Have just purchased a 1956 Ford 800 Series 850, and could not be more excited! I know this tractor is famous for its unusual shift pattern, and just looking for any advice about that. As I understand, it is:
4 2 3
DN UP
5 1 R

Any idea where I can buy a decal? All the ones I see online are for 1965 or newer. Thanks!

Samantha

View attachment 458065

Try Messicks!
They are excellent with Ford parts.

 

[mclintoc]

Those are great tractors. You might check out Steiner tractor parts for decals. 12 volts would be nice if you work it a lot during winter. My father in law still runs his with 6, but it is sometimes hard to turn over. Enjoy.

 

[jeff9366]

Looks amazing but be super careful. That tractor wants to kill you. Almost no safety features besides neutral safety switch.

I would install a ROPS soonest. (Roll Over Protection System)

 

[milligjg]

These guys may be of some help.

N-News | The Magazine for the Ford Tractor Enthusiast

 

[strum456]

Good purchase. That will be a great all around tractor (as long as you don't need the pto). About the decals, George Bradish Tractor Parts would have anything you need for that tractor. He is in PA within 10 miles of me. He knows the old Fords inside and out and he actually specializes in decals.

I'm not sure if you are asking about a shift pattern decal though. Those tractors didn't have a decal for the shift pattern, if that is what you are asking- it is stamped on the transmission cover. It would not be factory correct to do so, but one could always highlight the pattern with a different color paint to make it easier to read.

 

[murphy1244]

On my Massey the shift pattern is on the knob

 

[NC419N]

Nice looking machine. That shift pattern will be sure to confuse new operators LOL I still remember my Father in law the first time he tried to drive my 64 2000 that had that 5 speed.
Take care if it and it will last a good long while

 

[Alien]

Any signwriter should be able to cut a nice decal for you. Just show them what you want. If you can find a pic of an original they can now print you one the same.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm not sure if you are asking about a shift pattern decal though. Those tractors didn't have a decal for the shift pattern, if that is what you are asking- it is stamped on the transmission cover. It would not be factory correct to do so, but one could always highlight the pattern with a different color paint to make it easier to read.

I took it that he was looking for a shift pattern decal. I'm with you. Never saw one with a decal, it's stamped in the cover.

That shift pattern is very easy to learn. 3rd gear is the most used speed, that's why it's opposite of reverse. Great improvement over the earlier 4 spd models.

Should have a dual clutch for the PTO. Push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor and tractor motion plus PTO stops. Push the clutch 2/3 to the floor and tractor motion stops, but PTO remains enaged.

Never saw one with a ROPS. Very, very, very difficult to tip this tractor over.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Very, very, very difficult to tip this tractor over.

I agree with Richard, but only if the wheels are out wide. They are set quite narrow in the picture posted at the beginning.

Beautiful tractor by the way.