Compare/Versatile 280 vs Versatile 856

Versatile 280 vs Versatile 856

Verdict: Versatile 280 vs Versatile 856

The Versatile 280 and the Versatile 856 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Versatile 280 leads on rated power with 225 hp against 209 hp. Versatile 856 is the lighter machine (11,294 kg vs 17,700 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Versatile 280 is the newer design (2009 vs 1985). In short: choose the Versatile 280 for outright pulling power, or the Versatile 856 if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.

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Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Versatile

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Versatile

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

225 hp

209 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

VersatileReference

liquid-cooledReference

Gear 2 used for pull test.Reference

Original price

—

$78,000 (1986)Reference

Final drives

—

inboard planetary (row-crop axle)Reference

Steering

—

hydraulic powerReference

Engine

208.8 kWReference

179.0 kWReference

Displacement

8.3 LReference

10.0 LReference

Bore/Stroke

114 x 135 mmReference

125 x 136 mmReference

Power

208.8 kWReference

179.0 kWReference

Rated RPM

2200Reference

2100Reference

Torque

1356.0 NmReference

1057.7 NmReference

Torque RPM

1400Reference

1300Reference

Oil capacity

18.9 LReference

17.0 LReference

Coolant capacity

27.4 LReference

52.1 LReference

Fuel Type

dieselReference

—

No of Cylinders

6 cylinderReference

—

Rated engine speed

2,200 RPMReference

—

Emissions compliance

Tier IIIReference

—

Engine torque at rated speed

453.6 kgReference

—

Bore and stroke

4.488x5.315 inchesReference

—

Cooling system

liquid-cooledReference

—

Drawbar (tested)

—

136.0 kWReference

Air cleaner

—

dual dry elementReference

Compression

—

16:1Reference

Starter volts

—

12Reference

Power at rated engine speed

—

156.1 kWReference

Max power

—

136.0 kWReference

Transmission

power shiftReference

VersatileReference

Gears

18 forward and 9 reverseReference

12 forward and 3 reverseReference

Transmission Type

PowershiftReference

—

forward and reverse options

18 F and 9 RReference

—

Wheel Drive

4WDReference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (claimed)

167.8 kWReference

—

Hydraulic system

117.3 LReference

57.9 LReference

Type

closed center load sensingReference

full power shiftReference

Capacity

117.3 LReference

57.9 LReference

Pressure

200.0 barReference

—

Valves

3 to 4Reference

4 to 5Reference

Total flow

208.2 lpmReference

—

Rear Type

IIIReference

IVN/IIIReference

Rear lift

6804 kgReference

—

PTO (tested)

—

156.1 kWReference

Pump flow

—

95.4 lpmReference

Steering flow

—

98.0 lpmReference

Steering press.

—

158.6 barReference

Rear lift (at 24"/610mm)

—

9843 kgReference

Rear PTO

—

independentReference

Rear PTO Type

—

1000Reference

Capacities

Fuel

416.4 LReference

931.1 LReference

Fuel tank

416.4 LReference

—

Crankcase oil volume

20 qtsReference

—

Dimensions

Wheelbase

317 cmReference

330 cmReference

Weight

17700 to 20050 poundsReference

11294 kgReference

Length

520 cmReference

660 cmReference

Height (cab)

317 cmReference

—

Height (exhaust)

320 cmReference

332 cmReference

Ground clearance

47 cmReference

—

Shipping

9094 kgReference

—

Front tire

—

18.4-38Reference

Rear tire

—

18.4-38Reference

Ag front

—

18.4-38Reference

Ag rear

—

18.4-38Reference

Operating weight

—

11294 kgReference

Front axle

—

FlangeReference

Bar rear axle

—

101 mmReference

Electrical

Charging system

alternatorReference

Charging amps

160Reference

90Reference

Batteries

2Reference

4Reference

Battery CCA

950Reference

625Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Total cold cranking amps

950 ampsReference

—

Ground

—

negativeReference

General

Make & Model

VersatileReference

—

Cruise control

AvailableReference

—

SCV control

JoystickReference

—

Rear Axle Type

Bar - 4.13 by 112 inchesReference

—

Country of manufacturer

CanadaReference

—

Power

Max Power

280 hpReference

—

PTO

PTO Power

225 hpReference

—

Hydraulics

Hydraulics Type

closed center load sensingReference

—

Maximum operating pressure

2,900 psiReference

—

Remote Valves

3 to 4Reference

—

Rear Hitch category (SAE designation)

Category IIIReference

—

Rear Hitch maximum lift capacity

6,803.9 kgReference

—

Rear Hitch Sensing Type

electronic draft controlReference

—

Dimensions & weight

Overall Height

320 cmReference

—

Height Over Cab

317.5 cmReference

—

Overall Length

508 cmReference

—

Wheels & tyres

Rear wheel tread range

60 to 124 inchesReference

—

Front Wheel tread range

60 to 88 inchesReference

—

Operator station

Cab Availability

AvailableReference

—

Seat Suspension

TRUEReference

—

Steering & brakes

Steering type

powerReference

—

856 Serial Numbers

1985

—

856 85 219030Reference

Location:

—

Serial number plate on the cab door post.Reference

Final

—

856 85 251397Reference

Test results

Fuel use

—

45.0 l/hourReference

Max pull

—

12010 kgReference

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.