656 International Tractor

[Taylorman55]

Well, it looks as though I'm buying my first tractor in the next week or so. 1972 International 656, Gas, Hydro, 5000 hrs TT and a nice aftermarket cab that fits excellent. It has an older "cage" type farmhand F10 loader, which I am looking to replace with an F11, or some other sort of more "modern" loader. Tires like new, hydro was redone a few years back, and full maint. logs since around 1980, same owner since around then too. Tractor is paint faded but tin is in excellent shape, mainly saved over time due to full cage loader surrounding it. The downfall to this tractor is that it does not have a 3 point (due to that full cage loader). The price is excellent, so I'm still pulling the trigger either way.

My question for the tractor guys out there: Have any of you installed an aftermarket 3 point on a tractor that didn't come with one? I have found about a dozen direct take offs of other 656's, for $800-$1200 that are like new. Only problem is that I might have to remove the cab to get it to fit, since the cab is a rear entry and I think it'll hang just a bit too low for when I install the 3 point. I've found another aftermarket cozy cab that looks like it'll bolt right on and fit a 3 point under it, so thats where I'm leaning. If I have to get rid of the cab completely I'm not opposed to that either. Anyone have first hand experience with the 656's? Things to watch out for?

Also, if anyone has a lead on a decent loader that might fit, throw me a pm. I am looking for something that includes the direct mounts and correct brackets for the 656, as I do not want to do a ton of modification to this. Some of the older style ones had a bar that went on the back of the loader connecting the two sides together, kind of up and over the fuel tank and a little behind it, but I don't think that style will work with this cab.

I will make sure to post some before and after photos, as she's getting a full makeover with paint and new glass from the old man either later this summer or next when I get the cab situation figured out.


Taylorman

 

[Wild and Free]

Give either Petes tractor salvage in annamoose a call or Meyers tractor in Aberdeen sd. they may be pretty good point to start.

http://www.meyerstractor.com/

http://petestractor.com/

 

[Davy Crockett]

FWIW, I'd pay close attention to the hydraulic system, You might have to add another hydraulic pump just for the 3 point if you want it original and right. Could get spendy if you want everything original. Is it a Utility or row crop ?

 

[Ponyroper]

Taylorman,
I bought a 656 Hydro several years ago and had trouble with the hydro slipping. I found a great web site that has good old mechanics who can answer almost any question you have. I'll post the link below. I have an add-on 3 point on my 656 but no cab so I can't tell you how it would work with a cab. I think it would block entry to a cab with a rear door. My tractor does not have fenders so I can get around the 3 pt. to climb on. I have an F-21 loader on the tractor. An F-21 is very similar to an F-11 with some cosmetic differences. Both the F-11 and F-21 have a brace across the top of the loader frame that make mounting a cab a bitch and you can't climb on the tractor from in front of the rear wheel due to how the frame of the loader is made so if you can't get in the back door due to the 3-pt. you're screwed. I've seen a few IH's with F-11's and cabs but you need to modify the cab. I could take a few pictures if you want to see what mine looks like with the 3 pt. I haven't used the 3 pt. in many years because a have a 706 with a factory 3 pt. and it works better than the add-on 3 pt.

One of my neighbors here in the development has a pretty nice F-11 for sale. It's got an 8' bucket and grapple fork that's in excellent condition. I thought of buying it myself to replace the beat up old F-11 on my 706 but the old one gets the job done for the little use I have for it. I think the price he has on the loader is too high but his wife left him last fall and I think he's hurting for beer money so he would probably be open to offers. PM me if you want details. Loader is located 10 miles NW of Mandan.

Yesterdays Tractors web site:

http://search.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/fastsrch.pl

 

[fullrut]

Brother has my dad's old IH400 with an aftermarket three point. Not sure the brand of it. Has yellow paint. I really liked it when we had the blade on it. Had a single double acting cylinder so you could put some down pressure on it. Made changing the back tires a lot easier. Just put the blade down and raise the ass end of the tractor up.

 

[Wild and Free]

Is it set up for 3-point meaning does the cover on top of the rear diff have the rock shaft in it yet the shaft the 3-pt arms would attatch to and the lever and hydraulics for it or is it without from factory like Davy posted and is a utility tractor version rather than row crop?

 

[Biglunch]

:;:thumbsup Meyers in aberdeen

 

[Norske]

Do an internet search for a 3-point conversion. I saw one a few years ago for just a few hundred dollars. I think it was made in Canada.(?)

 

[Taylorman55]

FWIW, I'd pay close attention to the hydraulic system, You might have to add another hydraulic pump just for the 3 point if you want it original and right. Could get spendy if you want everything original. Is it a Utility or row crop ?

Its a row crop.

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Is it set up for 3-point meaning does the cover on top of the rear diff have the rock shaft in it yet the shaft the 3-pt arms would attatch to and the lever and hydraulics for it or is it without from factory like Davy posted and is a utility tractor version rather than row crop?

It doesn't have any of that. Its without one from the factory. Ive found brand new take offs out west for around a grand that said they can be installed in an hour or so.

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Pony,
I think that loader is the one on bisman? There is one on there for about $1400. I called him and he said it is actually a F21 loader. It does not have the bar across the top, or at least it doesn't have it in the photos? That loader is also said to be in Mandan.

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http://www.bismanonline.com/international_tractor_cab_656_666_hydro_70_hyd/?app_track=watchListMemberCenter

This is the cab I may call on later today. This would allow me to put a 3 point on, and allow a side door exit instead of the rear. Now the issue will be finding a loader with grapple that will feet nicely.

Thanks for all of the replies thus far. Much appreciated. I will be making a ton of phone calls today and seeing what I can find out and putting something together for the days coming up.

 

[Allen]

I know this wasn't solicited, but are you really sure you want to buy a tractor that's main attraction is because it is inexpensive while it doesn't meet your needs?

Just sounds like a money pit to buy something with the intent to convert it over to what you want. You already know they made them in the format you seek with the attachment (loader) you want. Seems to me that you'd be money and headache ahead by continuing your search for what you actually want.

A few years ago when I made up my mind what I wanted, I ended up driving to southern MN to pick it up. Time and money well spent, IMHO.

Then again, if you are looking for a hobby (fixing and remodeling your tractor), more power to ya as it sounds like you have a plan.

 

[USMCDI]

I know this wasn't solicited, but are you really sure you want to buy a tractor that's main attraction is because it is inexpensive while it doesn't meet your needs?

Just sounds like a money pit to buy something with the intent to convert it over to what you want. You already know they made them in the format you seek with the attachment (loader) you want. Seems to me that you'd be money and headache ahead by continuing your search for what you actually want.

A few years ago when I made up my mind what I wanted, I ended up driving to southern MN to pick it up. Time and money well spent, IMHO.

Then again, if you are looking for a hobby (fixing and remodeling your tractor), more power to ya as it sounds like you have a plan.

Exactly, walk away man. Unless you're getting it for nothing, I have a few 40+ year old tractors and they're a PITA, more or less a novelty to mess around with and pull a finish mower. What exactly are you going to do with it?

 

[sweeney]

how excellent is the price like 3-5 grand excellent or like 9-12 grand excellent, nice thing about an old tractor is you can work on them....the bad thing is you are always working on them.

 

[Taylorman55]

Exactly, walk away man. Unless you're getting it for nothing, I have a few 40+ year old tractors and they're a PITA, more or less a novelty to mess around with and pull a finish mower. What exactly are you going to do with it?

This thing is going to be used for some pretty simple daily tasks. Moving a bale or two for horses, snowplowing/blowing in the winter, and planting some alfalfa/food plots here and there, 5 foot tilling etc. . For the prices I've researched over the last few weeks, I can spend 5,000kish in extras on this tractor and still come out a few k ahead in the current market.

I guess for me, I don't mind doing a little extra work on a tractor to make it how I need/want it to be, so that being said, the biggest thing we need it for at the moment is just moving hay for horses, really nothing else. So for right now and its main use, it works perfect. For the price I'm taking it for I can run it like it is for 3-4+ years and then send it down the road for double what I paid for it, IF need be. But looking at the availability of parts for this thing, I think I can spend a little money, and make it pretty much into my "dream" tractor, well at least for the type of stuff Im going to be using it for later on. I actually am pretty excited to do some work on this thing, I've only ever restored vehicles and vintage airplanes/aircraft with dad, never have touched a mid sized tractor. I figure it will be a learning experience and it won't break the bank, and when its all said and done (3 point added and different loader, possibly cab), I can have a nice "decked" out ( in my eyes) 656 that I can use in about every aspect on the farm.

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how excellent is the price like 3-5 grand excellent or like 9-12 grand excellent, nice thing about an old tractor is you can work on them....the bad thing is you are always working on them.

Sweeney, its in your first set of "excellent" on the low end of that number. The hydro was redone/replaced a few years back on it, which that alone, is worth about the price Im paying.

 

[Auggie]

The Farmhand on my Dad's farm is a 656. It has what I think is a factory 3-pt. No can, but the tractor has been very reliable. I'm sure dad has put in a few clutches over the years, but it's been our farmhand tractor for 30yrs.

 

[sweeney]

Like you said as long as you can throw money at it, and still get it out of it, there isn't near as much risk. these guys are pretty decent light duty tractors, which sounds like what you are going to use it for. Have fun buying toys for it probably the best part next to actually getting to use them. The old man bought a huge snow blower a few years back only got to use it once or twice so far, but he did snowblow about 5 acres just because he could one day.

 

[Taylorman55]

Last week I bought a 5 foot caroni tiller. Excellent shape and got it for about 25% of what new price is. Also picked up a 4 foot mower, 3 bottom John Deere plow and a 6 foot John Deere pony drill. Those attachments are all for the future but the price was right.

 

[johnr]

I was at the Sheffield auction last week end, seemed some of the prices where still a bit high. With the commodity prices very low, and the potential drought we are facing, I would guess in a couple months the auction prices will be quite a bit better.

 

[Taylorman55]

Yeah I hear you. I went to an auction 2 weeks ago, and a near identical tractor, only difference was that it was a diesel, with nearly 9000 hours, and a more modern loader… went for nearly 10k, and wasn't nearly in as good of shape. Another auction I went to over in Gladstone, prices were actually super, super cheap. I think it all depends on the crowd too.

 

[fullrut]

Smaller "yard sized" tractors tend to hold their value. Don't expect to see a bunch of cheap ones on auction because of the farming economy. Collectors, hobby farmers and people who own acreage keep the prices high. A late 60's John Deere 4020 is worth almost or more than twice of new cost. Implements fall into that as well, as long as parts are still available and they're small enough not to be too cumbersome. Hell of a lot easier to cut a old 30ft JD press drill into three ten footers and sell individually than whole.

Buddy and I were looking for a 30" 8 row, row crop planter a couple a years ago just to plant sweet corn. 10 years ago you couldn't give them away for scrap. Now there's a premium on them because folks are cutting them down to a more manageable size for gardens and food plots.

 

[Taylorman55]

Well, I figured I would give an update on the tractor situation. Got the 656 home and am in the process of taking off the old MONSTER of an F10 loader. Found a really nice Dual 3100 quick attach with mounts from an 806 that directly line up with my 656 loader holes(with a 1 inch spacer). There is no 3 point on this tractor, and I was looking at putting an aftermarket 3 point on it so I could use my tiller and mower with it. Instead I decided to go against that, and use the 656 strictly as a baling and hay loader tractor. Ill only hay 40-60 acres so the smaller 656 (65 hp) should be ok for a smaller baler for that amount of property. The other day I ended up purchasing a 1966 Ford 4000, 3 cylinder gas, 3 point and 540 pto, with 1600 original hours. I got a steal on that tractor picking it up for $2750. Its in great shape and everything works as it should… it is CLEANNNN. Ill get some pictures posted in the coming months of the 656 hydro with updated modern loader. Here is pic of the old Ford 4000 i picked up. Should work great with a 5 foot tiller and 5 foot mower. Picked up a really nice old 12 foot disk to rip up the old ladies riding arena too. So far its been a blast dealing with these old tractors. 10 years ago I never even thought I'd own one. Now I have an addiction for them, haha.