560D Utility

I just returned from looking at a Farmall 560 diesel utility for sale. It looks like an Industrial, but it has the straight 560 badge on the hood, and there's no hint of yellow paint anywhere. I forgot to get the numbers off the ID plate. I did not hear it run, but seller reports that it runs a little rough. 3800 hours showing, seller thinks the tachometer works. It has a belt pulley, power steering, straight drawbar (no Quik-Tach), and round fenders on it. Also, since the seller is Amish, it's on steel wheels. The sheet metal all needs work, some serious cracking in the fender braces. Looks like the long steering arm is bent. Looks like it might have had a repaint maybe 10 years ago, otherwise it's pretty much complete and original. Looks like the injector pump has been leaking some, and there's oil coming out from between the exhaust manifold and the head at the rear port. Seller wants $1200 for it, which seems like a very reasonable price.

I have been thinking about getting into a 560, 706, or 806 for awhile, but I really had my heart set on a row crop. I have done some scout work on what kind of engine work I'm to expect. I've been told that the 560/706 block (272 ci?) is not as stiff as it should be and that the head is prone to cracking. As such, I can expect to spend a fair bit on block work (align boring), and I may need to get some welding done on the head. So, there are no stars in my eyes on this one.

Couple of Questions:
1. What was are production numbers on the 560D Utility?

2. What might be required to re-engine the tractor with a Cummins 6DT (5.9L)?

3. Is the tractor too valuable restored to original condition to consider doing that engine swap?

Thanks!
pigdoc in Pennsylvania

I am curious about the belt pulley drive. It should be noted that earlier utilities could not be fitted with a side mount gear box because the the driving gear in the transmission is absent. Is your pulley side or rear mounted (on PTO shaft)?

The engine is a D-282. The heads are prone to cracking. The weepage on the exhaust post is probably just a gasket

I have seen a 460 or 560 with a Cummins. Can't remember if it was four or six cylinder. The left frame rail had to be cut and modified. Unless you enjoy the challange of adapting non-standard parts, stay with the D-282. The Cummins model that you are thinking about probably has twice the power of the original engine. The rest of the drive train will be a reliability problem.