moving up from an M---what is the best tractor?

I was thinking about either a IHC 460 or 560. Would these be good to move up to? Are parts still available? I would like to stick with gas models, because I wouldn't have to buy another bulk fuel tank on the farm. I also think a gas engine is easier to fix and maintain then a diesel. Are there newer IH models I should consider? I am setting a figure of 5-6 K for what I pay...can I get a decent machine for that price? My late Dad and myself have been farming 60 years on this place with the Red line of machinery. One of my neighbors actually had the nerve to suggest I look at one of those tractors painted in that funny-looking green color (SHOCKING!!)

Like I mentioned above, this is going to have to be a workin' machine...I won't be using it just for shows or parades.

Thanks for any advice and taking the time to read my post and answer my questions...I truly appreciate it!

Depending on how much you want to expand, the 56 or 66 series in diesel would be good.

I especially appreciate the advice about the advantages of a diesel, and it has pretty much convinced me that is the direction I will go. And it looks like a 656 or 666 will be what I will end up getting.

My M has given faithful service, and I'm still going to keep it. But with my "working" farm, I'm really finding the need for the extra features like 3 pt, live hyd, etc.

I notice now you have a preference to gas. My advice would be change the idea. IH made top notch gas engines up to 1958. My feeling is after that date and particularly in 6 cylinder engines most of the R & D went into diesels. The industry was clearly moving to diesel. Those 6 cylinder IH gas engines just don't measure up, plus they have a real drinking problem. The drinking part probably true of most gas tractors over 40 hp.

Yes Sir, You've got a nice little tractor there. Someone is gonna get a good unit with that one.

Allan

You could go a bit heavier into 7, 8 heavier chasis, but if your watch these forums, there are some troublesom things those tractors we never dreamed of when they were new. 656, 666 and 686 still relatively simple in the drive line. I farmed years ago with 300, 560D, 656D and 1066. I have also made my recomendation without looking to see what anyone else had to say. 560 and 656 absolutely the most efficient horsepower I ever had on farm, they take it hands down.

How'd I do Hugh? Did I learn good from you?
Oh just so you know Hugh knows what he is saying. if you dont listen be prepaired for the "See why didnt you listen to me when I said you should -----?"

I once planted corn almost 48 hours non stop with 656 and air planter. The almost part was a result of guy bringing lunch every 4 hours. Each time he would take tractor for one fill up of starter fertilizer. That took an hour so I ate lunch and had a cat nap on pickup seat. He was the cow milker, so had to get on his schedule. He played out on me the last 4 hour shift, sent my brother Frank. Frank came with a 40 of Anne Bonnie Rum. Made for a warm finish with temps hovering around 28F, at around 4:30 am.

A 560 would be a good option too, as well as a 656 or maybe an 806??? There is a bunch of machines that would fit your needs in the photo ads.

Goof luck

• 656 for sale in photo ads

That's the darned tractor that I was droolin' over a few days ago. Trouble is, it's a gasser.

Sure don't wanna get on my soapbox or anything, but this fellow is farming 160 acres.

I cannot imagine pouring gasoline in a tractor of that size 'cause she is gonna drink like a sailor fresh off the boat. Add to that, that the gasser is gonna need an engine every 5,000 hours and they start to look just a wee bit "tarnished".

Dunno, might be okay for raking hay or lite chores, however.

Yep, I will agree with ya. Those 656s are the all time winner. :>)

Allan

You're probably going to get about a hundred opinions and these are just my thoughts.

The 460 is kinda moving down a step in my opinion; they are not too big of a mule.

I don't think either the 460 nor the 560 is gonna have a 3-point on it unless someone has hung one of those aftermarket things and the draft control will not work with these units.

When you start getting above 50 horse, any tractor is gonna eat you alive in fuel costs if it is a gasser. With that M, you are used to filling at noon or walk to the house at 3pm; with a diesel, you will probably fill every other day.

You mention the ease of repair. That's one of the attributes of diesel; they seldom give any trouble and seem to run forever with little or no repair costs whatsoever.

So, my recommendation is a 666D for your quoted price range.

It is the same overall basic tractor as an M (more or less), but just a newer/beefier version and with that kind of money, you should be able to find a pretty darned good one.

Allan

I especially like the part about the M where you either fill up at noon or walk back to the farmhouse at 3. Maybe you could delve into your well of knowledge and tell me why it is that the fool thing ALWAYS runs out of gas when I am at the BACK of the field!

Ya knucklehead, Dave!!!

Yep, I'm really good at that walking thing too. Well, that and losing money while farming; I consider myself an expert on this topic. :>)

Somehow tho, my dad beat my ol' thick head against the wall enough times on the diesels for that lesson to sink in.

I'm quite sure he said something about the world coming to a firey end and my boiling in a pot of hot oil, if I ever ran a diesel dry. :>(

Allan

Harold H

PS: If you look at 656, be sure it is gear drive and not hydrostatic. Hydrostatic is good for jobs like baleing hay or a pull type combine, but for real pulling work you need gear drive.

Can't argue with ya other than the 656s are gettin' just a tad bit long in the tooth for a working farm, which can't afford the luxury of time spent on a "fixer upper" and finding a low hour, solid 656 is gonna take a little looking.

Doesn't this 666D with a 312 turn your head just a wee little bit? :>)

Allan