Looking at a 656, know nothing about...

Guess the only other question I didn"t see anwsered was what the difference was between the Farmall and International models? Thought it was something of the packages offered to the tractors?

Oh BTW, would a 656 gasser pull a 5 bottom 550 IH semi mount plow in clay ground? If so I have my plow for the tractor already.LOL Thanks for the help guys!

After 1967 all IH tractors were designated Internationals and Farmalls had the word Farmall in small print on the model number badge. I say before and after 67 as not all models changed the same month. When I refer to Farmall or International designation I'm talking of the large badge on side of the hood. Since the 656 and 140 were the only two tractors caught in mid production in 1967, it does lead to more confusion. For the others this occured at model change from 06 to 56.

On the 5 bottom plow you will not likely be able to pull that with 656 gasser in clay soil. I say not likely as some clays plow easier than others. I pulled 5x16 with my 656 diesel in Sandy Loams and got along quite well. My other option for pulling that plow was 1066, but I can tell you my cost per acre plowing with 656 was a lot less than 1066. I know a guy that had a 656 gasser and had trouble pulling a 4x16 plow in clay. These were all IH semi-mount plows. I've never worked a 6 cylinder IH gasser, in fact I've only ever seen one. In my 6 years here on YT discussion, listening to owners and operators, I'd have to say the gassers will not lug with diesels in the same model.

6 cylinder gas Farmalls are not very plentiful here in Canada. We've always paid aproximately 40% more for fuel than US farmers, due to our tax system. After tractors like 300, 400, 350 and 450 we switched to diesel very quickly.

They're a good reliable tractor. Only current problem with ours is some rust flaking off from inside the gas tank which plugs things up now and then.....I did replace the head gasket a couple years back, but that's about all that's ever been done to it.

Like Hugh said, the gassers do use alot of gas comparatively. But for bushhogging and just general occasional use, you'd probably be ok. If you were gonna go out at daylight and pull a plow till the sun went down every day the fuel bill would eat ya alive. But for the occasional few hours of running time you probably wouldnt notice it unless you had experience running a similar diesel-engined tractor. Plus, the gasser "should" start alot better in cold weather in case you have to use it in the wintertime.

I say, if you find a good deal on one and it suits your needs, go for it.

Other than that fuel it will be a great tractor if it has been well maintained and doesn't require a lot of rebuilding. I farmed for many years with roughly 20 different tractors, 16 of them Farmalls, and all the way from 20hp to 150 hp. My most efficient horse power hours came from Farmalls 656 and 560 diesels. That takes into consideration buying, fuel and repairs on roughly 26,000 hours of work with the two tractors. During the years those two tractors were my main work horses, my bottom line was the best. Now, I will admit there were other factors, however the tractors had a significant impact.