Best rear tire for a 656 Farmall

Fullern90 · Jul 14, 2016

My 656 has the pressed steel 34" wheels that were most likely axle duals of another IH tractor and has 18.4-34 rear tires. Since I am going for the original look I want to go back to cast centers and 38" rims. I read that the 656 had 15.5-38s from the factory which coincidentally my 544 Farmall has exactly that. How would you guys feel about a 16.9-38 Firestone Field and Road for a 656? I don't want a 18.4 because it just looks dumb on a 656 but I feel that 16.9 wouldn't be bad because obviously I'm putting a little more power to the ground than than the 544.

ejr-IA · Jul 14, 2016

I like 16.9 38 on mine

DeltaRed · Jul 14, 2016

The pressed steel were original when the tractor was equiped with 18.4x34 tires.Many were so equiped. I would prefer 15.5s on the 656,13.6 on the 544. But its you your tractor,do as you like. 16.9 would be ok if thats what you want.

2002sliverado · Jul 14, 2016

My father used to have 15.5 x 38 rubber on the rear of another brand of tractor of about the same horsepower. That tractor also has a heavy duty front end loader with the rear tires filled with liquid ballast. The larger tire with the liquid ballast makes that 65 horsepower tractor with the front end loader a very capable piece of equipment. The larger tire size also helps that tractor scoot down the road a little faster, too. I have the 15.5 x 38 rear rubber on my 86 Hydro, which is also set up with a very heavy duty front end loader (WL-42 Westendorf). I have some cast iron weights on the rear, and carry a rear mount snowblower in the winter months. It would be kind of nice to have the larger rear rubber on my tractor, but I can get by without that extra weight. If your 656 is used with a front end loader, I probably would insist upon the larger rubber. If the difference in cost is no concern, I do like the look of the larger tires, but that may not be the preference of those who adhere to "correctness."

cornerpost · Jul 14, 2016

Neighbor had 16.9 x 38 on 686 he bought new. I remember 15.5-38 and 16.9-34 the most common size on 656 back in the day. Remember 18.4-34 as an option some guys used in lieu of duals. Easier on tractor compared to duals. Also seen it on some late 560 tractors. I like the looks of 16.9 -38 myself. For some pto work with a gear drive tractor the slower speeds of a 15.5 tire might be better. 15.5-38 same height as 13.6-38.

FC Andy · Jul 14, 2016

My 656 has 16.9-38 rubber on it, pretty sure it always has. -Andy

TractormanNC · Jul 14, 2016

Just last year put a set of 16.9-38 on my 656 replacing a set of 15.5s. Tractor looks baaaaaad a$$. those 16.9s made a real tractor out of it. Sits level, no longer runs "uphill". No more 15.5s for me.

Farmallhal · Jul 14, 2016

I'm with TractormanNC on tire size. My Farmall 656 Row Crop tractor has 15.5 X 38" and it sets low on the back end. I don't recall the size of the front tires but checked that once before and think I found they were the correct size for the tractor. I believe the larger 16.9 X 38" would level out the tractor somewhat instead of giving it that catapult appearance like it is about to take off. My tires are mounted on 38" rims with cast centers, Hal.

Ron in Nebr · Jul 14, 2016

Yep, our 656 was bought new with pressed steel rims and 18.4-34 tires.

Best rear tire for a 656 Farmall

Fullern90

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ejr-IA

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DeltaRed

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2002sliverado

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cornerpost

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FC Andy

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TractormanNC

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Farmallhal

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Ron in Nebr

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