International - Hydro 656

John Athey · Jan 29, 2017

Hello - I see one of these coming up at an auction next month. I have no info on it, just a picture. Does anyone know anything about them? Does / can a hydro have a TA as well? The one I found is a Gold demo - at least I think so. I looked in tractordata, but I don't see hydro 656 listed. So the hood says Hydro and is painted Gold. Gold fenders also. International is on the white panel below the hood. Bottom panel says 656 Farmall. It is a diesel. Thoughts? What is the value? Looks in real good shape. Has anyone seen one of these? What would you bid?

Evan350 · Jan 29, 2017

As for the TA question: No, Hydro tractors don't have a TA per se, but there is a hi-lo gear selector. Its the lever to the right of the steering wheel.

Evan350 · Jan 29, 2017

I don't know if being a gold demo tractor adds to its value. I'd want to know if it really originally was a gold demo, or someone just painted it that way later.

formerly ny bill · Jan 29, 2017

a real gold demonstrator will be a 1970 model. check the serial #. there are fakes out there. and not all 1970s were gold either. usually there will be gold overspray places that don't get repainted, like between the fender and fender mount, inside of the hood/ air cleaner door etc. kinda frowned on to start tearing it apart to check though.
i have 4 656 gas hydros. no goldies.

Checking hydro

With the tractor in low range, step on the foot-n-inch pedal (where the clutch would be if it was a gear drive), move the hydro lever into the blue area of quadrant, half throttle or so, hold the brakes, and let out the f-n-I pedal. A good hydro will overpower the brakes. In high range, same procedure, it should stall the engine. If the hydro starts whining instead of moving, the hydro has a problem.

Janicholson · Jan 29, 2017

I think it is a Hydro from the look of the lever on the rt side of the dash. It would have a shifting quadrant there if it were gear drive. The lack of a TA is un important because the Hydro performs that function by providing infinite ratios. It is very desirable as a usable work tractor or to show/parade, or collect. The Gold is like wearing a fine suit. Not s judgement of character. Jim

John Athey · Jan 29, 2017

So Jim and others - what is the value?

farmall pete · Jan 29, 2017

I bought a 656 hydro at auction last week; $3,500. Had IH 2000 loader with forks & snow blade, and like-new Firestone tires. Hydro "field tested" ok. Started & ran but had a knock in the motor. 8,400 hours. Not demonstrator, work clothes. Central New York.

Janicholson · Jan 29, 2017

If that is the tractor. I would say from 3500 to 5500. Assumes the trans tests as described

International - Hydro 656

John Athey

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Evan350

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Evan350

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formerly ny bill

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Janicholson

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John Athey

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farmall pete

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Janicholson

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