Difference in 06 and 56 tractors

IHnewbie

New User
Hello all, I have always wanted a 1206 but I'm having a tough time finding one reasonable around here. Would love to find one that needs work. My question is, what is the difference between a 1206 and 1256? Just paint and updated shifting?

I've also heard that a 806 can be painted along with putting in the bigger engine and it would basically be a 1206? I'm not going for a show piece and try to pass it off as one. Just want it for myself.

Reason being, I can find 806 and 1256's somewhat reasonable.
Thanks!
 
56 series has the 407 engine. 806 n 1206 have the 361 engine. A lot of 806's have the turbo kits which would put them into 1206 territory.
 
I thought the 806 had a slightly smaller engine than the 1206? If not then that might be the route to go. Any other difference between the two besides turbo?
 
A 1256 would be closer in styling to a 1206 than an 806 would. The 1206 has a chrome tube grille vs. the 806's cast grille.

I think the 06 series was the only time IH ever had distinctive grille styling for each model tractor. 706 had mesh. 806 had cast. 1206 had chrome tube.
 
806-1206 each had the D361.But the 1206 had the DT361.It was special built for the turbo.Cooling jets on the pistons,larger radiator,bigger fan to handle the extra heat.There may be more...The rear end/final drives are also heavier to handle the extra power.There is also the bigger Category 3 point hitch.So no,a 1206 is NOT an 806 with a factory turbo added.It is a completely different tractor.Similar, but different
 
I may be wrong on this, but IIRC reading about the 1206 they had to hold it off the market for some time. Gear train was beefed up, but had to wait for someone to make tires strong enough to withstand the torque.
WJ
 
Yes,you can get 1206 power out of a turbo 806.But you work it hard and continous like the 12...you will either melt it down or tear out the rear end.
 
I own a 1256 It my big tractor.I love it.The 'o6 and '56 are baisicly the same tractor.The '56 has the bigger engine(407 vs 361),thus haveing more power.The '56 has the better shifters.There are minor improvements.The '06 was made from 65 to 67.The 1256 was made from 67 to 69.The 1206 is more 'collectable',therefore commanding a higher price.You can always paint yuor 1256 to look like a 1206(I've been considering that very thing!)If I had to choose,I would buy a 1256 over the 1206.And I would buy a 2nd 1256 in a heartbeat. Steve
 
So if I was to paint a 1256 in 1206 colors there wouldn't be any large noticeable differences is what I'm gathering? I think I'd rather do that than buy an 806 and try to find a turbo kit for it and change the grill.
 
If you were to paint a 1256 1206 colors,they would look identicle.One would have to look at the badges,SN plate.....The shifters would be a giveaway,But some '06s have been converted to '56 shifters.I did one once(a fairly easy convertion.)So,from a short distance,no one would be the wiser.....Go for it!
 
Can't give a direct quote, loaned the history book to my brother, he loaned it to his son, he loaned it to a buddy. Figure won't ever get it back.
Anyway, IIRC existing tires had plenty of traction, but the high torque would rip the sidewalls apart. Had to wait for someone to make a stronger tire.
Willie
 

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