IH 806 or 856?

Pilot199

Member
I found both an IH 806 & IH 856 for sale ($4K &
$6K respectively. Both are diesels, in running
condition with good paint, decent rubber &
metal.

I'm looking for a tractor in the 75 to 80 bhp
range for use on a 50 ac. place for general
field work, mowing, hay etc... May also want to
add a loader to one as well.

Any thoughts on these models in general for
the intended use I have in mind??

Thanks,

Gary
 
those two models are widely considered the best IH ever produced. you can"t go wrong with either one.

there were several improvements to the 56 series: the shifting linkage and the RH seat support are the two most important. but the 06 can be updated with salvage parts.
 
I bought a 806 D new, still have it, there both a rock solid engine, the 856 is suppose to be a better shifting tractor, but mine shift's as good as it ever did,the 856 has two stage air cleaner, [One inside the other]. If they both got 38in rear tires, and both have a IHC, wide front and 3 point,i would say it's a draw for the money.I know i wouldn't sell mine for for 4,000.
 
OK thanks for the good info.

I think these originally came with dual battery 6 volt systems. Were either of these model problematic when starting?

Also, I read where they both have a torque amplifier. My 656 doesn't have a TA so I don't have any experience with them. How does the TA work & does it present any common problems?

Thanks again
 
I would love to get my hands on the one you don't buy. I need a larger IH tractor.. I have a 460D....I just need more HP for my small farm.
 
Dual battery 12v system.
The TA is approximately 33% speed reduction using multi plate hydraulic clutches for direct drive and to prevent freewheeling on slow down (not a speed reducing device except under load). The low range is held from slipping using a one way clutch. They are reliable and make the difference in operation. Some last 10,000 hrs. some less. Shift the lever rapidly when going either to direct or to TA reduction. They are not babied into position. Jim
 
The 856 was our "big" tractor for many years. We never had trouble starting it but it had ether assist. I would give my right arm to have an 856 and will some day. They are one heck of a machine. Never did anything to it other than rebuild the engine when it needed it (bought it new). Original TA. I never remember it being used, though. It was a wear item so we didn't mess with it.
 
Both have three point? You might want to buy both of them; a good investment. They don't make them like that anymore.
 
Thanks for all the input boys. They both sound good; maybe I should get both of them. I'll let y'all know what I decide.

Gary
 
The 856 has a considerable number of improvements over the 806. That being said, the condition of the two tractors would be the deciding factor for me if I was in position to buy.
 
A word on the TA: People that avoid using the TA because they're afraid to wear it out drive me NUTS. On an 806 or 856, the TA is wearing no matter which position it is in, so USE IT. You'll get twice the useful life out of the TA if you use it. These aren't like the older mechanical TA design in 460's and Super MTAs.

Shift firmly and quickly. Treat the tractor as if it has 16 gears, because it does. Don't just use it for tough spots; if you need a speed that's halfway between gears on an 806/856, pull the TA. That's what it's there for.

Now I know some guys here will tell you that you can buy field ready tractors at those prices all day long, but I think they are dreaming, or are in some misguided way trying to manipulate the market.

You never see GOOD tractors at those prices around here. A $6000 856 has bald tires, has been beat to pieces and needs at least one major item serviced. A $4000 806 is ready for the scrap heap. That's private sale prices. Of course the dealers would want $12,000 and $8000 respectively.

I would be wary that either of these tractors is in need of something major in the near future, TA, clutch, engine, hydraulic pump, etc.. Could cost you several thousand dollars on top of what you've spent.
 

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