Best tractor for loader work

flhr62 · Oct 7, 2014

Between a Farmall 656 row crop or a International 684 which would you prefer. Tractor would be used for other things as well.

mkirsch · Oct 7, 2014

Depends on about 1000 different factors.

Is the 656 a row crop or a utility? Is it a gear drive or a hydro? Is it a gas or a diesel?

Is the 684 an older model with the sawtooth gearshift, or a newer model with the double-H gearshift?

What loader is installed on each tractor?

What is the condition of each tractor? How much is the seller asking for each tractor?

Ultimately it comes down to whichever tractor is in the best shape, and the best deal, that feels best to you.

There is also the option of "None of the Above." You can keep shopping. You don't have to buy one or the other.

flhr62 · Oct 7, 2014

Row crop
Diesel
Gear drive
Saw tooth as you call it on the 684
2250 on the 684 some kind of IH on 656 not sure what
Similar condition

Open to suggestions on other models. Prefer in the 60 hp range

Thanks

rpirkle1 · Oct 7, 2014

Not having been on a 656 I can't comment on it's shift pattern or pros/cons... ran a 454 (same shift pattern as the 684 sawtooth) for years with a loader. Not quiet as slick as a shuttle shift but if you're in a space where you can pick 2nd or 3rd gear and be comfortable both forward and reverse it's pretty convenient to only have to shift the one lever forward/back...

kub6040 · Oct 8, 2014

I would prefer 656 most of the time , it won't get
in tight spaces but decent old tractor , against 684
because it is partially if not all imported , parts
should both be available , fuel consumption would
probably be less on the 684 and it should be easier
to get on and off of so you pick your money your
toy.

Allan in NE · Oct 8, 2014

Had a loader on a 656 gear drive one time. Reverse is no less than "painfully slow".

Allan

mkirsch · Oct 8, 2014

If the 656 were a hydro I would give it the advantage, but since it's a gear drive I would have to go with the 684, all other things being equal.

All the controls on the 684 are much more ergonomically designed, located within easier reach. Everything on the 656 is a stretch, which gets old if you do a lot of shifting.

The 2250 loader is easily removed, while the older IH loaders aren't, so that's a big plus.

If you have to get on and off a lot, the 656 row crop will have you swearing unless you add some steps.

Siefring Red Farmer · Oct 8, 2014

(quoted from post at 19:17:05 10/07/14) Between a Farmall 656 row crop or a International 684 which would you prefer. Tractor would be used for other things as well.

684. No doubter. The 2250 is a great loader, but check a few things. The support on the front is notorious for rusting out a bit, where the support and the front forks meet. I have one and have welded this joint a couple of times. Also, check if it was welded and if so, see if the front forks are sprung from it. The heat from welding will pull the forks.

And then, also check the pins and bushings for wear and if they are greased regularly just like any other loader.

wolfman · Oct 8, 2014

A 684 is a wonderful loader tractor. Shift with left hand,
loader controls with right; handles great; many speeds both
forward & reverse. However condition is everything when your
considering 46 year old tractors.

flhr62 · Oct 9, 2014

Thanks for all of the input.

Best tractor for loader work

flhr62

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mkirsch

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flhr62

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rpirkle1

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kub6040

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Allan in NE

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mkirsch

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Siefring Red Farmer

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wolfman

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flhr62

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