Looking for input

Pilot199

Member
Still looking at some older IH tractors for general use on an 80ac. place that we have.

Other than the obvious differences in horsepower, can anyone elaborate on the key differences between or problems with the IH 706, 766 & 806?

I'd appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on these particular models.

Thanks,

Gary
 
Just never thought much of that 282 engine in the early 706's, it only had 4 main bearing's , and if the glow plugs didn't work, you didn't go far.The brakes, hyd pump. ring and pinions were heavy enough in both of them, The 361D,[806 diesel] is about as bullet proof as they come. The 766,is a 360 diesel, never run one, If your looking at gas, run high quality fuel, and Low Ash engine oil,!!
 
Thanks Fast, that's good to know about the 282 engine.

To answer your question, I'm looking at diesels.

Gary
 
I would think 806 would be way too big for you what you need, a good 574, or 674 would be just what you need, all around great tractors, gas or diesel
 
I'm sorry I added more models, I had 706 once, didn't like it much, glow plugs always ran battery down, and it had 282D, it did run very well, and had lots of power, 766, would be a good choice if it's in good shape
 
I have a few tractors, including a 656 hydro (great machine for the application) at another farm out of state but nothing on this newer place. I'm figuring on 70 to 80 bhp so I can run a 10' mower, a large rear mounted grader blade, loader & maybe a disc. I'm just not that familiar with the larger IH's
 
The 310 is a good engine and capable of a lot more than it was allowed to do . They can be costly to rebuild but last very well.
 
If you buy a tractor that is what some say too big for you place, you'll not have any regrets. More time for fishing and other important stuff. If you buy too small you'll not get your work done timely. That can cost all your free time.
 
(quoted from post at 15:33:55 03/28/15) Still looking at some older IH tractors for general use on an 80ac. place that we have.

Other than the obvious differences in horsepower, can anyone elaborate on the key differences between or problems with the IH 706, 766 & 806?

I'd appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on these particular models.

Thanks,

Gary

Those are all good tractors. No real issues with any of them, and any of those 3 would be good for 80 acres. Just keep in mind that they are OLDER tractors, and any issues you may encounter will be because of the age. Don't narrow your search to just diesels either. The 656 or 706 gas models may not be as efficient as a diesel, but they will still get a lot of work done, will start easily in cold weather, none of those pesky glow plugs to deal with, and engine repairs will be less costly.
 
I wouldn't be afraid of a 656 Gas. It will start in the cold and have more than enough power for an 80. And repairs if needed will be available.
 
I would prefer a 66 series as the shifting was up graded if that were my choices , I use several on my place and the 340,460 and a couple of utilities are my favorite as they seem to get more hours of use . I use fast hitch equipment , but if I didn't have it I think I would prefer a 3point tractor as you can find it anywhere .
 
(quoted from post at 14:05:06 03/29/15) I looked at an 856. How are they on shifting verses the 806 in your view?

Both tractors shifted quite well. The hard shifting issues are a result of being worn out, but it can all be fixed.
 
Lots of similarities between all those tractors. You could expand to a few more models while still keeping within they same type of tractor.

The 706 is the smallest and first of that tractor design. It is a larger frame tractor that all the row crop type that came before it. Being the first of its kind there were several changes made during the production run but nothing too substantial. The American made D-282 diesel was first used in the 560 and 660 tractors so by the time the 706 came out with it many of the more troublesome items had been updated. Cracked heads and blown head gaskets can be a problem with them. Later 706 tractors used a German build D-310 engine. Pretty trouble free but as others have posted it is more expensive to overhaul and not quite as fuel efficient as the D-282. The shifting is not as tolerant of wear in the top transmission cover as the later models. The gasoline engines were also first used in previous model tractors but are based on a design that had been developed and used in trucks for many years. Early tractors used a C-263 engine that was replaced with a C-291 at the same time the change in diesel engines was made. The newer tractors are just a bit longer due to the D-310 needed a bit more room. The 756 is very similar to the later 706 with the change in the shifting linkage being the largest noticeable difference to operation. A change in the brake control valve added 50% more oil available for the TA control and lube circuit.

The 806 tractor is very similar to the 706 with the major change being the engine. The D-361 is a taller engine so the hoods are a couple inches higher than the 706. The rest of the drive train is basically the same. The 856 is similar to the 806 with the change in shifting that came with the 56 series tractors and an increase in engine size to a D-407. Gas engines in these tractors were the C-301. They are similar to the 706 engines but with a larger bore and no sleeves. The 826 tractor is very much like the 856 but with a German built D-358 instead of the D-407. The 826 was also available with a hydrostatic transmission.

The 766 drive train is basically the same as the earlier tractors but the lower height of the 706/756 was no longer available. The dimensions of the 766 matched those of the 966, 1066, and larger tractors. The engine used was the D-360, a smaller version of the 400 series engines.
 
Owen - Excellent information. Only comment I can make is about
D282 vs D310. D282 in a 706 made 72 PTO HP on 5-1/2 gallons of
fuel per hour per Nebraska tests. D310 in late 706, 756 made 76 HP
on only 5 gallons of fuel per hour.

The indirect injection of the D282 engine was not near as efficient
as the direct injection style. Add in the early style glow plugs
on the D282, makes the D310 look better and better. Too bad
C/NH/IH is not supporting them with parts like they should.
 
706 is really more tractor than you need, but if you have one located for the right price, that's no problem. If you have a full time job and need to get things done in your off time, I can tell you my dad farmed 100 acres with a 460 and a C while he worked a full time job. He didn't "need" two tractors as he could only run one at a time... the 460 would have been fine with the right equipment.
 
If you find a nice enough 856 in your price range, BUY IT.
I dont think you'll find many guys who'll be very critical of this model. 407 was as good as any engine IH put out. I liked my 806
as well, but 856 is a better tractor. Power wise, sounds like more than you need, but, if price is right? Who cares...
 
My only personal experience comparing the @-282 versus the D-310 is running them side by side picking sweet corn. I was driving a 560 and the other tractor was a 756. Picking the same amount of sweet corn with both tractors having the same model picker on them and pulling the same type carts I would consistently use 5 -7 gallons less in a 14 hour day. The 756 being heavier than the 560 I'm sure was part of the difference.
 
Owen, do you know if all of the 756 diesel tractors had only the German manufactured diesel?

Also, any idea where the D-361 was manufactured?
 

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