Which Loader Tractor

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

Probably either. But the 656 would give you more
versatility and be a better field machine, and
probably have better field torque from the engine.

Both tractors have their strong points, 684 has a
rev in every gear and a single lever Rev/Hi/Lo
lever. The 684 has 4 cyl D-239 German Diesel
engine, 656 has D-282 USA Diesel, both are very
good engines. The D-282 would have smoother power
being 6 cyl. D-239 is direct start vs D-282 has
glow plug start.

JimB

i have used a 656 gear drive and loader, now use 656 gas hydros on the loader. also have a 784 with a loader.
if the 656 is a gear drive, i would take the 684. more choices for reverse, probably stouter front axles, likely a foot throttle, and they run a lot cheaper. i don't like waiting for glow plugs either.

684 no contest

I know nothing about the 684 transmission, clutch, and (does it have a TA) TA arrangement.

My friend had a 666 with loader. He used it many many years but I have to say it was a horrible loader tractor from a transmission perspective. It shifted hard, the clutch did not last, and somehow the TA interacted with the clutch such that to be able to shift he had to put the clutch in, pull the TA back, and then shift. If he did not everything was bound up.

Someone told me it needed adjustment. I still say it was a horrible setup.

To be balanced, that tractor ran so smooth and did field work like a dream. Just don't try and shift it.

I would suggest as a minimum a tractor with a synchronized shift between forward and reverse. A good example is a JD 20 series with synchronized shifts between 3rd and 1Rev. and 5th and 2Rev.

The next best would be a tractor with a reverser, mechanical or power.

Obviously, the hydro is a nice loader tractor.

I would not touch any kind of collar shift tractor for a loader tractor. My dad had a loader on a Allis 200. Boy, that transmission sure got screwed up with all the grinding. Yes, I know the driver should not grind the gears but some people just don't understand it.

Paul

I drove a 656 one it had a problem with the pins that make the shifter work so I would go with the 684

Thanks for the replies.

684, left hand forward/reverse L4 to R4 geared perfect.