Re: A few farming questions

Posted by Chris-se-ILL on March 25, 2004 at 18:38:34 from (216.174.170.225):

In Reply to: A few farming questions posted by JohnDeereBMan on March 24, 2004 at 22:43:28:

An IH-1066 is a good tractor for what you are wanting to do. However, I have reservations about whether you can hold down a full-time job and farm that many acres. I farm about 350 acres of corn, soybeans and a little hay {used to farm 500 acres} by myself and cannot hold a full-time off-farm job {I do work winters driving a semi, hauling propane}. And yet the 350 acres is not enough income, without off farm income. I own an IH 1066... too bad you are not closer to Illinois... {but, since it is not a "smoker," the price would be higher}. I am looking at get out of full-time farming {I've been farming for 20 years} and I have already made arrangements to rent my ground out.

The 1066 will pull a IH-496 {22' wide} disc, but I bought an IH 1566 for the heavy pulling (chisel plows and 24' field cultivator). One constant problem I had with the 1066 was that the brakes would burn up if I did a lot of turning in small fields, and used the brakes a lot. The brakes are a "dry" brake and {IMO} are too small for the tractor. I got rid of a bunch of my smaller fields and solved the problem.

I am fixing up an IH-986 {reupholstering the interior of the cab} to sell now. But, it is "really under-powered" compared to the IH-1066 or the IH-1566.

Things to check out on the "smoker" 1066 other than the engine (which can cost $4K to $5K to fix)....
*1).The IH '66 steering system is poorly designed! {The "steering cylinder capstan bushings," steering cylinder rod-end-block, and bolster bushings... all can be badly worn!}
*2).Check the hydraulic filter for metal flakes and pieces of metal. {the rear-ends are not the best for constant heavy pulling field work. A rear-end rebuild can cost $5K... voice of experience!}
*3).Check the spool-valve assemble located under the driver's seat {there was an update for the assembly to solve a leaking detent problem}

All said... Will the "$3.5K smoker" {in the long run} be less expensive and as reliable if you have to fix all these things???

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Re: A few farming questions Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]