The Farmall 656 is a row-crop tractor that was manufactured by Farmall, a brand of International Harvester Company, from 1965 to 1973. International Harvester Company was a prominent manufacturer of agricultural equipment and vehicles, and it produced the Farmall series of tractors from 1923 until 1973. The Farmall 656 is a versatile tractor that can be used for various agricultural applications, including plowing, tilling, and harvesting.

The Farmall 656 is equipped with one of two engines: a 4.3 L (263.0 cu·in) six-cylinder gasoline/LP-gas engine or a 4.6 L (282.0 cu·in) six-cylinder diesel engine. The gasoline/LP-gas engine produces 95.5 hp (71.2 kW) of maximum power output, while the diesel engine produces 98.0 hp (73.1 kW) of maximum power output. Both engines are known for their reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency, making them ideal for agricultural use.

The Farmall 656 is equipped with one of three transmissions: a gear type transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse gear, a two-speed power shift transmission with 10 forward and 2 reverse gears, or a hydrostatic transmission with infinite (2-range) forward and reverse gears. The transmission type can be chosen based on the specific needs of the farmer or operator, with the hydrostatic transmission being the most convenient and efficient option.

Features Of The Farmall 656 Tractor

The Farmall 656 is a versatile 2WD row-crop tractor with a range of engine and transmission options and several features that make it suitable for various farming applications. Let’s Learn in-depth about its prominent features:

Engine

The Farmall 656 tractor was offered with two engine options, the International Harvester C-263 gasoline/LP-gas engine and the D282 diesel engine. The C-263 is a six-cylinder, natural aspirated engine with a displacement of 4.3 liters or 263 cubic inches. It has a cylinder bore of 90.0 mm and a piston stroke of 112.0 mm. The compression ratio rating is 7.6:1 for the gasoline version and 8.8:1 for the LP-gas version. This engine produced 63.9 PS or 63 horsepower of PTO output power.

On the other hand, the D282 engine is a six-cylinder, natural aspirated diesel engine with a displacement of 4.6 liters or 282 cubic inches. It has a cylinder bore of 94.0 mm and a piston stroke of 112.0 mm. The compression ratio rating is 17.6:1, which is much higher than the gasoline/LP-gas engine. This engine produced the same amount of PTO output power as the C-263, 63.9 PS or 63 horsepower.

The gasoline/LP-gas engine may be a better option for those who do not want to deal with the maintenance and complexity of a diesel engine. The diesel engine, on the other hand, may be a better option for those who require more power and better fuel efficiency.

Transmission

The Farmall 656 tractor is equipped with three types of transmission: Gear type, two-speed power shift, and hydrostatic. The gear type transmission comes with 5 forward and 1 reverse gear, while the two-speed power shift transmission features 10 forward and 2 reverse gears. The hydrostatic transmission, on the other hand, has infinite (2-range) forward and reverse gears.

The gear type transmission allows the tractor to reach a top speed of 25.3 kmh (15.7 mph) in forward gear and 4.4 kmh (2.7 mph) in reverse gear. With the two-speed power shift transmission, the tractor has the same top speed as the gear type transmission. However, it features more gears, allowing for smoother and more efficient shifting.

The hydrostatic transmission has a much higher top speed of 33.8 kmh (21 mph) in forward gear, making it the fastest option. The hydrostatic transmission does not have a reverse gear, but it does have the ability to reverse by changing the direction of the hydraulic flow.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system of the Farmall 656 tractor features an open-center design, which means that the hydraulic pump circulates fluid continuously, even when the hydraulic system is not in use. This allows for a more efficient use of the hydraulic fluid and increases the system’s responsiveness. The system is equipped with a hydraulic pump that has a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM). The hydraulic system can accommodate up to two hydraulic valves, providing flexibility to handle various attachments such as plows, mowers, and loaders. The hydraulic system’s capacity and design allow the Farmall 656 to handle a wide range of agricultural tasks with ease and precision.

Other General Features

In addition to the engine and transmission, the Farmall 656 is also equipped with other general features that are essential for agricultural use. These features include hydrostatic power steering, independent mechanical disc brakes, an open operator station, and a fuel tank with a capacity of 125.0 liters (33 US gal.; 27.5 Imp. gal) for gasoline or diesel fuel and 147.6 liters (39 US gal, 32.5 Imp. gal) for LP-gas. These features provide the operator with maximum control, comfort, and convenience, making it easier and more efficient to work on the farm. Overall, the Farmall 656 is a reliable and versatile tractor that has been widely used in the agricultural sector for many years.

List Of Serial Number

The serial number of the tractor can be found on the tag on the clutch housing, present on the right side of the Farmall 656.

The serial number of the tractor is written adjacent to the year of its manufacture:

• 1966 – 7501 (IH)
• 1967 – 7842 (IH)
• 1968 – 9929 (IH)
• 1969 – 11802 (IH)
• 1970 – 13353 (IH)
• 1971 – 14194 (IH)
• 1972 – 14952 (IH)
• 1973 – 15746 (IH)

Pros and Cons

Here are some factual pros and cons considering the overall Farmall 656.

Pros Of The Farmall 656 Tractor

• The Farmall 656 is a versatile and durable tractor that is suitable for a range of agricultural tasks, including plowing, tilling, and harvesting.
• The tractor is equipped with two powerful engine options that deliver reliable performance and can handle heavy loads with ease.
• The hydraulic system of the Farmall 656 is efficient and reliable, allowing for smooth and precise operation of the machine.
• The open operator station provides good visibility and easy access to controls, making it easy for the operator to work comfortably for extended periods.

Cons Of The Farmall 656 Tractor

• The lack of modern amenities, such as air conditioning or a closed cab, may make operating the tractor uncomfortable in hot or cold weather conditions.
• The tractor is relatively old, having been manufactured from 1965 to 1973, which may make finding replacement parts or service more difficult.

Price Of The Farmall 656 Tractor

The original price of the Farmall 656 tractor was $7,400 in 1973. The price of a used tractor can depend upon the condition of its engine and other mechanical components.

Conclusion

The Farmall 656 tractor was a versatile and reliable machine that offered various engine, transmission, and hydraulic options to suit different farming needs. Its powerful engines, efficient transmission, and user-friendly features made it a popular choice among farmers during its production years. While it had some drawbacks such as limited visibility and lack of modern amenities, it remains a beloved classic tractor among collectors and enthusiasts. Overall, the Farmall 656 tractor was a well-designed and well-built machine that contributed significantly to the agricultural industry.