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806 Considering Purchase

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Brandon Snyder

New User
I have used Farmall M's for years. I own a 300 and a 400 and use them on a regular basis...all very good tractors. I am finding myself needing a little more horsepower and as a result I am considering purchasing an 806 Farmall. I have heard there may be some issues with sensitivity to lubricants (engine, transmission oil etc.). I am eager to hear success and horror stories relating to the Farmall 806. What should I be careful of when listening to it run before purchase?
 
The 806 is probably on the top tier of IH tractors ever made. Unless keeping diesel fuel on your place is impractical, I heartily endorse the diesel. Things to watch for are sloppiness in the shift levers, crisp shifting TA, and the rear hydraulic hitch. Since you have been around IH tractors, you will know if you want just a fast hitch versus full 3 point..
I don't think you will have problems with fluids as long as you follow the specs in the manual. Best to go with Hy-Tran or its equivalent for the rear and this can be used in the 300-400 hydraulic systems.
806's can be expensive to own if extensive repairs are required on the drive train, much more than a 300-400. If you don't think you can comfortably assess a particular 806, pay a good mechanic or salesperson to help if they don't have a direct interest in the tractor. With any tractor, hidden problems can add up to thousands once you own it.
I've never owned one, but any of the IH guys I've known have really liked them.
 
Gasoline or diesel engine? My first choice would be the diesel as it came from the factory with sleeves and I believe 5 ring pistons while the gas engine had no sleeves and 3 ring pistons. A lot of the gas engines when they were over-hauled were retro-fitted with M&W sleeves and pistons. Armand
 
I own a 806 gas and a 806 diesel. I've had very good luck with both of them. I put a clutch and a TA in the diesel, but with over 6000 hours I don't think that is too bad.
 
We have owned just about every series of tractors IH made from M to 5488. Dad bought a 806 new in 1967 and we still use the tractor. Engine, transmission and rear end have never been worked on. Without a doubt the 806 is the best tractor IH ever made.And one of the best 100hp tractors ever made. All we have ever done is rebuild the shift linkage. The tractor is bulletproof.
 
we have owned two 706d purchased new and never have had anything major to speak of. Our neighbor had an 806D and they have never had any problems.
 
I own two 806's. Wish they still made them today. Think you can buy a new tractor today that will last for 45 years like a 806????? I have a 1964 and 67 model. Oh, I'll bet you thoes two 806's I have can make it another 40 years.
 
We've owned an 806 diesel for over 30 years. Was the main farm tractor for nearly 20 of those years. It's had a couple TA's and 1 engine overall in that time. We almost sold it this spring as we have semi-retired, but the newer red ones ended costing significant repairs while the old 806 filled in and just kept going. It's gonna stay here.
 
Biggest problem you'll have is finding a decent one. After 40 years a lot of them have been used up and will require significant expense to keep them in the field. The really good ones are owned by people that plan on keeping them until they die.
 

If you are interested in an 806 then take the time to consider an 856... Either way the 361 and or 407 are quite pricey to properly overhaul...
 
Thank you all for the comments and information. Sounds like typical quality that I have come to expect from IH Farmall.

If any of you have experience with John Deere of the same era, how would you rank it against a 4020 JD?
 
The 806 has a little more raw power ( I did get to run one a few times). The 4020 is nicer to operate especially if it is a powershift.
 
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