806 vs 966 Opinions

Warren Bult · Dec 8, 2009

Looking at purchasing a different tractor. Options are an 806 and 966. Pro's and con's of these machines. Both have loaders and 3 point. 966 Looks to have some leaks, not sure from where. Dealer has both tractors, and have asked for infor on both, but them seem to be blowing me off. I need it more for a loader and doing some field work, have an acreage and only work about 10 acres. I know they are both larger than what I really need, but good used tractors are hard to find.

tractorsam · Dec 8, 2009

If the dealer is blowing you off when you're looking to buy, do you really want to shop there? Right now is there chance to impress you, so what's service going to be like after you have the tractor. I'd be inclined to shop somewhere else if there is somewhere. Sam

Bruce from Can. · Dec 8, 2009

Don"t know much about the 806, but I have a 966. Good field tractor, but the tranny is not loader friendly.

NY 986 · Dec 8, 2009

Both are very fine tractors, individual tractor histories aside. I would favor the 966 because it has the refinements available that were not on the 806 including upgraded shifter and factory cab (again, depending on the individual tractor). Also, the 966 has the 414 diesel which has proven very reliable and has a better parts availability.
I would agree with those that if your next tractor needs to do ALOT of loader work you may want to look at something with a reverser or powershift .

John A. · Dec 8, 2009

Warren, I have an ol 74 966 She is one salty ol tractor. I do have an IH 2350 loader on it, + airplane tires on the front. I give my vote to the 966 it is just a more refined tractor over the 806. If they both have TAs check to see if they are in adjustment! if not you may have to do a TA replacement. I had mine 9 yrs or so before I replaced the TA with a new rebuilt one. They have to be kept in adjustment or they will be short lived. I do not use mine all that much but I do use it some just to keep it operational. I use mine only for getting through tight spots and turning at the end of a field. Though there are others who do farm continiously in TA and get along fine. The 966 is just a better tractor than an 806 IMO. Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.

Farmall Bob09 · Dec 8, 2009

Not sure where you are from but if you are interested have a great running 966 for sale. can be seen in the photo classifieds. Thanks

Keith in Iowa · Dec 8, 2009

I'd have to agree with everybody else on this. I have a 966 and a 806, both very good tractors. Shifting on the 966 for loader work would be much better.

scot in pa · Dec 9, 2009

I think the 9 would be a heavier tractor, too. Of course I am biased toward it, having grown up on a 9 and two 1066s.

mkirsch · Dec 9, 2009

If they're at a dealer, they're overpriced and have major problems. Dealers get farmer trade-ins, and farmers don't trade in perfectly good tractors no matter how old they are.

Just like with women there are plenty of fish in the sea. You're much better off buying at an auction or from a private seller. The tractor may still have major problems but at least you'll have some cash left over to fix them.

KOLT · Dec 9, 2009

The 966 would have a lot nicer shift contols for loader work, and would probaly start better in cold weather

806 vs 966 Opinions

Warren Bult

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tractorsam

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Bruce from Can.

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NY 986

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John A.

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Farmall Bob09

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Keith in Iowa

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scot in pa

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mkirsch

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KOLT

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