684 vs 666?

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

I have an '83 684 utility with a 2250 loader on it. It works pretty decently and is in fairly good shape (for around here, it seems most stuff gets pretty well wrecked around these parts) but could use some TLC etc to make it really nice. I also have a Super A, Super H, WD-9, 200, 460D and the parts to assemble a 434D.

The local IH dealer recently took a really nice (from the pictures, haven't seen it in person yet), or for around here mint, 666D with about 3700 hrs and aftermarket cab, no loader.

I don't really need any of my tractors (although I'm in the process of buying a hobby farm and have plans to make square bale hay). Otherwise I use the 684 for snow clearing, wood splitting, and as a motorized wheelbarrow/yard crane.

My dilemma is that I'm thinking of trading the 684 for the 666 (if they would) as I've rather wanted one for quite a while, although I've never used one. I like what the 684 can do for me but prefer the higher Farmall like the 460. Is the 666 all its cracked up to be and can it do what the 684 does? Also how hard are they to fit a loader to? Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance, Sam

IaGary · Dec 29, 2013

The 666 will sit higher like the 460 Farmall.

They are easy to fit a loader to as well.

Have you seen it yet?

Gary

Allan in NE · Dec 29, 2013

You better get after it. It's not gonna last long.

Allan

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

Have not seen it yet. Only found out they had it yesterday, will hopefully have a chance to see it tomorrow or Tuesday. I've read that the 2250 loader will fit, are there others or does anyone still make the brackets for a 2250? Thanks, Sam

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

I'll take that's a nod in the 666's direction? Thanks, Sam

erik dekeyser · Dec 29, 2013

The 666 is a great tractor and the 2250 will fit on .I had one with the farmhand loader on it and that worked good also. The cab on it wont be the best so if you dont need it i would take it off. Also you didnt say is it gas or diesel. The 312 is a great engine.

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

It is a diesel. How hard is it to find 2250 loader brackets as I"m assuming the ones from a 684 utility won"t work? Thanks, Sam

erik dekeyser · Dec 29, 2013

I think you can make the brackets fit with a little imagination. I took one of a 666 gas and it looked like they just did a little welding on them to make them fit. Thats great its a diesel you will like that engine but it does like to be worked and not idled or it will slober fuel. Make sure the TA is working on it. They can be expensive to fix.

495man · Dec 29, 2013

Personally, I'd be keeping the 684. Far more common tractor (in NS) and a lot newer than a 666. Ask VanOostrums what parts are on the shelf for a 666 versus a 684.

Yes the 2250 will fit the 666, but good luck finding mounts here.

That 666 does look sharp though.

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

Thanks for the insight on the loader brackets. I understand the slobbering issue, I tend to get that with the 684 in the winter pushing snow around. Sam

tractorsam · Dec 29, 2013

I know the 684 is a lot more common in these parts. I don't know if
there are any other 666's around, certainly there can't be more than
a few. I imagine the only parts that might be in stock are the ones
common to the other tractors in that series. I figured loader mounts
would be a problem. I just don't want to ignore it if I might go a
very long way to find one in the future. The 460D came a long way
to get here. I'll have to have a look and see what shape it's really in.
Thanks, Sam

erik dekeyser · Dec 30, 2013

Parts shouldnt be a problem there are lots of the 666 around they are the same as the 686 and not much different than the 656 .Even if your dealer doesnt have them in stock they usually can get them over night.

leon · Dec 30, 2013

Since you are already "tractor poor" you should just keep the 684 as your dedicated loader tractor as you won't get much out of it anyway. That approach would save a lot of headache in finding loader mounts too. I bet the 684 is a better loader tractor than the 666.

mkirsch · Dec 30, 2013

Put on an adult diaper before you go over to the dealer and ask how much they want for it, because you will fill it when they give you the price, and then tell you how much they'll give you on trade for your 684.

They will play up the "mint" and "rare" and "diesel" aspects of the tractor. I expect a price tag of $8500-$10000, if it's anywhere near being as nice as you say it is. That's what any of the local dealers around here would price it at. That is the general range on t r a c t o r h o u s e . c o m for what I'd call average-looking tractors.

"It won't last long" only if there are a lot of rich farmers in the area with oatmeal for brains.

It's nice to dream but you need to keep your feet on the ground or else you will only ever be disappointed.

outdoors · Dec 30, 2013

I have an '83 684 as well and its hard to imagine a better, older tractor for general duty use on a small / hobby farm in NS. Tough as nails, good power, easy on fuel, parts are readily available, and the 84 series still had the classic IH look. The 666 does look nice and I like the look of the row crop Farmalls but how much time, money, and storage space do you have?

Allan in NE · Dec 30, 2013

It's just a damned shame that they were built for the purpose of farming............

Allan

Bob zarse · Dec 30, 2013

I have a 2250 loader for sale that has mounts for the 06, 56, & 66 series tractor. I know of another guy that was wanting a set of farmall brackets. We have a local welding shop that is very good that could reproduce the brackets if there was enough interest. He has reproduce several other parts for us. The loader brackets that u have will take a lot of modification to work on a 666 but it can be done

todd hamilton · Dec 30, 2013

great model but run a little on the "hot" side

DaninKansas · Dec 30, 2013

I don't think a "rich farmer" would have much use for 35+ year old tractor even if its in good shape. It's a good tractor for exactly what the OP is going to use it for, but to small and too old and too slow for most modern farms.

Mark in Upstate · Dec 30, 2013

My 312 runs as nearly as cool as my 310. Neither run on the hot side whatsoever!

Allan in NE · Dec 30, 2013

495man · Dec 30, 2013

I won't link it ...I'll let Sam do that, but you are right in the price ball park.

495man · Dec 30, 2013

I'd feel comfortable saying it is probably the only 666 in NS.

When the 666 and 686 were new, IH Canada was pushing the German 844 and 844S, same power class and time line.

The Valley would have been the only place a 666 would have sold new in NS. I'd expect the come across one in PEI or Potato country in NB.

mkirsch · Dec 31, 2013

You guys keep saying things like "rare" and "handy" and "good," all of which drive the value of the tractor UP, not down!

If you want the dealer to put a reasonable price on the tractor you need to convince him it's a wore-out, orphaned hunk of scrap metal. Convince him the 684 you're trading in is God's gift to man, and the transmission gears are made of solid gold.

495man · Dec 31, 2013

The dealer likely knows what they have, the family is into collecting IH's.

The 666 in question looks VERY nice.

tractorsam · Dec 31, 2013

I'll second that. I had a quick look at the tractor today and it's
perhaps not quite as nice as the pictures paint wise but still in
excellent shape. More to the point it was about -10C here today
and no heat, no ether, and it fired right up! I tried it quickly and
everything seems nice and tight. I'll have to have a proper look
when there's more time available.

Does anyone know if the seat is adjustable forwards and
backwards? Thanks, Sam

erik dekeyser · Jan 1, 2014

Yes the seat does go forward and backward Sam but as it goes forward it also goes down. There is a handle on the left hand side of the seat if its not stuck. Every one i have had needs a little work on the seat ,mostly a little oil and WD 40 or some thing like that. I also looked at the tractor on my computer and it looks good.

684 vs 666?

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads