IH 686 up for auction

Josh in WNY · Dec 28, 2011

I'm attending an auction this weekend where an IH 686 is up for sale. It is a diesel engine, has the 3-point hitch and at least one remote (that's what I can tell from the pictures).

Were there any particular problem spots on this model tractor that I should look for? I"ll be using this tractor mainly for haying small square bales (i.e. - mowing, raking , baling or running a NH stacker wagon). I might put it on a plow or disk when we refit fields, but there won't be a lot of tillage work for it. Also, how are they as a loader tractor? I currently have a IH 2250 loader on an IH 784, but think I could switch it fairly easy.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 28, 2011

Great tractor I had one with the D312 engine.

It's an updated M with all the comforts of a modern tractor and all the bugs worked out- great hydraulics, power steering, independent PTO, cat 2 3 point hitch 2 spool remote. easy to reach all the controls a good all around tractor at just under 70 hp PTO - handles a 3-16 plow and 8ft disc with ease. Looks like a nice fit for what you want to do

OK on a loader with only 2 reverse gears and 2 wheel drive --- the 784 is a much better loader tractor with 4 reverse gears and smaller size. I had a loader on mine just add a big barrel of rocks on the back end and you'll be fine.

5 speed with one reverse and an T/A giving you 10 forward and 2 reverse.

Only issue is that the Melrose D312 is a wet sleeve engine just like its bigger relatives the D414/436/466. Keep the additive DCA4 level up and you shouldn't have any issues.

Mine was problem free for 25 years until I downsized and traded it for a Kubota subcompact. Out of farming and didn't have the room to keep it. I miss it when I need something bigger than my Kubota. Would have keept it if I could have.

Allan in NE · Dec 28, 2011

Perfect haying tractor and just barely 'sips' the fuel.

Be ready to pay heavily for it tho; it will probably bring an easy $10K if it's in good shape.

Allan

Ray · Dec 28, 2011

I saw a nice original one owner with 4000 hours sell in ohio a couple months ago.It was an estate sale.It brought 8000.

formerly ny bill · Dec 28, 2011

i have loaders on 656 hydros and a 784. if my 656 was a gear drive (i've used one before), i would definitely use the 784.
you may know already, but the mounting brackets for a 656/66/86 are totally different than those for an 84 series.
686 should be a nice tractor for what you are suggesting, but like others said, it will probably be pricy.

JDseller · Dec 29, 2011

The IH 784 tractor and the IH 686 would be about the same as a loader tractor. Now your 2250 loader brackets will not directly fit the IH 686. The IH 686 is US built and the IH 784 is English built. Totally different frames.

On the IH 686 they replaced the D312 engine with the German built D310 in 1979. The D312 had much better torque. I have owned both. Neither the IH 686 or the IH 784 are the most loader friendly tractors. The shifting on both is not the best. The 686 would be a little better than the IH 784. The 84 series had a terrible location for the shifters. The 686 will shift OK IF you come to a complete stop before shifting from forward to reverse or vise versa. If you are rolling just a little you will be grinding gears.

The IH 686 is just a 666 with different decals. They are a good row crop utility tractor but the hydraulics are just the same clear back to the 06 series. 12 GPM total flow which you have to take the steering out of. So the loader is not going to be real fast.

Here in North-east Iowa that IH 686 in good shape will push 10k real easy.

Josh in WNY · Dec 29, 2011

Thanks for the information, everyone. If I do get it, I'll probably leave the loader on the 784. The only real advantage to the 686 is that it is a little hight (our 784 is the utility model with the underslung exhaust).

Thanks again.

caterpillar guy · Dec 29, 2011

I would buy a 706/756 about the same hp and lots cheaper,more popular for parts.

IH 686 up for auction

Josh in WNY

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Anonymous-0

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Allan in NE

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Ray

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formerly ny bill

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JDseller

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Josh in WNY

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caterpillar guy

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