Farmall 706

Hi, I'm looking at a farmall 706, it's on a auction and looks nice. Everything is said to work.
I just dont know much about these tractors and was wondering if anyone could tell me the ups and downs?
And also explain what in th world the t/a does?
Thanks,
-Garrett

The 706 is a reliable big frame IH tractor. The Gasoline version, needs to be treated with medium grade gasoline, and low ash oil (IH brand is really the lowest ash available. Use Hytran Hydraulic fluid in it 5 gallons over full (yes,5). The gas version is very thirsty.
The TA is a gear reduction that is placed between the engine clutch, and the transmission input. It operates (in this tractor,and bigger IH/Farmalls) using hydraulic clutches, like an automatic transmission being shifted manually. They are solid and reliable. The only caution is to avoid using it as a"jake Brake" in road gars or going down hill coasting. The direst drive goes through it directly when a hydraulic clutch locks up the rotating mass of the gears. 1:1 ratio. Pulling the lever rearward (rapidly) unlocks that clutch and locks a rear clutch is applied. This clutch is not designed to hold full engine power, it only holds back free wheeling. the engine forces are absorbed by a sprag (one way) clutch.
When pulling an implement, or starting in road gear, the TA is very valuable. It allows clutch free shifting when tough conditions are encountered, Or a easy start for road gear use. Jim

I will add to Jim's comment . There was two diesel engines. 282 early a glow plug start engine.If the engine is not taken care of with the glow plugs and maintenance they can be hard to start. Head gaskets were easier to blow on them but if taken care of a good engine. 310 is the German engine, easier to start but is a wet sleeved engine and the two we had had o-ring problems on the sleeves, especially if the coolant was not changed often. It is a bit more HP and that engine needs too work occasionally or it will slobber or wet stack. Both good engines and over all a good tractor. Most were chore tractors, although mine was the main. There was also two gas engines 263 and 291 being the late one. If worked hard gas needs to be really good.

I owned a nice low hour 706 gas tractor for a short time. There were two things that I didn't like. The gear shift was kind of a Mickey Mouse arrangement that would jump out of gear when you would least expect it. And, the parking "lever" engaged in a gear but if it happened to be in the top of the gear tooth it wouldn't hold. Seemed like you'd have to move the tractor to get it to engage properly.