The Farmall 06 series tractors represent a distinct class of row-crop tractors equipped with robust six-cylinder engines, delivering significantly more horsepower compared to their predecessors in the Farmall 04 series. Prior to the late 1950s, both Farmall and its parent company, International Harvester, relied on four-cylinder engines across their general-purpose and row-crop tractor lines.
Demands for increased performance and horsepower led to a wider use of six-cylinder engines, with the majority of International’s output shifting to the larger engines.
The Farmall 806 and 706 were debuted in 1963, with manufacture lasting until 1967. The Farmall 1206 was released in 1965 as the most powerful tractor at the time, with a turbocharged diesel engine.
Production of the 1206 continued until 1967. The 06 series sold well and was hailed as a huge success.
As part of International’s product development and marketing cycle, new models were typically introduced every three years, either as fresh developments or as rebadged and marginally upgraded versions of prior series.
The 56 series was an update to the 06 series, featuring the new Farmall 656. 56-series tractors could be equipped with rollover protection with integrated sunshades. The 656 marked the first time that IH/Farmall products used a hydrostatic gearbox.
More updates came in the 66 series, which was then followed, counterintuitively, by the 26 series.
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Development
Tractor horsepower climbed from approximately 30 horsepower (22 kW) to between 40 horsepower (30 kW) and 50 horsepower (37 kW) during the 1940s and 1950s.
In 1960, John Deere introduced a six-cylinder crop tractor. International’s reaction included the Farmall 806 and 706. The new versions also included hydraulic braking, steering, and auxiliary systems with three independent pumps.
The 56 series, which was a direct development of the 06 series, continued the evolution to higher power, as did the 66 and 26 series.
Farmall 806
The Farmall 806 was introduced in 1963 and had a C301 six-cylinder in-line engine with 301 cubic inches (4,930 cc) of displacement that produced 95 horsepower (71 kW) in gasoline version.
Diesel and LP gas variants were also available, including the D361 diesel, which had 361 cubic inches (5,920 cc) and 110 horsepower (82 kW). The transmission had two ranges: low and high, for a total of eight forward gears and two in reverse.
A torque amplifier was available as an option. Hydrostatic power steering was offered. Two power take-off (PTO) shafts were provided, with speeds of 540 and 1000 RPM each.
Both narrow and wide front axles were available, with the option of a motorized wide front axle.
The 806 was built from 1963 to 1976. Approximately 35,000 806s were constructed, with prices ranging from $7,100 for gasoline engines to $7,900 for diesel engines.
2nd Farmall 856
The Farmall 856 debuted in 1967 as a rebadged 806. Larger engines were employed, including a non-turbocharged diesel engine that generated 110 horsepower (82 kW).
Most 856s were powered by diesel engines. Farmall 856 Custom was the somewhat degraded economic model.
3rd Farmall 826
The Farmall 826, which replaced the 856 in 1969, featured a 102-horsepower (76 kW) gasoline engine with LP and diesel options.
Similar to its predecessor, the 826 was available with both conventional gear drive and hydrostatic drive.
The hydrostatic transmission cost roughly 20 horsepower (15 kW), but it offered more flexibility and ease of use. Approximately 15,000 826s were constructed, with a purchasing price of $9,500 to $10,500.
4th Farmall 966
The Farmall 966 superseded the 826. It was built exclusively with diesel engines. The International Harvester 966 stands as a timeless machine in its own right..
A high crop variant of the Farmall was also produced. Approximately 25,000 966s were constructed, with prices ranging between $11,600 and $12,700.
