International 656 Purchase - Opinions? Problems? Etc?

[gitractorman]

Hey guys,
I have the possibility of picking up an International 656 tractor. It appears to be in pretty good shape, not certain of the total hours yet, but the engine was rebuilt in 2018. Looks like they used it for brush hogging. Has dual rear hydraulic remotes, Tires are in decent shape, paint is original, a little faded, but no rust or horrible weathering. No cab but has the ROPS with hard sun shade. All together doesn't look to bad. I might be able to get it in the $3500 range, which doesn't seem bad for a 50+-hp tractor.


http://photos.cubfest.com/displayimage.php?pos=-39767

Ok, tried to attach the photo but guess I can't remember how.

I have no experience with these tractors though, so I'm looking for anyone's input, good or bad. I don't really need it, but may have a large mowing contract this summer, so I'd be putting it to use for that (old closed industrial area that has been capped and turned into field grass).

Thanks,
Bill

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If it has spent much time out in the weather, which that picture looks like it has not, check the brakes. The ball and disk system is bad to rust on them and cause brakes to be weak.

[ajhbike]

I would jump on it if everything functions. I looked at the 504 purchase like this....no apparent leaks, 3 pt and PTO worked, hydraulics for FEL worked and didn't leak, brakes super soft, started right up every time and the engine sounded smooth. Tin decent, bunch of dents, crappy patina...jumped on it and have been happy ever since. I can fix ugly and brakes and dents (if I want to)....and everything else can be improved when I WANT TO, not when I have to.

[ajhbike]

$3,000 for a functioning 50HP tractor that is simpler to repair than the new ones...yep.

[SONNY]

Sounds like a decent deal. 656 is similar to a 560, only newer. The gas ones were good, diesel models weren't. thanks; sonny

[outdoors4evr]

For the gas engine, it looks like there are two RPM Speeds for the engine depending on an early or late serial number.
Are you looking at a gas or diesel engine?

[Super A]

I think with that oil filter on the side like that it's a gas. A friend of mine had a 656 Hydro high utility like that one, it was also a gold demonstrator! It was a diesel and had plenty of torque and power, even though it was a hydro. They were solid tractors.

Al

[gitractorman]

Thanks for the input but the timing was just not right and I didn't go for it. I'm still trying to figure out my tax issues from starting two new businesses this year, and the wife is pretty dead set against any "extra" spending right now. Figures, it went for around $3200, which I think is a pretty good price for that machine. Oh well, there will always be more!
Thanks again,
Bill

[gitractorman]

So, you know how they say, Timing is everything..... I gave up on this back in March because I needed to figure out my taxes. Pretty pissed about it when I saw it sold for $3200 too, but oh well. This morning I found it re-listed on the auction site. I couldn't figure out why, then I looked closer at the new post and they now list that an 1-1/2" hydraulic line is busted. The previous auction winner must have found it and refused to buy it because of the broken hyd. line. They did state that it was a fully functional and operating tractor. So, now that I've got my taxes finished and know I'm getting some money back, I'm super excited to be looking at it again. I've looked into the hydraulic line, and it's probably a $200 fix and a couple hours of work, so unless there was some other damage I don't think I'm too worried about it. Let me know if you guys think there's anything I should be looking at on this thing, since now I have time to go inspect it.

Thanks,
Bill

[ajhbike]

Good luck!