Introduction
Farmall 656: Technical Overview
The Farmall 656 is a row-crop tractor manufactured by International Harvester between 1965 and 1973 in Rock Island, Illinois. As part of the 756 series, this two-wheel drive machine was designed for versatility and reliability in diverse agricultural operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the International Harvester C-263, a 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 263 cubic inch (4.3 L) displacement. It features a compression ratio of 8.8:1 and utilizes a dry air cleaner. The engine operates at a rated speed of 1800 RPM, delivering 70 horsepower to support standard field tasks.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Operators have access to three transmission configurations: a 5-speed gear transmission, a 10-speed Torque Amplifier with two-speed power shift, or a hydrostatic transmission with infinite forward and reverse speeds in two ranges. This variety allows for precise speed control tailored to specific field requirements.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center type providing a total flow of 12 gpm (45.4 lpm), supporting one or two rear valves. The independent rear PTO operates at 540 or 1000 RPM at an engine speed of 1800 RPM, providing consistent power for implements.
Dimensions and Handling
The tractor sits on a 96.3-inch (244 cm) wheelbase with an overall width of 87 inches (220 cm). It is equipped with power steering and independent mechanical disc brakes for maneuverability. The rear tread is adjustable from 50 to 96 inches (127 to 243 cm) to accommodate various row spacings.
Conclusion
The Farmall 656 serves as a durable row-crop tractor suited for farmers requiring a balance of mechanical simplicity and varied transmission options. Its design, characterized by an open operator station and robust IH Fast Hitch system, remains a functional choice for traditional agricultural work.
Production Information of Farmall, 656
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Farmall, 656
| Front tread | 8 inches [20 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 96.3 inches [244 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 21 inches [53 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 77 inches [195 cm] |
| Length | 152 inches [386 cm] |
| Front tread | 16 inches [40 cm] |
| Clearance (drawbar) | 13 inches [33 cm] |
| Width | 87 inches [220 cm] |
| Rear tread | 50 to 96 inches [127 to 243 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 15.5-38 |
Engine Specifications of Farmall, 656
- International Harvester C-263
- Liquid-cooled
- 6-cylinder
- LP gas
| Compression | 8.8:1 |
|---|---|
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Displacement | 263 ci [4.3 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.5625x4.39 inches [90 x 112 mm] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Air cleaner(optional) | 2300 (late) |
| Rated RPM | 1800 (early) |
| Coolant capacity | 21.5 qts [20.3 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 21 qts [19.9 L] |
| Oil capacity | 9 qts [8.5 L] |
Transmission Information of Farmall, 656
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 68 qts [64.4 L] |
Transmission variants 2
| Transmission | Torque Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 68 qts [64.4 L] |
| Type | Two-speed power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 3
| Transmission | Hydrostatic |
|---|---|
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse (2-range) |
- 5-speed
- 10-speed two-speed power shift
Mechanical Specs of Farmall, 656
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Power steering
- Independent mechanical disc brakes
Power Information of Farmall, 656
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
| Engine RPM | 1000@1800 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Farmall, 656
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Rear valves | 1 or 2 |
| Total flow | 12 gpm [45.4 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Farmall, 656
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Type | IH Fast Hitch |
Electrical System of Farmall, 656
| Charging amps | 55 |
|---|---|
| Charging amps(optional) | 6 (diesel) |
| Battery volts | 12 (gas/LP) |
| Batteries | 1 (gas/LP) |
| Batteries(optional) | 130 (diesel) |
| Battery AH | 50 (gas) |
| Battery AH(optional) | 2 (diesel) |
Where it sits
With 70 hp[P] HP, the Farmall 656 sits just below 756 (85 HP) in Farmall's range. Its power puts it in the 72th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Farmall 656 have?
The Farmall 656 delivers 70 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Farmall 656 produced?
The Farmall 656 was produced in 1965-1973.
What engine does the Farmall 656 have?
The Farmall 656 is powered by a LP gas, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Farmall 656 use?
The Farmall 656 uses a Gear transmission.
Is the Farmall 656 4WD?
The Farmall 656 is available in 2WD.