IH 966

[bv]

What are the pros and cons of a 966 tractor and a good price in today’s market?

 

[caterpillar guy]

Pros is much cheaper than a new one. Well made pretty bullet proof design. Con is the low volume hydraulic pump and low pressure unless it has been upgraded to a 2500 or so pressure relief valve. Most were only about 2000 PSI with a 12 GPM pump. that was fine for the 70's and 80's since then pressures and volumes have increased drastically to more like 20plus GPM with 2250-3000 PSI and hydraulic implements have been adjusted for those pressures so some of these older tractors on newer equipment will not fold and may not lift some of them. I find one of the Stiegers has trouble folding the egg beater behind the disk if it has any stones caught in the reels on it. So if you want to use it on new equipment be ware that it might have an issue with those things if using on older equipment you will be fine.

 

[bv]

Pros is much cheaper than a new one. Well made pretty bullet proof design. Con is the low volume hydraulic pump and low pressure unless it has been upgraded to a 2500 or so pressure relief valve. Most were only about 2000 PSI with a 12 GPM pump. that was fine for the 70's and 80's since then pressures and volumes have increased drastically to more like 20plus GPM with 2250-3000 PSI and hydraulic implements have been adjusted for those pressures so some of these older tractors on newer equipment will not fold and may not lift some of them. I find one of the Stiegers has trouble folding the egg beater behind the disk if it has any stones caught in the reels on it. So if you want to use it on new equipment be ware that it might have an issue with those things if using on older equipment you will be fine.

Thank you sir

 

[caterpillar guy]

Your welcome. Price will vary with region.

 

[bn-ind]

We've had our 966 for almost 30 years now. Bought it after high school to bale hay. Been a wonderful tractor for that. We've replaced the clutch, injectors and clutch release bearing (lack of grease that time). Fuel efficient, reliable and an all around good tractor. I would agree that the hyrdraulics leave a bit to be desired. The shifter can give you fits when its wore out but its no big deal when you're used to it. But since all we do is use it for a haybine, round baler and the front end loader for a spear, it does just fine. Actually been looking for another one or a 1066 for a second tractor, they're a lot more expensive than they were back then.

 

[bn-ind]

Like caterpillar guy said, price varies. In the midwest by me, Indiana, one off the farm in useable condition seems to be bringing around $10K. The nicer ones just go up from there. Saw a restored one bring well over $20k a while back.

 

[caterpillar guy]

20,000 is more than they sold for new. Amazing how we used them and if redone will sell for more than they did new. Just shows how bad nobody wants to deal with these new fangled ones with all those bells and whistles on them when they have a problem.

 

[used red MN]

20,000 is more than they sold for new. Amazing how we used them and if redone will sell for more than they did new. Just shows how bad nobody wants to deal with these new fangled ones with all those bells and whistles on them when they have a problem.

Not arguing with you, but the increase or decrease in the value of the dollar, whatever you want to call it probably fits into your statements in some way.

 

[JohnRowehl]

A 966 tractor priced at $18,000 in 1976 would be $100,500.00 in today’s dollars.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

20,000 is more than they sold for new. Amazing how we used them and if redone will sell for more than they did new. Just shows how bad nobody wants to deal with these new fangled ones with all those bells and whistles on them when they have a problem.

$20,000 isn't worth what it was in 1973, and people that are paying $20,000 for a 966 aren't buying it to use.

Paying $20,000 now is like buying the tractor for $2800 in 1973.

 

[caterpillar guy]

Yes the inflation is an item and would make a big difference in this case. The older tractors are also in demand for just the reason I stated nobody wants to deal with all the junk that stops working in short order on the new models with all the fancy computered ones. I don't suppose the price of 150,000and more for new would have any effect on the selling price of the old dependable manual fixable ones.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

Yes the inflation is an item and would make a big difference in this case. The older tractors are also in demand for just the reason I stated nobody wants to deal with all the junk that stops working in short order on the new models with all the fancy computered ones. I don't suppose the price of 150,000and more for new would have any effect on the selling price of the old dependable manual fixable ones.

Nobody is paying $20,000 for a 966 to put it in the field. The people that can afford that kind of money don't farm with that size tractor. The people farming with that size tractor can't afford that kind of money.

 

[JohnRowehl]

Yes the inflation is an item and would make a big difference in this case. The older tractors are also in demand for just the reason I stated nobody wants to deal with all the junk that stops working in short order on the new models with all the fancy computered ones. I don't suppose the price of 150,000and more for new would have any effect on the selling price of the old dependable manual fixable ones.

If you know of anyone that is looking for a restored-to-the-point-of-almost-brand-new-condition Oliver 1850, that wanted to use it to farm with, I know a guy that has one.