The 966 was underestimated by most people. I would disagree on the comment about engine sizes. I think the 966 and 1066 had the same engine, but the 1066 was turbocharged and had a some heavier components. I believe in the '86 series the 986 had a bigger engine than the 1086. Potential problems with a 966: water filter - if it does not have one and has not been serviced regularly turn and walk away. TA - as 1586 said, try it out. I have a cheap solution, though. Put it in direct and take the lever off. I did that 20 years ago and haven't missed it very often in our application. The power steering unit may leak. When it does the only good solution is either remove it and take to a dealer for repair or have them come get the whole tractor and do the repair. Don't jump inside that unit without training. The 966 transmission ... well, it was not IH's best idea. I have no problem with it, but I've driven one for 35 years. You just learn to be patient and hold your mouth right. My son-in-law just detests it. That would be my biggest reservation about using it on a loader. I have to work on the steering on mine. The steering arms are lose on the shaft and I suspect the only solution is replace them. That was a weak point in all the '66 tractors. But as the photo below shows, we carry quite a bit of weight on the front end. If you are going to put a loader on it, that is an area just to be watchful of. Oh! A common complaint with the 966 is when doing a lot of idling and low engine speed use they would blow oil out the exhaust. Especially if it has been running an auger that is common. We had 2 966's. Still have one. Replaced one last year with a 7210. At times I wish I had kept it, but since we have quit most row crop cultivation didn't put 100 hours a year on it the last 4-5 years.
Edited by Mike SE IL 3/13/2007 05:37
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IH 966.....what do you think?
