A 1066 was actually the 5,000,000th tractor to roll off the IH line
IN THE SHOP with Rachel
By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com
The International Harvester 1066 was a king of IH’s high-powered tractors. Years later, it’s still a great value for farmers.
More than 50,000 of these tractors were built in just six years (between 1971 and 1976). A few tweaks were made over the model years – in 1973, the RPM jumped from 2,400 to 2,600. The tractor tested at 106hp on the drawbar and 126 at the PTO.
The engine in this tractor is legendary. I think the turbocharged, six-cylinder diesel engine is one of the best on the market. It was built with a heavy block and crank. The engine was solidly constructed, right down to the rods and bolts. It’s not unusual to see a 1066 engine with 10,000+ hours that’s still going strong.
These tractors were offered with a standard gear or a hydrostatic transmission. A torque-amplifier was also optional. The hydrostatic transmission didn’t really catch on (around 3,000 were built). This makes it difficult to find parts for (and thus to service) the hydrostatic transmission. My recommendation: standard gears with the T-A.
International Harvester 1066
Photo: TractorData.com
A two-wheel drive was standard, but four-wheel drive was also an option. A Hi-Clear variant was also produced - remaining examples are now a hot collector item.
The 1066 is far more comfortable than the classic iron I usually drive. It was very nice for its time, but don’t expect the same level of comfort you’d find in a new tractor today.
Fun fact: IH produced its 5,000,000th tractor during the first quarter of 1974. The model: a 1066!
When it comes to value, the 1066 is a best-kept secret – making it an excellent buy! Prices for these tractors have fallen in recent years. They can be purchased (relatively) inexpensively. In my area, it looks like prices have leveled out – this is a tractor that you could buy, use for years, and then sell again for around the same amount you purchased it for. What a deal!