International Harvester 1066 Specs, Problems, and Review 

A farm tractor is crucial for completing various agricultural tasks, such as plowing, planting, harrowing, and tilling. For the best outcomes, you need something reliable. Does the International Harvester 1066 fit the bill? 

The table below summarizes some of the most important specs of the International Harvester 1066 tractor: 

Engine International Harvester DT-415 four-stroke six-cylinder engine 
Displacement 414 cubic inches (6.8 liters) 
Power 108 HP 
Fuel Sysem Direct Injection 
Fuel Type Diesel 
Fuel Tank Capacity 42 gallons (159 liters) 
Oil Capacity 18 quarts (17 liters) 
Coolant Capacity 25 quarts (23.7 liters) 
Chassis 4×2 2WD, 4×4 MFWD 4WD
Steering Hydrostatic Power 
Brakes Hydraulic dry disc
Gears 8 forward, 4 reverse 
Transmission Type Sliding gear 
Speed Forward – 20.3 mph, Reverse – 10 mph 
Cab Open Operator Station 
Power Take-Off Independent 
Clutch Type Dry 
Transmission Model Torque Amplifier 

Read on to learn more about International Harvester 1066 specs and problems. We’ll give you a rundown of its features so you know what to expect in its performance. 

What Is the International Harvester 1066?

international harvester 1066

The International Harvester 1066 is a row crop tractor. It is a cultivator and a farm tractor rolled into one. It is an excellent investment for someone who needs reliable and comfortable farming equipment. 

First produced in 1971, the International Harvester 1066 has gained significant popularity. However, its production was discontinued in 1976. Over six years, more than 50,000 units of this tractor have been sold.

International Harvester has over 175 years of experience in manufacturing top-notch agricultural equipment. It is available in more than 160 countries, making it easy to access its best-selling tractors.

Aside from tractors, they have many products, including commercial trucks and construction equipment. 

International Harvester 1066 Specs 

Here is a look at International Harvester 1066 tractor’s most important technical specifications:

1. Engine 

At the heart of the International Harvester 1966 is its exceptional engine. It was exemplary at the time of its release, making it one of the best in the competitive landscape. The tractor is equipped with an International Harvester DT-414 four-stroke and six-cylinder turbocharged diesel. 

More so, the engine is also known for having a solid construction. Aside from the heavy block and crank, it also comes with exceptional bolts and rods, so you can be confident that they’ll withstand the test of time. No wonder second-hand models’ engines today are still up to the task. 

2. Displacement 

To evaluate the performance of the International 1066 turbo engine, one of the most important to look at is displacement. It refers to the volume that all the pistons sweep in the cylinder in a single movement.

This is important in identifying the torque and horsepower the engine can generate as it works. In the case of the 1066 tractor, the displacement is 6.8 liters or 414 cubic inches. 

3. Power 

It is almost impossible to talk about tractors without mentioning the maximum power output that they can generate. This is crucial in determining what types of tasks the equipment can handle.

The model we are talking about in this review delivers 108 HP, which is good for the size, so that you can expect sufficient power for most jobs. 

4. Fuel System 

This tractor comes with a direct injection fuel system. It injects fuel directly above the piston in the combustion chamber.

Exposure to more pressure and heat requires stronger materials to produce, making it more expensive than indirect injection. It has a dry intake, which makes the system clean. 

5. Fuel Type 

Like most tractors, the International Harvester 1066 uses diesel. Among others, diesel engines are great because they generate more power than their gas counterparts. To add, they are also longer-lasting, especially with proper maintenance.

They are fuel-efficient so that you can save in the long run. They are more expensive but worth every dollar, given the performance that you can expect. 

6. Fuel Tank Capacity 

The tank can hold up to 42 gallons or 159 liters of fuel when it is full. This is huge, so you won’t need to refill the tank often, especially when working in a large area. 

7. Oil Capacity 

Oil is important in a tractor as it lubricates the moving components. This will minimize friction and wear. Not to mention, it can also improve efficiency and reduce noise when operating equipment. The International Harvester 1066 holds 18 quarts or 17 liters of oil. 

8. Coolant Capacity 

The International Harvester 1066 has a coolant capacity of 25 quarts or 23.7 liters. The coolant is important as it protects the engine from overheating, especially when operating the machine in the summer. 

9. Chassis 

When it comes to the chassis, you have two options. The first is a 4×2 2-wheel drive. The rear tires are responsible for maintaining traction.

It is a good option when you are cultivating in dry conditions. One of its benefits is that it is easy to handle, so you can operate it in a snap, even if you are a newbie. 

Meanwhile, if you want a tractor designed for the most demanding applications, the International Harvester is also available in a 4×4 MFWD 4WD option. The four-wheel-drive configuration has better traction, which makes it effective and efficient even on the roughest terrains.

It’s also versatile, so you can use it to complete various farming activities. 

10. Steering 

The International Harvester 1066 is a reliable, easy-to-operate tractor with hydrostatic power steering. The steering is fully hydraulic-driven, meaning there are no mechanical connections. Instead of a mechanical linkage, it utilizes hydraulic hoses. 

11. Brakes 

Equipped with hydraulic dry disc brakes, expect that this tractor will deliver exceptional stopping power. It is highly responsive, regardless of the surface conditions, ensuring your safety.

12. Gears 

Using this tractor, you can choose from eight forward and four reverse gears. This makes it versatile since you can choose the specific gear most appropriate for a specific situation, depending on the tractor’s speed. 

13. Transmission Type 

It comes with a sliding gear transmission. You need to slide it to choose the desired transmission depending on the requirements of a specific situation or job. 

14. Speed 

When you operate the tractor in a forward mode, the maximum speed is 20.3 mph. On the other hand, if you’re driving the tractor in reverse, expect the speed to be only up to 10 mph. 

15. Cab 

It has an open operator station, making it comfortable to use. This way, getting on and off the tractor will be seamless. Plus, you can enjoy good airflow.

Nonetheless, take note that it is also available in a configuration with an enclosed cab, which some people like because it does not expose them to dirt and dust when using the tractor. 

16. Power Take-Off 

Another notable feature of this tractor is the independent power take-off (PTO). This means that there is a separate clutch that you will use for controlling the PTO shaft. This will give you fuller control of the tractor. It is independent of the transmission. 

17. Clutch Type 

It has a dry clutch type. As the name implies, it is not bathed in oil, making it dry. Aside from less drag, you can expect most of the power to be in the rear wheels.

However, this can also be a problem because the clutch may not stay cool, making it noisy during the tractor’s operation. 

18. Transmission Model

The transmission model of this tractor is a torque amplifier. When International Harvester introduced it in 1954, many considered the torque amplifier a significant technology.

It is a revolution in transmission engineering. This transmission model allows the operator to shift two gears in a tractor without throttling the engine down or using the clutch.

Again, was the international 1066 a good tractor? The International Harvester 1066 was an excellent high-powered tractor providing farmers value. Its manufacturer built around 50,000 IH 1066 from 1971 to 1976. In 1973, they upgraded the tractor’s RPM from 2,400 to 2,600.

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International Harvester 1066 Problems

international harvester 1066 specs

The International Harvester 1066 is far from perfect. It has several shortcomings, including those we’ll talk about below:

1. Difficult Battery Installation 

The battery is one of the most important parts of a tractor. Unfortunately, with this model, the battery can be a pain to put on and off. You might need to be patient, but it is nothing you cannot handle, even if it takes a bit of time and effort. 

2. Can Be Quite Loud 

The noise that the tractor generates as it operates is another potential issue. It is quite loud, which can be annoying. If you want to lessen the noise, you are better off choosing the variant of this tractor with an enclosed cab.

We also suggest wearing earmuffs to minimize the noise and make it more comfortable to operate. 

3. Limited Performance 

When it was introduced in the 1970s, it became one of the most popular tractors in the market. However, comparing it to newer models, the performance is underwhelming.

The specs are not comparable. So, if you are looking for exceptional power, purchasing newer tractors is a better idea. 

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International Harvester 1066 Review 

Is this the right row tractor for your needs? To help you answer such a question, let’s talk about some of its pros and cons:

The Good 

If you are not yet convinced that the International 1066 tractor is a great product, below are some of the benefits that might make you change your mind:

1. Excellent Rollover Protection 

Your safety is the priority of the manufacturer. With such, one of the most thoughtful features is the two-post fixed rollover protection system. Although, the latter is optional only in some models.

As the name implies, this will prevent the tractor from rolling over during its use, contributing to its safe operations, especially on uneven terrains. 

2. Has Option for Cabbed Model 

One more thing that we like about the International Harvester 1066 is that you have the option to go for a cabbed model. This means you will have an enclosed space, protecting you from dirt and dust while working.

Although, some people might still prefer an open-cab design in terms of ventilation. 

3. User-Friendly Operation 

Is it going to be your first time operating a tractor? Then you have another good reason to choose International Harvester 1066. With its simple operation, anyone can use it without any problem.

It has straightforward controls that will be a snap for users to figure out. No need to be an expert to make the most of this tractor. 

4. Easy to Maintain 

Speaking of being user-friendly, it is not only easy to use but also effortless to maintain. Those who had it during the years it was available for production noted that the maintenance is simple, so it is a breeze to keep its peak condition through the years. 

5. Good Engine 

Even with the emergence of newer competitors and more advanced technologies, the engine of the International 1066 tractor is impressive. During its production, improvements have been made to push the horsepower further to make the tractor more reliable.

It is not uncommon to see these tractors with over 10,000 hours of usage to still have a good engine. 

The Bad 

However, the IH 1066 tractor also has several shortcomings, including the following:

1. Production Has Stopped 

One of the drawbacks of this tractor is that production has long been halted. The company no longer makes the International Harvester 1066. This means that it is difficult to get your hands on one.

The only way to buy it today is through the second-hand market. It is quite difficult to buy because the options are limited. 

2. Finding Parts Can Be a Hassle 

Because it is no longer under production, you can expect the parts to be difficult to find. Especially if you are buying a tractor with hydrostatic transmission, the parts are hard to find and service.

So, if you are buying a second-hand model, ensure it is in an acceptable condition. Otherwise, repairs can be a headache when you cannot get your hands on some important components. 

3. Expensive 

The price can also be an issue for some people. It has limited availability as well. A quick online search will reveal only a few options. At a price offered in the secondary market, it might be worth looking for newer models with more powerful specifications. 

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Frequently Asked Questions – International Harvester 1066 Review

international harvester 1066 parts

How Much Does the International Harvester 1066 Cost? 

During its production, the average International 1066 price was $21,100. Today, they are no longer manufactured, and your only option is to buy them used. The prices vary depending on the seller, starting at around $10,000. 

Is International Harvester 1066 a Good Tractor? 

When it was released in the 1970s, the International Harvester 1066 was undoubtedly a good tractor. Nonetheless, today, you will find newer competitors with more advanced features, so it is safe to say that it is no longer as exceptional as it was when it was first introduced. 

How Much Horsepower Is the International Harvester 1066? 

The International 1066 horsepower is 108 HP. It is believed to be one of the most powerful of its time. These days, even if there are more state-of-the-art tractors on the market, the engine is still good. 

In Closing – International Harvester 1066 Specs, Problems, and Review 

From 1971 to 1976, the International Harvester 1066 built a solid reputation for being an excellent tractor. Even if its production was discontinued, it remains a decent tractor if you are lucky enough to find one in the secondary market.

Nonetheless, its specifications and features are undoubtedly behind the competition since it is an obsolete model already.

To recap, here is a quick summary of the specs of the International Harvester 1066: 

Engine International Harvester DT-415 four-stroke six-cylinder engine 
Displacement 414 cubic inches (6.8 liters) 
Power 108 HP 
Fuel Sysem Direct Injection 
Fuel Type Diesel 
Fuel Tank Capacity 42 gallons (159 liters) 
Oil Capacity 18 quarts (17 liters) 
Coolant Capacity 25 quarts (23.7 liters) 
Chassis 4×2 2WD, 4×4 MFWD 4WD
Steering Hydrostatic Power 
Brakes Hydraulic dry disc
Gears 8 forward, 4 reverse 
Transmission Type Sliding gear 
Speed Forward – 20.3 mph, Reverse – 10 mph 
Cab Open Operator Station 
Power Take-Off Independent 
Clutch Type Dry 
Transmission Model Torque Amplifier 

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