When it comes to reliable farm machinery, the discussions often heat up around the classic tractors. At johnchen.net, we understand the practical needs of farmers, and we’re diving into a candid comparison of some stalwarts. This isn’t a demo floor review; it’s a real-world look at how these tractors stack up against each other in everyday farm operations. We’re putting the John Deere 4430 in the spotlight alongside International Harvester (IH) models like the 966, 1066, and 1566, and even the often-debated John Deere 4630. Our aim is to provide an honest evaluation based on years of hands-on experience.
The IH lineup we’ve worked with includes a 966, a 1066, and a 1566. Our 966, while not a “Plus” model, packs a 466 engine. It’s got the power, essentially running with a 1066 pump, but honestly, the tractor itself is a bit too light to effectively harness all that extra power, especially without weights. It served us primarily as a loader tractor. The 1066 was a bit of a rescue project. We picked it up as scrap, fixed it up, and it became our go-to for lighter tasks like baling and pulling spreaders for fertilizer. Currently, it’s reliably powering our feed grinder. Then there’s the IH 1566, a low-hour machine that, despite its potential, sees limited action. The 3-speed transmission just isn’t versatile enough for most field operations we undertake.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the John Deere 4430. This model is a workhorse in our operation, particularly during hay season. Come spring, the John Deere 4430 is hitched to the baler and stays there consistently until fall. Its duties extend into winter as well, where it’s employed on the hay processor. In contrast, the John Deere 4630 gets tasked with jobs that you might typically assign to the IH 1566, but frankly, the 4630 proves to be much more user-friendly and practical in these roles.
Starting reliability is another point of comparison. The IH tractors generally have an edge when it comes to starting in colder conditions compared to the John Deeres. However, in our experience, getting any of these machines running hasn’t been a significant problem, even in colder climates.
Fuel efficiency is always a critical factor in farm economics. Interestingly, our 1066 proved to be more fuel-efficient than the John Deere 4430 when baling. On average, the 1066 consumed about 5 gallons less per day than the 4430 while making around 100 bales daily. Comparing the larger models, the 1566 and 4630, we found that the John Deere 4630 was actually more economical on fuel. When pitting NH3 on the same 80-acre field, the 4630 used less fuel than the 1566 had the previous year. In terms of power, the 1566 and 4630 felt very comparable. The 1566 does have a harder time starting when warm, suggesting it might need some pump work, which could potentially unlock a bit more horsepower, maybe around 5hp extra.
Our farming operation spans approximately 8000 acres, with 3000 acres dedicated to crops and the remainder to pasture and hay land. Manure hauling is a significant winter task, and the frozen conditions naturally increase fuel consumption. Despite these demands, our total fuel usage across all operations—feeding cattle and crop work—remains under a gallon per acre, which we meticulously track. We don’t rely on guesswork; we monitor everything, from maintenance costs for each piece of equipment to operational fuel consumption, ensuring we have a clear understanding of where resources are going. The assertion that John Deeres are twice as hard on fuel just doesn’t hold up in our direct comparisons. In terms of power and fuel, they are more comparable than often perceived.
Going back in time, there was a 5488 demo that left a strong impression, especially alongside a 1586. And it’s worth noting our experience isn’t about brand bias. It’s about honest, side-by-side comparison. We also operate a John Deere 4020 power shift alongside a Dad’s IH 806 and a brother’s 856. The 806, turbocharged, can almost match the pulling power of the 4630. The 4020 with its power shift is our utility tractor, handling tasks like augers and yard work. The 856 is favored for running a double mower and pulls the mixer wagon during winter feeding.
Looking ahead, we’re considering adding to our fleet with a 1486 and a 1086, specifically for the tougher winter feeding tasks in the feedlot, and another John Deere 4430 for summer fieldwork. We also have a 1206 and 1256 in our lineup, offering further points of comparison, which we may explore in future discussions. This ongoing experience and comparison help us make informed decisions about the best equipment for our farm, valuing practical performance and reliability above brand allegiance.
