Farmall 560 Tractor Specs and Real-World Performance

The Farmall 560 is a classic row-crop tractor built for everyday farm chores like hay work, raking, mowing, and light-to-medium tillage. Its practical size and strong PTO horsepower made it a popular choice for loader work and pulling implements that match mid-century tractor specifications. For small-to-mid acreage operations, it still delivers a useful blend of power, weight, and simplicity.

In real-world work, the 560’s six-cylinder power delivery is smooth and steady, which helps in hay work and loader work where consistent torque matters. It’s strong enough to run mid-size PTO equipment and handle lighter tillage passes without feeling overworked. When tuned well, it’s a dependable performer with a classic Farmall “pull” that owners still appreciate.

The Torque Amplifier gives the 560 a helpful “split” under load, which is handy when pulling hay tools or working ground that changes from light to heavy. Hydraulics are well-suited for loader work and implement lifting, and the 540 PTO keeps it compatible with a wide range of common farm equipment. For light-to-medium tillage, the tractor feels composed as long as traction is matched to the job.

In the field, the Farmall 560 feels like a “real” row-crop tractor—big enough to stay planted on a baler or mower-conditioner, but still nimble for chores and yard work. Proper rear ballast and tire choice make a noticeable difference in stability, especially with a loader. With a sensible setup, it rides confidently and tracks well for hay work and light tillage.

Attachment flexibility is one reason the 560 remains popular: it matches well with many classic and modern implements, especially 540 PTO equipment. With the right hydraulic valves and hitch setup, it’s a very capable tractor for chore-duty and seasonal hay work. Hookups are straightforward, and it’s easy to find implement pairings that fit the tractor specifications and PTO horsepower of this platform.

• Front-end loaders (IH and aftermarket)
• Rotary cutters and finish mowers
• Hay rakes, tedders, small balers
• Mower-conditioners (light duty)
• 2–3 bottom plows (soil dependent)
• Disks, harrows, field cultivators
• Post-hole diggers (540 PTO)
• Snow blade / rear scraper
• Wagons and running gear
• Augers and grain handling (540 PTO)

Value on a Farmall 560 usually comes down to condition, tires, hydraulics, and how clean the TA and PTO operation feels. It can be a strong “use-and-enjoy” tractor—affordable enough to work, but desirable enough that good examples hold their value. Well-kept tractors with solid cosmetics and reliable driveline behavior tend to command the best resale.

The Farmall 560 is generally straightforward to maintain, with routine service centered on fluids, filters, ignition/fuel tune, and keeping hydraulics clean. Owners who stay on top of oil changes and hydraulic fluid condition typically get a more dependable tractor for hay work and loader work. Plan for basic age-related upkeep—hoses, seals, and wiring refreshes—especially on tractors that still see regular field time.

• Keep hydraulic fluid clean and water-free for best valve and pump life
• Check steering and front-end wear regularly if used for loader work
• Inspect cooling system condition before heavy summer mowing
• Grease points and hitch joints often when doing tillage or hay work

When shopping, focus your inspection on smooth shifting, confident PTO engagement, and consistent hydraulic response—especially if the tractor will do loader work. Typical ownership quirks are usually age-related: seepage at seals, tired wiring, and front-end wear from decades of farm use. The good news is that parts and support are widely available, and many components have cross-compatibility within the IH row-crop lineup.

• Check for hydraulic drift or slow lift when warm
• Listen for driveline noises under load in multiple gears
• Verify TA action feels positive and not “freewheeling”
• Inspect rear hubs, rims, and cast centers for cracks or repairs
• Look for clean coolant and stable operating temperature in mowing

In practical use, the Farmall 560 shines on mixed-farm tasks where a dependable 540 PTO and steady pulling power matter. It’s a strong fit for hay work—raking, mowing, and baling—plus loader work and routine chore duty around the yard. For lighter tillage, it pairs well with modest plows and field tools, especially when traction and ballast are set up correctly. If you want classic row-crop tractor specifications with usable PTO horsepower for modern implements, the 560 is still a smart, workable choice.

• Hay work: mower, rake, tedder, small baler
• Loader work: manure handling, feeding, moving round/square bales (setup dependent)
• Tillage: light disks and cultivators, 2–3 bottom plows in many soils
• Chores: scraping, wagons, augers, mowing lanes and pasture