Versatile 256
The Versatile 256 is a powerful 4x4 articulated tractor built for tough farm work. It has a strong Cummins diesel engine with 4 cylinders and 100.6 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged, which means it can work hard even in tough conditions. The tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, easy control with infinite forward and reverse speeds in 3 ranges. This tractor is big and sturdy, weighing 11,650 pounds. It has large 28-inch agricultural tires on both the front and back, perfect for gripping farm fields. The Versatile 256 has a Category 3 hitch in the back for attaching heavy farm tools. It also has a special hydraulic system that helps it lift and move things easily. For extra help with tasks, there's an option to add a PTO (Power Take-Off). The tractor stands 112 inches tall and has power steering to make it easy to drive, even though it's so big.

Quick specs
- Category
- Four-Wheel Drive
- Engine Power Output
- 101hp
- Operating Weight
- 11,650 lb
- Transmission
- Hydrostatic
At a glance
How the 256 compares
vs. Four-Wheel Drive medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Four-Wheel Drive tractors
This model
The 256 ranks at the 1st percentile for engine power among recorded four-wheel drive tractors.
Overview
About the Versatile 256
The Versatile 256 is a powerful 4x4 articulated tractor built for tough farm work. It has a strong Cummins diesel engine with 4 cylinders and 100.6 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged, which means it can work hard even in tough conditions. The tractor uses a hydrostatic transmission, giving it smooth, easy control with infinite forward and reverse speeds in 3 ranges. This tractor is big and sturdy, weighing 11,650 pounds. It has large 28-inch agricultural tires on both the front and back, perfect for gripping farm fields. The Versatile 256 has a Category 3 hitch in the back for attaching heavy farm tools. It also has a special hydraulic system that helps it lift and move things easily. For extra help with tasks, there's an option to add a PTO (Power Take-Off). The tractor stands 112 inches tall and has power steering to make it easy to drive, even though it's so big.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Versatile |
|---|---|
| Model | 256 |
| Category | Four-Wheel Drive tractor |
| Type | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
| Operating weight | 11,650lb |
Engine
| Make | Cummins |
|---|---|
| Model | 4BT 3.9 |
| Power | 100.6hp |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 239ci |
| Bore | 4.02in |
| Stroke | 4.72in |
Transmission
| Type | Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Power |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center load sensing |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Optional Transmission or Live PTO |
|---|
Dimensions
| Height | 112in |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 11,650lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 5.8gal |
|---|
Head to head
256 vs. Four-Wheel Drive median
How the Versatile 256 compares to other Four-Wheel Drive tractors
| Spec | This model | Four-Wheel Drive median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 101 hp | 375 hp | -73% | 1st |
| Engine Displacement | 239 ci | 826 ci | -71% | 1st |
| Cylinders | 4 | 6 | -33% | 1st |
| Operating Weight | 11,650 lb | 37,428 lb | -69% | 1st |
| Height | 112 in | 143 in | -21% | 5th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the four-wheel drive tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 98–162 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Versatile tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versatile 160 | 84 hp | 8,950 lb | — | Compare → |
| Versatile 260 | 260 hp | 23,945 lb | — | Compare → |
| Versatile 290 | 290 hp | 23,945 lb | — | Compare → |
| Versatile 936 | 310 hp | 26,950 lb | — | Compare → |
| Versatile 946 | 325 hp | 32,500 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO LT75A | 100 hp | 8,820 lb | — | Compare → |
| Agco RT100a | 100 hp | 11,051.8 lb | — | Compare → |
| Belarus 1005 | 100 hp | 8,874 lb | — | Compare → |
| Belarus 1025 | 100 hp | 9,144 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D21 Series I | 103 hp | 9,500 lb | 1963–1965 | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
Versatile 256 photos



FAQ
Common questions
How powerful is the Versatile 256?
The Versatile 256 has an engine power output of 100.6 hp. It is powered by a 4-cylinder engine displacing 239 ci.
What hitch category is the Versatile 256?
The Versatile 256 uses a Category Category 3 hitch.
What is the working weight of the Versatile 256?
The operating weight of the Versatile 256 is approximately 11,650 lb.
What type of transmission does the Versatile 256 have?
The Versatile 256 uses a Hydrostatic transmission.
What type of hydraulic system does the Versatile 256 use?
Hydraulics on the Versatile 256 are Closed center load sensing.
What routine service does the Versatile 256 need?
Regular maintenance for the Versatile 256 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.





