My First IH

[andyd4ntx]

It's a new world! (to me)
Hi All:
I just picked up a International Harvester 444 (Gasser)Utility tractor.
I am a FORD guy so this is a whole new world to me.
The short story is, I stumbled into this on Craiglist while out of town.
The price was good and it has three things none on my Fords have, 8 speeds, power steering and live PTO.
By the serial number (05879 ) in is a 1969 model.
To be honest it's rough, the electrical is poorly patched togther, The brakes are low but they do work, and the clutch pedal is very stiff on release. Plus its rusty and dirty.
On the plus side everything seems to mostly work, Steering is great, All the trans gears work, the lift and PTO work.
The PO was using it to brush hog at a deer camp.
So to all the old IH/Farmall hands what does a IH newby need to watch out for on this old girl, any major known issues with a IH 444
Andrew
 

[Janicholson]

This UK built tractor is strong and (as far as I know) there are no special issues. Cleaning it and putting effort into the little things is important. Purchasing a repair manual and an Owners Manual is important. The reality is that there may be far fewer of these in the USA than other IH tractors. Information here may be limited, but we will help as much as possible. Jim
Data

 

[andyd4ntx]

Thanks Jim:
It will need to be cleaned and rewired. Hopfully
the brakes and other mechicnal things can want
awhile as I have a Ford 2n with a locked brake I
need to fix first. The real test for My new IH444
will be next spring when I start baling with it.
Andrew