? on 44 serial number

[Scott(IN)]

I am working on a tractor that I believe is a 44 special(says special on decal and has the 277 engine). Just got done power washing tractor and see the serial number says 44DIRF. The I could be a one. The number is 4650. From what I can see specials started with a 5 in the number. Has this tractor been put together with parts in the past. I know the dash has several extra holes not being used.
 

[J. Everett]

well, all I can say is that my 444 has the following...444GIRF and then the tractor number.
Hope this helps.
 

[MasseyH]

The second digit after the model number is in fact a "1" not "I" meaning regular altitude. The other option would be a "5" meaning high altitude.

Is the serial number in casting at the pto or just the tag? Either way, you are correct in that the 44 Special numbers started with 50,001. So someone either switched the rearend out using a a late 1951 44 Diesel Row Crop with Foot Clutch or they replaced the engine and hood. Can we assume what you have is a diesel??
 

[Scott(IN)]

This is a gas engine.
 

[MasseyH]

If it was correct then the first digit behind the model would have been a "G" for gas. With a "D" (standing for diesel) tells me you have a rearend switch at sometime in its life.

The serial number codes are:

Model number (44, 22, etc)
Engine type (B-butane, G-gas, D-diesel, etc)
Altitude (1-regular, 5 hi altitude)
Style (R-row crop, S-standard, V-vineyard, etc)
Clutch (F-foot, H-hand)

Hope this helps a little.