IH 350 Utility

[nashranch]

Just bought a 350 utility with loader and back blade over the phone. Hasn't run for a couple years, stored in a shed. Think i did ok... 4 cyl. diesel

This post was edited by nashranch on 01/18/2023 at 09:43 am.

 

[nashranch]

 

[Charlie M]

You bought a tractor with a continental diesel which parts are expensive to find and a IH utility tractor notorious for steering problems when a loader is attached without it running to try out. You don't
mention what you paid for it so you might of done OK but maybe not. They are a nice tractor when everything is OK so I hope you did OK. I have a 300U gas which had a loader when I bought it and it had major
steering problems. Didn't catch if you have power steering. If so that helps but if not they are a hard steering tractor without a loader.

 

[Janicholson]

The engine, though economical when running, is dependent on a intake manifold heater to start. Not very good. The engine was made for IH by Continental, and is pretty much an orphan in 350U and 350 Farmalls. Parts (when found) are very pricey. Best of luck. I am a 350U gas owner Jim

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 11:16:40 01/18/23) You bought a tractor with a continental diesel which parts are expensive to find and a IH utility tractor notorious for steering problems when a loader is attached without it running to try out. You don't
mention what you paid for it so you might of done OK but maybe not. They are a nice tractor when everything is OK so I hope you did OK. I have a 300U gas which had a loader when I bought it and it had major
steering problems. Didn't catch if you have power steering. If so that helps but if not they are a hard steering tractor without a loader.

$550 Charlie

 

[Charlie M]

If it doesn't need a lot of work I would say that's a great price. I've seen the gas version of the tractor in reasonably good shape go for couple of grand. Let us know what you find out when you get it home.
Did the guy tell you anything about it when you talked to him? My dad had the Farmall version of the 350 diesel and it had a lot of power for its size. That tractor got worked hard by us and the previous owner
and one day it broke the crank shaft. When the mechanic took it apart he found the head cracked. This was back in the mid 60's.

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 12:03:17 01/18/23) If it doesn't need a lot of work I would say that's a great price. I've seen the gas version of the tractor in reasonably good shape go for couple of grand. Let us know what you find out when you get it home.
Did the guy tell you anything about it when you talked to him? My dad had the Farmall version of the 350 diesel and it had a lot of power for its size. That tractor got worked hard by us and the previous owner
and one day it broke the crank shaft. When the mechanic took it apart he found the head cracked. This was back in the mid 60's.

The guy is selling it for his FIL who is an assisted living place. He didnt know much other than it last ran two years ago. I go get it friday. I should call him back and ask about the power steering. The price is cheap enough so i should be ok. I had a B 414 a few years ago and it turned out to be a money maker so keeping my fingers crossed

 

[nashranch]

Just talked to the guy .He does not know anything about the tractoror the power steering. He does have a new battery there for cranking purposes. He took all the pics you see and that's the most he's been around the tractor.

 

[Janicholson]

It has power steering the steering wheel of manual steering tractors had a steering wheel more like an H. That one had a plastic disc in the center that said Power Steering. Jim

 

[Janicholson]

I also notice that it does not have a PTO. It does have a Torque Amplifier (TA) which makes it a 10 speed with 2 reverse. and clutchless shifting from direct to low and back to direct. IIRC this means it could have a Live PTO added from a donor Farmall or International 300 or 350 Jim

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 18:38:42 01/18/23) I also notice that it does not have a PTO. It does have a Torque Amplifier (TA) which makes it a 10 speed with 2 reverse. and clutchless shifting from direct to low and back to direct. IIRC this means it could have a Live PTO added from a donor Farmall or International 300 or 350 Jim

Thanks for info Janicholson... I'm pretty new to IH tractors so could explain the Torque amplifier and how can you tell this tractor has that?
I'm glad you noticed it also has power steering

 

[Janicholson]

The handle to the left of the dash is the control lever for the TA. The TA is a gear reduction device between the engine clutch and the transmission. The transmission is a conventional 5 speed with reverse. The shifter has a neutral going left and right between gears, with the following layout.
R24
NNN
135.

The TA is composed of a planetary gear set with a reduction ratio of about 30%. This type of gear set is common in automatic transmissions. The following explanation may need an illustration, see link. When in reduction (lever pulled rearward) the planetary gear set is operating. The input gear rotates from the engine clutch, driving the gears. The gears are in a housing that keeps them aligned and supported. The housing is not turning while in reduction, though if allowed to it would turn backwards. What keeps it from turning backwards is a device called a sprag clutch. A sprag clutch allows rotation one way but not the other. The output then goes into the 5 speed at the reduced speed (lower gear).
For direct drive (lever ahead) the TA gears and housing are locked into a single rotating object. This causes the input from the engine clutch RPM to be equal to the speed into the transmission, no reduction as the gears are moving round and round with their housing, but not rotating individually, and not reducing speed. This locking is done by a small single friction clutch at the front of the TA. This clutch is applied to make the whole unit turn as on thing. It is released to allow reduction.
Both the TA lever and the engine clutch (clutch pedal) control the TA friction clutch used in this direct mode.
The TA is reliable and very handy because it allows shifting down and up without using the engine clutch. In a hard pull plowing or other field work in variable soil conditions the TA can be pulled back allowing the tractor speed to slow and the engine to catch up in this reduced ratio (down shift like a car going up a steep grade when the automatic transmission shifts down). Then when the going is easier, the lever is put forward moving the tractor faster, again with no foot clutch operation.
Things to appreciate. Starting in 5th gear with the TA pulled back and the engine at 3/4 throttle ormore, the tractor moves right on up to speed (about 12mph) then at that speed the TA is put forward and the speed can goas high as 18mph. It makes road gear very easy on both the operator and the transmission gears that often grind if shifted from 4th to 5th.

Things to consider: DO NOT pull the TA back when coasting down hill The tractor is allowed to go faster than the engine is turning the gears in the TA and transmission. It is like coasting down a highway mountain road in neutral (no engine braking). If this happens the tractor brakes are the only thing keeping disaster away. Once up to speed on the road, leave it in direct (lever forward). It is also true in field work pulling things like a baler or a cart or wagon that rolls easily. this free wheeling can happen in field gears on hilly down hill travel. It is easy to get the idea how this works when using the tractor.

Don't ease the lever forward or backward. The system is not happy at all if the lever is part way between direct and reduction.
The lever should be moved with due speed quickly as possible fully into TA reduction, or Direct. Don't try to save it by not using it. It is designed to be a part of the operation of the tractor. Using it keeps its components operational and gives best service life.

I have the Gasoline version of that tractor From when my dad purchased it new in 1957/ it still has the same TA and both TA Clutches and master clutch in it from the factory it has had one in frame overhaul with higher compression pistons. it was the main tractor on 200 acres of tillage and cultivation for 25 years. It has lesser tasks today but still operates correctly. It pulls 3-14 plow in nasty clay in third direct and TA, as needed. It has 5% more power than the diesel version. I know this because our neighbor where we farmed purchased a diesel 350 Utility the same week as ours was purchased. Plowing together on the same ground with the same plows following behind I needed to hold back a bit to stay at a reasonable distance in the hard ground. But his tractor used 2/3 the fuel ours did!!!.
Best of luck with the tractor. Jim
cutaway

 

[nashranch]

Thank You for that info Janicholson

 

[Dellbertt]

I have two original condition gas 300U's for 30 years. One with PS one with MS. Both TA.
Is that the battery box behind the seat. Mine has a tool box in that position.
Suggestion: Replace the front tri-rib tires with round smooth implement tires will make it a lot easier on the steering box.
What a great find. It's been stored under cover and looks cared for. I hope everything works as good as it looks. Dell.

 

[nashranch]

I assume that is the battery box but not sure.. haven't seen it in person yet. I go get it tomorrow...driving 115 miles one way over a mountain pass

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 18:38:42 01/18/23) I also notice that it does not have a PTO. It does have a Torque Amplifier (TA) which makes it a 10 speed with 2 reverse. and clutchless shifting from direct to low and back to direct. IIRC this means it could have a Live PTO added from a donor Farmall or International 300 or 350 Jim

What all is involved in adding a Live PTO?

 

[Janicholson]

The battery in a gas model is under the front of the dash and forward of the shifter. The diesel battery may be behind the seat, As noted my gas 350U has a tool box there. The battery cables need to be 2-0 gauge (fat as a dime of copper core and fat as a nickle with insulation. lesser cables will drop voltage to the starter and make starting even more difficult. Jim

 

[Janicholson]

The entire Live PTO unit (used) must be purchased. This includes The drive shaft (internal) and the operating handle and linkages. A new gasket where the plate is now located on the back of the final drive housing. I do not know what the serial number codes are on the machine they are numbers and or letters after the serial number. Because it has a TA, it is more likely to accept a Live PTO than not. The S in the code should allow the Live PTO and TA. Jim

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 11:07:16 01/19/23) The entire Live PTO unit (used) must be purchased. This includes The drive shaft (internal) and the operating handle and linkages. A new gasket where the plate is now located on the back of the final drive housing. I do not know what the serial number codes are on the machine they are numbers and or letters after the serial number. Because it has a TA, it is more likely to accept a Live PTO than not. The S in the code should allow the Live PTO and TA. Jim

Thanks Jim..I will look into that stuff down the road

 

[nashranch]

(quoted from post at 08:33:41 01/19/23)
I assume that is the battery box but not sure.. haven't seen it in person yet. I go get it tomorrow...driving 115 miles one way over a mountain pass

Yes box on back is the battery box. The tractor made it to its new home today. It will be a fun project. It also came with a 7 foot snow blade mounted to the front plus a good looking engine head and radiator..

Nite Shot