IH 404 Tractor Guru feedback requested

[d page]

Hi all IH tractor experts!
Am considering this IH 404 gas tractor for our small commercial pecan orchard. Would like the you guys that know these to provide your input on this one please.
sn: 2727J what is the "J" for??
No P/S

Minuses:
known and stated issues by owner:
*slow to lift 3 point, but still works, and works better once warmed up
*tach/hr meter not working (picture coming)
*seat covering and padding shot
*front tires are car or truck- not ribbed

Pluses:
owner says no leaks of coolant, trans, engine
owner states new battery, wiring harness, air&oil filter, oil change, plugs
runs strong, starts easy
does not use or burn oil

Have not seen it yet, as it is about 150 miles away.
asking price: $5,500

So please share your thoughts on this one, good , bad things to look for when i go see/drive it.
Your expertise and knowledge is highly appreciated.

A friend of mine has suggested put a shredder on the 3 point and lift and see the rate of drop in the 3 point when a heavy load is on it as an indicator of internal leaks. worthwhile seems to be--what say you IH experts?
If the 3 point leak is seal or pump how hard a fix is that?

When we go look at it will start, run and drive to detect any hidden problems.

4 pics attached

 

[tractorsam]

Just a couple of quick thoughts, its not a very common
tractor so some parts may be hard to come by. Also, I
dont think it will have a live PTO which may hamper its
usefullness. Also, seems a little spendy to me.

 

[rustred]

3k would be all i would give . all the tires are different. left rear is an industrial tire. he has the price right up there and hoping.

 

[d page]

Thanks tractorsam!
i just read in another thread it didn't have live pto, the owner says it has live 3 point.
Can you verify the 3 point being live?

thanks again.
dpage

 

[d page]

good eye Rustred, on the rear tires especially, and also on the price.
All this is good info to be informed BEFORE they buy, if done at all!

Thanks!
d page

 

[tractorsam]

Hydraulics are live. Its one the last updates of a Super C.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

For $5500 I would expect at least all factory emblems intact and on the tractor, along with a decent paint job along with it being mechanically near-perfect. This tractor has mailbox numbers on it and this model never had a white hood.

Seat - not a big deal
Front tires - not a big deal
Hydraulics - who knows, could be major could be minor, but too much to chance it at $5500.

 

[d page]

Thanks Barnyard!

Looking less and less cost effective.
One other factor: In NM good old iron is VERY scarce, unlike Dallas and eastward..

Appreciate all replies!

d page

 

[caterpillar guy]

For that kind of money you could buy either a newer model and ship it or find a bigger tractor. I would not even go 3000 on it with hydraulic issues. Drop is not the problem the slow lift is. Hydraulic could be from 15.00 to 1500.00 No live PTO would be a deal breaker for me. To many tractors out there for similar money with live PTO.

 

[d page]

Caterpillar guy-- more reasons not too!
just about decided to wait for the right tractor.

If i could find and Oliver 550 gas, that would the greatest IMO.

Thanks!
d page