Ih 5088 vs Case 2290

[Dave from MN]

I have bumped up my budget for a new tractor <$15000. Each of these models are for sale locally,IH $13500,Case $12500. Which of the 2 are the better machine, Are there any common problems with either model? Please no color war, just some good old advice, experience, and opinions based on history!! Thanks in advance.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

What is your planned use for the tractor?

 

[Dave from MN]

Tillage-feildcultivator, discing, on rare occasions some moldboard plowing. Tractor also would be used on larger manure spreader when we clean the chicken barn. Harvest time it will be used for hauling gravity boxes. Basically I want a the tractor for everything my 544D Hydrp cant do, with the HP to be able to have some what larger implements for when I have more acreage to cover. Tractor may also be used for planting depending on how the 544 and 4 row thing goes, may try to pick up a 8 row planter.

 

[Cory A.]

I would be a little cautious on the international. How many hours are on it? Those tractors had some transmissions issues because of the electrical switches they use. when they go out it can get expensive. The 2290 should do everything that you want it to. good luck!!

 

[sd pete]

I never owned either one. But i seen less of the Ih in the shop than i did the case. This was in the local dealers shop. just my observations.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Can't speak for or against the 5088. The 2290 we had was 7000 hrs. without much trouble. On a manure apreader a 2290 has good lugging capability from low rpm. Just drop her in gear, idled down, dump the clutch and the throttle will pull you through. The 2290 we had was not the smoothest riding tractor I ever drove (by a long ways) but quite reliable power. In our day it was our main tractor, many use them as a loader tractor now.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I wouldn't pick either one. IH had a history of poor TA/tranny's/rear ends. Case was never much to brag about- resale is low on them for a good reason. I could sell you a 2nd owner 4430 Power Shift with a 27 year history for that kind of money. And if you bought someone else's- you'd still be better off.

 

[Brokenwrench]

Can`t say much about the case, but last year the father in law bought a 5288 w/ 5000 hrs on it. I like it alot better than the 1086 as far as operating it. That could be because it`s not totally shot either. It doesn`t have a TA, has three ranges with 6 gears and it powershifts between 1-2 3-4 5-6. Seems to shift nice, and has good power. It only took me about 5 minutes to figure out that park lever on the floor on your left side, and those tricky engineers decided to move the PTO lever to your right side. It was a hard habit to break, reaching back with my left hand to shut the PTO off.

My wifes uncle has had a 2590 for years and always brags it up, but I`ve never even sat in it.

Either way, smile big cause yer gettin a new tractor. BW

 

[OliverGuy]

Dave, check out my nice 2590 for sale I just put on the photo ads. I have yet to see one nicer and run better. With 180hp, it will do the trick. The other fella is right, a john deere 4640/4840 with a Soundgard cab, etc. is really nice, but you won"t find one in top notch shape inside and out for $15,000 well not at least around here.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

Does either tractor have a work history available? Which one is your local dealer more familiar with/better able to service? Both are in the age range that parts may become hard to come by in the near future as both companies are long gone... Given equal condition and hours, I would personally say a horse a piece...

I've run 5088, 5288 and 5488 - also run 2290 and we have a 2590.

Both have had transmission updates available since they were manufactured. I think IH may have had updated switches for the electric/hydraulic TA shift (1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 shift) - I know there is a mechanical diode TA available for it. The 2290 had updates available for the powershift as well - our 2590 has the updates.

As for engine reliability, I've seen examples of both with near 10,000 trouble-free hours of operation. The 400 series IH diesel is an excellent engine, first used on the 66 series tractors and used through the 88 series. The 504 Case engine has a good reputation for reliability as well -- at least in my experience knowing people who have had them.

In the end, it is your decision and judgement call.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've ran a 2290 some and we have a 5488. The 88 series had some updates done to the clutch packs but otherwise the transmissions/rear ends in them are close to bullet proof and they share many of the same parts still used in the MX Magnum tractors. The 88 series doesn't have as many powershift gears but it's got 18 gears to the Case's 12 and the IH transmission is much more user friendly with the syncronized ranges. The way I see it the Case was pretty much 10 year old technology when they were built while the IH was on the cutting edge at the time.

 

[KLS]

The farm I work for has a 3688 and my brother-in-law has a 2590, the IH has a much quicker road gear than the Case does, but the cab in the Case is alot roomier and easier to get in and out of. If you are going to be on the road alot I would go with the IH, if you're going to have long days in the field I'd go with the Case.
Just my two cents.

 

[Dave from MN]

Very, very, nice tractor. 180 is bit much for me as well, but wow!

 

[OliverGuy]

I guess I should have said it was only 160hp! Dang, the one time being too much didn't help!!!