Tractor 1970 international 444

[joe tx]

Looking at a '70 international 444 that has been parked in a shed a long time, maybe 20 yrs. Diesel, has power steering and I tried turning steering wheel and it just turns, no reaction at the wheels. Does it need to be running for the steering to work? Also It's in neutral but shifter is stuck and won't go into any gear. Any suggestions? Thanks. Joe

 

[K5lwq]

Joe, that tractor will take a lot of work to get going. It will likely cost quite a bit in parts. I suggest looking a little longer for one that will at least fire up and move.

Now if you are into restoring tractors and do not care how much it cost then yes this one could be rebuilt. But I am afraid the shed it has been in the last 20 years is missing it’s roof.

 

[jeff9366]

joe tex - September 24, 2013​

Out of Falfurrias Tx. own a hot rod shop and I'm always fooling around and rebuilding different types of equipment.

 

[joe tx]

But I am afraid the shed it has been in the last 20 years is missing it’s roof.

LOL...the roof and shed were missing. After sitting in the shed, the old house and shed were torn down and the tractor parked in the yard for the next 5-10 yrs. I'll see if it fires up later today. Stranger things have happened with my old scouts and model a's that have been sitting. Thanks. Joe.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Lol.. personally I like the square tires.

 

[joe tx]

Lol.. personally I like the square tires.

Pretty neat. Having a problem finding some new square ones.

 

[TBone]

Yes, the tractor has to be running and supplying hydraulic pressure for the steering to work. There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front end. I had one of these and it was a tough old tractor. If it will start and run and it is cheap enough I'd give it a try. You can pull the top off the transmission and "probably" get the shifting fork to move. Notice I said probably.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Looking at a '70 international 444 that has been parked in a shed a long time, maybe 20 yrs. Diesel, has power steering and I tried turning steering wheel and it just turns, no reaction at the wheels. Does it need to be running for the steering to work? Also It's in neutral but shifter is stuck and won't go into any gear. Any suggestions? Thanks. Joe
View attachment 728314

Them are heckuvamojo good tractors. My neighbor truck patches two different 40 acre gardens with his since 1968. I do all his repair and hardly ever touch that one. Gets used almost daily.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Yes, the tractor has to be running and supplying hydraulic pressure for the steering to work. There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front end. I had one of these and it was a tough old tractor. If it will start and run and it is cheap enough I'd give it a try. You can pull the top off the transmission and "probably" get the steering fork to move. Notice I said probably.

Shifting fork?

 

[joe tx]

Moving right along. Got rid of the square tires and put some new round ones on. Been tied up on a Model T and a little shop lean to I'm building at the shop. I had found the motor was frozen from sitting and pulled the starter and injectors, filled up the cylinders with hydraulic fluid and diesel. After a while, I was able to break the rust ring and got it to roll. Let it sit a few days before going further.

Was a nice day today, so I got back on the tractor. Today I tried to start it and did. Topped off the hydraulics and my steering and 3 point lift is working. So, motor runs, steers, and lifts. Now if I can make the transmission shift, I can move on.

Looks like I will need to remove the hydraulic cut off valve housing to get to the back bolts on the transmission cover. (see picture with the yellow circle). Anyone know if there are anything to be carful with when pulling the hydraulic housing or the transmission cover. By the way, I bought it for $500. Thanks, for your help. Joe.