Choosing transmission when looking at older tractors.

[jeffgreef]

I guess this is the best place to put this thread.

I've been looking at older utility tractors in the 60-70 hp range to maintain a gravel road, clear snow in winter (occasionally deep) and drag a grading scraper uphill 1/2 mile. So I see a lot of old Internationals available, like 460s, 560s, and later. I know getting an old unit like this is risky- So I want to limit the risk. On the one hand I'd like a hydro for loader work on a hill, but wouldn't touch one because they are $7-10000 to recondition. A straight gear is easy to fix, but loader work on a hill with a gear is tough. But there are several other alternatives that International offered at the time, like fast reverse, torque converter, etc. So I want to look for a trans that's easier to repair, but gives me some relief on loader work, short of a new hydro or power reverse.

This tractor would not be used much.

What you think?

 

[Farmer495]

In that HP range, older, IH and loader work these are the best choices:

IH 674
IH 684
IH 784


diesel
diff lock
3pt
power steering
8 speed with 4 syncronized gears in 2 ranges, with left hand shift, Forward and reverse inline just like a shuttle. Go L 4th to R 4th in one motion and same speed forward back etc. Closest thing you are going to get to a shuttle trans in an older IH that ISN'T a shuttle or hydro.

 

[jeffgreef]

Thanks Farmer. How are those sync transmissions to work on?

 

[Farmer495]

Thanks Farmer. How are those sync transmissions to work on?

Have a smaller HP CIH tractor with same basic trans, never been into it, tractor was bought new, have replaced clutches etc and input shaft bearing. Tractor has seen lots of loader work.

They are all mechanical and dry clutch so about as simple as you can get aside from a single stick crash box.

 

[ch1ch2]

Love my 584/684. Easy to work on and most parts interchange, thats why it is a 584/684.