IH255

mf294 · Jun 4, 2005

Looking at a IH255 compact with 2000 hrs and a King Cutter finish mower. Tractor looks good but differincial lock has been taken off. Did they have problems with these? Supposed to be abt an 88 model made by Mitubishi. How many hrs. can you expect to get out of the engine? Dealer says they over heat if worked hard. He also says the mower has a weak gearbox but he is selling Woods. Any info will be appreciated.

Green_Center · Jun 6, 2005

I have a 244 which is the older smaller version of this tractor. Your dealer is correct about the overheating. This is probably the weak part of these tractors. Although if you keep the radiator and screen clean, it improves the overheating. I did overheat mine once but after blowing out the radiator and flushing the coolant it has not reappeared. This is the only issue I have had with this tractor.

I have 506 hrs on mine and it has been a very good tractor. I have seen quite a few of these in 1000 range but none in the 2000 hr range.

The diff lock is curious. Did they remove the heel lever? How much does he want for the tractor? I must admit with 2000 hrs I would give less for it.

mf294 · Jun 9, 2005

The heel lever has been removed. He wants 5200. I think that is to much for 2000 hrs. Does your diff lock work?

Green_Center · Jun 10, 2005

Yes, my diff lock works fine. This is actually a very helpful item on these smaller tractors. It has saved me from getting hung up a couple of times.

I agree with you that his price of 5200 for this 2000 hour tractor is high. I would think around 3000.

JazzDad · Jun 10, 2005

Interesting comment about the overheating, Green. I had a Mistubishi car (branded as a Plymouth Horizon) that easily overheated. I acid-flushed it and that kept it from boiling over, but it always ran hot.

hudr · Jun 13, 2005

Don't know about the overheating, but the heel bar on the diff lock.... I took the one off my 5005 Mahindra (basically an old IH454) because it would go past the lock and hang on top of the diff lock pin. The floorboard below the heel bar was the "stop" and after it bent just a little it allowed the heel bar to overtravel. I plan on modifying it to prevent this but for for now just removed it. Once it overtravels, not only can you not go into diff lock, but it sets up an awful squeaking from the pin rubbing on the heel bar block.