International 444 gas - been sitting for years.

[FlyFishn]

All,

I am looking at an International 444, gas engine, with a loader to try and get something going on a machine for not a whole lot of $. That sounds like quite the risk, I know.

Ive got a lead on one that isnt running. Im pretty good with the fuel and electrical systems. I think I can confidently tackle those.

The engine does turn over/cranks.

The wildcard is the transmission and pto.

The gear shift is stuck and they suspect the slide/shuttle may be rusty.

Question for now - from the sounds of that - how big of a risk is this? Can the slide/shuttle be accessed/worked on from the top? Or does the tractor need to be split to get in there?

Any other tidbits you can offer?

More to come probably.

Thanks!

 

[dieselscout80]

I have a 424 the series right before the 444 and they are good tractors, but they are OLD.

If you have the standard 8 speed with two reverses (in both high and low ranges), then yes, the shift rails can be access from the top cover where the shifter attaches. It's a square bolt pattern that you undo to lift it off. However, you might be able to pull the shifter (don't lose the detent) and spray lube on the rails and get them to loosen up.

The other transmission is the shuttle that has eight speeds (between the high and low ranges) in both forward and reverse and I don't know no anything about the forward reverse shifter, but the eight speeds are the same setup.

The PTO shifter is on left side by your left foot when sitting on the seat. As long as it is not flopping the shifter should be okay. The clutch (PTO & Drive) is another question/issue.

If it doesn't have power steering, I would pass on it.

 

[Quebecguy]

All,

I am looking at an International 444, gas engine, with a loader to try and get something going on a machine for not a whole lot of $. That sounds like quite the risk, I know.

Ive got a lead on one that isnt running. Im pretty good with the fuel and electrical systems. I think I can confidently tackle those.

The engine does turn over/cranks.

The wildcard is the transmission and pto.

The gear shift is stuck and they suspect the slide/shuttle may be rusty.

Question for now - from the sounds of that - how big of a risk is this? Can the slide/shuttle be accessed/worked on from the top? Or does the tractor need to be split to get in there?

Any other tidbits you can offer?

More to come probably.

Thanks!

Where are you located? What was sold outside of the United States as a 444 is a 354 in the States and in all of the digital parts manuals etc. This sounds crazy but I know it to be true because I have a 444 (gas too) here in Canada and if I need parts for it I have to ask for 354 parts. Sorry I can't help with your questions about the slide/shuttle. Mine has never had a problem in that area (knock on wood!).

 

[FlyFishn]

I dont know what trans it has. I can try and ask. It has a lever left of the shifer so I assume that is the PTO from what has been said here.

 

[FlyFishn]

If it doesn't have power steering, I would pass on it.

It does have power steering, at least 1 remote, and a loader.

 

[FlyFishn]

If you have the standard 8 speed with two reverses (in both high and low ranges), then yes, the shift rails can be access from the top cover where the shifter attaches. It's a square bolt pattern that you undo to lift it off. However, you might be able to pull the shifter (don't lose the detent) and spray lube on the rails and get them to loosen up.

This is the trans - only 2 reverse gears (hi/lo range).

 

[FlyFishn]

More info -

When cranked the hydraulics work - 3pt, loader.
When cranked the PTO engages and disengages/rotates.
Shifter was worked a bit and is no longer totally "stuck".

Still not sure on clutches/trans unless its running, though.

 

[dieselscout80]

I gave $3200 for mine back in 2009 and used it solely until 2022. However mine is a diesel.

I replaced the following in that time:
- Radiator
- Hydraulic pump
- Water pump
- Put a alternator on it finally after years without one
- front tires
- maybe 3 batteries

The three point lift is weak now and the brakes are not strong period.

The seat is a pain, so I made a suspension seat work.

It was way worn out when I got it and I still used it all those years.

 

[MRTOES]

There tractors were the best quality of all, bar none.....they just got to stubborn to change over the years.....Never worked on an old one that didn't keep going. Have two cubs now.

 

[FlyFishn]

I gave $3200 for mine back in 2009 and used it solely until 2022. However mine is a diesel.

I replaced the following in that time:
- Radiator
- Hydraulic pump
- Water pump
- Put a alternator on it finally after years without one
- front tires
- maybe 3 batteries

The three point lift is weak now and the brakes are not strong period.

The seat is a pain, so I made a suspension seat work.

It was way worn out when I got it and I still used it all those years.

Looking in your signature yours is a 424. I'm not sure what the difference between the x24 and x44 series is. That said - what did you have to do to get the hydraulic pump and water pump out/in? I assume the set ups are similar between the diesel and gas, but maybe they are more different in this regard than I am thinking?

Sounds like we might be starting out similar to you then - I am hoping this isn't our only machine for that long, but it will have to be for a while. We have a lot of work that needs to get done and with a new-to-us property funds are tight up front. I am working through the options on a Kubota LX3520HSDC. Doing the figuring on all our uses I think that is the ideal machine for now as we need a smaller machine we can trailer. Once we have that then a bigger machine like an MX or a smaller M is probably what we're going to want - it just won't be able to leave the farm near as easy as the smaller one, unless we drive it down the road. But the places we need to get the machine to are too far for that.