Factory IH vs. SPEECO Wide Front Ends. Pros, Cons, Stronger?

I have the option to buy a factory IH WFE for a Farmall 504. I currently have a very worn out Speeco WFE (I think, not Schwartz)... The factory IH WFE is in pretty good shape, but I have not seen it in person. I am going to look at it this comming weekend. The only reservation I have with the IH WFE is the front mounted tie rods. Seems like they are in a vernuable location.

I have a loader on the Farmall 504 and I am cleaning up behind bulldozers that I hired to clear my land. I am pulling my Root Rake I built recently (search for Root Rake) and have noticed my WFE is very sloppy going over rough ground. I fear I am going to drop off in a rut and break it off.

My current WFE is not braced properly, the factory unit has the correct brace and wishbone. If nothing else, I'll have that. My unit's tie rods are welded and the spindle bushings are shot. I am not even sure it is for a Farmall 504.

[b:b4aeb12453]WISHBONE AND BRACE MOUNT[/b:b4aeb12453]





[b:b4aeb12453]TIE ROD ENDS[/b:b4aeb12453]




What is your take? Buy a used, decent factory WFE fairly close to home? Or... Try to locate the parts for my current Speeco WFE and spend $500-$600? Or... Save up and buy a new Schwartz WFE for $1300?


Thanks guys,

Charles

Charles: You going to find that 504 IH factory wide front is much lighter than your current front end. The factory 504 front end is very little heavier than a SA or SC. Definitely not the same front end as under 300, 350 or 460. I'm not very familiar with the Speeco, however it looks much heavier.

My 504 had an IH 504 factory wide front and I was nervous about it on the haybine, let alone a loader. If it were me, I'd wait for a Schwartz. The Schwartz version for a 504 will be just as heavy as the front end on 300, 350 and 460.

1300 dollars for a swartz wide front? Check with Darrell alderson at Sigourney Iowa (641-624-2275). He priced one to me for my M Farmall for 850 drop shipped to my house. I would have to pay frieight on top of that. Just info Bernie Steffen

Thanks Hugh, I have never seen an IH WFE in person. I am still going to go look at it since there are other parts I want to get. Armed with this knowlege, I am going to see it in person before I walk away from it. I am skeptical about the forward mounted tie rods anyway.

Bernie, thanks for the heads up on the pricing. I have been quoted by two different places and seems $1100 - $1300 shipped is the going rate. I'll have to call this guy after the holidays.

If anyone else has an opinion on an IH WFE, please reply.

Charles

You are better off with your current Speeco than an IH wide front for a 504. Relatives have one, even just mowing with it they have broken parts several times by hitting a hole in the field.

Save up for a Schwartz - it's the only way to go with a loader.

The Speeco is the only one that I know of that has that style of tie rods. I can get new complete tie rod assemblies or also can get just the individual tie rod parts.

Sounds like the IH WFE is not what I want on a loader tractor.

RustyFarmall, when you were referencing tie rods, I suppose you ment the ones in the picture. If so I have a few questions.

1. Does it look like it is for a 504? The bolster mount and tie-rod-to-steering-box-arm are poorly homebuilt.

2. What about spindle bushinigs?

3. If I fabricate a proper wishbone brace and replace the tie rods and spindle bushings would this Speeco serve me well with a loader? At the most moving 800-1000 lb bales and 6ft bucket full of dirt.

4. What is a ballpark figure to replace all 4 tie rod ends and all the spindle bushings, if my spindle shafts are ok?

5. For loader work should I just buy a new Schawartz or freshen my Speeco up?

6. If I buy a new Schawartz will it truly "bolt-on"?

Thanks Rusty,

Charles