Rundown on IH utility tractors for loader

All...needing to find my way into a loader-tractor for general work around my property.

One immediate need is doing some ground & prep work relative to a clear-span metal building I intend to build this year....with the idea that the tractor would then be very useful for other jobs after the shop is built. I own 3000 and 7000 lb forklifts primarily for rigging jobs on concrete but that's where their usefulness ends.

Primary needs I see are to move dirt around with respect to clearing sod and topsoil, moving dirt related to the trenched foundations, and to carry and spread #57 stone as base material for the shop floor and the base for the drive and parking lot.

I have construction rental equipment places at my disposal and would not hesitate to get the right equipment for specific jobs...in other words I am not expecting a single tractor to "do it all". I do like to do my own work (work alone) on my own timetable and so this is one primary reason for owning.

All this said, I was looking for advice relative to the utility series of IH tractors and their suitability to above. I don't have to have a diesel engine, in fact would prefer a gasoline engine.

I have read some of the archives and picked up valuable tips like making sure the front axle is structurally tied to the bellhousing when the engine is a stressed member of the tractor (IOW without frame rails).

One issue is that I'm not fully up to speed on the "numbered series" of the IH-utility series (read a lot and wrenched on letter series though).

Thanks in advance..

My advice, for what it amounts to... get a skid steer loader.

That's probably a good idea for the construction phase and I'd not hesitate to rent one if....but my experience driving those is they are very hard on mowed turf (throw up chunks of sod) and while this is surely not a golf course I'm not sure I could keep it busy/used after the construction phase. IMHO tractors have infinitely more uses.

If you find a 300,330 or 350 utility with a loader the odds are very good that the the steering gears are wore out. Even though they marketed loaders for them the steering mechanism wasn't built heavy enough for them.

I would check into an 84 series tractor. ie 484 584 684 784 884.

Rent a loader with rubber tracks and just watch how short you turn on the grass. For stripping sod and grading, you're better off with a loader or dozer.
A loader can also run a post hole digger, backhoe, ditch witch, everything that you will need to put the building up.

Depends upon what your objectives are, and what you're looking to do with it.

I have both a 240U and 340U with loaders, and know others with similar machines. They are extremely handy for many tasks that require lifting and moving materials. The 2 or 3 point hitch can be used for all sorts of things, such as a rear blade, or rake. Lifting capabilities of the loaders (IH and Wagner) that were designed to work with this series of IH utility tractors are approx 1500 lbs. Power steering, and a 1000 lb counterweight are a must.

That said, you have to remember these are basically farm tractors, and not construction machines. They do not excavate heavy materials well. The IH 2444,3141 and 3444 series are in that category, and were often sold with integral backhoes. They weigh several thousand pounds heavier than a 240/340.

If you're interested in restoring an older machine, they have many advantages, but also have limitations. If you're looking at heavy construction, they aren't going to cut it, and a Case 580 series type backhoe may be more appropriate.

Buying a used skidsteer, from the experience of folks I know, can be a crap-shoot, as many construction companies use them with the philosophy they are a 3000 hour "throw-away".

I'll have to admit I ignored or overlooked your first sentence or "general work around my property" when I posted earlier. A tractor would be more versatile after you finish the other work mentioned. From experience, I can say I wish I had paid more attention to getting a "quick attach" loader... when not using the loader, it sure gets in the way for tight spots. Maybe you have the luxury of lots of room around things, but I don't and it's amazing how much room that loader takes up when trying to get in tight places. I have a 240U with an IH Wagner loader that is not easy to remove.
For loader work alone though, a skid steer is a lot handier and in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing, they will do more than you think. There are a world of attachments for them, backhoes, mowers, etc., but of course that will wrap up a ton of money and used attachments are not easy to find.

For general work, a tractor only exceeds a skid steer if you want a 3 pt. pto mower, a back blade, and maybe want to add some implements to work some ground. All will cost some bucks.

I have a 2606 industrial with a IH 3000 loader and case backhoe. Five speed with a forward and reverse lever. Worked with a couple skid steers cutting and stacking trees and they worked circles around me.

I have an old drag spring tooth that I use the bucket to move to the corral, then tie onto it to drag the corral.

The backhoe is handy but then no pto and 3 pt for mowing and blading. The loader bucket does not work very well blading and leveling a drive or a building pad. Many a building pad have been built with them but not as fast. The speed of the skid steer is a bigger advantage even with with smaller bucket.

The steering is slow and hard and requires a big turning radius on my 2606. The old hydraulics are slow and you don't have the touch control of newer equipment. The forward/reverser is slow after years of use cause you have to wait a little to avoid gear grind.

Your question is conceptual. What you have to do is go out and find one that will work for you after trying it out. I bought the 2606 to do some of the same things you want to do.