504 utility tractor W/ 2001 IH loader

Anonymous-0 · Oct 28, 2009

OK all IH experts - I'm looking at a 504 utility with 2001 loader. What can you say about them. What should I be looking for. What breaks on them. It is a 1962 model and does not look a beat to death. Is there any clutch problems? It has the loader running off the tractor hyd. I have never had a loader tractor of my own, and never used an IH. Thank you for your help.

erik dekeyser · Oct 29, 2009

I think they are a good tractor, i have heard of some head gasket problems with the diesel 504.

mkirsch · Oct 29, 2009

The tractor is 47 years old. You need to expect that pretty much anything can go on it at any time due to simple wear and tear, but odds are it won't because of the tractor's robust design. If it wasn't robust and well-built, it wouldn't have made it to the ripe old age (for a tractor) of 47. At this stage of the game, any fatal flaws have been corrected.

It probably has a Torque Amplifier, called a TA, which is a 2-speed powershift that splits each gear, giving you a total of 10 forward speed and 2 reverse. Many tractors will be advertised "TA out on the low side." These need to be split and the TA unit repaired or replaced. They can be used practically forever with the TA in direct with no ill effects, but the TA is handy to have and makes the tractor complete.

You might think after reading that, that the TA is the "weak link" you've been asking about. Not so. Remember, 47 year old tractor? This is probably only the tractor's second TA unit in 47 years, making the average lifespan of a TA 23-1/2 years. That's with hard field use. Putzing around the estate with some occasional hard work, a new/repaired TA will outlast you.

Duner Wi · Oct 29, 2009

Mine had a very slow reverse IMO.
Also gas engine did not have sleeves as delivered from factory.

504 utility tractor W/ 2001 IH loader

Anonymous-0

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erik dekeyser

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mkirsch

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Duner Wi

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