IH 350 Inspection Pointers???

I'm told it has 46 hp, rebuilt "top end," live pto & hyd with remote, no torque amplifier, no power steering, new paint, decent rubber. I believe it has a 2 point hitch.

I've been cautioned to check out the possibility of hydraulic pump leaking oil into the crankcase (although I would think that seal would have been checked when the timing chain came off to redo the head?).

Are there any things in particular that I should look for when inspecting this machine? Was there more than one type of gas engine? (I don't know yr. of manufac) Were there options or features other than the ones I mentioned that I should look for?

Also, is a power steering conversion on this model doable for reasonable cost? Are small loaders readily available to fit this?

Is there a web site that gives specs, serial number decoding, options, etc. for this model? (By the way, where is the serial number on the tractor?)

Thanks very much for your help.

Bob

If you intend to put a loader on it (can't comment on availability...mine had a loader on it when I bought it) power steering is a MUST (at least for me!).

If it has a fast hitch, a 3pt conversion is easy...two lower control arm extensions and a top link bracket. Parts to do this avaialbel from Case-IH, TSC, and Worksaver. The weight of a rear blade will actually make a standard steer tractor easier to steer.

Check the post (and my response to FRANK) below regarding the cost and labor and "gotcha's" in changing over to power steering.

If live PTO is a requirement, be aware that the 300-350 Utility was available with either trans driven PTO or "live" PTO. The trans driven PTO is actuated by a simple rod that moves up/down to engage behind the seat. Live PTO is operated by a lever alongside the seat. Make sure you know what you want and what you are getting (I didn;t know the difference when I bought mine..thought it had live PTO, but it didn't!) :-(

All in all, it's a great little tractor, like an 8N on steriods! I won't part with mine! Gadget