|
I like the 2444, it is a good sturdy little utility tractor. With that said I will list all of the weak points, consider everything else if not spoken about as good. 1. With the 2050 loader you will have to have about 1,500 lbs of ballast hanging on the rear to properly use the loader. Rear gets light and you lose traction without weights. The loader is very strong and heavier than a standard tractor loader. Even with loaded rears and the counterweight mine will easially lift the rear off the ground when pullilng a stubborn fence post or something like that. 2. The brakes are not fantastic, ok but could use improvement. It is just a trait of these british designed series. This is my only valid gripe with the 2444. 3. parts for the gas engine can be found but are not really easy to find. The few parts I have needed have been available thru IH so far. The gas engine is not a sleeved engine. Diesel BD144 parts are fairly common from IH or aftermarket. and it is sleeved. Actually that is about all I can think of to be concerned about. I have a nice 1,700 lb weight bracket on the rear of mine and can lift well over 2,000 lbs with the loader. I have loaded several old junk F150 pickups on trailers with it. I usually just lift the junk pickup and back the trailer under it, don't like all of that weight up that high while driving around. PTO speeds are not selectable, at least on the US models, 540 only. these tractors also offered an optional fwd/rev lever. Nice for loader work, but mine does not have it. I have 2 friends with 2444's and all have held up well. Does the 2444 you are looking at have a seperate mounted front pump for the loader ? If so they hold about 20 gal of hydraulic oil. Both hydraulic systems use the transmission as their sump. You just put more in if you have a front mounted pump. The power steering is nice on these tractors, actually it is hydrostatic steering. The 3 point is a good sturdy one ( cat 1) that does not leak down. I bought my 2444 a year or so ago from a relative for 4K. Not a steal but a good deal in good working order with new rubber and only 2500 hours. And I know its owners and history. The alternator and starter are Delco so you can get parts or get them repaired easially. The British versions have Lucas electrical systems. By the way if it is British the sn will begin with B, if USA made it will begin with a U. Good luck and I will be following along on this thread.
| 
