International 300 - Info and Value

Hello All!

After doing some searching around here on the forums, most folks seem to think that an International 300 seems to be a pretty solid machine except if a loader has been on it.

Can anyone clue me in as to why this might be? I understand that a loader wears out the steering mechanism much faster than a machine that doesnt have a loader, and that its harder on the gears and the clutch, but why would that make someone recommend this model machine or not recommend it?

Also, any idea of the value? I realize it can change wildly based on the condition of the tires and the tin, and also if it has the Independent PTO or transmission PTO, or power steering, and things like power adjust rims and the fast hitch.

I might have the potential to pick one up, and I wanted to know if I should extend myself to do so.

Thanks in advance!

~Bug

They are great. No issues. Take a stage 2 super H and put a TA (GOOD) and key start, handier hydraulics, Fast hitch, and power steering. What a deal. JimN

The steering design on the 300U wasn't great to start with, and one with manual steering steers harder than most other tractors. This can be mitigated a great deal by keeping the steering well greased, the steering gear box full of oil, using tractor tires (not used car tires) on the front, and by doing most of the turning while the tractor is moving. Unfortunately, replacement parts for the steering on this tractor are hard to find, which contributes to the reservations you'll hear about this tractor.

On the other hand, an mighty high percentage of these limited-production-run tractors seem to be still in routine use. Having the hydraulics and 2-point (which is compatible with standard Category 1 3-point implements), the Torque Amplifier, IPTO, and more weight and power than were available from the Fords, etc. of that era make it very attractive for mid-size operations. And they can sometimes be found for a good bit less than somewhat comparible tractors.

How much the one you're looking at might be worth is something you'll have to evaluate for yourself, hopefully based more upon your needs and its condition than the asking price.

Good luck whichever way you choose to go.

Are you talking about the Farmall or Utility?

Thanks for the replies Gents.

Im actually talking about the International 300, which is the utility model.

I figured it was just the same deal as a Farmall 300, but in the utility wheelbase, not the high-crop version. Is this the case?

Ill have to go talk to the guy and see what he has to say as far as what he wants for a price and what would go with it.

Anything in particular I should look out for?

Check the steering very carefully - the utility has a unique steering arrangement and gearbox. I would say parts are not available for the gearbox from anywhere but a machine shop (big $$$).

If it has been used with a loader on it, the steering will be worn from the additional stress...

I have seen some converted to full hydraulic steering with a rotary valve and two rams, but again it would be big $$$.

Also, check the TA - more big $$ if it's bad. To check it, get up to road gear and pull the lever. Let the tractor slow down, then open the throttle. If the engine revs without increasing your forward speed the TA is slipping. Also run it in 3rd or 4th gear with the TA ahead and ride the brakes a bit to test if the TA clutch slips (the engine should pull down on this test).

Engine spec for oil pressure is 75 psi, but anything 30 and up is good.

You should buy it, they are a little hard to find, especially a Utility model. The 300 is a very good tractor.