Question about IH 3414 backhoe

I just bought an International Harvester 3414 wheel backhoe-loader. I'm somewhat familiar with the tractor itself since it's based on the British-Indian B275s and B414s - and I have several.
My question is about the backhoe itself and how the swing works. I've seen several of these hoes for sale, and often, the swing is not working. So, I assume it's a problem spot. I'm 800 miles away from the backhoe I bought - so have not been able to take a close look yet. It appears to have some sort or rack and pinion gear setup with two swing cylinders that attach to either side? The guy I bought this hoe from says it only swings one way.

Anybody know more about this?

I don"t have one, but I"ve been looking at them. They have a swing mechanism, more like an excavator than traditional backhoes, with built in cylinders that push a movable gear rack past a fixed pinion shaft. As I understand it, the problem is that the pinion shaft is held fixed by a plate that matches the vertical splines, and those splines wear over time. As a result considerable looseness develops between the plate and the shaft. The parts are not available any more. There are links on this site to other"s experiences with 3414"s.

I"m looking at a 3444 next week. Do you know how much the 3414 weighs? I"m trying to line up transport if I do buy one.

You should look for the IH Blue Ribbon Service Manual GSS-1339, "3120 and 3140 Backhoes",which are the backhoes that would be on the 3141 & 3444 tractors. They show the workings, and rebuild and adjustment procedures very thoroughly. They are frequently on eBay.

Here's where one potential problem lies. A rebuild to replace the Orings on pistons may correct motion difficulties, but if these splines are badly worn, swing will be very sloppy and replacement parts are not available.

Thanks for the info. The 3414 with loader weighs 6100 lbs. The hoe on back the probably weighs 2200 - 2500 lbs. Max. So, it's not a very heavy machine. The 723 hoe on my 4000 Ford weighs 2200 lbs. and the 9250 hoe on my 300B Deere weighs 2550 lbs. and is heavy than the IH hoe.

The 3414 I bought has a left swing that sometimes doesn't work at all, and sometimes works slowly. Right swing is supposed to work OK. So, it sounds like a hydraulic problem and not a hard-metal failure somewhere (I hope). I'm 800 miles away and bought it without being there to personally inpsect it. I've been looking for a older hoe for over a year for my properties in northern Michigan. There's not much that comes up that's priced reasonble. Here in central New York, I come across used hoes every week in the $2500 - $4000 price ranges. So, when I found this hoe for $3000 - and got a $600 price to truck it 240 miles - I bought it.

In regard to the swing tending to get sloppy. If so, I'll just have to live with it. Many hoes made by Allis Chalmers, MF, and Deere have the exact same problem with their unitized barrel cylinders mounted in splines. No parts available for them either.

Gee, the last 3414 I looked at in that price range had a hoe with badly worn pins and bushings, too many welds, a very sloppy swing mechanism, and a destroyed 4-in-1 loader bucket. Sounds like you've uncovered a real find. I liked what I've seen of that tractor . . . small profile but heavy capabilities.

Thanks for the weight info. The guy I know who hauls tractors has a weight limit around 9,500 lbs, and 80 inches width, so perhaps he can do it after all.

Good luck with your 3414. I'd enjoy a report on it when you do get to it.

Paul, measure the tire width. My 2606 measured out about 83" plus. There was enough squeeze factor in the tires to get it between 80" wide fenders but barely. Lesser fenders may have bent from the squeeze.

9500 lbs may be a close estimate or possibly more but he needs a long trailer because the weight of the hoe on back puts the center of gravity way in back unless you can back it on the trailer.

The 3414 - with the outriggers up, and hoe tight against the tractor measures -

22 1/2 feet long, 7’ 4” wide to the outriggers, and 9’ tall.

In regard to prices, I've run into sevaral 3414s in my general area (NY, PA, and NJ). Several were priced below $3000 and in useable condition - at least as described. Last one was painted red and was in New Jersey. The guy wanted $2800 and it was diesel, had a live PTO and three point hitch which was a bonus. Hitch arms had to be left off with the hoe mounted. I've also seen many advertised for $8000 - but that's the way it goes with anything. I've already got four backhoes here at my farm, and another parked up in the Adirondacks. So, for hoes in my area, I don't buy unless they are extreme bargains. My problem was/is that I need a hoe up in northern Michigan - 1000 miles from here.

I got real interested in the 3414s because of the tractor they are based on. The IH B275 and B414 ag. tractors are excellent machines and real bargains. Live PTO, live hydraulics, differential lock, hi-low range trans., etc. I've got three. They were made in England, India, and Canada. Many of the new parts when bought over the IH/Case counter - come from Mahindra in India.

I realize the 3414 is a little different from the B414 tractor, but I don't think by much. Just has an added shuttle shift of some sort (I know nothing about it).