International 350 Utility Trans problem

This is a backhoe unit and I have reverse but all the forward gears will not engage, they just make a grinding noise when the clutch is let out. The unit has been restored (on the trailer) and I never tried to drive it when I bought it I trusted his word that it was an operating working machine.
Does anyone know if this has to be split to repair it or can it be checked out further without spliting. It is a 5 speed trans.

Depending on on the terms under which it was sold, (represented as an operating machine) It is quite likely an implied warranty of operation.
If it is opened up by you to check the facts, the implied warranty may disappear.
Selling a Backhoe implies that it is functional. Selling it on a trailer without the option of driving and operating the systems is risky for both seller and buyer. I believe the prudent thing is to have some one other than your self see the issue. Then call the seller (hopefully not too far away) adn explain the reality. If they make no accomodation, I believe that the costs might be able to be adjusted in small claims court. If they make adjustments to the price, or assist with repair costs, the court might be avoided.
Keep it friendly, but you are out a considerable chunk of money if nothing is offered to make it right.
There may have been a misassembly of the trans top when being repaired. It could have the shifter and rails so out of place as to cause the issue you describe. There are very few possible broken parts that would allow reverse, but no forward gears. Talk with the seller before taking it apart. Take photos of all findings, and write down all details and what was said in the phone conversations. Have the other person agree to your understanding as you have it written.
Lets hope they just do the right thing and fix it for you. JimN

Where you located Jerry? I have a herd of 300/350 old junk. Might give you an entire drive train if you help me strip off everything else.
Can't say what's good and what is bad...most do not or have not been run in years.

"--they just make a grinding noise when the clutch is let out"

If your statement is correct as you worded it, ignore the rest of this.

If you mean the gears clash when shifting with the clutch pushed IN, the clutch and TA clutch (if any) could need adjustment. Also try shifting with the tractor at low idle, after the clutch has been pushed in for 10 seconds or more. (I have to shift my 460U that way). Or try to shift into a forward gear with the engine off, then start the engine and see if the tractor will move. All symptoms I mentioned are clutch related. I have never heard or seen a tractor in which the gears grind AFTER it is in gear, particularly if it goes into reverse. I believe 1st and reverse are on the same shaft -- have you tried 1st?

You know; you might have a differential problem. Thats about the only thing that can get ground up and behave that way.

Jerry,
For the price of most backhoes I can't imagine not taking the time to take it off the trailer for a test drive. If the seller is confident in the machine he would not mind doing that.
I would only add this to what JimN adviced, try to get the seller to aknowledge the implied warrantee in writing via email or most answering machines have the ability to record by simply pressing the memo button.
It is all going to depend on your relationship with the seller
Dell

I mean that the gears clash when you let the clutch OUT, Yes I have tried 1st with the same result and it IS in fact on the same slide as reverse. I will try starting in gear today and see what happens.
You wrote of the TA clutch! I have the foot pedal clutch that works fine but there is a long lever to the left of the trans (not the shifter). I have no idea what it is for. Could this be the culpret? If this is some type of clutch again will the tractor have to be split to repair it. Thanx to everyone for the help Jerry

I am in Waterford Michigan. Your offer is fantastic, I am out of work so I have several weeks to make a trip or possibly forever. I worked at GM up until they just closed the plant.

Have a great day

The lever is the TA, the TA clutch and the main clutch have to be adjusted so that they release about the same time. Hard to explain on the web--you really need a manual. If you have a local farm supply store, they might have I&T manuals that cover several models -- worth a try. You might try shifting with the TA back. BUT, if the clash when you release the clutch, you have another problem that I know nothing about. Hand Clutch might have the right idea.

I am just outside of Houston, Tx. I will be going to Indiana on vacation this month and will not be back until the end of July. I do not plan on pulling a trailer this year...gonna try just the vacation part or life.
If you have not figured it out by then...let's put our heads together and get you going.

Are you sure the lever on the left isn't the forward/reverse lever. To the front for forward and to the rear for reverse. Neutral is in the center. Need to use the clutch to shift it. The transmission may just be a standard 5 speed with 5 speeds either in forward or reverse. The range tranny also has a neutral. Check to see where the lever linkage goes. I wouldn't suspect a 350 with a hoe having a TA also.

The trannys don't really have synchronizers so a little grind is normal on the old ones going into gear as well as shifting the forward/reverser. When I stop my 2606 while running, I put the bucket down to hold it and leave both the tranny and the forward/reverser in neutral.