How to identify the model of an IHC backhoe?

My neighbor and I are trying to identify a particular backhoe, so that we can find a starter for it (the current starter is missing). The only identifying mark I could find on the backhoe was the steering wheel, imprinted with "International Harvester Company." So, I'm assuming the backhoe is an IHC, and that it's older (before 1984).

Any suggestions on where I might look to find the backhoe's model, or other information? I'm already suspicious that this backhoe may have been stolen...

ID the engine and it will tell you quite a bit. If gas, is the carb British or American? If diesel, what type of fuel injection pump?
How many cylinders? Gear drive, torque coverter drive, or hydrostatic? All those things can narrow it all down. I assume you are trying to ID the tractor itself, and not the backhoe mounted on the back.

How about posting some pictures??? Armand

I have some answers to your questions, as follows:

You are correct, I am trying to identify the tractor itself, not the backhoe. In particular, I am trying to identify the engine so that I can research the proper parts for it.

There are 4 cylinders (in-line).

It is a diesel engine, and I'm 80% certain it doesn't have a glow plug.

I don't know what "type" of fuel injection pump, but I do know that there are two fuel lines going to it (one IN, and one RETURN), 4 lines going out (one line to each injector/cylinder), one mechanical linkage attached to a throttle lever inside the cab, and one electrical connection that measures 12 VDC when the key is on.The electrical connection appears to be grounded through the engine itself.

The left side of the engine has the following raised alphanumeric characters:
3 055
049R4

The right side of the engine compartment (on the frame) has a damaged id tag whose rightmost characters are:
…60SH-A

My mechanical experience is limited to lawnmower engines, so I don't know how to determine "Gear drive, torque coverter drive, or hydrostatic," but I'd be happy to follow your instructions if you could give me a little bit more detail.

Thanks in advance for any advice or guidance you can give.

Joe

Well from what I was able to find using that part number I think that 3055049R4 is the part number for the head which should make it the D239 engine. Which would narrow it down alot, but theres still several models with that engine.

I dont suppose you have a digital camera so that you could post pictures at all? Or perhaps more part and casting numbers off the tractor? That would let us help you alot.