400LP

I found a 400LP for sale and I am wondering if the LP system was added after the factory or if IH built LP tractors at the factory. The tank has a tag on it that says Western Tank and Steel Corp from Texas. Is a restored 400LP worth more than a restored 400 gas? Are they more collectible? Is there anything to look out for when buying a LP tractor? Any info appreciated. Thanks

The 400LPs were assembled by IH.

I have a W-400LP but can't remember who furnished the tank.

Relative value depends on location. LPs weren't sold in New England so I believe my Massachusetts tractor has a slightly higher value than an equivalent gasoline tractor but less than a Diesel. This is in spite of the fact that LPs are more difficult to refuel if you are not setup with a refueling tank. If your tractor is located in Texas, where many of the LPs were sold, I don't think an LP would carry a premium or be more collectible.

The engine should be in good shape as LP engines have a longer life. You may find that the regulator/evaporator may need repair or replacement. I bought a good replacement regulator on eBay for 1/3 the price of an aftermarket repair kit.

I have put a lot of hours on 400 LP and had very few problems with LP system, seems we had to rebuild regulator/vaporizer one time but that was no big deal. Like Wardner said refueling can be a problem if I was running one now and did not run a lot of hours I would mount 10 gallon fork lift tank and have couple extra tanks on hand so I could take them to LP dealer for filling. We had 200 gallon tank on trailer that we carried to fields for fueling but if DOT were to catch you doing that today you would never get out of jail. Have also ran lots of trucks, fork lifts and cotton pickers on LP and the Century and Impco LP equipment all of them used was far ahead of the Ensign LP system IH used IMO.

IH built 400 LP tractor serial # 28211 or higher with the original head is worth more most of the time. Depending on the other 400 models being in the same condition. Letter L,C or N stamped on the serial tag is a good indication its IH built. Also a C or N stamped at the engine serial # location.

redFarmallboy, To answer Your Question let me give you some info.. first....
The 400 series is the end of the line of the of the M, SM series. The 400 gas is Nothing more than a SMTA in new series tin! With a few improvements!!! Footnote, Guy Fays Letter series book,,M, SM section you will see that this lineage of tractor crosses over into the Number Series of tractors.
The 400 LP is ALWAYS worth more than a gas Period!!! There are those who will take issue with me on that point, BUT you asked for thoughts and opinions, IMO LP gas is cleaner, Less engine wear, and I like the smell of burnt LP gas.
The 400 LP is the ultimate of what IH started when they commissioned 500 SMTA to be built, & fueled by LP, part were done @ the LP tank factory's, Like @ Lubbock and San Angelo Texas, and part were completed at the IH Factory. This experiment is what led to the final 400 LP row crop tractor.
Also people go crazy over the SMTAs, the 400 series has it all over the SMTA just less built than the 400 series.
Same basic engine trans and rear-end, no real surprises in components, just a few refinements to hydrolics, and ergonomics. Hope this helps.
Later,
John A.