thinking about upgrading my H

riverbend · Feb 3, 2011

There is a 504 close by that I think might make a nice upgrade to my faithful H. But I don't know anything about the 504. I have only driven past it and called the number. The paint and tires look good. What are the best points of the 504 vs the H ? What should a I be looking at to evaluate the 504 ? Are there known weak spots, necessary upgrades, things that need to be checked out ? What is the going rate for a decent 504 ?

Thanks

Greg

El Toro · Feb 3, 2011

If its the gas model I don't think that engine has sleeves like your H does. Hal

Tyler Jackson · Feb 3, 2011

I would say it really depends on what your doin with it. If you use your H to plow snow and pull hay wagons or what not I would say a nice upgrade due to it probly having power steering and stronger breaks than the H. If it's the right price for you is probly what you would wanna look for

IHRedRules · Feb 3, 2011

The 504 is a wonderful tractor. They had 3pt from the factory, hydrostatic power steering standard, and the enging is a wonderful motor. The major downfall is you still have the expanding ball brakes that are not very powerful. They are also not "power" brakes. I think it would be a great upgrade. I'd say atleast in Michigan, you are looking at $3,000-$5,000 for one in good to excellent shape. Check how many remotes it has, as if you are planning on using a loader or drill or such, you will want more than one set of remotes.

Janicholson · Feb 3, 2011

The tractor is based on the next smaller engine in the heritage of IH/Farmall. The 113cid engine found in the A-B C SA, SC, and small number tractors. It is enlarged in displacement, but it is not an H in torque or lugging feel. It also turns much faster.
It has all the features of a modern tractor, but an H or SH will feel more powerful. Why not do both? Jim

KIP in MX · Feb 3, 2011

Something else to think about. It may have a TA and live PTO which would be handy.

riverbend · Feb 3, 2011

I'm running a small vegetable farm and my H does everything but cultivate. That's the Super C's job. I use the H to plow, disk, plant, pull wagons, mow, run the manure spreader, pull an AC 72 combine, plow snow, and all other duties as assigned. It is not much of a loader tractor.

I'm not planning to get rid of the H. No matter what Mary says. I'm thinking the 504 could be a worthwhile update, but I'm unfamiliar with them. The guy is asking $5200.

Thanks for the advice.

Greg

John M · Feb 3, 2011

I beleive old Hugh once said the 504 gas was a joke, but the 504 diesel was a great "little" tractor.

mkirsch · Feb 4, 2011

Weak spots... People always ask about the weak spots...

Think about it for a second. The tractor is almost 50 years old, and it's still around in (presumably) operating condition. How many weak spots can it possibly have?

You need to be looking for general wear and tear at this point. Engine, clutch, TA, bearings, tires... Look for slop in the 3pt linkages, that indicates lots of 3pt work. Look for an elongated drawbar hole, that indicates lots of drawbar work.

If the tachometer says 1800 hours, for example, and the drawbar hole looks like the adjustment slot in an old alternator bracket, someone ain't tellin' the truth...

Rollie NE PA · Feb 4, 2011

If you have woodchuck holes becareful. We knocked two front ends (tricycle) out from under the 504 by dropping in the woodchuck holes. The 504 does not have a bolster like the H. The casting that all the steering componets and bearings are attached to breaks.

caterpillar guy · Feb 5, 2011

If your going that far just go to a 560 or a 756 not much bigger physical size and good bit more horse. Plus hydraulic brakes,steering ,and live PTO and Hyd. also more around for parts.

thinking about upgrading my H

riverbend

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El Toro

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Tyler Jackson

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IHRedRules

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Janicholson

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KIP in MX

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riverbend

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John M

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mkirsch

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Rollie NE PA

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caterpillar guy

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