Are Ih 674 Diesel Tractors Any Good?
The International Harvester (IH) 674 diesel tractor is a machine with a solid reputation among farmers and landowners. Understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and overall capabilities is crucial for anyone considering purchasing or operating one. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the IH 674 diesel tractor, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your needs.
IH 674 Diesel Tractor: Key Specifications and Features
| Feature | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | International Harvester D-239 Diesel, 4-Cylinder | Naturally aspirated, direct injection. Known for reliability and relatively simple maintenance. |
| Horsepower | Rated Engine HP: 66 (51.2 kW), PTO HP: 58 (43.3 kW) | PTO horsepower is the more relevant figure for implements. Actual horsepower can vary slightly depending on condition and tuning. |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Gear (Optional: Hydrostatic) | The standard 8-speed gear transmission is durable. Hydrostatic offers greater ease of use, especially for loader work. |
| Hydraulics | Open Center, 9.5 gpm (36.0 lpm) | Adequate for most tasks, but not exceptionally powerful. May struggle with large implements. |
| 3-Point Hitch | Category II | Allows for a wide range of implements to be used. |
| Weight | Approximately 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) | Provides good stability for its size. |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 US gallons (64.4 liters) | Decent run time between refills. |
| Steering | Power Steering | Significantly improves maneuverability, especially with a loader. |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes | Reliable stopping power, but require regular adjustment. |
| Years of Production | 1973-1977 | All models are relatively old, so condition is paramount. |
| Common Attachments | Front-end loader, rotary cutter (brush hog), disc harrow, plow, planter | Versatile tractor capable of handling a variety of tasks. |
| Turning Radius | 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) | Good maneuverability for its size. |
| PTO Speed | 540 RPM | Standard PTO speed for operating implements. |
| Electrical System | 12-Volt | Standard electrical system. |
| Original Price (Approx.) | $7,500 - $8,500 (in 1970s USD) - Convert to modern USD for comparison. | Consider inflation when assessing current market value. |
| Wheelbase | 81.5 inches (207 cm) | Contributes to stability and traction. |
Detailed Explanations of Features
Engine: International Harvester D-239 Diesel, 4-Cylinder: The D-239 engine is the heart of the IH 674. It's a 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel engine known for its durability and relatively simple design. Its direct injection system contributes to decent fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements, is critical to ensuring its longevity.
Horsepower: Rated Engine HP: 66 (51.2 kW), PTO HP: 58 (43.3 kW): Engine horsepower represents the total power output of the engine, while PTO (Power Take-Off) horsepower indicates the power available to run implements. The PTO horsepower is the more important figure when considering the tractor's ability to handle tasks like mowing, tilling, or baling.
Transmission: 8-Speed Gear (Optional: Hydrostatic): The standard transmission is an 8-speed gear transmission, offering a good range of speeds for various tasks. The optional hydrostatic transmission provides infinitely variable speed control, making it easier to operate, especially for tasks requiring frequent speed changes, such as loader work. However, hydrostatic transmissions can be more complex and potentially more expensive to repair.
Hydraulics: Open Center, 9.5 gpm (36.0 lpm): The IH 674 features an open-center hydraulic system. While adequate for basic tasks, its 9.5 gpm flow rate isn't exceptionally high. This can limit its ability to operate larger or more demanding hydraulic implements, such as some large disc harrows or front-end loaders with high lift capacities.
3-Point Hitch: Category II: The Category II 3-point hitch is a standard feature that allows the tractor to connect to a wide range of implements. This versatility is a major advantage, allowing the IH 674 to perform various tasks, from plowing to planting.
Weight: Approximately 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg): The weight of the IH 674 contributes to its stability and traction. A heavier tractor is less likely to lose traction when pulling heavy implements or working on uneven terrain.
Fuel Capacity: 17 US gallons (64.4 liters): The 17-gallon fuel tank provides a decent run time between refills, allowing for several hours of work without interruption.
Steering: Power Steering: Power steering is a significant advantage, making the tractor much easier to maneuver, especially when equipped with a front-end loader or working in tight spaces.
Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes: The mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. However, they require regular adjustment to ensure optimal performance.
Years of Production: 1973-1977: Given that all IH 674 tractors are from this period, they are all relatively old. Therefore, the condition of a specific tractor is far more important than its year of manufacture. A well-maintained 1973 model might be a better choice than a poorly maintained 1977 model.
Common Attachments: Front-end loader, rotary cutter (brush hog), disc harrow, plow, planter: The IH 674 is a versatile tractor that can be used with a wide range of implements. Common attachments include front-end loaders for material handling, rotary cutters for mowing, disc harrows for tilling, plows for breaking ground, and planters for seeding.
Turning Radius: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters): The turning radius is relatively tight for a tractor of its size, making it maneuverable in confined spaces.
PTO Speed: 540 RPM: The 540 RPM PTO speed is the standard for operating most implements, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.
Electrical System: 12-Volt: The 12-volt electrical system is standard and provides power for starting, lighting, and other electrical accessories.
Original Price (Approx.): $7,500 - $8,500 (in 1970s USD): Knowing the original price provides context for understanding the tractor's value. However, it's crucial to adjust this figure for inflation to accurately compare it to modern tractor prices.
Wheelbase: 81.5 inches (207 cm): The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, affects the tractor's stability and ride. A longer wheelbase generally provides a smoother ride and better stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IH 674 a reliable tractor? Yes, the IH 674 is generally considered a reliable tractor, particularly due to its robust D-239 diesel engine. However, its age means that regular maintenance and potential repairs are to be expected.
How much horsepower does the IH 674 have? The IH 674 has approximately 66 engine horsepower and 58 PTO horsepower. The PTO horsepower is the figure most relevant for determining its ability to power implements.
What are the common problems with the IH 674? Common problems include wear and tear on the brakes, potential leaks in the hydraulic system, and age-related issues with the engine and transmission. Regular maintenance can mitigate these issues.
Can the IH 674 handle a front-end loader? Yes, the IH 674 can handle a front-end loader, but the hydraulic system's capacity may limit the size and lifting capacity of the loader.
Is the IH 674 good for small farms? Yes, the IH 674 is well-suited for small farms, offering a good balance of power, versatility, and affordability.
Where can I find parts for an IH 674? Parts can be found through online retailers specializing in tractor parts, local tractor dealerships, and salvage yards.
Is the IH 674 easy to operate? The 8-speed gear transmission requires some familiarity, but the power steering makes it relatively easy to maneuver. The optional hydrostatic transmission makes operation even simpler.
Conclusion
The International Harvester 674 diesel tractor is a capable and reliable machine, especially considering its age. Its robust engine, versatile 3-point hitch, and manageable size make it a good option for small farms and landowners. However, potential buyers should carefully inspect any used IH 674 for wear and tear and be prepared for potential maintenance and repairs.