32 replies to this topic

[CowboyRam]

I am looking to replace my MF1135 this year.  I am looking at two different tractors.  An 1983 International 3688 two wheel drive and a 1995 CaseIH 5140 four wheel drive.  I hear they are both pretty good tractors.  Any suggestions on what one to pursue.   

[Gearclash]

Long term the 3688 will be cheaper to own as there are fewer really expensive things to go wrong compared to the 5140.  As a loader the 5140 will be easier to run and  will outwork the 3688 by a wide margin.  The MFD makes it a no brainer really. On the 3688 you will probably spend money on the engine, clutch and TA.  On the 5140 the major ticket items will be power shift, hydraulic, or pto related.  

[hay slayer]

4-wheel drive, especially if it has a loader

[endrow]

If the 3688 already has a heavy loader on it , carefully check the condition of the front axle and spindles and even the bolsters .

[Gearclash]

Does the 5140 have a power shift or sychro?  

 

For what it’s worth the 3688 is basically a 986 with a fancier blouse.  Not going to have any more power than the 5140.

[CowboyRam]

Does the 5140 have a power shift or sychro?  

 

For what it’s worth the 3688 is basically a 986 with a fancier blouse.  Not going to have any more power than the 5140.

It has the sychro 

[Gearclash]

It has the sychro

Ok. Nothing wrong with that. I’ve run both. Both transmissions have 4 synchronized range gears and either a 4 speed power shift or the 4 speed synchronized trans. Both have their specific advantages/disadvantages in operation, big plus for the synchro is it doesn’t have the breakdowns the power shift will have sooner or later. The reverser is exactly the same on both transmissions and is probably the best reverser design ever built for a tractor.

[slowzuki]

Seems to be a fair number of the 3688 show up for sale with transmission problems. I don’t know anything about them personally. 5140 popular main dairy loader tractor here about 20 years ago.

[CowboyRam]

I think we are going to try to get the 5140, just need to figure out how to pay for it.  

[pettibone]

And doesn't the 5140 have a Cummins? That would make my mind up.

[Gearclash]

And doesn't the 5140 have a Cummins? That would make my mind up.

Technically what is in those CIH tractors is a 5.9 CDC, Consolidated Diesel Corporation.  For all practical purposes it is the same as a Cummins 5.9.  The B and C series Cummins and their CDC counterparts had their origin as a joint venture between Case Corporation and Cummins.

[pettibone]

Well whatever they call it doesn't seem like it would be the weak point. I'd gladly trade my slightly used 1594 for one of those, now if I could only find a taker.

[Gearclash]

Well whatever they call it doesn't seem like it would be the weak point. I'd gladly trade my slightly used 1594 for one of those, now if I could only find a taker.

The 5.9 is a great engine.  Fuel economy is respectable, power output is good, and in the CIH tractors those engines typically run anywhere from 15-25,000 hours before needing a rebuild.  They are a parent bore engine so overhaul isn’t quite the same as a sleeved engine. 

[pettibone]

There was a vet here that had a Dodge with a 5.9. Talked to him about the truck one time it had 450 on the truck and he said he replaced injection pump once and auto trans every 200 thousand. Kinda remarkable cause that truck ran every minute he was out of his heated garage to keep the stuff in the body from feezing. I could see why they'd last so long in a tractor

[CowboyRam]

Well looks like I was to slow, they already sold it.  I have found one that has about 7900 hours, the engine was rebuilt 2700 hours ago, transmission had been rebuilt, and the front end was rebuilt.  I am not so sure about buying it because of the rebuilt, don't know how well it was done.  

[Gearclash]

Well looks like I was to slow, they already sold it.  I have found one that has about 7900 hours, the engine was rebuilt 2700 hours ago, transmission had been rebuilt, and the front end was rebuilt.  I am not so sure about buying it because of the rebuilt, don't know how well it was done.  

If you pursue it, ask what happened to the engine.  At those hours, something happened.  Dusted, overheated etc.  That would be the hour range that the powershift might need work.

[PaMike]

I have a 5240 for sale, 4x4, powershift, late model with neutral in the shuttle,  all new rubber . Its in PA though...

They really are great tractors.

[CowboyRam]

I have a 5240 for sale, 4x4, powershift, late model with neutral in the shuttle,  all new rubber . Its in PA though...

They really are great tractors.

That is a long ways to haul.  I am must likely going to have to buy through a dealer, as I have a tractor that I am going to have to trade in.  

 

Just for the hell of it, what do you want for it, how many hours are one it.? 

[carcajou]

I would not by a MFWD that had that much work done in 7900 hrs.   Smells like abuse to me.

[CowboyRam]

I would not by a MFWD that had that much work done in 7900 hrs.   Smells like abuse to me.

I'm not going to.  I decided to let that one pass, besides it's on an auction, and I have will have to trade our Massey, so buying from a auction is really not a option.  

 

What do you guys think of the Ford 8240, or 8340, the TW series?