Don't understand

As Gene notes below, the early production Super H (Stage I) has the same belly pump hydraulics as the H. The later production SH (Stage II) is equipped with live hydraulics.

The Super H was never offered with a live PTO nor a diesel engine.

The H has 152 cu inch engine while the SH has a similar block, but 164 cu inch and higher compression.

Paul in MN

I get a kick out of these folks critizing disk brakes. We found the H and 300 about the same, 560 was improved, 656 was further improvment and 1066 even better. So it was evolution, I'd hate to see band brakes on some of these 150 to 400 hp tractors we have today.

I fully agree with you that band brakes would be totally out of their class for the bigger tractors. I have 3 Fords (8000,9000,TW10) that have a different wet disc brake system that has been totally maintenance free in those 100+ HP tractors. As the discs are located at the big end of the axle trumpets, I am glad that I have never had to do any service on them. My son's 3688 IH has disc brakes that have been reliable, and are probably relatively easy to service, but we have not had to do anything there either.

Now it is a completely different story with the IH 300U and 340U. Those disc brakes have never been reliable, and when cleaned up and readjusted, are usable for less than 100 hours of tractor time before they are weak or out of adjustment. The band brakes in my '47 H haven't needed service for the last 15 or 20 years, and it gets used harder than the Utility tractors. These are not show tractors, but are expected to be working on a frequent basis.

I am glad that I provided some amusement to your day. I do read most of your posts and have respect for your knowledge and help given to others. But I stand by my own experience that the early IH disc brakes have been a frequent source of trouble. And I certainly did not mean to imply that all disc brake systems are poor.

Hey, would you close that door along the 49th parallel, we're getting pretty dam' cold down here. ....Keep the wood stove burning!

Paul in MN

I farmed mainly with IH tractors. I always thought they could have developed and improved brakes, TA, IPTO and hitches much faster than they did. They might have put some of the money into R&D on those things rather than the millions they spent on that turbine tractor in 59. Last time I checked, no one is producing a turbine tractor close to 50 years later. I haven't any farmers screaming for the development of turbine tractors.

I'm sure I have left out a few things, but this should let you tell the difference if you are looking for one.

Gene

Gene

Gene