Depends upon what your objectives are, and what you're looking to do with it.
I have both a 240U and 340U with loaders, and know others with similar machines. They are extremely handy for many tasks that require lifting and moving materials. The 2 or 3 point hitch can be used for all sorts of things, such as a rear blade, or rake. Lifting capabilities of the loaders (IH and Wagner) that were designed to work with this series of IH utility tractors are approx 1500 lbs. Power steering, and a 1000 lb counterweight are a must.
That said, you have to remember these are basically farm tractors, and not construction machines. They do not excavate heavy materials well. The IH 2444,3141 and 3444 series are in that category, and were often sold with integral backhoes. They weigh several thousand pounds heavier than a 240/340.
If you're interested in restoring an older machine, they have many advantages, but also have limitations. If you're looking at heavy construction, they aren't going to cut it, and a Case 580 series type backhoe may be more appropriate.
Buying a used skidsteer, from the experience of folks I know, can be a crap-shoot, as many construction companies use them with the philosophy they are a 3000 hour "throw-away".
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Today's Featured Article - Identifying Tractor Noises - by Curtis Von Fange. Listening To Your Tractor : Part 3 - In this series we are continuing to learn the fine art of listening to our tractor in hopes of keeping it running longer. One particularly important facet is to hear and identify the particular noises that our
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