Posted by John_in_WI on September 04, 2011 at 05:18:34 from (68.115.46.110):
I'm looking at purchasing an IH 340. I don't know the year off hand. It's gas and equipped with an IH 2000 loader. (I know it's a little big for the tractor.) I've done a bit of part time farming and operated or worked on more than one tractor, but I've never owned one or really needed to know much more than basic mechanics about one. Now that I'm looking at buying one, I'm hoping some one with experience can help me figure out whether this is a normal, run of the mill 340 that needs a little work, or if it's a basket case I should walk away from.
That said, the main issue with this tractor, (I apologize I don't know the correct term) the steering box, that sits under the cowl directly in front of the operator, is loose. When you turn the steering wheel, it will jog around (in an opposite direction it's attempting to drive the tie rod/drag link) until it appears that the bolts holding it down run out of room, then the front wheels will turn. I believe that the bolts holding this box down had been tightened up a year ago, but after a little use, it's loosened up again (It's loose enough that with the engine off, and no power steering, you can move it around by manipulating the steering wheel.)
Is this a common problem? Should there be dowel pins of some kind that maybe sheared off over the years? Is this a detrimental defect or something I could get fixed by a competent farm mechanic?
I'm a machinist by trade, and my common sense tells me even if castings are cracked and blind pins are broken, I could repair something like this - given time. But I need a working tractor and I don't have the time to tear one down right now, at least not until I finish a couple other projects, so the best case for me would be to buy this tractor rather cheaply, and have a mechanic make the repairs needed to put it to work.
It is the ideal tractor for my use, which is general hobby farm utility stuff, moving snow, moving a little dirt, pulling logs out of the woods, knocking down weeds etc. It's coming with some actual Quick Hitch implements which are in great shape, a brush hog, back blade, sickle bar, and the loader and hydraulics appear in excellent condition (no or very little leaking, strong positive movements).
There are some more minor issues that I don't mind fixing over time, like the seat being pretty much destroyed, brake pads (or shoes?), and it's still 6 volt. But I think I can get it for a song, if it would take $1,000 or $1500 for a mechanic to really fix the steering issue and tune it up a bit (runs and starts very well, but the throttle tends to run away, think there's a governor issue?) it would be worth it in my opinion.
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