Older International 354

[Mtsoxfan]

My neighbors and friends are in failing health. In order to stay put in their home, they are slowly selling items to pay for home healthcare. That said...
They are asking me to sell certain items. One they are on the fence with, due to it's a tractor they had since day one of this property. It is the International 354. It is a gasser, and not run in about 10 years. I'm on here asking those in the know, their opinion on it's worth.
On this one, please save jokes and negativity for another thread. I'm not blind, I know it's very rough condition. This is serious for them, important to me. Thank you.

Any information, guidance etc. would be greatly appreciated so I can propose the sale to help them financially. 6' box blade can be sold with or without.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

I think the 6' box blade would go fairly quickly if sold separately from the tractor. Although I am some distance from Vermont, used implements in the Southeast are in demand. If listed on a site such as Facebook Marketplace at a reasonable price, the sale might help your neighbors get by for a few more days until the tractor sells. Do some research in order to put a fair value on the box blade.

As far as the tractor, if you can get it running and do a service on it (oil change, oil filter change, lube all the zerk fittings, check the air filter, etc.) and give it a bath it will certainly move quicker and at a higher sales price than a non-functional tractor. If you are handy with a wrench, this is easily doable but if you are forced to hire an independent tractor mechanic to do the work, it might be better in the long run to sell "as is, where is".

I understand that you want to best outcome for you neighbors but a non-functional tractor may be a slow mover.

In any event, good luck with your efforts to help you neighbors and friends. You're a good man.

 

[Quebecguy]

It is the International 354. It is a gasser, and not run in about 10 years.

What is wrong with the tractor to have it not run in 10 years? Does it have a loader? How about a photo or two? If I wanted to sell my gas-engined IH354, I wouldn't consider anything less than $5,000 but mine is in running order.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Sorry, too much going on, forgot pics...
Quick look, the mice haven't gotten to any wiring I can see. The pile of stuffing on seat was just put there. Rubber fuel lines look good. It's in a barn, very tight with "stuff" all around. In a better area, I might be able to get it running, physical ability is an issue for me. getting old I guess. Also, no loader.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

Although the photos are not the best, I think there is a tractor depicted which will clean up fairly well. The rear tires seem to be in good shape and it seems to be all there. Once you give it a bath, think about listing her in the Classifieds with plenty of good photos. If Vermont was not so far from me, I would be interested but I can't justify such a long trip for another tractor. An International Harvester fan/collector may jump on it as a restoration project.

Include the wrenches on the dash and you might be surprised how quickly it might sell.

 

[dieselscout80]

No power steering is an issue for most people these days.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

We are spoiled and lazy.

 

[MossRoad]

TractorData.com International Harvester 354 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

 

[DJ54]

Assuming the tach/hors meter works, how many hours are on it. Here are 3 I found on TractorHouse that may give you an idea of worth. Pardon Our Interruption

 

[ScipioUSA]

I would agree that you will probably have better luck selling the back blade separately, since that's something more people may want compared to a vintage International.

As far as the tractor goes, some collectors would like to have it in the dusty, as found condition so they can get it as it sits so to speak. But since you really cannot wait for them, probably best to get it out of the shed and at least blow the dust off and see what you can find.

The fact that it's original to the farm is good news to a buyer, since it hasn't been passed around a lot. Are there any relatives that might be interested in it as a piece of family history?

If you could throw a battery in it and have it fire up, that certainly can get you some extra dollars, but at this point I would say you are looking at a couple thousand at best given the unknowns.

Good on you for helping them stay where they want to be. Sounds like none of this is an easy decision for them.

 

[HayFarmer]

I only found one anywhere near me. $1350. FB 354

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I only found one anywhere near me. $1350. FB 354

That's the area I grew up in. Cow country. Picked tobacco in Broad Brook and Ellington. Some of the best broad leaf tobacco in country back in the day.

 

[kenhar]

Your selling price will be determined by condition, location, and urgency to sell. Tractorhouse.com will give you and idea of comparable tractor prices. If you try to sell as is, expect no more than half of what it would bring if it starts and runs. Setting 10 years, definitely needs a battery, most likely carburetor work and sidewalls of the tires are most likely cracked from setting. The tires will have a flat spot if and when they roll again even if the tread is good. That makes for a rough ride.

 

[vallefarm]

"That makes for a rough ride."

I have yet to see a tractor with a suspension. I take the rough ride as normal and the seat spring contraption on my jd's as some sort a an inside joke. Its only there so the seat doesn't slam down when I flip the hinge back after I power wash the guts. Actually the oem seat, as ridiculously expensive as they are, don't break like the universal does. That's why they sell seat cushions.

 

[dieselscout80]

I have yet to see a tractor with a suspension.

Don’t know of any compact tractors that have a suspension.

That said big MFD farm tractors can be purchased with a front suspension now and likely for around the past ten years or so.

 

[vallefarm]

Like I have said in the past, bought both my john deeres from the stealership in 1999. I have not been back or have needed to since. Buy once cry once you get what you pay for so long as it isn't new or BMW/ Audi. I haven't babied my small tractors but for diligent maintenance. They have plowed, pulled jd14t s, two allis chalmers all crops one corn head the other grain, even helped me dig out a 20x40 inground pool. But that is because they are simple, no automatic transmission, no cab, just a crap seat, top n tilt, front end hyd for a grapple. A suspension is just another weakness to fail, bet that tractor has computer modules.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

After some research, prices for a running condition ranged from $1350 (thanks Hayfarmer) to $2500. Although the tractor was sunk about 4" of dirt, it rolled out of barn with ease. Clutch was frozen, but shifted in and out of gear ok. Rears are loaded, and rims are close to trash. Surprised all tires held air, they were just down a few pounds. It looked like just the fuel system was tinkered with, as owner told me. I posted for $700, got a couple of offers for a few hundred first day. Sold on second day for $625. I posted a few out of barn pics. Wife of owner was thrilled with cash. Offered me some for my troubles, but that only diminishes my will to do good deeds. My parents were lifelong volunteers, into their 70's.
Thanks to those who helped on here. I appreciate it.

6' box blade is still for sale. Asking $675, only low ballers so far. $300 was highest price.

 

[dieselscout80]

Nice acquisition!

Two things I noticed are the left brake return spring must be missing as it has a chain holding the pedal up.

Also the stay chain bracket is down on the drawbar when it is supposed bolted on below the PTO.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Nice acquisition!

Two things I noticed are the left brake return spring must be missing as it has a chain holding the pedal up.

Also the stay chain bracket is down on the drawbar when it is supposed bolted on below the PTO.

Lol,,, I was selling it. The chain was to hold the steering wheel in place as I moved it.

 

[dieselscout80]

Pays to read the whole thread.