Finally Found a Tractor - Now I have some question

[jmauss]

I posted a few earlier messages to try to get more information to figure out what kind of tractor I was going to buy. I was considering 8n's, Jubilee's, Oliver Super 55's and others. I finally purchased a tractor this weekend. The one I bought is a 1956 International 350 Utility (serial #1950). It looks like a good tractor for work on a small acreage, bush hogging, pulling logs, light disc work, etc. It is the gas model and has the 2 pt fast hitch.

This is my first tractor, so I apologize if my questions are basic, but that is where I am starting with this thing.

First, where is the best place to get manuals, and what manuals should I get? At this point, I am looking for something to actually use, so I don't mind if they are reprints. I'm thinking I'll need Operators Manual and shop manuals for both the engine and the chassis. Are some of the aftermarket manuals more useful than the originals?

Second, the tractor has a 2 pt fast hitch. Am I better off looking for implements with the fast hitch connection (I know they are harder to find than 3 pt implements), or should I buy a 3 pt conversion kit so I can use standard implements? If the way to go is conversion kit, what is best, the 1 piece unit or the individual arms and separate top link?

I'm sure I will have more questions as I get into this deeper, but these two will get me started. I'm also listing my questions on YTMags Farmall board, so if you this posting there, it is the same person.

I really appreciate any help any of you can give me. Thanks.

Joe

 

[Nat]

www.valubilt.com
They have most anything for any old tractor that you could want. I have ordered things from them several times and have always had good service. I am on their catalog list, so I order by phone.
A 350 is a good stout utility tractor. A bit thirsty if pulling hard, but real handy. Is yours the 2 point fast hitch? If so implements are getting scarce, but a 2 to 3ph conversion is also in the valubilt catalog. HTH, later, Nat

 

[Gunfighter]

I have tractor with 2 pt and 3 pt hitches, I do far more cursing when
hooking implements to my 3 pt tractors. Given a choice I'd take the
2 pt Fast Hitch hands down over the 3 pt...

Implements for the 2 pt Fast Hitch are getting hard to find but someone
with welding skills can often convert 3 pt to fit 2 pt hitches. The points
are available from tractor salvage yards or a good welder can make them.
In those case where a conversion is not possible you can get 2 pt to 3 pt
adapters which are a pain in the butt to use but will work...

For parts an manuals I'd start with my local Case/IH dealer and TSC store
if available. Otherwise check out the links below...

Richard
West Michigan

Tractor Manuals

www.binderbooks.com
http://www.jensales.com/
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Tractor new & used parts.

www.valu-bilt.com
http://www.atis.net/salyards.shtml
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Red Power Magazine.

www.redpowermagazine.com