Purpose:
Essential resource for owners, operators, and technicians seeking to maintain, repair, and optimize the International Harvester 444 tractor.
Value Proposition:
Provides authorized factory procedures and specifications, ensuring accurate and effective repairs, often saving significant costs compared to dealer service.
Information Layout:
Organized with a table of contents for easy navigation and quick access to specific repair or maintenance information.
Content Type:
Factory-produced documentation ensuring adherence to original design and repair specifications.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch, transmission, differential, final drives, PTO
Chassis:
Front axle, steering system, rear axle, brakes, hydraulics (lift system, remote hydraulics)
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Operator's platform, fenders, sheet metal, mounting points
Fuel System Details:
Fuel tank, lines, filters, injection pump timing and calibration, injectors, glow plugs (if equipped).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, filter changes, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Technical Adjustments:
Valve lash adjustments, timing adjustments, hydraulic pressure settings, brake adjustments
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston, ring, bearing, valve, and gasket replacement, cylinder head work, and critical torque specifications.
Hydraulic System Overhaul:
Disassembly and repair of the hydraulic pump, control valve, lift cylinders, and remote hydraulic outlets. Calibration of hydraulic pressures.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic operation, routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, and complete component overhaul/rebuild.
Engine Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting charts for no-start conditions, rough running, low power, smoking, and oil consumption.
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for starting, charging, lighting, and instrumentation systems, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.
Model:
International Harvester BD-144 Diesel (typical for 444 model)
Displacement:
144 cubic inches (approx. 2.36 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approximately 40-45 PTO horsepower (varies slightly by configuration and testing)
Torque:
Specific torque figures would be detailed in the manual, crucial for engine rebuilds and adjustments.
Injection:
Direct injection, typically with a Bosch or similar inline injection pump. The manual will cover pump timing, servicing, and injector testing.
Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system. Manual covers coolant types, capacities, thermostat replacement, and radiator service.
Oil Type:
API Service CD or CE (or equivalent for the era) diesel engine oil, viscosity typically 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on ambient temperature. Manual specifies exact API classification and viscosity grades.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5-6 quarts (4.7-5.7 liters) with filter. Exact capacity and filter part number will be in the manual.
Construction:
Cast iron block and cylinder head. Manual covers machining tolerances for block and head work.
Type:
Constant mesh, sliding gear transmission with multiple forward and reverse gears (e.g., 8 forward, 2 reverse).
Power Take Off:
Live PTO (often 540 RPM) or transmission-driven PTO, with detailed servicing instructions provided.
Gear Selection:
Manual shift levers. Manual details clutch operation, gear engagement procedures, and troubleshooting transmission noise or engagement issues.
Transmission Oil:
API GL-4 gear oil, viscosity typically 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Wheelbase:
Specific dimensions will be in the manual, crucial for transport and storage planning.
Overall Length:
Specific length figures will be provided in the manual, crucial for transport and storage.
Overall Width:
Specific width figures will be provided in the manual, relevant for clearance and transport.
Wheel Track:
Adjustable front and rear wheel track dimensions are detailed for different field applications.
Operating Weight:
Approx. 4,000 - 4,500 lbs (1814 - 2041 kg), depending on configuration. Manual will provide exact shipping and operating weights.
Features:
Basic operator controls, instrumentation typically includes tachometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure light, and ammeter. No electronic infotainment systems.
Features:
Mechanical steering, basic lighting. Advanced driver assistance features are not applicable to this tractor model.
Features:
No electronic connectivity features.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 100-250 operating hours, depending on operating conditions. Manual will provide precise intervals.
Air Filter Service:
Service as needed based on dust conditions, but at least annually. Manual details cleaning and replacement procedures.
Transmission Oil Change:
Typically every 1200-1800 operating hours or 2 years. Manual specifies interval and procedures.
Hydraulic Fluid:
IH Hy-Tran fluid (or equivalent specification for the era). Manual details type, capacity, and change intervals.
Coolant:
Permanent type antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies coolant type and concentration.
Engine:
Potential for injector pump wear, fuel leaks, and piston ring wear with high hours. Manual offers diagnostics for these.
Hydraulics:
Weak or erratic hydraulic lift, leaks in cylinders or hoses. Manual provides troubleshooting for pump, valve body, and cylinder issues.
Transmission:
Difficulty shifting gears, worn synchronizers (if applicable), bearing noise. Manual covers internal transmission component repair.
Steering System:
Loose steering, worn kingpins, or leaking steering components. Manual addresses steering box adjustments and component replacement.
Manufacturer:
International Harvester (IH), a prominent American manufacturer of agricultural machinery and vehicles.
Series:
Part of IH's tractor lineup from the mid-1960s, succeeding earlier models and preceding later designs. The 444 was a popular utility tractor.
Variant Notes:
Manual may cover variations in specific components or configurations released during the production run of the 444 model.
Production Period:
Produced roughly from the mid-1960s into the 1970s. Manual covers the specific production years and potential minor variations.
