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IH 4WD Tractor Repowered With Cummins M11 Diesel Engine
Soon after he bought a used 1981 International 4786 4-WD tractor, Ray Jensen started noticing that the IH 800 diesel engine was using a lot of oil. "Supposedly the engine had been overhauled shortly before I bought the tractor, but I wasn't happy at all with its performance," says Jensen.
It wasn't long before he had to make a decision on whether to rebuild or replace the engine. He decided to replace it with a new Cummins M11 6-cyl. turbocharged diesel engine with about 350 hp.
"I couldn't be happier with it," says Jensen, who made the conversion last win-ter. "This engine is used in some over-theroad semi trucks as well as in some new tractor models. I spent about $20,000 but it was worth it. I use the tractor to pull a 32-ft. disk, 34-ft. field cultivator, and subsoiler.
"Midwest Diesel of Beemer, Neb., did the work. Most companies that repower this tractor model install a bigger Cummins 855 6-cyl. diesel engine. It requires lengthening the tractor frame and I didn't want to do that. I got a new engine for about the same cost as installing a used 855. I think installing the new engine is a more economical way to go because it will have a longer life and will probably outlast the tractor. The engine runs very well and has excellent torque.
"The tractor's original hydraulic pump bolts onto the side of the engine just like it did on the old engine.
"The new engine was longer than the original one so the radiator had to be moved ahead, and a new tilt-forward hood was made to re-place the original bolt-on hood. The exhaust muffler on the original hood ran up through a hole in the hood, partially blocking the driver's view. The problem was solved by mounting a new muffler on the side of the tractor just like on newer tractor models."
To further update the tractor, Jensen in-stalled a new cab interior using a pre-cut, pre-sewn liner kit sold by Fehr Cab Interiors, Fairbury, Ill. ph 815 692-3355 (see FARM SHOW'S Vol. 18, No. 1).
A spokesman for Midwest Diesel says they've repowered another IH 4786 tractor with the same Cummins engine for another farmer. "We've also repowered a number of Allis-Chalmers tractors and Allis and Case payloaders with Cummins engines," he notes.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ray Jensen, 86368 579 Ave., Wakefield, Neb. 68784 (ph 402 528-2555) or Midwest Diesel, Box 307, Beemer, Neb. 68716 (ph 402 528-3201; fax 3202).


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1998 - Volume #22, Issue #6