"Our hardware kit lets you repower old International 4-WD articulated tractors right on your farm. You replace the original V-8 diesel engine with a remanufactured Cummins 855 turbocharged engine from Truck & Tractor Parts (TTP). It's a much more reliable engine that's built to last," says Ray Kiefer, Kiefer Truck Repair, Perryville, Mo.

The kit is designed for 1977 to 1981 International 4586 and 4786 4-WD articulated tractors. It lengthens the frame by 13 1/2 in. and uses new engine mounts that bolt to the tractor. A longer 3-piece hood is supplied to match the lengthened frame. The exhaust and air cleaner are relocated and the radiator moved 13 1/2 in. forward. Also included is a new pre-cleaner and air filter canister.

"It solves a lot of problems farmers have had with the original IH engine," says Kiefer, who started repowering the tractors in 1990 and has done more than 40 repowers so far. "The original engines have 300 hp and 800 cu. in. They were junk even when they were new and it was a mistake for IH to put them in. The big problem is that they turn at a high 2,600 rpm's, which eventually causes the engine to fly apart. Most of them didn't last more than 100 hours. It costs about a lot of money to put in a new IH engine even then it might not last more than 250 hours without problems.

"The Cummins 855 is a semi engine that's also used in new Deere, Case, and Massey tractors. The Cummins engine turns at only 2,100 rpm's so you can usually work one gear higher. For example, if you disked in fifth gear you can now use sixth gear, or if you cultivated in fourth gear you can now use fifth gear. The original tractor ran 30 mph down the highway; with ours you can go 25 mph."

According to Kiefer, another problem with the IH engine is that parts for it are expensive.

The hood for the replacement engine bolts on which greatly reduces vibration, says Kiefer. "The IH engine is mounted so tight that you almost have to remove the hood in order to take out the air filter or water pump. With our kit you can do 90 percent of your engine service work without even removing the hood. The only time you have to pull the hood is to work on internal parts like the valves and pistons."

Kiefer says the tractor's original muffler runs straight up through the hood and is very noisy. "Our kit includes a truck muffler that mounts on the tractor's right front fender which greatly reduces the noise. The air cleaner mounts on the tractor's left front fender."

The remanufactured TTP engine is available with warranties ranging from 1 to 3 years. Kiefer offers a 1-year warranty on all kit parts.