1983 International 784

Hello, I am searching for my first tractor and before I purchase one I am trying to learn more about them so that I can make a more infomed decision

I recently found a 1983 International 784 tractor with a front loader and box blade for $6800.00 OBO. The serial number is R530214B009530-X MODEL I-784. The hours are unknown the machine if fully funtional (no smoke-no leaks--) I am looking for any type of feed back on this machine. I have looked at Ford"s and Massey"s and I can not find sites that are familar with International"s...So my questions.
If they are maintained properly are they a reliable?
Are the parts difficult to located?
Are there any "common" problems with these machines?
Is there any tests I should do before I make an offer?
The loader has the Model number K 835 Serail number HD044 is this undersized/oversized?
How/where can I verify the serial number?
Are they harder/easier to work on than other machines? (I am mechanically inclinded.)


ANY feedback on this machine would be helpful....PLEASE don"t feel limited to answer only these questions...If you think I should know more please send me the information or tell me where to research it?

Thank you

The 784's are good tractors. With a loader they had to do a lot of shifting so the gearshift lever will have a lot of slop in it which is common on these tractors.

They can be hard to shift from one speed to the other at times but all the number series of that family were this way, the 574, 674 and so on.
I've had a 674 and I have a 574 and I like them both. For some reason though they like to burn vavles and I don't know why but, that's's an easy fix. What I like is everything is easy to work on.
For $6800.00 OBO you won't go wrong. Other than that I haven't had any trouble with either one.

Should be good tractor:

1983 is 2nd gen 84 series with H-shifters (easy to shift)
D-246 diesel, 67 PTO HP
8F/4R , 16F/8R with TA
Parts still available at CaseIH. I'd say they are easy to work on, but I'm not a mechanic.
(same basic design made up until 00/01 or so as C-series.

Watch that the brakes work (tend to air lock / leak)
Make sure parking brake works, they can get left on and fill trans full of crap...
Check clutch as loaders can eat those up (any dry clutch tractor)

The KMW 835 loader is not IH, but is associated equipment, I have an IH loader brochure that shows this model so it is a match for the tractor. It was the heavy duty model over top of the 2250. My brochure stated that the tractor had to have the Cast I beam front axle (optional front axle) to handle this loader. (extra lift capacity)