Pull up the International Harvester 244, 254 Operator Manual PDF (OEM #1258524C3) and you're looking at 84 pages of factory-direct operating procedures, safety rules, and maintenance schedules built specifically for these two tractors. Inside: a full controls section walking through every instrument panel indicator, brake pedal, PTO lever, differential lock, and hydraulic flow control on the tractor. You get a detailed safety chapter covering startup, operation, transport, and post-upset procedures, plus torque tables for front and rear wheel hardware. Top off the transmission and hydraulic system to 22.2 quarts (21L) and torque rear wheel bolts between 81 and 97 ft-lbs (118-131 N-m) before you go to the field. Your machine isn't guessing. Neither should you. Download, open on your tablet, and bring the factory answer right to the tractor.
What's Inside This Case IH 244, 254 Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| To the Owner | 3-4 | Park Brake Lever, Seat |
| Serial Number | 7 | Right Side of Front Axle Bracket, Tractor Serial Number Also Identified at Right Side of Transmission Housing, Right Side of Engine Crankcase, 244 Tractor with K3D Engine |
| Terms and Location | 8 | Front, Right, Rear, Left |
| Work Safely - Follow These Rules | 9-12 | Servicing and Before Starting, Starting, During Operation, Transporting, Tractors Without ROPS, Before Dismounting, Dismounting, After an Upset |
| Energy Conservation - Follow These Recommendations | 13-14 | Valve Adjustments, Fuel Injection Pump Timing, Air Filter Servicing, Fuel System Leaks, Tire Inflation, Ballast |
| Instruments and Controls | 15-23 | Instrument Panel and Controls, Brake Pedals, Brake Latch, Clutch Pedal, Differential Lock Pedal, Hydraulic Flow Control, Engine Speed Control Lever, Foot Accelerator Control |
| Optional Instruments and Controls | 24 | Rear Work Lamp, Draft Control, All-Wheel Drive |
| Before Operating Your Tractor | 25 | Fuel Tank, Engine Oil Level, Transmission Oil Level, Radiator Coolant Level, Tire Inflation Pressures, Tellites |
| Operating the Tractor | 26-29 | Neutral Starting Switch, Starting the Engine, Tractor Break-In Procedure, With the Engine Running, Stopping the Engine, Steering the Tractor, Driving the Tractor |
| Engine and Fuel System | 30-32 | Warranty Notice, Fuel System, Fuel Filter, Fuel Injection Pump and Nozzles |
| Cooling System | 33-34 | Coolants and Cooling System Conditioner, Checking the Coolant Level, Draining the Cooling System, Filling the Cooling System, Hoses and Clamps, Thermostat, Cleaning the Radiator |
| Air Cleaning System | 35 | Removing the Dust Pan and Air Filter Element, Cleaning the Element, Inspection |
| Electrical System | 36-40 | Charging System for Alternator-Generator, Cranking System, Lighting System |
| Hydraulic Controls for Three - Point Hitch | 41 | Position Control Lever, Hitch Drop Rate Adjustment and Lock, Hydraulic Flow Control Knob |
| Three - Point Hitch | 42-44 | Lift Links and Turnbuckles, Hitch Upper Link, Stabilizer Chain, Coupling the Equipment, Uncoupling the Equipment |
| Operating the Three Point Hitch with Draft Control | 45 | Position Control Lever, Draft Control Lever, Upper Link Adjustment, Lift Link Adjustment, Hydraulic Flow Control, Draft Control Linkage |
| Hitching Trailing Equipment to the Tractor | 46-47 | Safety Chain, Power Take-Off Shaft, Drawbar, PTO Shaft Dia., Maximum Static Drawbar Vertical Load |
| All-Wheel Drive/ Differential Lock | 49 | Front Axle Assembly, Traction, Shifter Lever, Clutch Pedal, Differential Lock, Operating Pedal |
| Front Wheels | 50-52 | Toe-In, Wheel Bolts, Tie Rod End Nuts, Adjustable Front Axle, Front Tread, Drag Link |
| Rear Wheels | 53 | Pressed Steel Rear Wheels, Rear Tread Width, Reversing the Rear Wheels, Wheel Bolts, Tightening Torque, Cast Iron Wheel Weights |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic system capacity | 22.2 qts. (21L) | p. 64 |
| Minimum antifreeze percentage | 33 percent | p. 33 |
| Engine Oil Capacity (with filter change) | 4.8 qts (4.5L) | p. 64 |
| Front Wheel Toe-in | 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) ±1/16-inch (1.5mm) | p. 50 |
| Rear Wheel Bolt Torque | 81 to 97 ft-lbs (118-131 N-m) | p. 53 |
| ROPS Mounting Bolt Torque | 80 ft. lbs. (108.5 N-m) | p. 11 |
| Maximum Static Drawbar Vertical Load | 300 lbs (136 kg) | p. 47 |
Case IH 244, 254 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Case IH 244 rear hydraulic system audible noise and sudden pressure loss upon lowering disk after turning p. 64
Check hydraulic fluid levels on the transmission dipstick. Fill the differential case and rear axle carriers to the approximate 22.2 qts. (21L) capacity listed on page 64. Inspect the hydraulic fluid filter screen for blockages. Ensure the draft control lever is set properly before operating.
Manual Section: Lubrication TableHigh engine temperature tellite comes on during heavy load operations with noticeable loss of power p. 33
Inspect the radiator coolant level and look for clogged fins. Drain and refill the cooling system following instructions on page 33. Mix IH antifreeze with water to maintain a minimum of 33 percent antifreeze for rust and corrosion protection. Verify fan belt tension is tight.
Manual Section: Cooling SystemRear wheels wobbling or making a clunking noise when driving over uneven terrain p. 53
Verify the pressed steel rear wheels are seated correctly against the axle hub. Tighten the M14 wheel bolts to 81 to 97 ft-lbs (118-131 N-m) as directed on page 53. Inspect cast iron wheel weights for loose retaining hardware. Re-torque bolts after initial operation.
Manual Section: Rear WheelsFront tires wearing unevenly or steering feels loose while driving at transport speeds p. 50
Measure the distance between the front wheels at hub height. Adjust the tie rod end nuts to achieve 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) ±1/16-inch (1.5mm) toe-in following page 50. Ensure the front tread is closer together in the front than in the rear.
Manual Section: Front WheelsTractor front end feels light or steering control diminishes when hitching heavy trailing equipment p. 47
Check the equipment attachment point on the drawbar. Verify the downward weight on the tongue does not exceed the maximum static drawbar vertical load of 300 lbs (136 kg) specified on page 47. Install front bumper weights if needed to maintain safe steering control.
Manual Section: Hitching Trailing Equipment to the TractorFrequently Asked Questions
How to reset clutch pedal engagement on IH 244 with 2-stage clutch issue?
To adjust the clutch pedal engagement, ensure the engine is shut off. Adjust the cable adjusting nuts so that the push arm fully depresses the plunger when the clutch pedal reaches the 4 in. (100mm) dimension with the top of the foot platform. After warming up the engine, depress the clutch pedal to the first stage and ensure the gear shift lever can be operated to each speed position.
What are the replacement specifications for Hydraulic fluid (for rear system refills)?
For the tractor transmission, differential case, and rear axle carriers (which also serve as the reservoir for the hydraulic system), use IH Hy-Tran Fluid. The approximate capacity for this system is 22.2 quarts (21 liters). It is crucial to use fluid that meets IH B-6 specifications for proper performance and protection.
How do you fix International Harvester 244 rear hydraulic system audible noise and sudden pressure loss upon lowering disk after turning?
Check hydraulic fluid levels on the transmission dipstick. Fill the differential case and rear axle carriers to the approximate 22.2 qts. (21L) capacity listed on page 64. Inspect the hydraulic fluid filter screen for blockages. Ensure the draft control lever is set properly before operating.
How do you fix high engine temperature tellite comes on during heavy load operations with noticeable loss of power?
Inspect the radiator coolant level and look for clogged fins. Drain and refill the cooling system following instructions on page 33. Mix IH antifreeze with water to maintain a minimum of 33 percent antifreeze for rust and corrosion protection. Verify fan belt tension is tight.
What format is this International Harvester 244, 254 manual in?
A 84-page Operator Manual in searchable PDF format, available the moment you complete checkout. View on computer, tablet, or phone, with no shipping wait.
Is this International Harvester 244, 254 Operator Manual printable?
The PDF is DRM-free. Print whatever sections you need to take out to the shop. Standard letter or A4 paper works.










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