International Harvester B-250 Diesel Tractor Operator Manual (incl. Wiring)

Check the glow plug switch operation on page 16 - hold it in until the indicator shows ready, then attempt to start. Verify the battery connections are clean and tight; a weak battery is the most common cold-start culprit. Inspect the air cleaner oil cup for sludge, which restricts airflow at low temperatures. Troubleshooting steps for hard-start conditions begin on page 52.

Check that the clutch pedal (described on page 16) is fully depressed before selecting a gear - partial engagement causes drag and makes shifting fight you. Verify the clutch linkage has not stretched or gone out of adjustment over the season. Bring the tractor to a complete stop before downshifting under load. The transmission troubleshooting index on page 55 covers defective shifter fork, clutch drag, and gears slipping.

Stop operating immediately - mixing fluids accelerates internal wear. Check the fluid specifications on page 12 and drain both sumps before comparing samples. Inspect the oil level via the dipstick against the MIN/MAX marks; a rising level in either sump without adding fluid is a warning sign. Refer to the lubrication system section starting page 53 for oil dilution diagnostics. Verify you are using the correct gear lubricant grade as specified on page 38.

Test each brake pedal independently on level ground - uneven stopping pull means one side is worn or dragging. Check that the brake levers have equal travel before engaging and that they are not sticking in the released position. Inspect brake adjustment from the procedures on page 55. Do not operate on slopes until brakes hold evenly on both sides; safety rules on page 14 cover slope operation limits.

Verify the PTO control lever moves fully to the engaged position without binding - a partially engaged PTO overheats and slips under load. Check that the implement PTO shaft is properly connected and the shear bolt is intact. Review the operating instructions on page 17 for correct PTO engagement sequence and confirm engine is running at the correct speed for your implement before engaging. Inspect the area around the PTO output shaft for debris or crop wrap that could prevent full engagement.

Check front tyre pressure against the specification on page 19: 28 lbs. per square inch on-road, with rear tyres at 16 lbs. per square inch. Use a reliable gauge - visual inspection alone cannot confirm correct pressure. Uneven wear across the tread usually means the tractor is operating with consistent overload on one axle or with ballast distribution off. The tyre maintenance and wear section on page 56 covers causes of uneven and excessive wear patterns.