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redhunter

Posted 6/25/2011 13:28 (#1834981)
Subject: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Owensville, MO

Looking for some good info on how these two tractors would compare. I'm sure they would pull equally so I'm looking mostly at creature comforts.

I currently have a '86 CaseIH 2394 that I think is a really nice tractor for the money. 5500hours, 24-speed, 18.4-42s. I like the inside of the cab. AC is great and it is pretty quiet in there for that old of a tractor. Also very roomy compared to others of that era. Runs great, shifts great, and does all that I need it to do.

The last couple of months I have read several threads on here and on RedPower that talk about what a time bomb these Case tractors are and if the tranny goes it is all but scrap. They've almost got me scared of this tractor, even though it has not given me any reason to doubt it. I've thought about trading it for a good 5288 and was wondering if I would be as happy with operating one as i am my 2394.

160hp is plenty for me and they would both weigh close to the same so I don't think either one would out do the other as far as getting work done. Mainly looking at room in the cab. how quiet is the 5288 compared to a 2394? Ride difference? instruments and controls? Anything else you can think of.

Please don't give me the hardcore IH stuff. I'm already Hardcore IH, but I'm also realistic. Just looking for some honest opinions.

Thanks guys,

Joe

Deadduck

Posted 6/25/2011 13:35 (#1834984 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Northeast Louisiana

Pretty much any powershift tractor that old is going to be scrap if the tranny goes, meaning it will cost much more to fix than the tractor will be worth.

starvation

Posted 6/25/2011 13:36 (#1834986 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

run what ya got till she blows, by then you'll have enough money to go buy a 7220

RDB Farms

Posted 6/25/2011 13:41 (#1834992 - in reply to #1834986)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

ne neb

No way would I ever give up a 94 series for a 5288 IH. Only thing I can think of that would be better would be the hydraulics. They will cost just as much to fix when they break.

elmerfud

Posted 6/25/2011 13:53 (#1835002 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I've heard that the 5X88 tractors had a major transmission update for the last model year. Many of the early models have received the update by now but some have not. In light of this its not clear to me that the IH is necessarily vastly more reliable transmission wise.

I have a 2096 that I like a lot too. Nice cab, the AC will freeze you out, good on fuel. I just try to use good judgement using the powershift. After a few hours in the seat the tractor will have taught you what kind of operation it does and does not prefer with regard to the powershift. I pretty much agree with the posters above. Transmissions problems are invariably very expensive and there are no guarantees on any 30+ year old machine. I'd keep running what you've got for all it'll give.

Edited by elmerfud 6/25/2011 18:27

1948mm

Posted 6/25/2011 14:19 (#1835031 - in reply to #1835002)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

The 94 series tractors were a good machine. The old reliable 504 is a work horse and inexpensive to repair. Just be sure to change the water filter every year and add coolant conditioner as needed. The only thing I do not like about the 94s are the electric shift. I prefer the 90 series cable shift, other wise they are a great tractor. The 88 series IH does not have as many gears as your 24 speed case. The 94 series also have great hydraulics that cant be beat. Case was way ahead of every one on hydraulics. Also if you ever plan to put a loader on, the case has a way better front end than an IH. Lastly the 94 series have the most reliable powershift of all the case series tractors and give the least problems, just make sure to keep them full of oil and use Hy-tran ultra. The 88 series were a good tractor, but no powershift, and I wouldn't trade my perfectly good case for one.

tommyw-5088

Posted 6/25/2011 16:17 (#1835124 - in reply to #1835002)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Texas

elmerfud - 6/25/2011 13:53

I've heard that the 5X88 tractors had a major transmission update for the last model year. Many of the early models have received the update by now but some have not. The early version parts are no longer available so if your the unlucky owner of one of the non-updated machines and things go wrong back there you may wind up with a $20K parts bill to update the whole rear end because few of the early parts work together with the late parts. I'd say that trading the Case for an IH might be a jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

I have a 2096 that I like a lot too. Nice cab, the AC will freeze you out, good on fuel. I just try to use good judgement using the powershift. After a few hours in the seat the tractor will have taught you what kind of operation it does and does not prefer with regard to the powershift. I pretty agree with the posters above. Transmissions problems are invariably very expensive and there are no guarantees on any 30+ year old machine. I'd keep running what you've got for all it'll give.

There are several parts to update the older shafts to the new gears ,Have not seen a 20k parts bill on an IH 88 series .

What parts are you talking about ?,The diff carrier can be updated and the clutch pack shafts can also .

Tommy

elmerfud

Posted 6/25/2011 18:12 (#1835253 - in reply to #1835124)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I don't have first hand experience to 88 series. I had heard that gears and shafts need to be updated together and were quite pricey. I don't own one of these machines and have never been inside one personally, so I retract the statement that I made with regard to how much it should cost to perform the updates and I have revised my post accordingly. Based on your handle I would believe you have better information this question or any other specific detail on these machines.

The main point is that I have always been concerned with the 88 series because I don't think there is a reliable way to tell what the transmission has inside unless you can buy from an original owner. Wheather the transmission has or has not been updated can make a difference as to the reliability of the rear end and cost of future repairs. I don't think there is a clear answer to which would be a cheaper machine to own in the long term: a 30 year old IH, rear end update status unknown versus a 30 year old Case. Without a compelling reason that the IH would be vastly more reliable, I'd just stay with what I have, personally.

Edited by elmerfud 6/25/2011 18:15

tommyw-5088

Posted 6/25/2011 18:32 (#1835277 - in reply to #1835253)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Texas

elmerfud - 6/25/2011 18:12

I don't have first hand experience to 88 series. I had heard that gears and shafts need to be updated together and were quite pricey. I don't own one of these machines and have never been inside one personally, so I retract the statement that I made with regard to how much it should cost to perform the updates and I have revised my post accordingly. Based on your handle I would believe you have better information this question or any other specific detail on these machines.

The main point is that I have always been concerned with the 88 series because I don't think there is a reliable way to tell what the transmission has inside unless you can buy from an original owner. Wheather the transmission has or has not been updated can make a difference as to the reliability of the rear end and cost of future repairs. I don't think there is a clear answer to which would be a cheaper machine to own in the long term: a 30 year old IH, rear end update status unknown versus a 30 year old Case. Without a compelling reason that the IH would be vastly more reliable, I'd just stay with what I have, personally.

Thanks for being honest ,

We have a member here called "88series restorer " ,I hope he will respond with a ballpark price .

Thanks ,
Tommy

Dave Cen.Ia

Posted 6/25/2011 20:44 (#1835397 - in reply to #1835277)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Nevada, Iowa

I have never owned an 88 series either but I thought I had heard that the transmissions were pretty tough and relatively trouble free. I did test drive one years ago when they were still new and shifting seemed like a vast improvement from the 56, 66, 86 series. Also, a neighboring farmer once told me that Case used the tri sync six as a foundation for the Magnum transmissions, is there any truth to that?

elmerfud

Posted 6/25/2011 21:25 (#1835436 - in reply to #1835397)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I dug up an old post on the topic of the tranny update for an 88 series. According to one poster a 5088 rear end repair ran $14K (presumably parts and labor) to change out a bad gear. The repair was expensive because, according to that poster, the gear, shaft and clutch packs had to be changed so the updated parts would all work together.

http://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=168974&mid=121...

I too have also heard that the 88 series transmissions are the direct lineage to the boxcar Magnums. With the updates I do believe it is a reliable transmission.

Ildoc1

Posted 6/25/2011 14:30 (#1835041 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Keep what you go - you know what you got!!! When you can, buy a Magnum.

NMO Redpower

Posted 6/25/2011 14:36 (#1835044 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I grew up running a 2390, and now own a 5288. IMO both are very good tractors. I wouldn't trade one for the other. I agree with the others, run it till the tranny goes, if it goes, then get a magnum. BTW the 5288 won't have near the low end torque the 2394 has. The 504 is a great engine, capable of running WAY more that 160 horse if the need arises.

hinfarm

Posted 6/25/2011 16:24 (#1835130 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Amherst WI

I wouldn't trade one for the other, if I had the choice from the get go which one I am not sure what one I would pick.

packerfan

Posted 6/25/2011 18:00 (#1835237 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Western illinois

keep the tranny fluid and filters changed and run the 2394.

Plowed Boy

Posted 6/25/2011 19:46 (#1835333 - in reply to #1835237)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I thought there was something about keeping the shifting adjusted up so it shifts tight. Maybe that was on the older cases.

dwag

Posted 6/25/2011 18:43 (#1835286 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Kirkwood Il.

red power forum is a poor place to get info on Case tractors. As I have stated before, you'll get same response asking opinion of your daughter marring a black guy at a Klan meeting.

tommyw-5088

Posted 6/25/2011 19:26 (#1835319 - in reply to #1835286)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Texas

dwag - 6/25/2011 18:43

red power forum is a poor place to get info on Case tractors. As I have stated before, you'll get same response asking opinion of your daughter marring a black guy at a Klan meeting.

True enough ,a bunch of us actually have green tractors and equipment ,with reds .

But as a rule we dont like case stuff much .

We are still sore over the whole "case-international " name .

Some of us have a family history of IH that spans almost 100 years .

Tommy

Edited by tommyw-5088 6/25/2011 19:26

CRJ

Posted 6/25/2011 21:36 (#1835452 - in reply to #1835319)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

NEIN

What do you have to be mad about. Case was around as long as IH just not as well know. As a case guy it still irks me that Case doesnt get much credit in the whole merger thing. Both companies had a rich heritage and actually the name works very well to serve both fans.imho

Pete1468

Posted 6/25/2011 22:13 (#1835500 - in reply to #1835452)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Norhtwest Iowa

Just curious, name all of the things case brought with the merger.
The case tractors that I worked on were all major problems. Don't put a loader on one and expect the block to be good. The frame isn't heavy enough and the main blocks work loose in the block having to be welded up and line bored.
There is nothing cheap on those tractors.

Detroit

Posted 6/25/2011 22:20 (#1835512 - in reply to #1835500)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Crawfordsville, Arkansas

Pete1468 - 6/25/2011 21:13

Just curious, name all of the things case brought with the merger.
The case tractors that I worked on were all major problems. Don't put a loader on one and expect the block to be good. The frame isn't heavy enough and the main blocks work loose in the block having to be welded up and line bored.
There is nothing cheap on those tractors.

The hood.. All I ever heard on Red Power was how bad the Case hood was on a Magnum. Looks pretty good and is easy to open so I'd say its a marked improvement over the 06, 56, 66, 86 and 88 series. Well the 88 series they started to get better. Should have skipped the 86 series altogether and IH would have still been solvent.

dwag

Posted 6/25/2011 23:39 (#1835646 - in reply to #1835500)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Kirkwood Il.

Case brought cab, hood, wheel wedges, inst panel, ih already copied PFC hyd's, improvement from closed center hyd joke on 86 series, CDC engine, which Case and Cummins began developing in 1977. Tenneco did gain a combine and arrogant dealer network. Major problems with Case tractors.....takes a COMPETENT TECH. to diag and repair. Lost a good job(couple $/hr over local ih dealer techs) at a nice family owned CASE dealer in 85. That said, the Magnum and Ford Genesis were the first tractors to surpass Deere. IMNSHO
edit. In 37 yrs. I have never encountered problems U mentioned with mounting loaders on Case tractors.

Edited by dwag 6/25/2011 23:43

RickB

Posted 6/26/2011 07:06 (#1835845 - in reply to #1835500)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Lincoln County. NC

Pete1468 - 6/25/2011 22:13

Just curious, name all of the things case brought with the merger.
.

Solvency.
Don't call it a merger, it was a buyout.
IH was a bankrupt entity with a large dealer network and loyal customer base.

RedToyMan

Posted 6/26/2011 12:14 (#1836206 - in reply to #1835845)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Yes, it was a buyout. I think people tend to call it a merger because Tenneco (parent company to Case) is the one who put up the money to buy the Ag. division from IH. Case was broke just like the rest of the Ag. manufactures in the 80s. IH did not file for bankruptcy (close though). They sold off the Ag, construction, solar and lawn divisions. The company was then renamed to Navistar and they continued to build trucks and engines.

IHplowjockey

Posted 6/25/2011 19:40 (#1835329 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: RE: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Run the Case...from a diehard IH guy

Magnum Power

Posted 6/25/2011 22:37 (#1835540 - in reply to #1835329)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

we've got a 2394 and a couple old cases and love them trouble free and use hardly any fuel keep the 2394

Corn Belt

Posted 6/25/2011 22:50 (#1835565 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Northwest OH

<p>It is a proven fact that the tranny in a 88 series is the direct desendant of the MAGNUM tranny. That is not rumor, that is not what someone told me, it is proven fact. The 88 series is identical to magnum except with synchronizers instead of powershift cluthces. With a 88 series you are getting a "almost Magnum". Everything the same except the cab and engine. Nice cab, similar layout the a Magnum (the cab is the same in dimension), great hydraulics. The DT 466 in a 88 series is a GREAT engine, with a proven record in the field and on the road. And if you get FWA with the 88 series it just engages with a switch, not a lever like the case, the FWA on the 88 series is the same on a early Magnum except for a few small changes. The 504 is a good engine but I would not buy a tractor on the engine alone. In closing, I would go with the 5288, durable rearend, good stout tranny, Heck of a engine, and nice cab, and better resale also than the case. Hearsay seems to supersede experience on this forum at times.</p>

Edited by Corn Belt 6/25/2011 23:02

WTW

Posted 6/25/2011 23:49 (#1835660 - in reply to #1835565)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Winkler, Manitoba Canada

"It is a proven fact that the tranny in a 88 series is the direct desendant of the MAGNUM tranny." I think it is the other way around. The Magnum tranny came later so it is the descendant. With that out of the way, after having a 5288 and a Case 90 series on the farm I think you overestimate the 88. 466 engine was good, if you keep the rpm up. No bottom end whatsoever. 504 Case engine had a much more useful torque curve. We had to do a trans update on the 88. Not the end of the world but not cheap by any means. I did not like the cab layout on the 88. It may have the same dimensions as a Magnum but the layout was totally different. Really the only place I would rate the IH as superior was in the 3 pth and the dual shaft PTO. If I had been supposed to drive the 5288 regularily I think it would not have been around long.

Corn Belt

Posted 6/26/2011 00:28 (#1835727 - in reply to #1835660)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Northwest OH

Yeah, got the wording mixed around, Should have said the MAGNUM tranny is the direct desendant of the 88 series trannsmission. I know a 504 is stout but I will still take a 466 anyday. I do know that some parts for the powershift transmission are NLA, and can only be had by means of a scrap yard. I don't think I over estimate the 5288, I have had mine since new in 85'. I know what they can do, and they can do alot on a little fuel. Never had any major problems with mine. The tranny updates mainly were for the speed transmission. Usually came about when you were overloading the tractor anyway and powershift between 3 and 4 under heavy load.

Edited by Corn Belt 6/26/2011 00:32

Jim in Sask

Posted 6/25/2011 23:24 (#1835622 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Your 2394 is probably about as good a version of the old style Case tractors as you'll find. If you're determined to get rid of it there's no point in buying an orphan like a 5288. Might as well pony up and get a John Deere. They didn't get to be number one by accident.

Corn Belt

Posted 6/26/2011 00:29 (#1835728 - in reply to #1835622)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Northwest OH

A 5288 is hardly a orphan, in a little over four years they made almost 10,000 88 series units. Pretty good considering the tanked farm economy.

P.S. Looks like I misread the initial post (read too fast). I thought you needed to decide between the two, now that I reread it my 2 cents are, keep what you have, better things will come along.

Edited by Corn Belt 6/26/2011 01:43

Pofarmer

Posted 6/26/2011 00:16 (#1835707 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

If I had the 2394 and it was paid for, I'd keep it and run it. If I was going to switch, I would go to a square hood magnum, if at all possible.

Cattle Feeder

Posted 6/26/2011 13:32 (#1836306 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

I had a 3394 last fall that I traded. Change the tranny oil/filter every year, and make sure that each time you power shift you only do one gear at a time and it will last along time. As far the FWA being engaged with a lever------- show me. I have run 5288s and they have no redeeming qualites, I can see why they got dumped off. The case is quite and rides nice. You don't need a seat belt to stay in the seat you don't get a gear lever up the ----- when you get in it. As far as the SUPER magum tranny the front half of my one owner mint 7140 was $9456. You can't spend that on a case. I now have MX-180 large frame and its nice but I still like the 3394. I did'nt like the help in the 3394, but then I don't like them in any of my tractors. but I just have to deal with them.

redhunter

Posted 6/26/2011 20:38 (#1836857 - in reply to #1836306)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Owensville, MO

Thanks for the opinions guys! Guess I'll just keep the 2394 and if she blows, she blows. No reason to suspect anything is wrong other than their reputation. It's been a great tractor for 3 seasons now and I like it sooooo. Should be able to afford a magnum in a couple more years.

Thanks again,

Joe

Corn Belt

Posted 6/26/2011 23:05 (#1837225 - in reply to #1836306)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Northwest OH

My old 2394 had a lever on the right side to engage the FWA unit. And yes you can spend over $9,000 on a Case. Had one, must have been built on Friday afternoon. You must be talking about the 86 series if you are getting a gearshift up the a$$. Unless you are getting in on the right side on a 88 series, there is not clutter on the left enterance. The 70 series Case cab is 10 times better than the 86 series IH. But the 88 series IH cab is better than the Case 94 series, IMHO.

reply meant to be to cattle feeder.

Edited by Corn Belt 6/26/2011 23:09

milofarmer1

Posted 6/26/2011 21:39 (#1836991 - in reply to #1834981)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

Texas/New Mexico Stateline

No no no, it is a time bomb. Better sell it to me cheap.

rkd1119

Posted 6/27/2011 11:27 (#1837865 - in reply to #1836991)
Subject: Re: IH 5288 vs. CaseIH 2394

milofarmer1 - 6/26/2011 20:39

No no no, it is a time bomb. Better sell it to me cheap.

Best post on the whole thread. ;)

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