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jdbob8100

Posted 7/8/2015 13:57 (#4668061)
Subject: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Are some things on these tractors the same as a Magnum? Have seen a lot of 5088 but the larger 52 & 5488 are rarer.

RickB

Posted 7/8/2015 15:49 (#4668227 - in reply to #4668061)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Lincoln County. NC

They are a better tractor than any IH before them but not as good as a Magnum that followed. There are many similarities between a 5x88 and 71x0. Given what most 88's sell for, I'd throw a few more bucks in the pot and get a boxcar Magnum.

Topshot

Posted 7/8/2015 15:54 (#4668234 - in reply to #4668061)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Near Richmond, IN

Bought one new in 1985 and have about 6000+ hrs on it now. The main problem that I had through the years was the trans. pressure sending units (two under the cab floor) would go out and I'd loose either the high range or low range. Easy to replace them though. Haven't had one go out in years now. Other than that a pretty good tractor.

hinfarm

Posted 7/8/2015 16:21 (#4668276 - in reply to #4668061)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Amherst WI

I had a 5488, it didn't hurt me to see it go. While it was here I almost bought it twice.

The only thing I thought it was great at is running the discbine and round baler, other than than it wouldn't put power to the ground with new radials, duals, fluid in the rears and a full set of front weights.

PETERSON PERFORMANCE

Posted 7/8/2015 23:24 (#4669249 - in reply to #4668276)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

SESD

hinfarm - 7/8/2015 16:21

I had a 5488, it didn't hurt me to see it go. While it was here I almost bought it twice.

The only thing I thought it was great at is running the discbine and round baler, other than than it wouldn't put power to the ground with new radials, duals, fluid in the rears and a full set of front weights.

Amen to the first paragraph. We have had a 5488 for well over twenty years and we have babied it and I have seen every nut and bolt out of that tractor along with every gear gasket snap ring etc. We have a love hate relationship! It was in the shop every winter for something whether it was radiator engine speed trans range trans differential. . . upgraded that to the magnum diff, pto. And dont get me started on the sentry system. Figured we coulda bought a couple magnums by now. Last winter did new cab kit and seat now we should prob paint it and park it so it looks pretty and don't break!

560man

Posted 7/8/2015 22:24 (#4669160 - in reply to #4668061)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Northeast ND

Yes, the drivetrain behind the engine is very similar to a magnum. A magnum is a full 18 speed powershift, while an 88 is only a partial powershift. The rest of the gears are all synchronized, they shift very well. Good hydraulics, good 3pt and pto, IH 466 engine. The old style round-tube front axle on a 2wd is probably the weak point. Quiet cab.

We have a 5488 with 9k odd hours, and I still like driving it.

Find one that has been taken care of, just like shopping for anything that age.

Two Hawk

Posted 7/9/2015 17:10 (#4670413 - in reply to #4669160)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

Southern Nevada desert

"they shift very well."

I ran a couple of 5488s in the early '90s, That is not something I would say about either of the 5488s I ran, the only good thing I ever said about a 5488 trans was it sure was nicer than the 1486. The engines always impressed me on those tractors, good power, good on fuel and never a problem of any kind, the rest of the tractor always had some little thing needing fixed.

Edited by Two Hawk 7/9/2015 17:11

H&T

Posted 7/8/2015 22:44 (#4669198 - in reply to #4668061)
Subject: RE: How good a tractor is a IH 5488

NE Iowa

I have a 5088 2wd and 2 5488 FWDs . Also run a 7110 and 7120. The Magnums have a much better cab and one you have a full powershift and add the shift kit to be able to come outta park and go right into 7th or 8th and be able to slide into neutral without clutching, it makes my 88s seem outdated. I really like my 54s for power and reliability but I would like update them to 72 or 89 40s or 50s. I just cannot find a "good enough" deal on one to replace the 54s and will continue running them.

My suggestion, buy an 88 series if that is all your budget allows, you will be happy with it, just dont drive a boxcar or you will want that series.

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