I would not bet money either way!! That flange turns the frame into a channel, which is stronger, BUT, it adds good manufacturing appearance at almost no cost since they are stamping the frame anyway!!
The engine was a feature the prospective customer most likely would look at, the IH guys had to make that area look G O O D !!
The frame has a cross brace welded in at the foot rests that really stiffens the frame, possibly negating the need for that flange.
Look at how short the channel height of the frame is on later models of this tractor!! This modified one is still taller than the new ones.
Time will tell, I'm sure we will get a report if a failure occurs.
IMHO!!
|