International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table- -

Related search suggestions: (Invoking related search terms tool now.)

International Harvester (IH) tractor serial numbers are key to identifying the exact production year and model of these iconic machines. Between 1902 and 1985, IH produced millions of tractors, transitioning through various identification systems, including the famous "Kind/Code" format introduced in the late 1960s. Common Serial Number Locations

Finding the serial number is the first step toward accurate identification. Depending on the model, look in these typical areas: Right Side Frame: Many models, like the Farmall Cub

, have the serial number plate on the steering gear housing or frame rail on the right side. Clutch Housing: On tractors like the , the plate is often attached to the clutch housing. Engine Block: For models like the

, the number is stamped on a flat surface below the governor on the left side of the engine block.

Transmission/Frame: Some later models may have stamps near the transmission or on the left side of the frame. Decoding International Harvester Serial Numbers International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-

For tractors built after the late 1960s, IH adopted a structured system to provide more detail than just a sequence number.

The Kind/Code SystemThis format typically appears as a long string of characters (e.g., 2590009U004452):

Kind (First 3 digits): Identifies the basic machine type (e.g., 259 for a 5488 tractor).

Code (Next 3 digits): Specifies the configuration, such as 2WD vs. AWD.

Country Letter: Indicates origin, where U represents the United States. Unlike modern vehicles with VINs located in standardized

Serial Number (Final digits): The actual production sequence number for that specific year and model.

Casting DatesIf the serial number plate is missing, check for casting dates on major components like the rear axle or transmission case. These dates consist of a month, day, and a letter code for the year (e.g., "I" corresponds to 1939). Reference Table: Popular IH Model Start Numbers

Serial number ranges vary significantly by year. Below are examples of starting serial numbers for classic models: International Harvester Serial Number Plates | Octane Press

Unlike modern vehicles with VINs located in standardized spots, older tractors can be tricky. International Harvester placed serial numbers in a few specific locations depending on the era and model.

1. The Serial Number Plate (Tag) For most tractors, look for a thin metal plate riveted to the instrument panel (dashboard) or the side of the clutch housing. This plate usually lists the Model, Serial Number, and sometimes the Speed Ratio. housings) using a letter-number code.

2. The Engine Block On older models (like the Letter Series), the serial number is often stamped directly into a boss (a flat, raised surface) on the engine block, typically on the left side near the carburetor or magneto.

3. The Casting Codes If the tag is missing and the engine pad is rusty or ground down, you can estimate the age using casting codes. IH cast dates into their parts (blocks, heads, housings) using a letter-number code.

This table covers US-built row-crop and utility tractors. For:

Get the full story: Buy a reprint of the International Harvester Serial Number Guide (by Ken Updike or from Binder Books). Or, visit the Wisconsin Historical Society (home of the official IH archives) for original shipping records.