Are you looking to buy a new tractor but drawn to the classic appeal of Farmall H?
Many modern engineers seek this old-time favorite’s bang-for-your-buck reliability and vintage styling. As an agriculture worker or farmer, it’s important for you to know that not all makes and models are created equally.
In this blog post, we’ll review the Farmall H series (2023 edition) from International Harvester in detail so you can confidently make your next purchase.
Let’s delve into Farmall H reviews and see why these tractors remain one of today’s most popular selections among farmers across America!
Take Away Key Points:
- The Farmall H is a classic machine on wheels that offers great power for a low price.
- The tractor is useful for finishing tasks such as bailing hay, snow removal, or pulling a wagon for basic front yard work.
- The tractor has one of the three powerful engine choices, so users can opt for their desirable fuel.
Table of Contents
- Overview & History of Farmall H Tractor
- Farmall H Engine
- Farmall H Transmission
- Common Issues With Farmall H Tractor
- FAQs
- Why was the Farmall H so popular?
- How much HP does a Farmall H have?
- What engine is in a Farmall H?
- What is the rarest Farmall tractor?
- What was the most popular Farmall tractor?
- How much did a Farmall H cost new?
- Does Farmall H have hydraulics?
- Does Farmall H have a live PTO?
- What is the difference between a Farmall H and M?
- What is the difference between a Farmall H and a Super H?
- Conclusion
Overview & History of Farmall H Tractor
The Farmall H tractor is a 2WD row-crop tractor produced by International Harvester as a part of the “letter series” between 1939 to 1954.
When the tractor was first introduced to the market, it became a competitor of one of the leading tractor manufacturers – John Deere. Due to its similar design and performance, the John Deere A tractor was often compared to the Farmall H.
However, the Farmall H tractor had a lower power output than the John Deere competitor model. Nonetheless, the Farmall H was not considered a weaker model. The tractor featured a five-speed transmission, while the overall value was much higher than JD.
During the first few years of production, the Farmall H sold for over 42,184. Additionally, the farm tractor was produced in diesel, kerosine, and gasoline fuel versions.
The long production line of the farm tractor led to the tractor upgrade and a newer model known as Farmall Super H.
Key Specifications
- Model: Farmall H
- Length: 25.2 in
- Width: 75.2 in
- Height : 73.6 in
- Wheel base: 88.2 in
- Weight: 3,880 lbs
- Fuel tank capacity: 66.0 liters
- Battery: 6V
- Cabin type: Open operator station
Farmall H Engine
The Farmall H is the only tractor you will need for your farm. Here is why!
People always wonder: What makes a good tractor?
The engine is the heart and soul of every farming machine. It dictates whether your tractor will serve you for a lifetime or if you will put it up for sale shortly after purchasing it.
The Farmall H is built with a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, which is available in three choices:
- The International Harvester C-152 gasoline engine;
- The International Harvester distillate engine;
- The International Harvester kerosene engine.
No matter which engine you choose, you should know that all three choices have the same displacement of 2.5 L. The cylinder bore is 3.39 inches, while the piston stroke is 4.25 inches, and the coolant capacity measures 15.6 L.
This is a great tractor, especially because you can choose the desired fuel and engine.
International Harvester C-152 gasoline engine
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Displacement | 2.5 L |
| Bore and stroke | 3.39 in x 4.25 in |
| Compression ratio | 5.9:1 |
| Starter type | Manual or electric |
| Oil capacity | 5.7 L |
| Coolant capacity | 15.6 L |
| Spark plug gap | 0.025 in |
| Point gap | 0.013 in |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.017 in |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017 in |
International Harvester Kerosine engine
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel type | Kerosene |
| Displacement | 2.5 L |
| Bore and stroke | 3.39 in x 4.25 in |
| Compression ratio | 4.5:1 |
| Oil capacity | 5.7 L |
| Coolant capacity | 15.6 L |
International Harvester distillate engine
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel type | Distillate |
| Displacement | 2.5 L |
| Bore and stroke | 3.39 in x 4.25 in |
| Compression ratio | 4.75:1 |
| Oil capacity | 5.7 L (6.02 US. qt, 5.02 Imp. qt.) |
| Coolant capacity | 15.6 L (16.48 US. qt, 13.73 Imp. qt.) |
Farmall H Transmission
The transmission of the Farmall H tractor is one of its key features and provides users with a great range of benefits.
It features five speeds of transmission over a dry friction disc, making it optimal for both rapidly accelerating and easily engaging high speeds. This transmission design makes it easier to move from first to second gear quickly and navigate obstacles in different terrain.
The transmission also comes with one reverse gear, providing the user with an efficient way to maneuver out of difficult areas or make sudden U-turns where needed.
The clutch on the Farmall tractor is especially beneficial for hauling heavy equipment such as wagons. The transmission offers plenty of power and drives to handle snow and dry weather.
The transmission system equips the Farmall H with powerful torque, allowing it to haul heavy loads through rough terrain or soft soil easily. The transmission system is a crucial component that enables users to achieve peak performance from their Farmall H tractor.
| Chassis | 4×2 2WD |
| Steering type | Manual |
| Brakes | Mechanical contracting band |
| Transmission type | Sliding gear with dry disc clutch |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Speed Forward | 26.3 kmh; Reverse: 4.4 |
| Transmission oil capacity | 22.7 L |
Common Issues With Farmall H Tractor
Farmall H tractors are heavy-duty work vehicles that can provide enormous value far beyond what a traditional vehicle can offer. However, these tractors can have issues that need to be addressed, such as faulty starters and rust from weather exposure.
Other common issues include non-responsive clutch control, issues revving up the engine when placing the tractor into gear, and issues with low oil pressure.
These issues can lead to costly repairs or replacements for parts of your Farmall H tractor without proper maintenance and care. If you experience any issues with your Farmall H, it is best to contact a certified service technician as soon as possible to make sure it continues running properly without breaking down.
FAQs
Why was the Farmall H so popular?
The Farmall H tractor received popularity by being one of the first row-crop tractors by the Farmall brand. The Farmall H was all a farm worker needed at the time for pull and push tasks.
Additionally, the tractor offered great money value for those who did not wish to spend much on a vehicle.
How much HP does a Farmall H have?
The Farmall H tractor is a great tractor that offers 26HP. Although the power delivery is not that high for heavy-duty tasks, this is a handy tractor every farmer needs in his garage or shed!
What engine is in a Farmall H?
The Farmall H is equipped with one of the three engine choices: International Harvester distillate, International Harvester gasoline, or International Harvester kerosine.
All engines generate 26 HP maximum power delivery and feature a 15.6 L of oil capacity.
What is the rarest Farmall tractor?
The rarest Farmall tractor is the 1026 model. This tractor was produced only for two years, with only 2,414 built, which is so rare to come across them nowadays.
What was the most popular Farmall tractor?
The most popular Farmall tractor is the International Harvester’s H model. This tractor was built from 1939 to 1954 and is still one of the most-sold quality vehicles by this brand.
How much did a Farmall H cost new?
Back in 1939, buyers could find a new Farmall H tractor for $850 to $1,650. Nowadays, the tractor is still sold for under $1000 price, making this one of the cheapest tractors by IH.
Does Farmall H have hydraulics?
The Farmall H tractor features a belly pump or (non-live) hydraulics in the clutch housing.
Does Farmall H have a live PTO?
No, Farmall H does not have a live PTO.
What is the difference between a Farmall H and M?
The Farmall M is a bigger model than the Farmall H, offering a sizable and better engine. The Farmall M is a 50 HP tractor, while the H version features a modest power delivery of 26HP.
What is the difference between a Farmall H and a Super H?
The main difference between the Farmall H and Super H is that the latter offers a 31-drawbar HP, disc brakes, and faster gears.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our Farmall H review and have finally decided whether you are going to invest or pass out on this model.
Overall, this tractor is excellent to have around the yard. Thanks to its narrow design and easy drive, you can safely operate the tractor in awkward spaces. The Farmall H is definitely worth the money and investment if you can’t get enough of the vintage classics!
