International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-

International Harvester (IH) tractor serial number tables are the primary tool for identifying a machine's production year and origin, crucial for both collectors and maintenance . These tables typically list the starting serial number

for each model year, allowing you to match the number stamped on your tractor's identification plate to its "birthday". Antique Tractor Blog How to Use Serial Number Tables

To accurately use these tables, you must first locate and decode the physical tag on your tractor: Locating the Tag : Plates are commonly found on the right side of the steering gear housing, the

of the transmission housing, or the seat support, depending on the model. The Kind/Code Format

: Modern IH tags (post-1960s) use a "Kind/Code" system. For example, a tag reading 2590009U004452 breaks down into: Kind (259) : The machine type. Code (009) : Specific configuration. Country (U) : "U" for United States. Serial Number (4452)

: The actual production sequence number to look up in the table. Suffix Letters

: Some numbers end in letters (e.g., "J") which indicate special features like a Rockford clutch. Octane Press Expert Tips for Identification

When tables alone aren't enough (e.g., a missing or damaged tag), experts recommend these secondary methods: Casting Date Codes

: IH stamped date codes on major components like the engine block or transmission case. These codes use a letter to represent the year (starting with "A" for 1931). Engine Serial Numbers

: Often stamped on a machined flat surface of the cylinder block, these numbers usually trend slightly higher than the tractor's chassis serial number but can confirm the age. Regional Differences

: Australian-made IH tractors used square-cornered tags, whereas USA-made versions featured rounded corners. Antique Tractor Blog Top Resources & Registries Wisconsin Historical Society IH Archives International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-

: The most authoritative digital collection of original IH production records and serial number lists from 1925–1971. TractorData.com

: A widely cited database for model-specific serial number ranges. Red Power Magazine Forums

: A community-driven site where enthusiasts share serial number registries and identification advice. Yesterday's Tractors

: Useful for troubleshooting identification issues with help from experienced restorers. Do you have a specific serial number you're trying to identify right now? International Harvester Serial Number Plates | Octane Press 13-Mar-2018 —

The Modern Era (1958–1985) – 06, 26, 56, 66, 86, 88 Series

This is where IH competed directly with Deere's New Generation. The serial number tags are usually rectangular aluminum plates.

| Series | Model Example | Serial Number Start | Final Serial Number | Years | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | ‘06 Series | 706, 806, 1206 | 501 | 50,000 (approx) | 1963–1967 | | ‘56 Series | 756, 856, 1256 | 501 | 25,000 (approx) | 1967–1971 | | ‘66 Series | 966, 1066, 1466 | 501 (1969) | 75,000 (1976) | 1971–1976 | | ‘86 Series | 986, 1086, 1486 | 1 | 20,000+ | 1976–1981 | | ‘88 Series (2+2) | 3388, 3588 | 1 | 4,000 | 1979–1985 |

Note: The famous 1066 is the most collected. Serial numbers 501 to 5,000 (1971) are considered early "blue ribbon" tractors. Numbers above 50,000 are 1975-1976 models.

Unearthing History: The Ultimate Guide to International Harvester Tractor Serial Numbers

If you own a classic piece of Red Iron, one of the first questions you’ll inevitably face is: "What year is this tractor?"

Whether you are buying a new project, ordering parts, or registering for a vintage tractor show, knowing the exact age of your machine is crucial. For International Harvester (IH) enthusiasts, the serial number is more than just a string of digits—it is the DNA of your tractor.

In this guide, we will break down how to find your serial number, how to decode it, and provide a reference table for some of the most popular IH models. The Modern Era (1958–1985) – 06, 26, 56,

Using the Data for Your Next Project

Whether you are trying to decode a rusted-out find in a barn or ensuring your 1066 has the correct hydraulic pump for its year, the Serial Number Table is your best friend.

Do you have a serial number you can't decode? Drop it in the comments below along with the model, and we’ll help you pinpoint the year!

Disclaimer: This guide serves as a general reference. For precise restorations, always cross-reference with official IH parts books or a local IH historical club.

The Ultimate Guide to International Harvester Tractor Serial Numbers

Decoding your International Harvester (IH) tractor’s serial number is more than just a hobby—it is essential for ordering the right parts, verifying authenticity, and determining your machine's exact age. Whether you are restoring a classic Farmall or maintaining a rugged International crawler, the serial number is your tractor's "birthday" certificate. Where to Find Your Serial Number

Unlike modern cars with standard VIN locations, IH tractor plates moved around depending on the model and year. Here is where to look:

Letter Series (A, B, C): Typically found on a metal tag on the left or right side of the seat support.

Cub Models: Usually stamped into an aluminum plate on the right side of the steering gear housing.

H & M Series and Later: Often located on the transmission housing or on a plate near the engine.

06 & Later Series: Usually found on the right side of the frame rail, often near the front axle or steps. Note: The famous 1066 is the most collected

Pro Tip: If the plate is missing, check the engine block (typically above the oil filler tube) for a stamped number that often matches or closely follows the tractor’s serial series. Decoding the Kind/Code System

In the late 1960s, IH transitioned to a more complex "Kind/Code" format. A typical tag from this era looks like this: 2590009U004452.

Kind (First 3 digits): Identifies the general machine type (e.g., 259 for certain Farmall models).

Code (Next 3 digits): Specifies particular options or configurations. Country (The Letter): U stands for United States.

Serial Number (Final 4-6 digits): The actual sequential production number of your machine. Sample Serial Number Table

While lists vary by model, manufacturers typically used starting numbers for each production year. Below is an example of historical starting numbers for some early Case International Harvester models: Starting Serial Number Case Model 10-18 1918–1922 13285, 22223, 32841, 42256, 43943 Case Model 10-20 1915–1918 2842, 3691, 7492, 13285 Case 12-25 1914–1918 2496, 2842, 3691, 7492, 13285 Next Steps for Collectors Identify Your Tractor (serial numbers) - TM Tractor Parts

Here’s a content piece titled “International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table: A Collector’s Guide to Dating Your Red Iron.” It’s structured for a blog post, owner’s manual appendix, or club newsletter.

Step 2: How to Read the Table

A serial number table is essentially a timeline. IH generally used sequential numbering systems. When you find your number, you are looking for the "range" it falls into.

Example: The Farmall M | Serial Number Range | Year Produced | | :--- | :--- | | FAA - 501 | 1939 | | FAA - 40555 | 1940 | | FAA - 100001 | 1941 |

If your Farmall M has a serial plate reading FAA-75000, you can look at the table above and determine it was built in 1941.

(Note: IH serial numbers typically start at 501 for a new model run, not 1 or 1001.)

International Harvester Serial Number Reference Table

Below is a serial number table for the most common International Harvester tractor series. Use this to cross-reference your number.