Tractors built at the IH Doncaster factory in England, such as the popular International 584, have their own unique serial number conventions. Utility tractors from this factory followed their own distinct number ranges. Identifying the "Kind" number is the only reliable way to pinpoint the year and model of these British-built tractors.
: Dates cast into individual iron parts (like the transmission housing) can help narrow down the manufacture month and year. TM Tractor Parts Further Exploration
To help find more information about your specific tractor, please let me know: What is the ? What are the numbers or letters you can see on the plate?
Your International Harvester's serial number is more than just a string of characters; it's a piece of agricultural history. By using the tables and guidance in this article, you can unlock the story behind your machine. Whether you are restoring a classic Farmall to its former glory, verifying a potential purchase, or simply satisfying your curiosity, a serial number table is your most important tool.
This report compiles the most common serial number tables for key IH tractor models built from the 1930s through the early 1980s. International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-
This system was remarkably consistent. Regardless of where in the world IH made the tractor—Doncaster, England; Geelong, Australia; or Louisville, USA—the Kind/Code tags followed the same format, allowing for easy cross-referencing.
The comprehensive guide below details how to locate serial number plates, decode complex prefix codes, and reference the production year tables for popular International Harvester (IH) and Farmall models. Locating Your IH Tractor Serial Number Plate
I can provide the targeted production metrics and hidden factory option codes for your exact machine.
Identifies the general machine type (e.g., 259 for certain Farmall models). Tractors built at the IH Doncaster factory in
Check the rear axle housing or the side of the transmission case. Decoding IH Serial Number Prefixes and Suffixes
(Note: IH serial numbers typically start at 501 for a new model run, not 1 or 1001.)
These are usually stamped into the cylinder block on a flat machined surface, often just above the oil filler tube. Note that engine numbers may not always match the tractor’s chassis serial number. International Harvester Serial Number Table
If you find the code stamped on your Farmall H axle housing, the part was cast on August 22, 1949 . This tells you your tractor is either a late 1949 model or an early 1950 model. : Dates cast into individual iron parts (like
Most commonly found on the clutch housing or the right side of the steering gear housing.
Some models stamped the serial number (or an engine serial number) directly onto a raised boss on the engine block. You may need to wire-brush this area to remove years of grease and paint to read the numbers clearly. 3. The Steering Pedestal
Typically found on a metal tag on the left or right side of the seat support.