Introduction
International Harvester Farmall 400
The International Harvester Farmall 400 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1954 and 1956 at the Rock Island, Illinois plant. Positioned as a powerful machine for its era, it provided farmers with advanced transmission technology and significant hydraulic capabilities for mid-century agricultural operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an International Harvester 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, vertical I-head engine with a displacement of 264 cubic inches (4.3 liters). It features a compression ratio of 8.33:1 and is rated at 1450 RPM. The engine is configured for LP gas, delivering approximately 56 horsepower, making it suitable for varied field work.
Transmission and Drivetrain
A defining feature of the 400 model is the Torque Amplifier transmission, which utilizes a partial power shift design. This system provides 10 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, allowing operators to shift on the go without using the clutch. The drivetrain is completed by a 12-inch dry disc clutch and a standard two-wheel drive configuration.
Hydraulics and PTO
The tractor is equipped with the Hydra-Touch hydraulic system, which includes three valves and has a hydraulic oil capacity of 3.5 gallons. The rear power take-off (PTO) is independent and operates at 540 RPM at a rated engine speed of 1450 RPM, providing consistent power for implements.
Dimensions and Handling
The Farmall 400 features a wheelbase of 95.75 inches and an operating weight of 6,300 lbs. It is designed with manual steering, though power steering was available as an optional upgrade. Braking is handled by manual disc brakes. The machine sits on 6.00-16 front tires and 12-38 rear tires, with adjustable tread widths for both axles to accommodate different row spacings.
Conclusion
With a total production of 40,957 units, the International Harvester 400 remains a notable tractor for its time, particularly due to the integration of the Torque Amplifier. Its combination of robust engine power, flexible gearing, and hydraulic control made it a versatile tool for row-crop farming in the mid-1950s.
Production Information of Farmall, 400
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|---|
| Original price | $3,500 (1954) |
| Total built | 40,957 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Farmall, 400
| Wheelbase | 95.75 inches [243 cm] |
|---|---|
| Rear tread | 50 to 106 inches [127 to 269 cm (long axle)] |
| Max Width | 107.25 inches [272 cm] |
| Frame Ground clearance | 18.5 inches [46 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 22.5 inches [57 cm] |
| Bar rear axle | 2.75 inch diameter [69 mm] |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 26.25 inches [66 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 80.75 inches [205 cm] |
| Length | 141.125 inches [358 cm] |
| Ballasted weight | 9,600 lbs [4354 kg] |
| Min Width | 84.5 inches [214 cm] |
| Operating weight | 6,300 lbs [2857 kg] |
| Rear tread | 50 to 94 inches [127 to 238 cm] |
| Front tread | 57 to 90 inches [144 to 228 cm] |
| Front tread | 8.375/12.25 inches [21/31 cm (tricycle)] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12-38 |
Engine Specifications of Farmall, 400
- International Harvester
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- LP gas
- 4-cylinder
| Intake valve clearance | 0.017 inches (hot) [0.432 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug gap | 0.023 inches [0.584 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017 inches (hot) [0.432 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 26 qts [24.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Displacement | 264 ci [4.3 L] |
| Compression | 8.33:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.25 inches [102 x 133 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 26 qts [24.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 29 qts [27.4 L] |
Transmission Information of Farmall, 400
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Torque Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Clutch | 12-inch dry disc |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Farmall, 400
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual disc brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power optional |
Power Information of Farmall, 400
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | 534@1450 (ind.) |
| Engine RPM | 537@1450 (trans.) |
| Engine RPM(optional) | Independent |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Farmall, 400
| Type | Hydra-Touch |
|---|---|
| Valves | 3 |
| Capacity | 3.5 gal [13.2 L] |
| Capacity(optional) | 3.63 gal (power steering) [13.7 L] |
Three-Point Hitch of Farmall, 400
| Type | IH Fast Hitch (optional) |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 2,000 lbs [907 kg] |
Electrical System of Farmall, 400
| Ground | Positive (6V) |
|---|---|
| Ground(optional) | 12 (diesel) |
| Battery volts | 6 (gas) |
| Battery volts(optional) | Negative (12V) |
| Charging system | Generator |
Where it sits
With 56 hp[B] HP, the Farmall 400 sits between Super M (51 HP) and 450 (63 HP) in Farmall's range. Its power puts it in the 82th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Farmall 400 have?
The Farmall 400 delivers 56 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Farmall 400 produced?
The Farmall 400 was produced in 1954-1956.
What engine does the Farmall 400 have?
The Farmall 400 is powered by a LP gas, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Farmall 400 use?
The Farmall 400 uses a Torque Amplifier transmission.
How much does the Farmall 400 weigh?
The Farmall 400 weighs 6,300 lbs [2857 kg].
Is the Farmall 400 4WD?
The Farmall 400 is available in 2WD.