Farmall B
Power
21 hp[B] hp
Production
1939-1947
Engine
4-cylinder
Transmission
International Harvester
Weight
2400 lbs [1088 kg]
Drive
2WD
Introduction
International Harvester Farmall B
The International Harvester Farmall B is a row-crop tractor produced between 1939 and 1947. This model is part of the iconic Farmall series, known for its distinct configuration and utility in agricultural operations during the mid-20th century.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an International Harvester 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, vertical I-head engine with a displacement of 113.1 cubic inches (1.9 liters). It is designed to operate on kerosene and delivers approximately 21 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 1400 RPM. The firing order is 1-3-4-2, and the engine includes specific maintenance requirements, such as a spark plug gap of 0.025 inches and intake/exhaust valve clearances of 0.014 inches when hot.
Transmission and PTO
The Farmall B utilizes a gear-type transmission providing four forward speeds and one reverse gear. Power delivery to implements is managed via a transmission-driven rear Power Take-Off (PTO) operating at 540 RPM, utilizing a 1.125-inch shaft.
Mechanical and Chassis
This two-wheel-drive tractor features manual steering and mechanical contracting band brakes. The operator occupies an open station. With a total weight of 2,400 lbs (1,088 kg) and a length of 108 inches, the machine offers adjustable rear tread settings ranging from 64 to 92 inches, depending on the wheel configuration, to accommodate various row widths.
Electrical System
The electrical system is based on a 6-volt battery configuration with a positive ground. Charging is handled by a generator. While equipped with a manual starter as standard, an electric starter was available as an option.
Conclusion
The Farmall B, manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, is distinguished by its centered engine and narrow front-end design, differentiating it from the offset-engine Farmall A. With over 75,000 units built, it remains a significant example of International Harvester's row-crop engineering, suitable for light-to-medium agricultural tasks and historical preservation.
Production Information of Farmall, B
- The Farmall A and B were nearly identical tractors. The A featured an offset engine and wide front end. The B had a centered engine, seat offset to the right, and narrow front end.
- Row-Crop tractor
| Manufacturer | Farmall (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|---|
| Total built | 75,241 |
| Total built(optional) | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Original price | $770 |
| Factories | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Dimension and Tires Information of Farmall, B
| Length | 108 inches [274 cm] |
|---|---|
| Rear tread | 64/68/72/76 inches [162/172/182/193 cm (wheel in)] |
| Weight | 2400 lbs [1088 kg] |
| Width | 79.5 inches [201 cm] |
| Rear tread | 80/84/88/92 inches [203/213/223/233 cm (wheel out)] |
| Height | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-12 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 9-24 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 7.50-10 |
| Ag rear | 8-24 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 10-24 |
| Ag front | 4.00-15 |
Engine Specifications of Farmall, B
- International Harvester
- Liquid-cooled vertical I-head
- Kerosene
- 4-cylinder
| Intake valve clearance | 0.014 inches (hot) [0.356 mm] |
|---|---|
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.014 inches (hot) [0.356 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance(optional) | Electric |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Starter | Manual |
| Displacement | 113.1 ci [1.9 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1400 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.00x4.00 inches [76 x 102 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.014 inches (hot) [0.356 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.014 inches (hot) [0.356 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 13.5 qts [12.8 L] |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
Transmission Information of Farmall, B
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Farmall, B
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Mechanical contracting band brakes
Power Information of Farmall, B
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.125) |
Three-Point Hitch of Farmall, B
| Type | IH Pneumatic Lift-All |
|---|
Electrical System of Farmall, B
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Charging system | Generator |
| Battery volts | 6 |
Where it sits
With 21 hp[B] HP, the Farmall B sits between F-137 (20 HP) and 100 (22 HP) in Farmall's range. Its power puts it in the 14th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Farmall B have?
The Farmall B delivers 21 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Farmall B produced?
The Farmall B was produced in 1939-1947.
What engine does the Farmall B have?
The Farmall B is powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Farmall B use?
The Farmall B uses a International Harvester transmission.
How much does the Farmall B weigh?
The Farmall B weighs 2400 lbs [1088 kg].
Is the Farmall B 4WD?
The Farmall B is available in 2WD.