International Harvester 1256 tractor

International Harvester 1256

Power

125 hp[P] hp

Production

1967-1969

Engine

Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder

Transmission

Gear

Drive

2WD/4WD

From the same series:

856

Introduction

International Harvester 1256 Standard-Tread Tractor

The International Harvester 1256 is a standard-tread agricultural tractor produced between 1967 and 1969 in Rock Island, Illinois. Part of the International Harvester lineup during the late 1960s, this model served as a heavy-duty workhorse designed for demanding field operations.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by the International Harvester DT407, a 6.7-liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It features a liquid-cooling system and a compression ratio of 17:1. The engine is rated at 2400 RPM, providing a power output of approximately 125 horsepower. The machine utilizes a dual dry element air cleaner to maintain performance in dusty agricultural environments.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 1256 offers two transmission configurations. The standard gear transmission provides 8 forward and 4 reverse speeds. Alternatively, the Torque Amplifier (TA) transmission offers 16 forward and 8 reverse speeds, utilizing a partial power shift system that allows for clutchless shifting from direct drive to a lower TA speed across all gears.

Hydraulics and PTO

Equipped with an open-center hydraulic system, the tractor delivers a pump flow of 8 gpm (30.3 lpm) through a single valve. The rear independent PTO operates at 1000 RPM at an engine speed of 2100 RPM, providing consistent power for heavy implements. The tractor is configured with a Category III/II rear hitch.

Mechanical and Operator Station

The tractor features power steering and independent hydraulic dry disc brakes for operational control. It is available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. The operator station comes standard as an open platform with an optional two-post ROPS or a full cab equipped with heating and air conditioning to facilitate varied working conditions.

Conclusion

With its robust 6-cylinder turbocharged engine and versatile transmission options, the International Harvester 1256 is well-suited for heavy tillage and traction tasks. Its balanced dimensions and flexible configuration options made it a capable tool for large-scale farming operations during its production era.

Production Information of International Harvester, 1256

  • Original price was $10,700 in 1969
  • Standard-tread tractor
  • Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
ManufacturerInternational Harvester

Dimension and Tires Information of International Harvester, 1256

Wheelbase105 inches (Farmall) [266 cm]
Height (steering wheel)86 inches [218 cm]
Width92 inches [233 cm]
Width(optional)92 inches (International) [233 cm]
Length164 inches [416 cm]
Standard tires (ag)Front: 10.00-16. Rear: 18.4-38 (Farmall)
Standard tires (ag)(optional)Front: 11.00-16. Rear: 24.5-32 (International)

Engine Specifications of International Harvester, 1256

  • International Harvester DT407
  • Liquid-cooled
  • Turbocharged diesel
  • 6-cylinder
Oil capacity15 qts [14.2 L]
Displacement406.9 ci [6.7 L]
Compression17:1
Bore/Stroke4.321x4.625 inches [110 x 117 mm]
Coolant capacity24 qts [22.7 L]
Starter volts12
Rated RPM2400
Air cleanerDual dry elements

Transmission Information of International Harvester, 1256

Transmission variants 1

  • The 1256's transmission provides four gears (1-4) in high, low, and reverse ranges.
TypeGear
Gears8 forward and 4 reverse
Oil capacity68 qts [64.4 L]

Transmission variants 2

  • Four gears (1-4) in two ranges (low/high) plus reverse range. The Torque Amplifier (TA) allows a clutchless shift from direct drive (DD) to the lower TA speed in all gears and ranges.
TransmissionTorque Amplifier
Oil capacity68 qts [64.4 L]
TypePartial power shift
Gears16 forward and 8 reverse
  • 8-speed gear
  • 16-speed partial power shift

Mechanical Specs of International Harvester, 1256

  • Two- or four-wheel drive
  • Open operator station. Two-post ROPS optional. Cab optional with heat and air-conditioning.
  • Power steering
  • Independent hydraulic dry disc brakes

Power Information of International Harvester, 1256

Rear PTOIndependent
Rear PTO Type1000
Engine RPM1000@2100

Hydraulics Specifications of International Harvester, 1256

TypeOpen center
Valves1
Pump flow8 gpm [30.3 lpm]

Three-Point Hitch of International Harvester, 1256

Rear TypeIII/II

Electrical System of International Harvester, 1256

Charging systemAlternator
Battery AH204
Battery volts6
Charging amps55
Batteries2

Where it sits

With 125 hp[P] HP, the International Harvester 1256 sits between 856 (111 HP) and 1456 (144 HP) in International Harvester's range. Its power puts it in the 92th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the International Harvester 1256 have?

The International Harvester 1256 delivers 125 hp[P] HP.

What years was the International Harvester 1256 produced?

The International Harvester 1256 was produced in 1967-1969.

What engine does the International Harvester 1256 have?

The International Harvester 1256 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the International Harvester 1256 use?

The International Harvester 1256 uses a Gear transmission.

Is the International Harvester 1256 4WD?

The International Harvester 1256 is available in 2WD/4WD.

Compare the International Harvester 1256 with another model