International Harvester 1486 tractor

International Harvester 1486

Power

162 hp[P] hp

Production

1976-1981

Engine

6-cylinder

Transmission

Torque Amplifier

Drive

2WD/4WD

From the same series:

1086
1586

Introduction

International Harvester 1486 Row-Crop Tractor

The International Harvester 1486 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1976 and 1981 at the Rock Island, Illinois facility. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this model delivers 162 horsepower and represents a significant entry in the mid-range heavy-duty tractor segment of its era.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 436 cubic inches (7.1 liters). It operates at a rated speed of 2600 RPM. The engine cooling system has a capacity of 27 quarts (25.6 liters), and the oil system requires 20 quarts (18.9 liters) for proper maintenance.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The transmission system features a two-speed power shift configuration providing 16 forward and 8 reverse gears. It includes a Torque Amplifier (TA) which allows the operator to perform high/low speed adjustments while the tractor is in motion. Range and gear selection must be made while the machine is at a complete stop.

Hydraulics and PTO

The hydraulic system is primarily an open-center design with a pump flow of 12 gallons per minute (45.4 liters per minute) and a reservoir capacity of 22.5 gallons (85.2 liters). The tractor is equipped with an independent rear PTO offering 540/1000 RPM speeds, engaged at 2300 engine RPM, providing versatility for various implements.

Operator Environment and Mechanical Features

The 1486 features power-assist steering and hydraulic disc brakes for operational control. The standard configuration includes a cab with air-conditioning, though open-station versions with a four-post ROPS structure were also manufactured. It is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants.

Conclusion

With a total production of 21,117 units, the International Harvester 1486 served as a reliable workhorse for row-crop farming. Its combination of a high-torque 6-cylinder engine, versatile transmission with Torque Amplifier, and optional four-wheel drive makes it a suitable machine for heavy-duty field tasks.

Production Information of International Harvester, 1486

  • Original price was $38,400 in 1981
  • Row-Crop tractor
  • Built in Rock Island, Illinois, USA
ManufacturerInternational Harvester
Total built21,117

Dimension and Tires Information of International Harvester, 1486

Height (cab)115 inches [292 cm]
Wheelbase105 inches (wide-tread front) [266 cm]
Wheelbase(optional)167 inches (4WD) [424 cm]
Length168 inches (2WD) [426 cm]
Length(optional)101 inches (tricycle front) [256 cm]
Ground clearance14 inches [35 cm]
Width102 inches [259 cm]
Width(optional)99 inches (4WD) [251 cm]
Ag front11.00-16 (2WD)
Ag front(optional)13.6-24 (4WD)
Ag rear18.4-38

Engine Specifications of International Harvester, 1486

  • Liquid-cooled
  • 6-cylinder
Air cleanerDual dry element
Displacement436 ci [7.1 L]
Oil capacity20 qts [18.9 L]
Rated RPM2600
Bore/Stroke4.30x5.00 inches [109 x 127 mm]
Coolant capacity27 qts [25.6 L]
Idle RPM700-2860

Transmission Information of International Harvester, 1486

Transmission variants 1

  • The transmission features three ranges (low, high, and reverse) with four gears (1-4) in each range. The Torque Amplifier (TA) provides an additional high/low selection for each speed. The range and gear can be shifted only when the tractor is stopped. The TA can be shifted while the tractor is in motion.
TransmissionTorque Amplifier
Oil typeIH Hy-Tran/B-6
Oil capacity108 qts [102.2 L]
TypeTwo-speed power shift
Type(optional)IH Hy-Tran/B-6
Gears16 forward and 8 reverse

Mechanical Specs of International Harvester, 1486

  • Two- or four-wheel drive
  • Cab standard with air-conditioning. Open operator station and four-post ROPS available.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
Final drivesBull gear
SteeringPower assist

Power Information of International Harvester, 1486

Rear PTOIndependent
Rear PTO(optional)1000@2300
Rear PTO Type540/1000 (1.375)
Engine RPM540@2300

Hydraulics Specifications of International Harvester, 1486

TypeOpen center
Pump flow12 gpm [45.4 lpm]
Valves2
Valves(optional)Closed center
Capacity22.5 gal [85.2 L]

Optional after late 1980.

Three-Point Hitch of International Harvester, 1486

Rear TypeIII

Electrical System of International Harvester, 1486

Battery volts12
GroundNegative
Batteries2
Batteries(optional)61
Charging systemAlternator
Battery CCA470
Charging amps42

High-output alternator with cab.

Where it sits

With 162 hp[P] HP, the International Harvester 1486 sits between 1466 (147 HP) and 1586 (177 HP) in International Harvester's range. Its power puts it in the 85th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the International Harvester 1486 have?

The International Harvester 1486 delivers 162 hp[P] HP.

What years was the International Harvester 1486 produced?

The International Harvester 1486 was produced in 1976-1981.

What engine does the International Harvester 1486 have?

The International Harvester 1486 is powered by a 6-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the International Harvester 1486 use?

The International Harvester 1486 uses a Torque Amplifier transmission.

Is the International Harvester 1486 4WD?

The International Harvester 1486 is available in 2WD/4WD.

Compare the International Harvester 1486 with another model