International Harvester 523 tractor

International Harvester 523

Power

52 hp

Production

1965-1972

Engine

Diesel, 3-cylinder

Weight

6295 lbs [2855 kg]

Drive

2WD/4WD

From the same series:

624

Introduction

International Harvester 523 Utility Tractor

The International Harvester 523 is a utility tractor produced between 1965 and 1972 at the company's facility in Neuss, Germany. Designed for versatility, this model served as a reliable workhorse for various agricultural operations during its production run.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by the International Harvester D-179, a liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 179 cubic inches (2.9 liters). Featuring direct fuel injection and an oil bath air cleaner, the engine produces 52 horsepower (38.8 kW) at a rated speed of 2100 RPM. It utilizes a 12-volt electric starting system.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 523 offers two transmission configurations. The standard manual transmission provides 8 forward and 4 reverse gears using a 279.4 mm dry disc clutch. Alternatively, the Agriomatic S transmission features a partial power shift system, providing 12 forward and 4 reverse gears. The Agriomatic S allows for on-the-go speed adjustments, functioning as a power shuttle in reverse. The tractor was available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations and includes a mechanical rear differential lock and disc brakes.

Hydraulics and PTO

The hydraulic system features a pump flow capacity of 7.5 gallons per minute (28.4 lpm) with a system capacity of 4.3 gallons (16.3 liters). The rear independent power take-off (PTO) operates at 540 RPM, with a 540/1000 RPM option available on specific configurations. The rear hitch is a Category II/I type, capable of a lift capacity of 3,748 lbs (1,700 kg).

Dimensions and Weight

With a wheelbase of 78.7 inches (199 cm) and a total length of 119.8 inches (304 cm), the tractor maintains a compact footprint for field maneuverability. The 2WD model weighs approximately 5,380 lbs (2,440 kg), while the 4WD variant weighs 6,295 lbs (2,855 kg). The operator station is of the open type.

Conclusion

The International Harvester 523 is a robust and mechanically straightforward utility tractor. Its combination of a reliable diesel engine, varied transmission options, and functional hydraulic capacity makes it a suitable choice for mid-range agricultural tasks and general farm maintenance.

International Harvester 523 Manuals & Documentation

Download the manuals and documentation available for the International Harvester 523: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.

Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.

Production Information of International Harvester, 523

  • Utility tractor
  • Built in Neuss, Germany
ManufacturerInternational Harvester

Dimension and Tires Information of International Harvester, 523

4WD Weight6295 lbs [2855 kg]
Wheelbase78.7 inches [199 cm]
Height (exhaust)86.2 inches [218 cm]
Height (steering wheel)59.8 inches [151 cm]
Length119.8 inches [304 cm]
Clearance (front axle)15 inches [38 cm]
2WD Weight5380 lbs [2440 kg]
Width63.8 inches [162 cm]
Clearance (drawbar)12 inches [30 cm]
Ag front6.00-16
Ag rear13-28
4WD Ag front9-24
Ag rear11-32
Ag rear(optional)14-30
Ag rear(optional)14-28
Ag front7.50-16
Ag front(optional)12-36
Ag front(optional)11-36

Engine Specifications of International Harvester, 523

  • International Harvester D-179
  • Liquid-cooled
  • Diesel
  • 3-cylinder
Coolant capacity16.3 qts [15.4 L]
Fuel systemDirect injection
Air cleanerOil bath
StarterElectric
Rated RPM2100
Displacement179 ci [2.9 L]
Power52 hp [38.8 kW]
Bore/Stroke3.875x5.0625 inches [98 x 129 mm]
Oil capacity6.8 qts [6.4 L]
Starter power4 hp [3.0 kW]
Starter volts12

Transmission Information of International Harvester, 523

Transmission variants 1

  • Four gears (1-4) in two ranges (low/high) plus reverse range.
Gears8 forward and 4 reverse
Clutch279.4mm dry disc
Oil capacity35.1 qts [33.2 L]

Transmission variants 2

  • The Agriomatic S provides an additional four forward speeds selected by a right-hand power shift lever. Pushing the lever forward engages the Agriomatic range, while rearward uses the conventional range. The Agriomatic speeds are between high and low ranges, so this provides an undershift in high range and an overshift in low range. In reverse range it operates as a power shuttle.
TransmissionAgriomatic S
TypePartial power shift
Gears12 forward and 4 reverse
  • 8-speed
  • 12-speed partial power shift

Mechanical Specs of International Harvester, 523

  • Two- or four-wheel drive
  • Open operator station.
  • Disc brakes
  • Manual steering
Differential lockMechanical rear

Power Information of International Harvester, 523

Rear PTOIndependent
Rear PTO Type540 (1.375)
Rear PTO Type(optional)540/1000 (1.375)

Hydraulics Specifications of International Harvester, 523

Capacity4.3 gal [16.3 L]
Pump flow7.5 gpm [28.4 lpm]

Three-Point Hitch of International Harvester, 523

Rear TypeII/I
Rear lift3748 lbs [1700 kg]

Electrical System of International Harvester, 523

Charging systemGenerator
Charging amps10.8
Battery AH135

Where it sits

With 52 HP, the International Harvester 523 sits just below 624 (58 HP) in International Harvester's range. Its power puts it in the 53th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the International Harvester 523 have?

The International Harvester 523 delivers 52 HP.

What years was the International Harvester 523 produced?

The International Harvester 523 was produced in 1965-1972.

What engine does the International Harvester 523 have?

The International Harvester 523 is powered by a Diesel, 3-cylinder engine.

How much does the International Harvester 523 weigh?

The International Harvester 523 weighs 6295 lbs [2855 kg].

Is the International Harvester 523 4WD?

The International Harvester 523 is available in 2WD/4WD.

Compare the International Harvester 523 with another model