Introduction
International Harvester 553 Utility Tractor
The International Harvester 553 is a utility tractor produced between 1972 and 1974 at the International Harvester manufacturing facility in Neuss, Germany. Designed for general agricultural tasks, this model belongs to the series that succeeded the 523 and 654 models.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the International Harvester D-179, a 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine with a displacement of 179 cubic inches (2.9 liters). It produces 52 horsepower (38.8 kW) at a rated speed of 2180 RPM. The engine delivers a peak torque of 141.8 lb-ft (192.3 Nm) at 1500 RPM, providing steady power for field operations.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 553 offers two main transmission configurations. The standard version is an 8-speed partially synchronized gearbox providing 8 forward and 4 reverse gears. The optional Agriomatic S transmission features partial power shift capabilities, offering 12 forward and 4 reverse speeds. The Agriomatic S system allows for range undershifting and overshifting, and functions as a power shuttle when in reverse. The tractor is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system features a total capacity of 4.4 gallons (16.7 liters). The rear hitch is a category II/I type, capable of a maximum lift capacity of 4410 lbs (2000 kg). The rear power take-off (PTO) operates at a standard 540 RPM, with an optional 540/1000 RPM setup available to accommodate various implements.
Dimensions and Mechanical Specs
The tractor has a wheelbase of 78.7 inches (199 cm) and a total length of 135 inches (342 cm). It provides a ground clearance of 15 inches (38 cm). Depending on the drive configuration, the 2WD model weighs 5950 lbs (2698 kg), while the 4WD version weighs 6383 lbs (2895 kg). The operator station is of the open type, featuring manual steering and dry disc brakes.
Conclusion
The International Harvester 553 is a compact and versatile utility tractor suited for varied farming environments. Its combination of a reliable 3-cylinder engine, flexible transmission options, and substantial lift capacity makes it a functional machine for standard traction and implement-based work.
International Harvester 553 Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the International Harvester 553: 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, 553
- Utility tractor
- Built in Neuss, Germany
| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of International Harvester, 553
| Ground clearance | 15 inches [38 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 78.7 inches [199 cm] |
| 2WD Weight | 5950 lbs [2698 kg] |
| Height | 69.1 inches [175 cm] |
| Length | 135 inches [342 cm] |
| 4WD Weight | 6383 lbs [2895 kg] |
| Width | 70.4 inches [178 cm] |
| Standard tires (ag) | Front: 9-24. Rear: 16.9/14-30 |
|---|---|
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 10-24. Rear: 18.4/15-30 |
| Optional tires (ag) | Front: 10-24. Rear: 13.6/12-38 |
| Optional tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 10-24. Rear: 16.9/14-34 |
Engine Specifications of International Harvester, 553
- International Harvester D-179
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 3-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 16.4 qts [15.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Rated RPM | 2180 |
| Torque | 141.8 lb-ft [192.3 Nm] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Torque RPM | 1500 |
| Displacement | 179 ci [2.9 L] |
| Power | 52 hp [38.8 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.875x5.0625 inches [98 x 129 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 7.9 qts [7.5 L] |
| Starter power | 4 hp [3.0 kW] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of International Harvester, 553
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Partially synchronized |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 48.1 qts [45.5 L] |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | 292.1mm dry disc |
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.
| Transmission | Agriomatic S |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 40.7 qts [38.5 L] |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
- 8-speed partially synchronized
- 12-speed partial power shift
Mechanical Specs of International Harvester, 553
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Dry disc brakes
Power Information of International Harvester, 553
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type(optional) | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of International Harvester, 553
| Capacity | 4.4 gal [16.7 L] |
|---|
Three-Point Hitch of International Harvester, 553
| Rear Type | II/I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 4410 lbs [2000 kg] |
Electrical System of International Harvester, 553
| Charging system | Generator |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 135 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 11 |
| Charging volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 52 HP, the International Harvester 553 sits just below 654 (60 HP) in International Harvester's range. Its power puts it in the 34th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the International Harvester 553 have?
The International Harvester 553 delivers 52 HP.
What years was the International Harvester 553 produced?
The International Harvester 553 was produced in 1972-1974.
What engine does the International Harvester 553 have?
The International Harvester 553 is powered by a Diesel, 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the International Harvester 553 use?
The International Harvester 553 uses a Partially synchronized transmission.
How much does the International Harvester 553 weigh?
The International Harvester 553 weighs 5950 lbs [2698 kg].
Is the International Harvester 553 4WD?
The International Harvester 553 is available in 2WD/4WD.