Introduction
International Harvester 856XL Agricultural Tractor
The International Harvester 856XL is a row-crop tractor manufactured in Neuss, Germany, between 1983 and 1985. Designed for versatility and endurance in agricultural operations, it was available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, featuring the standard XL cabin.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the International Harvester DT-238, a 3.9-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with direct injection. It delivers a rated power of 85 hp (63.4 kW) at 2300 RPM. The engine produces a peak torque of 229 lb-ft at 1600 RPM, providing consistent lugging ability for field tasks.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Two transmission options were offered: an 8-speed gear transmission and an IH Synchron 16-speed transmission featuring a two-speed power shift. Both systems utilize a 310mm dry disc clutch. The mechanical setup includes power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes for enhanced control, as well as a mechanical rear differential lock.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 2465 psi (170 bar) with a pump flow of 7.9 gpm (29.9 lpm). It is equipped with a Category II rear hitch featuring position and draft control, capable of lifting up to 8708 lbs (3949 kg). The rear PTO provides dual speeds of 540/1000 RPM.
Conclusion
The International Harvester 856XL is a robust utility tractor suited for medium-to-heavy field operations. Its combination of a high-torque engine, versatile transmission options, and substantial lifting capacity makes it a reliable asset for general farming tasks, planting, and transport.
International Harvester 856XL Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the International Harvester 856XL: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
- Manuel atelier - détection des pannes hydrauliquesPDF · 25.237 Mo
- Manuel atelier - système électriquePDF · 29.419 Mo
- Manuel atelier - traction avant mécanique M.F.D.PDF · 5.807 Mo
- Réglage de contacteurs, leviers et pédalesPDF · 31.55 Mo
- Schéma électriquePDF · 1.302 Mo
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of International Harvester, 856XL
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Neuss, Germany
| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of International Harvester, 856XL
| 4WD Front tread | 65 to 71 inches [165 to 180 cm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 93.9 inches [238 cm] |
| 2WD Weight | 8465 lbs [3839 kg] |
| 4WD Length | 150.4 inches [382 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 92.4 inches [234 cm] |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 15.9 inches [40 cm] |
| 4WD Weight | 9082 lbs [4119 kg] |
| 2WD Length | 144.9 inches [368 cm] |
| Rear tread | 62 to 78 inches [157 to 198 cm] |
| 2WD Front tread | 53 to 72 inches [134 to 182 cm] |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 29.1 inches [73 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 20.5 inches [52 cm] |
| 2WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 7.50-18. Rear: 16.9R34 |
|---|---|
| 4WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 13.6R24. Rear: 18.4R34 |
Engine Specifications of International Harvester, 856XL
- International Harvester DT-238
- Liquid-cooled
- 4-cylinder
- Turbocharged diesel
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
|---|---|
| Torque RPM | 1600 |
| Displacement | 238.7 ci [3.9 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.87x5.06 inches [98 x 129 mm] |
| Power | 85 hp [63.4 kW] |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft [310.5 Nm] |
| Rated RPM | 2300 |
| Coolant capacity | 22.2 qts [21.0 L] |
| Oil capacity | 12.7 qts [12.0 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of International Harvester, 856XL
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears in two ranges, plus reverse range.
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 44.4 qts [42.0 L] |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | 310mm dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
- Four gears in two ranges, plus reverse range, with two-speed power shift.
| Transmission | IH Synchron |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 44.4 qts [42.0 L] |
| Clutch | 310mm dry disc |
| Type | Two-speed power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
- 8-speed gear
- 16-speed two-speed power shift
Mechanical Specs of International Harvester, 856XL
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- XL cab standard.
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Power steering
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
|---|
Power Information of International Harvester, 856XL
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
|---|
Hydraulics Specifications of International Harvester, 856XL
| Pressure | 2465 psi [170.0 bar] |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 7.9 gpm [29.9 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of International Harvester, 856XL
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Rear lift | 8708 lbs [3949 kg] |
Electrical System of International Harvester, 856XL
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 88 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 33 |
Where it sits
With 85 HP, the International Harvester 856XL sits just below 956 (95 HP) in International Harvester's range. Its power puts it in the 64th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the International Harvester 856XL have?
The International Harvester 856XL delivers 85 HP.
What years was the International Harvester 856XL produced?
The International Harvester 856XL was produced in 1983-1985.
What engine does the International Harvester 856XL have?
The International Harvester 856XL is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the International Harvester 856XL use?
The International Harvester 856XL uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the International Harvester 856XL weigh?
The International Harvester 856XL weighs 8465 lbs [3839 kg].
Is the International Harvester 856XL 4WD?
The International Harvester 856XL is available in 2WD/4WD.