| Manufacturer |
International Harvester |
| Price |
10,700(USD) |
| Model |
1256 |
| Equipment Type |
Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory |
Rock Island, Illinois, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 971 2
| Description |
Diesel Torque Amplifier 2WD April 15 - 30, 1968 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 971 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 1H-TA used for power test Gear 3L-TA used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed |
116.12hp / 86.6kW |
| Fuel use |
7.6gal/hour / 28.8l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed |
113.33hp / 84.5kW |
| Max power |
102.03hp / 76.1kW |
| Max pull |
11,104lbs / 5036kg |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 1256 POWER
| PTO (claimed) |
113hp / 84.3kW |
| Drawbar (tested) |
102.03hp / 76.1kW |
| PTO (tested) |
116.12hp / 86.6kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The International Harvester 1256 is powered by a DT407 turbocharged diesel engine, providing optimal torque and efficiency with a 17:1 compression ratio and a displacement of 6.7L, ideal for demanding agricultural applications. Its robust design features dual dry air cleaners, enhancing engine longevity by minimizing dirt ingestion. With a rated RPM of 2400 and substantial oil (15qts) and coolant (24qts) capacities, it ensures prolonged operation under heavy loads, although maintenance can be more intensive due to the diesel engine's complexity.
| Description |
International Harvester DT407 turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
406.9ci / 6.7L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.321x4.625inches / 110x 117mm |
| Air cleaner |
dual dry elements |
| Compression |
17:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2400 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Oil capacity |
15qts / 14.2L |
| Coolant capacity |
24qts / 22.7L |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 1256 ENGINE
The International Harvester 1256 tractor is powered by a robust 6.7L 6-cylinder diesel engine, delivering efficient performance for agricultural tasks. Its considerable 42-gallon fuel tank ensures extended operation time, reducing downtime during fieldwork. However, the age of this model may present challenges in parts availability and fuel efficiency compared to modern tractors, making it crucial to evaluate the operational demands and maintenance capacity before selection.
| Description |
International Harvester 6.7L 6-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank |
42gal / 159.0L |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The International Harvester 1256 features an 8-speed transmission complemented by a 16-speed partial power shift, allowing for enhanced versatility and control in various field operations. This dual transmission system provides a balance of torque and speed, making it advantageous for tasks requiring precision, like plowing or tilling. However, operators may face a learning curve in mastering the shifting patterns to optimize performance effectively.
| Description |
8-speed gear 16-speed partial power shift |
TRANSMISSION 1
The International Harvester 1256 features an 8-speed forward and 4-speed reverse gear transmission, enhancing operational versatility for various tasks. With a 68 quart (64.4L) oil capacity, it supports robust lubrication for extended engine life, though regular maintenance is critical to prevent overheating. This tractor’s ability to switch between high, low, and reverse ranges makes it particularly suited for both towing and fieldwork, though it may pose a learning curve for operators unfamiliar with multi-range systems.
| Type |
gear |
| Gears |
8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Oil capacity |
68qts / 64.4L |
| Description |
The 1256's transmission provides four gears (1-4) in high, low, and reverse ranges |
SPEEDS 1
| Description |
With 18.4-38 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 2
The International Harvester 1256 tractor features a partial power shift transmission with 16 forward and 8 reverse gears, providing versatility in various applications. The Torque Amplifier (TA) enhances operational efficiency by enabling clutchless shifting from direct drive to lower speeds, which is advantageous for tasks requiring increased power and control, such as plowing or hauling heavy loads. However, the complexity of the transmission system may require more maintenance, and operators must be familiar with its functionality to maximize performance.
| Transmission |
Torque Amplifier |
| Type |
partial power shift |
| Gears |
16 forward and 8 reverse |
| Oil capacity |
68qts / 64.4L |
| Description |
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 |
SPEEDS 2
| Description |
With 18.4-38 rear tires |
MECHANICAL
The International Harvester 1256 features a 4x2 or optional 4WD configuration, providing flexibility for varied terrain and conditions, although the 2WD may limit traction in challenging environments. Its power steering enhances maneuverability, making it user-friendly for extended operations, while the independent hydraulic dry disc brakes offer reliable stopping power for safety. The optional cab with climate control improves operator comfort, making it suitable for long-duration tasks, although the open operator station may expose the driver to inclement weather.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Steering |
power |
| Brakes |
independent hydraulic dry disc |
| Cab |
Open operator station. Two-post ROPS optional. Cab optional with heat and air-conditioning |
| Transmissions |
8-speed gear 16-speed partial power shift |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
open center |
| Valves |
1 |
| Pump flow |
8 gpm /30.3 lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
independent |
| Rear RPM |
1000 |
| Engine RPM |
1000@2100 |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 1256 TIRES
The International Harvester 1256 tractor is equipped with versatile tire options: standard 10.00-16 front and 18.4-38 rear tires for enhanced maneuverability in tight farm conditions, or the larger 11.00-16 front and 24.5-32 rear tires for improved flotation on softer grounds. The larger tire configurations increase ground contact, which reduces soil compaction, making it ideal for heavy tillage or sensitive crop areas. However, selecting the larger tires may also result in reduced turning radius and increased weight, posing challenges in confined spaces.
| Standard tires (ag) |
Front: 10.00-16. Rear: 18.4-38 (Farmall) Front: 11.00-16. Rear: 24.5-32 (International) |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
105inches / 266cm (Farmall) 92inches / 233cm (International) |
| Length |
164inches / 416cm |
| Width |
92inches / 233cm |
| Height (steering wheel) |
86inches / 218cm |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 1256 WEIGHT
| Shipping |
9940lbs / 4508kg (Farmall) 11030lbs / 5003kg (International) |
| Operating |
10405lbs / 4719kg |
| Ballasted |
13810lbs / 6264kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The International Harvester 1256 tractor features a robust wheelbase of 105 inches (266 cm) for the Farmall variant, enhancing stability and traction in field operations. Weighing between 9,940 to 11,030 pounds, it offers a solid foundation for demanding tasks but may limit maneuverability in tighter spaces. With front tires sized 10.00-16 and rear tires 18.4-38, the tractor is well-suited for heavy-duty agricultural work, although tire selection can significantly affect flotation and soil compaction.
| Wheelbase |
105inches / 266cm (Farmall) 92inches / 233cm (International) |
| Weight |
9940 to 11030 pounds |
| Front tire |
10.00-16 |
| Rear tire |
18.4-38 (Farmall) |
1256 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Serial number place on the left side of the 1256, on the clutch housing |
| 1967 |
7501 (IH) |
| 1968 |
7703 (IH) |
| 1969 |
8444 (IH) |
ELECTRICAL
| Charging system |
alternator |
| Charging amps |
55 |
| Batteries |
2 |
| Battery volts |
6 |
| Battery AH |
204 |
