| Manufacturer |
International Harvester |
| Price |
4,300(USD) |
| Model |
185 Lo-Boy |
| Equipment Type |
Compact Utility Tractors |
| Factory |
Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 185 LO-BOY POWER
| PTO (claimed) |
14 hp/10.4 kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy features a compact C60 gasoline engine with a displacement of 1.0 L, providing a moderate power output suitable for small-scale agricultural tasks. Its 4-cylinder layout and Zenith 68YY7 carburetor enhance fuel efficiency and operational reliability, though the low compression ratio of 7.5:1 may limit peak horsepower. With a 2300 RPM rated speed, it is ideal for maneuverability in tight spaces, but potential challenges include limited oil capacity of 3 quarts and a cooling system that requires careful monitoring to avoid overheating during extended use.
| Description |
International Harvester C60/gasoline/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
59.5 ci/1.0 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
2.625x2.75 inches/67 x 70 mm |
| Fuel system |
Zenith 68YY7 carburetor |
| Compression |
7.5:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2300 |
| Firing order |
1-3-4-2 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Oil capacity |
3 qts/2.8 L |
| Coolant capacity |
9.75 qts/9.2 L |
| Sparkplug gap |
0.023 inches/0.584 mm |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 185 LO-BOY ENGINE
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy features a compact 1.0L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering efficient power for small-scale agricultural tasks and landscaping applications. Its low-profile design enhances maneuverability in tight spaces but may limit power compared to larger tractors. Ideal for maintaining small farms or residential properties, users should be mindful of its lower horsepower capacity for more demanding tasks.
| Description |
International Harvester 1.0L 4-cyl gasoline |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy tractor features a 3-speed unsynchronized transmission that offers straightforward operation but may require driver skill for smooth gear shifts, advantageous for low-speed maneuvers in tight spaces. Its 6-speed creeper gear option enhances crawling ability, ideal for precision tasks such as mowing or tilling in confined areas. However, the limited torque under heavy loads can be a challenge, necessitating careful management of power output during demanding applications.
| Description |
3-speed unsynchronized gear/6-speed creeper |
TRANSMISSION 1
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy features a simple transmission system with 3 forward and 1 reverse unsynchronized gears, offering limited speed variability but straightforward operation for tasks like mowing or gardening. Its mechanical dry disc clutch provides durability, though it may require more effort to engage compared to hydraulic systems, making it less ideal for tasks requiring frequent stopping and starting. With an oil capacity of 7 quarts (6.6 L), regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity, especially in varying operational conditions.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch |
mechanical dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
7 qts/6.6 L |
TRANSMISSION 2
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy tractor features a unique creeper gear option, enhancing its versatility for low-speed maneuvering, particularly useful in gardening or landscaping applications. With 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, operators can achieve precise control when working in tight spaces or on inclines. However, the additional complexity of the creeper range may require a learning curve for optimal use, particularly for those unfamiliar with this transmission configuration.
| Type |
creeper |
| Gears |
6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Description |
Optional creeper range for the standard transmission. |
MECHANICAL
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy features a 4x2 2WD chassis, making it suitable for light agricultural tasks and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its manual steering and mechanical drum brakes may imply less responsiveness and safety compared to modern hydraulic systems, posing challenges in handling on uneven terrain. The 3-speed unsynchronized gear paired with a 6-speed creeper transmission enables precise low-speed control, beneficial for tasks such as mowing or cultivating, but may require adept driving skills to manage gear shifts effectively.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
mechanical drum |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmissions |
3-speed unsynchronized gear/6-speed creeper |
CAPACITY
| Fuel |
8 gal/30.3 L |
| Hydraulic system |
1.75 gal/6.6 L |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
gear pump |
| Capacity |
1.75 gal/6.6 L |
| Pressure |
2000 psi/137.9 bar |
| Pump flow |
2 gpm/7.6 lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
independent |
| Clutch |
mechanical dry disc |
| Rear RPM |
1600 (counter-clockwise) |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 185 LO-BOY TIRES
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy tractor features versatile tire configurations for both agricultural and turf applications, providing excellent traction and stability on varied terrains. The 4.00-12 front and 9.5x24 rear tires are optimal for agricultural tasks, while the 20x8.00-10 front and dual rear tire options (13.6-16/12.4-16) enhance maneuverability and reduce ground compaction for lawn care. Challenges may arise from maintaining tire pressure across different surfaces, which can affect performance and tire life.
| Ag front |
4.00-12 |
| Ag rear |
9.5x24 |
| Lawn/turf front |
20x8.00-10 |
| Lawn/turf rear |
13.6-16/12.4-16 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
64 inches/162 cm |
| Length |
94 inches/238 cm |
| Width |
52 inches/132 cm |
| Height |
49 inches/124 cm |
| Weight |
1497 lbs/679 kg |
| Ground clearance |
13 inches/33 cm |
| Front tread |
42 inches/106 cm |
| Rear tread |
42 inches/106 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The International Harvester 185 Lo-Boy tractor, with its compact 64-inch wheelbase and weighing 1497 lbs, is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces, making it suitable for small-scale farming and landscaping tasks. Its front tire size (4.00-12) offers good stability, while the larger rear tire (8.3-24) enhances traction on varied terrains, though weight distribution may require careful management to avoid front-end lifting. Challenges include limited power for heavy-duty tasks and potential difficulty sourcing parts due to its vintage status, but the tractor excels in efficiency on smaller plots.
| Wheelbase |
64 inches/162 cm |
| Weight |
1497 lbs/679 kg |
| Front tire |
4.00-12 |
| Rear tire |
8.3-24 |
BLADE
| Type |
front-mount International 54 |
| Width |
54 inches/137 cm |
185 LO-BOY SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Frame, front-left side |
| 1974 |
37001 |
| 1975 |
37316 |
| 1976 |
42241 |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
negative |
| Charging amps |
12/15 (generator) |
| Battery volts |
12 |
