International Harvester 544 Tractor

Manufacturer International Harvester
Price 7,500(USD)
Model 544
Equipment Type Utility Tractors
Factory Rock Island, Illinois, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 983 2

Description Diesel Torque Amplifier 2WD September 7 - 20, 1968 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 983 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 3-Direct used for power test. Gear 2-TA used for pull test
Power at rated engine speed 52.95hp / 39.5kW
Fuel use 3.3gal/hour / 12.5l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 49.66hp / 37.0kW
Max power 44.56hp / 33.2kW
Max pull 6,528lbs / 2961kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 984 2

Description Gasoline Torque Amplifier 2WD September 7 - 20, 1968 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 984 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 3-Direct used for power test. Gear 2-TA used for pull test
Power at rated engine speed 52.84hp / 39.4kW
Fuel use 4.4gal/hour / 16.7l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 50.29hp / 37.5kW
Max power 44.74hp / 33.4kW
Max pull 6,521lbs / 2957kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1007 2

Description Gasoline hydrostatic 2WD April 23 - May 5, 1969 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1007 file PTO performance Drawbar performance
Power at rated engine speed 53.87hp / 40.2kW
Fuel use 5.5gal/hour / 20.8l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 49.11hp / 36.6kW
Max power 40.33hp / 30.1kW
Max pull 6,518lbs / 2956kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1029 2

Description Diesel hydrostatic 2WD November 1 - 7, 1969 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1029 file PTO performance Drawbar performance
Power at rated engine speed 55.52hp / 41.4kW
Fuel use 4.2gal/hour / 15.9l/hour
Power at rated PTO speed 50.06hp / 37.3kW
Max power 41.58hp / 31.0kW
Max pull 6,579lbs / 2984kg

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 544 POWER

Drawbar (claimed) 45.4hp / 33.9kW
PTO (claimed) 52hp / 38.8kW
Drawbar (tested) 44.74hp / 33.4kW
PTO (tested) 55.52hp / 41.4kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The International Harvester 544 tractor is equipped with a choice of a 3.9L 4-cylinder diesel or a 3.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and power. Diesel engines typically provide greater torque for heavy-duty tasks like plowing and towing, while gasoline variants may offer easier starting and lower initial costs. Consider your operational requirements—heavy agricultural work favors diesel, whereas lighter tasks might benefit from the gasoline option.

Description International Harvester 3.9L 4-cyl diesel International Harvester 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The International Harvester 544 tractor features a D239 diesel engine with a displacement of 3.9L, providing robust torque for agricultural tasks. Its 16:1 compression ratio and 2400 RPM rated speed allow for efficient fuel combustion and operational longevity, making it well-suited for heavy-duty applications. However, consider its oil and coolant capacities (7 qts and 15 qts, respectively) for maintenance intervals, as insufficient fluid levels can lead to overheating or premature engine wear.

Description International Harvester D239 diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 238.6ci / 3.9L
Bore/Stroke 3.875x5.06inches / 98x 129 mm
Compression 16:1
Rated RPM 2400
Oil capacity 7 qts /6.6 L
Coolant capacity 15qts / 14.2L

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The International Harvester 544 features a C200 gasoline engine with a moderate displacement of 3.3L and a compression ratio of 7.6:1, providing a reliable power output suitable for light to medium agricultural tasks. With a rated RPM of 2400, it optimizes fuel efficiency and performance, but its lower compression may limit its adaptability to high-performance applications. The oil and coolant capacities (7 qts and 14 qts respectively) ensure adequate lubrication and temperature regulation, essential for prolonged operation in demanding environments.

Description International Harvester C200 gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled
Displacement 200.3ci / 3.3L
Bore/Stroke 3.813x4.39inches / 97x 112 mm
Compression 7.6:1
Rated RPM 2400
Oil capacity 7 qts /6.6 L
Coolant capacity 14qts / 13.2L

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 544 ENGINES

The International Harvester 544 features a choice between a 3.9L diesel and a 3.3L gasoline engine, providing versatility for different fuel preferences. The diesel variant includes a 15-gallon tank, offering higher fuel efficiency for longer operational periods, while the gasoline version, with a 23-gallon tank, facilitates quicker refueling but may incur higher operational costs. When selecting, consider the typical workload; the diesel is advantageous for sustained heavy tasks, whereas the gasoline option may suit lighter, intermittent use.

Description International Harvester 3.9L 4-cyl diesel International Harvester 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline
Diesel Fuel tank 15gal / 56.8L
Gasoline Fuel tank 23gal / 87.1L

TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW

The International Harvester 544 tractor features a versatile transmission system with a 5-speed gear, 10-speed two-speed power shift, hydrostatic, and 5-speed shuttle, providing excellent adaptability for various farming operations. Advantages include smooth shifting and efficient torque management, enhancing both field performance and operator comfort. However, the complexity of the multi-transmission system may present challenges in maintenance and operator training, especially in demanding scenarios requiring rapid gear changes.

Description 5-speed gear/10-speed two-speed power shift/hydrostatic/5-speed shuttle

TRANSMISSION 1

The International Harvester 544 features a 5-speed forward and 1-speed reverse gearbox, allowing for versatile operation across various terrains. The gear ratio design aids in optimizing torque delivery, beneficial for both agricultural tasks and hauling. However, the limited reverse gear could be a challenge in certain maneuvering scenarios, potentially requiring additional effort for tight spaces.

Type gear
Gears 5 forward and 1 reverse

TRANSMISSION 2

The International Harvester 544 tractor features a two-speed power shift transmission with a torque amplifier, allowing for enhanced torque management during load conditions. This setup provides a total of 10 forward and 2 reverse gears, which facilitates versatility and efficiency in various agricultural tasks. However, operators might face a learning curve with the power shift mechanism, necessitating skillful gear selection for optimal performance.

Transmission Torque Amplifier
Type two-speed power shift
Gears 10 forward and 2 reverse

TRANSMISSION 3

The International Harvester 544 tractor features a hydrostatic transmission, allowing for smooth, infinite speed adjustments in both forward and reverse, which enhances maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces or during delicate tasks. While it provides excellent control, hydrostatic systems may require more maintenance and can be less efficient under heavy loads compared to gear-driven systems. Ideal for applications such as landscaping and gardening, the 544 excels in versatility but may not be the best choice for high-torque farming tasks.

Type hydrostatic
Gears infinite forward and reverse

TRANSMISSION 4

The International Harvester 544 features a shuttle transmission system, allowing seamless gear shifts between forward and reverse within its 5-speed configuration. This can enhance operator efficiency, especially in tasks requiring frequent directional changes, such as loader work. However, operators should be cautious with clutch engagement to prevent wear or potential damage to the transmission over prolonged use.

Type shuttle
Gears 5 forward and reverse

MECHANICAL

The International Harvester 544 features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which offers lower initial costs and less maintenance but may limit traction in challenging terrain. Its power steering and disc brakes enhance operator control and safety, particularly beneficial in field operations. The versatile transmission options—5-speed gear, 10-speed power shift, hydrostatic, and 5-speed shuttle—allow for customized performance across a variety of tasks, making it suitable for both light farming and towing applications.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Steering power
Brakes disc
Cab Open operator station
Transmissions 5-speed gear/10-speed two-speed power shift/hydrostatic/5-speed shuttle

HYDRAULICS

Pump flow 6 gpm /22.7 lpm
Total flow 12gpm / 45.4lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Rear Type 2

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear PTO independent
Rear RPM 540/1000

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 544 TIRES

The International Harvester 544 features a robust tire configuration with Ag front tires (6.00-16) and Ag rear tires (14.9-28), offering a solid grip and stability for field operations. This setup enhances traction in various soil conditions, making it ideal for tillage and row cropping. However, the relatively smaller front tires may limit maneuverability in tighter spaces, necessitating strategic navigation during tasks.

Ag front 6.00-16
Ag rear 14.9-28

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 73inches / 185cm
Length 138inches / 350cm
Width 71inches / 180cm
Height (steering wheel) 62inches / 157cm
Clearance (front axle) 18inches / 45cm
Clearance (drawbar) 11inches / 27cm

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 544 WEIGHT

Gasoline Shipping 4980lbs / 2258kg
Diesel Shipping 5220lbs / 2367kg
Diesel gear Operating 7195lbs / 3263kg
Diesel hydro Operating 7215lbs / 3272kg

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The International Harvester 544 features a 73-inch wheelbase, providing stability during operation and enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces. With a weight range of 4,980 to 7,215 pounds, it offers a solid platform suitable for various tasks, albeit it may pose challenges in transportability and ground pressure in softer soils. The tire specifications—6.00-16 in the front and 14.9-28 in the rear—suggest good traction for agricultural applications; however, owners should consider potential replacement costs and availability of these tire sizes.

Wheelbase 73inches / 185cm
Weight 4980 to 7215 pounds
Front tire 6.00-16
Rear tire 14.9-28

544 SERIAL NUMBERS

Location Serial number plate on the right side of the tractor, on the clutch housing.
1968 10250
1969 12699
1970 14589
1971 16018
1972 16838
1973 17341


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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