| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
| Price | - |
| Model | W-450 |
| Equipment Type | Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory | Rock Island, Illinois, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 533 2
| Description | Gasoline Torque Amplifier 2WD March 28 - April 8, 1955 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 533 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 51.94hp / 38.7kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 4.4gal/hour / 16.7l/hour |
| Max power | 45.84hp / 34.2kW |
| Max pull | 6,361lbs / 2885kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 535 2
| Description | Diesel Torque Amplifier 2WD April 8 - 20, 1955 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 535 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 46.61hp / 34.8kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 3.4gal/hour / 12.9l/hour |
| Max power | 41.20hp / 30.7kW |
| Max pull | 6,476lbs / 2937kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 572 2
| Description | LP gas Torque Amplifier 2WD May 9 - 25, 1956 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 572 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) | 50.72hp / 37.8kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) | 5.7gal/hour / 21.6l/hour |
| Max power | 47.30hp / 35.3kW |
| Max pull | 6,684lbs / 3031kg |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER W-450 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 34-37hp / 25.4kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 41-46hp / 30.6kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 47.30hp / 35.3kW |
| Belt (tested) | 51.94hp / 38.7kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The International Harvester W-450 features a robust 4.6L 4-cylinder engine available in gasoline, diesel, or LP gas configurations, providing versatility for various agricultural applications. The gasoline variant offers quick start capabilities and lower initial costs, while the diesel option presents improved fuel efficiency and higher torque for demanding tasks. However, the LP gas model may be advantageous for low-emission operations, albeit with potential limitations in fuel availability and storage considerations.
| Description | International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl gasoline/International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl diesel/International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl LP gas |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The International Harvester W-450 features a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 4.6L, delivering adequate power for medium-duty agricultural tasks. Its relatively low compression ratio of 6.6:1 allows for operation on lower octane fuels, but may limit efficiency compared to higher-compression engines. With a rated RPM of 1450, it is suited for torque-heavy applications, making it a reliable choice for tasks requiring sustained low-speed operation, though the 6-volt starter may pose challenges in colder climates.
| Description | International Harvester gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 281ci / 4.6L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.125x5.25inches / 105x 133mm |
| Compression | 6.6:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Coolant capacity | 28qts / 26.5L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The International Harvester W-450's 4.6L diesel engine with a high compression ratio of 17.45:1 provides efficient combustion and optimal torque at a rated RPM of 1450, making it well-suited for heavy-duty applications. With a bore and stroke of 4.125 x 5.25 inches, this tractor can deliver substantial power while maintaining stability during operation. However, the relatively low RPM may limit its maximum speed capabilities compared to modern counterparts, so it’s ideal for tasks requiring high torque like plowing or towing rather than high-speed transport.
| Description | International Harvester diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 281ci / 4.6L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.125x5.25inches / 105x 133mm |
| Compression | 17.45:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The International Harvester W-450 features a 4-cylinder LP gas engine with a displacement of 281ci, providing efficient power output at a moderate rated RPM of 1450. Its generous bore and stroke dimensions (4.125 x 5.25 inches) suggest a focus on torque rather than peak horsepower, ideal for heavy-duty applications like plowing and towing. While the 8.35:1 compression ratio allows for good fuel efficiency, users should be mindful of the 6-volt starter system, which may limit starting performance in cold conditions.
| Description | International Harvester LP gas 4-cylinder liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 281ci / 4.6L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.125x5.25inches / 105x 133mm |
| Compression | 8.35:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1450 |
| Starter volts | 6 |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER W-450 ENGINES
The International Harvester W-450 tractor features a versatile 4.6L 4-cylinder engine available in gasoline, diesel, and LP gas options, catering to different fuel preferences and operational scenarios. Its substantial 21-gallon (79.5L) fuel tank provides extended run times, reducing downtime for refueling during intensive agricultural tasks. However, the choice of fuel type can impact both performance and operational costs, necessitating careful consideration of specific farming needs and fuel availability.
| Description | International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl gasoline/International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl diesel/International Harvester 4.6L 4-cyl LP gas |
| Fuel tank | 21gal / 79.5L |
TRANSMISSION
The International Harvester W-450 features a two-speed power shift transmission with 10 forward and 2 reverse gears, providing versatile speed control and efficiency in various agricultural tasks. The inclusion of a torque amplifier enhances the tractor's ability to handle increased loads during demanding operations, allowing for greater torque output at lower speeds, which is advantageous for heavy-duty applications. However, operators should be mindful of potential maintenance complexity associated with power shift mechanisms, which can require specialized knowledge for repairs.
| Transmission | Torque Amplifier |
| Type | two-speed power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
MECHANICAL
The International Harvester W-450 features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which provides a stable but limited traction capability, making it ideal for flat terrain but less suited for challenging landscapes. Its open operator station enhances visibility and airflow, yet may expose the operator to the elements, necessitating weather protections for extended use. The 10-speed two-speed power shift transmission offers versatility in speed and torque, advantageous for various agricultural tasks, but may require skilled operation for optimal performance.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Cab | Open operator station |
| Transmission | 10-speed two-speed power shift |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER W-450 TIRES
The International Harvester W-450 features front tires (6.00-16) tailored for maneuverability in tight agricultural spaces, while the large rear tires (15.5-38) provide excellent traction and stability on uneven terrain. Advantageously, this configuration facilitates effective weight distribution, enhancing performance in plowing and tilling operations. However, the larger rear tires may limit speed on paved surfaces, making the tractor less versatile for mixed-use scenarios.
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
| Ag rear | 15.5-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase | 82inches / 208cm |
| Length | 130inches / 330cm |
| Width | 84inches / 213cm |
| Height | 95inches / 241cm |
| Shiping weight | 5720lbs / 2594kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The International Harvester W-450 features an 82-inch wheelbase, providing a stable platform that enhances maneuverability and traction, especially in tight spaces. Its weight of 5720 lbs contributes to good stability during field operations, but may limit mobility on softer terrain. The combination of front 6.00-16 and rear 15.5-38 tires suggests a balance between power and tire footprint, making it suitable for heavier tillage and planting tasks while posing challenges in very muddy conditions.
| Wheelbase | 82inches / 208cm |
| Weight | 5720lbs / 2594kg |
| Front tire | 6.00-16 |
| Rear tire | 15.5-38 |
W-450 SERIAL NUMBERS
| 1956 | 501 |
| 1957 | 567 |
| 1958 | 1661 |
| Final | 2295 |