International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table- Today
| Model | Production Years | Starting Serial # | Ending Serial # | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Farmall H | 1939-1954 | 501 | 398,693 | | Farmall M | 1939-1954 | 501 | 724,861 | | Farmall Cub | 1947-1964 | 501 | 235,382 | | Farmall A | 1939-1947 | 501 | 117,764 | | Farmall B | 1940-1947 | 501 | 89,043 | | Farmall Super H | 1952-1954 | 501 | 29,346 | | Farmall Super M | 1952-1954 | 501 | 44,038 | | Farmall 300 | 1954-1956 | 501 | 16,849 | | Farmall 400 | 1954-1956 | 501 | 20,091 |
Unlike modern vehicles with VINs located in standardized spots, older tractors can be tricky. International Harvester placed serial numbers in a few specific locations depending on the era and model.
1. The Serial Number Plate (Tag) For most tractors, look for a thin metal plate riveted to the instrument panel (dashboard) or the side of the clutch housing. This plate usually lists the Model, Serial Number, and sometimes the Speed Ratio.
2. The Engine Block On older models (like the Letter Series), the serial number is often stamped directly into a boss (a flat, raised surface) on the engine block, typically on the left side near the carburetor or magneto.
3. The Casting Codes If the tag is missing and the engine pad is rusty or ground down, you can estimate the age using casting codes. IH cast dates into their parts (blocks, heads, housings) using a letter-number code.
Before we dive into the tables, it is important to understand why these numbers matter. International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-
For decades, International Harvester (IH) and its successor, Case IH, manufactured some of the most iconic farm machinery in history. From the legendary Farmall letter series to the powerful 1066, these tractors are still working fields and pulling at antique tractor pulls today.
Whether you are a collector trying to authenticate a barn find, a farmer looking for the correct parts, or a restorer determining the exact year of your machine, you need one tool above all others: the International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table.
This article provides a deep dive into how to read these tables, locate your serial number, and decode the history hidden in those digits.
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International Harvester (IH) and Farmall tractor production years are identified via serial number plates located on the engine block, transmission, or front bolster. If the plate is missing, casting date codes on major components can be used to determine the year. Detailed, model-specific serial number tables are available from sources such as the Wisconsin Historical Society IH Archives Bates Corporation Wisconsin Historical Society | Model | Production Years | Starting Serial
Understanding an International Harvester (IH) tractor serial number table is essential for collectors, restorers, and owners to accurately determine a machine's production year and model specifications. Unlike modern automobiles that use standard 17-character VINs, vintage IH tractors use sequential serial numbers, often with unique factory prefixes and "Kind/Code" systems. How to Use an IH Serial Number Table
Most IH serial number lists, such as those found on TractorData.com, show the starting serial number for each production year.
The Rule of Ranges: Your tractor was built in a specific year if its serial number is equal to or greater than that year’s starting number, but less than the starting number of the following year.
Example: If the 1955 starting number is 501 and the 1956 starting number is 20,219, a tractor with serial number 15,000 was manufactured in 1955. International Harvester Serial Number Table (Select Models)
The following table provides starting serial numbers for several iconic IH and Case International models as recorded by collectors and historical archives. Starting Serial Number Farmall Cub Case Model 10-20 Case Model 385 Case Model 530 Before we dive into the tables, it is
Note: For a comprehensive list of thousands of models, enthusiasts often refer to official IH Archival Resources or the International Harvester Identification Guide. Where to Find Your Serial Number Tag
Identifying the year requires finding the physical identification plate. Common locations include: IH Tractors - identifying model from serial number
You cannot use the table if you cannot find the number. On International Harvester tractors, the location changed depending on the era:
Pro Tip: Clean the area with a wire brush and use chalk or a crayon to rub over the stampings. If the plate is missing, look for the "VIN" stamping directly into the cast iron.
In 1952-1954, IH added “Super” to denote upgrades (disk brakes, stronger hydraulics). The serial number table for these models often overlaps the standard letter series.