The International Harvester 560: popular collector’s item

Apr 06, 2017

This tractor was the first six-cylinder diesel engine manufactured by International Harvester

IN THE SHOP with Rachel

By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com

The International Harvester 560 is a landmark tractor and a popular collector’s item. The tractor is fun to restore and, with a little bit of TLC, can still be useful around the farm.

IH collectors hold a lot of nostalgia for these tractors and it’s not hard to understand why. The tractor’s claim to fame: it was the first 6 cylinder diesel engine manufactured by International Harvester. The tractor’s 50+ horsepower was a revelation for farmers around North America, who flocked to this innovative and high-powered tractor. The independent PTO, and optional factory loader and backhoe attachments made for a complete package.

More than 60,000 of these tractors were manufactured from 1958 until 1963. The tractor was available in gasoline, diesel and LP gas options – but the diesel was (and still is) the most popular choice. Other options included hydrostatic power steering. In a standard configuration, the tractor wears the “International” brand name – the row-crop is designated “Farmall.”

I think another reason why collectors love this tractor is because it requires a bit of TLC every now and then. Compared to modern diesel tractors, this model starts hard. Each cylinder has its own glowplug and it can be a trick to keep all six in good working condition. Once you get it right, though, you’ll be rewarded with a really fun tractor!

If you’re looking to get into restoration and collection, the IH 560 Diesel is a great place to start. It’s popular enough that parts are still easy to come by at a reasonable price. The tractor’s significant place in history makes for a fun story to tell at shows, too. This tractor isn’t just for show, though – it’s beefy enough to be put to work once you’ve fixed it up.

One thing to watch for: early models had a problem with the rear end. (The final drive wasn’t strong enough.) IH dealers replaced the rear ends, which fixed the problem. It’s unlikely but there could still be some tractors out there with the old, faulty rear ends. If the serial number is below 20,000 or so, check the rear end carefully before purchase. The serial number is located on the clutch housing.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.