International Harvester 5488
The International Harvester 5488 is a powerful row crop tractor built from 1981 to 1985. It has a strong diesel engine with six cylinders and 185 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, which helps it work hard in the fields. The tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and hydrostatic power steering, making it easy to control. This tractor is big and sturdy, weighing 17,240 pounds. It has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 8,080 pounds, which is great for heavy farm equipment. The 5488 comes with a comfortable cab that has both heating and air conditioning. It has 18 forward gears and 6 reverse gears, giving farmers lots of options for different tasks. The tractor also has a 1000 rpm PTO for running various tools. Compared to other tractors, the 5488 has above average engine power, weight, and hitch capacity, making it a solid choice for large farms.

Quick specs
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine Power Output
- 185hp
- Operating Weight
- 17,240 lb
- Transmission
- Partial power shift
At a glance
How the 5488 compares
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Row Crop tractors
This model
The 5488 ranks at the 72nd percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the International Harvester 5488
The International Harvester 5488 is a powerful row crop tractor built from 1981 to 1985. It has a strong diesel engine with six cylinders and 185 horsepower. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, which helps it work hard in the fields. The tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and hydrostatic power steering, making it easy to control. This tractor is big and sturdy, weighing 17,240 pounds. It has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 8,080 pounds, which is great for heavy farm equipment. The 5488 comes with a comfortable cab that has both heating and air conditioning. It has 18 forward gears and 6 reverse gears, giving farmers lots of options for different tasks. The tractor also has a 1000 rpm PTO for running various tools. Compared to other tractors, the 5488 has above average engine power, weight, and hitch capacity, making it a solid choice for large farms.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | 5488 |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1981–1985 |
| Operating weight | 17,240lb |
Engine
| Make | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | DTI-466B |
| Power | 185hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 466ci |
| Bore | 4.29in |
| Stroke | 5.35in |
Transmission
| Type | Partial power shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 18 |
| Reverse gears | 6 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Wet disc |
| Cab | Cab standard with heat and A/C |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 196.5in |
|---|---|
| Width | 113.8in |
| Height | 115.7in |
| Operating weight | 17,240lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 8.25gal |
|---|
Head to head
5488 vs. Row Crop median
How the International Harvester 5488 compares to other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 185 hp | 138 hp | +34% | 72nd |
| Engine Displacement | 466 ci | 391 ci | +19% | 82nd |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 18 | 16 | +13% | 61st |
| Operating Weight | 17,240 lb | 12,307 lb | +40% | 74th |
| Length | 197 in | 180 in | +9% | 70th |
| Width | 114 in | 91.2 in | +25% | 96th |
| Height | 116 in | 114 in | +2% | 57th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 8,080 lb | 11,023 lb | -27% | 30th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the row crop tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 279–1,417 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared International Harvester tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Harvester 1566 | 183 hp | 13,200 lb | 1974–1976 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1568 | 172 hp | 12,960 lb | 1974–1976 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1586 | 160 hp | 15,124 lb | 1976–1981 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 5288 | 160 hp | 17,055 lb | 1981–1985 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1466 | 147 hp | 13,480 lb | 1971–1976 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus 1770 | 185 hp | 19,585 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 7580 | 186.35 hp | 25,000 lb | 1977–1981 | Compare → |
| Agrinar T-180 | 182.5 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Ascot Universal A1800A | 180 hp | 21,400 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO RT140A | 179.7 hp | 16,305 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
International Harvester 5488 photos



FAQ
Common questions
When was the International Harvester 5488 in production?
International Harvester 5488 production started in 1981 and ended in 1985.
What hitch category is the International Harvester 5488?
The International Harvester 5488 uses a Category III hitch with a lift capacity of 8,080 lb.
How much horsepower does the International Harvester 5488 have?
The International Harvester 5488 produces 185 hp from its 6-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 466 ci.
How much does the International Harvester 5488 weigh?
The International Harvester 5488 weighs about 17,240 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the International Harvester 5488?
Transmission on the International Harvester 5488 is Partial power shift, with 18 forward speeds.
What type of hydraulic system does the International Harvester 5488 use?
Hydraulics on the International Harvester 5488 are Closed center.
What maintenance does the International Harvester 5488 require?
Like any tractor, the International Harvester 5488 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.


