Brand siblingUtilityPerformance profile
International Harvester 553
The International Harvester 553 is a utility tractor built for everyday farm work. It has a 2-wheel drive system and a manual steering setup. The tractor uses a partially synchronized transmission with 8 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, giving the driver good control over speed and power. Under the hood, the 553 has a 3-cylinder diesel engine made by International Harvester. The engine is liquid-cooled and has average displacement for its class. It produces 52 horsepower at 2180 rpm, which is about average power for utility tractors. The tractor weighs 5950 pounds, making it a bit heavier than many similar models. It measures 135 inches long, 70.4 inches wide, and 69.1 inches tall. The 553 comes with a three-point hitch that can handle both category II and I implements, making it versatile for different farm tasks. It also features an electric starter for easy operation and has a wheelbase of 78.7 inches with standard 16.9-30 rear tires.
ManufacturerInternational HarvesterPower52 hpEngine3-cylTransPartially synchronized
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 52hp
- Operating Weight
- 5,950 lb
- Transmission
- Partially synchronized
At a glance
How the 553 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
52 hp · 47th
This model
9
Median 55 hp
177
This modelUtility tractorsMediann = 5,383
The 553 ranks at the 47th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the International Harvester 553
The International Harvester 553 is a utility tractor built for everyday farm work. It has a 2-wheel drive system and a manual steering setup. The tractor uses a partially synchronized transmission with 8 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, giving the driver good control over speed and power. Under the hood, the 553 has a 3-cylinder diesel engine made by International Harvester. The engine is liquid-cooled and has average displacement for its class. It produces 52 horsepower at 2180 rpm, which is about average power for utility tractors. The tractor weighs 5950 pounds, making it a bit heavier than many similar models. It measures 135 inches long, 70.4 inches wide, and 69.1 inches tall. The 553 comes with a three-point hitch that can handle both category II and I implements, making it versatile for different farm tasks. It also features an electric starter for easy operation and has a wheelbase of 78.7 inches with standard 16.9-30 rear tires.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | 553 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Operating weight | 5,950lb |
Engine
| Make | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | D-179 |
| Power | 52hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 179ci |
| Bore | 3.88in |
| Stroke | 5.06in |
Transmission
| Type | Partially synchronized |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 8 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
Dimensions
| Length | 135in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.4in |
| Height | 69.1in |
| Operating weight | 5,950lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 4.1gal |
|---|
Head to head
553 vs. Utility median
How the International Harvester 553 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 52 hp | 55 hp | -5% | 47th |
| Engine Displacement | 179 ci | 183 ci | -2% | 48th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 8 | 12 | -33% | 23rd |
| Operating Weight | 5,950 lb | 5,303 lb | +12% | 56th |
| Length | 135 in | 137 in | -1% | 48th |
| Width | 70.4 in | 66 in | +7% | 61st |
| Height | 69.1 in | 94.1 in | -27% | 15th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared International Harvester tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Harvester 523 | 52 hp | 5,380 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester 633 | 52 hp | 5,158 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester D-514 | 53 hp | 5,556 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester 485 | 53.6 hp | 5,622 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester 454 | 50 hp | 4,400 lb | 1970–1973 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO GT45 | 52 hp | 4,806 lb | — | Compare → |
| Agco GT45A | 52 hp | 5,820.3 lb | — | Compare → |
| Barreiros 50.55 | 52 hp | 5,100 lb | — | Compare → |
| Barreiros R-500 | 52 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Agco ST52a | 52.1 hp | 3,494.4 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
International Harvester 553 photos
FAQ
Common questions
How powerful is the International Harvester 553?
The International Harvester 553 has an engine power output of 52 hp. It is powered by a 3-cylinder engine displacing 179 ci.
What hitch category is the International Harvester 553?
The International Harvester 553 uses a Category II/I hitch.
What is the working weight of the International Harvester 553?
The operating weight of the International Harvester 553 is approximately 5,950 lb.
What type of transmission does the International Harvester 553 have?
The International Harvester 553 uses a Partially synchronized transmission offering 8 forward gears.
What routine service does the International Harvester 553 need?
Regular maintenance for the International Harvester 553 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.