International Harvester 986
The International Harvester 986 is a powerful row crop tractor made from 1976 to 1981. It has a 2WD drive system and a sturdy 4x2 chassis, making it great for field work. The tractor comes with a cab for driver comfort and uses power steering to make turning easier. Under the hood, the 986 has a strong 6-cylinder diesel engine made by International Harvester. This engine has above average displacement at 436 cubic inches and runs at a very high 2400 rpm. The tractor weighs 13,030 pounds, which is about average for its class. It has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 5,755 pounds, which is also average. The 986 has two PTO speeds - 540 and 1000 rpm - giving farmers flexibility for different tasks. With its 16 forward and 8 reverse gears, this tractor offers plenty of speed options for various farm jobs.

Quick specs
- Category
- Row Crop
- Operating Weight
- 13,030 lb
- Transmission
- Partial Power Shift
Overview
About the International Harvester 986
The International Harvester 986 is a powerful row crop tractor made from 1976 to 1981. It has a 2WD drive system and a sturdy 4x2 chassis, making it great for field work. The tractor comes with a cab for driver comfort and uses power steering to make turning easier. Under the hood, the 986 has a strong 6-cylinder diesel engine made by International Harvester. This engine has above average displacement at 436 cubic inches and runs at a very high 2400 rpm. The tractor weighs 13,030 pounds, which is about average for its class. It has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 5,755 pounds, which is also average. The 986 has two PTO speeds - 540 and 1000 rpm - giving farmers flexibility for different tasks. With its 16 forward and 8 reverse gears, this tractor offers plenty of speed options for various farm jobs.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | 986 |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1976–1981 |
| Operating weight | 13,030lb |
Engine
| Make | International Harvester |
|---|---|
| Model | D436 |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 436ci |
| Bore | 4.3in |
| Stroke | 5in |
Transmission
| Type | Partial Power Shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 8 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Power Assist |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Cab | Cab |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open Center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 167in |
|---|---|
| Width | 102in |
| Height | 112in |
| Operating weight | 13,030lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 6.5gal |
|---|
Head to head
986 vs. Row Crop median
How the International Harvester 986 compares to other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 436 ci | 391 ci | +12% | 75th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 16 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 13,030 lb | 12,307 lb | +6% | 55th |
| Length | 167 in | 180 in | -7% | 32nd |
| Width | 102 in | 91.2 in | +12% | 91st |
| Height | 112 in | 114 in | -1% | 44th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 5,755 lb | 11,023 lb | -48% | 13th |
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 1046 | 108.5 hp | 8,929 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1055 | 100 hp | 9,635 lb | — | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1066 | 108 hp | 12,148 lb | 1971–1976 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1086 | 130 hp | 12,715 lb | 1976–1981 | Compare → |
| International Harvester 1206 | 110 hp | 10,115 lb | 1965–1967 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance-Rumely 6A | — | 6,370 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely DoAll | — | 3,702 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull B 25/45 | — | 25,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull E 30/60 | — | 26,300 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull F 15/30 | — | 16,500 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
International Harvester 986 photos





FAQ
Common questions
When was the International Harvester 986 in production?
International Harvester 986 production started in 1976 and ended in 1981.
How much does the International Harvester 986 weigh?
The International Harvester 986 weighs about 13,030 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the International Harvester 986?
Transmission on the International Harvester 986 is Partial Power Shift, with 16 forward speeds.
What type of hydraulic system does the International Harvester 986 use?
Hydraulics on the International Harvester 986 are Open Center.
What hitch category is the International Harvester 986?
The International Harvester 986 uses a Category II hitch with a lift capacity of 5,755 lb.
How many cylinders does the International Harvester 986 have?
The International Harvester 986 runs a 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 436 ci.
What maintenance does the International Harvester 986 require?
Like any tractor, the International Harvester 986 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.
