on the frame or transmission housing to identify the tractor's production year.
| Model | Production Years | Starting Serial # | Ending Serial # | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 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 |
Early production models (like "Prefix" or serial number 501) and final-year models often hold higher collector value. How to Locate and Read IH Serial Numbers
Significant changes in tractor design often happened in the middle of a production year.
By checking multiple casting dates across the tractor, you can find a cluster of matching years. Because parts were typically cast a few weeks or months before final tractor assembly, casting codes will accurately pinpoint your tractor's build year within a very tight window. International Harvester Tractor Serial Number Table-
International Harvester serial number tables, like those found on TractorData or specialized archives, typically list the starting serial number for each year. To find your tractor's year: Locate your model's table. Find where your number falls between two listed years. Your tractor belongs to the year of the
If the plate is missing, check the engine block (typically above the oil filler tube) for a stamped number that often matches or closely follows the tractor’s serial series. Decoding the Kind/Code System
If your serial number tag is illegible or missing, you can use the found on the engine block, transmission, or rear end to find the approximate date. Casting codes typically follow a format like: A234
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to read , where to locate them, and how to interpret the data to determine the manufacturing year. Where to Find Your IH Tractor Serial Number on the frame or transmission housing to identify
If you cannot find the main tag, look for these alternative markings: Engine Block
Decoding your International Harvester (IH) tractor’s serial number is more than just a hobby—it is essential for ordering the right parts, verifying authenticity, and determining your machine's exact age. Whether you are restoring a classic Farmall or maintaining a rugged International crawler, the serial number is your tractor's "birthday" certificate. Where to Find Your Serial Number
If the serial plate is gone, look for raised casting codes on the engine block, transmission, or rear axle housing. IH used a format like 10-11-X – but the standard format is .
Find the tag and write down the number (e.g., on a 1930s model). By checking multiple casting dates across the tractor,
This is the most common reason people consult the table.
For specialized tractors like industrial or overseas models, the Bates Corp list is an invaluable resource for locating harder-to-find serial number tables.
While the table gives you the year, the serial number itself often contains more information.