400, W400 or W450

Brad in WI · Jul 26, 2012

How do you tell the difference between the 3 models listed above? A friend has two tractors that he thinks is a standard tread 400 gas (serial # 538) and a W400 gas (serial # 3591). We are trying to find any differences that are obvious cause the sheetmetal is different between the two and both serial number plates are well worn off. The 400 has an engine casting code of "A" and the W400 has an engine casting code of "B", however by looking at serial number breaks we are wondering if it is a late W400 with alot of W450 parts on it. We would appreciate any help at all. Thanks

ihredo4 · Jul 27, 2012

First thing would be a picture. That would help out significantly. When you say 400 do you mean Farmall 400 or the first six month production of the International 400 which was a PRE-"W" designated tractor? SOmewhere mid production of the W-400 they switched the operators platform from basically an open to closed platform. The open platform would be the same as the Super W6-TA. They are basically the same tractor with a tin change anyhow. The late production W-400 has a dust shield that went from the fender to the cowl/hood tin. The fender also changed from the early style to the "flat-top" fender. Basically these fenders extended up and about half way over the top of the tire. As for the W-450 i have not done any research on them so can't help you other than the date codes. Check the codes located on each axle housing, rear end, engine block and any other place you can locate them. The International 400 and W-400 were introduced in 54 with a Z code and then on into 55 with an A code. 56=B, 57=C. The date code looks like 7 24 A which translates into July(7) 24th 55(A). Hope this helps you some.

mkirsch · Jul 27, 2012

Both the "400 standard tread" and "W400" are the exact same model tractor. Both are "W400" if you could read your serial tags.

You have an early model and a late model.

There were quite a few changes made to the W400 between the 1956 and 1957 model years. The stuff I know about:

The "W" was added to the hood on the later models.
Completely different fenders on the later models.
Dust shields in front of the pedals on the later models.

Basically, you've got a complete set there.

Hugh McKinney · Jul 27, 2012

My 450 has a code on the left rear axle of 2 12 D. Does that mean that it was cast in February of 1958? Thanks.

Andrew Z · Jul 27, 2012

yes

Andrew

400, W400 or W450

Brad in WI

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ihredo4

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mkirsch

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Hugh McKinney

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Andrew Z

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