Serial decoder

PretendFarmer · Jul 2, 2013

I am looking for a serial decoder. Anyone know where one is? My Farmall H serial is FBH348938X1A. I am told the X1 is gas(high compression) and the A is low first gear. I am wondering how people know that.

CNKS · Jul 2, 2013

Don't know if it is still in print, but Guy Fay has a data book with that info in it. They are also listed in most IH service manuals and/or parts manuals that you can use anyway. The first thing I do when I buy a tractor is to order the manuals.

mkirsch · Jul 2, 2013

I don't think anyone has ever compiled a complete serial number code reference for all IH tractors. It's in bits and pieces around the web and in service manuals for specific tractors like CKNS said. The Guy Fay book

For the most part the information is passed around by word of mouth these days.

PretendFarmer · Jul 2, 2013

Ill look up this Guy Fay book. Im sure it will be handy. Thanks.

BillOHIO · Jul 2, 2013

Good info from CNKS and mkirsch.

Guy Fay's book covers tractors from 1921 thru 1958 and I refer to it often on these models. Guy did good job pulling a lot of info together and putting it an easy to use handbook.Also don't know if still in print but here is info:

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER TRACTOR DATA BOOK
by GUY FAY
VOYAGEUR PRESS 1-800-826-6600
VoyageurPress.com

Your tractor was produced in 1950 which you probably already know.

Enjoy your H, Bill

earlschieb · Jul 2, 2013

The A, stands for slow 1st gear, as in Corn Picker Tractor I imagine, maybe a Cotton Picker anyone???? I have an X1F, as in high speed gears, and I love it, would like to have an X1A to go with it.

sflem849 · Jul 2, 2013

(quoted from post at 06:36:02 07/02/13) The A, stands for slow 1st gear, as in Corn Picker Tractor I imagine, maybe a Cotton Picker anyone???? I have an X1F, as in high speed gears, and I love it, would like to have an X1A to go with it.

Come to WI and get it. I have an H with slow gears. $1000

PretendFarmer · Jul 2, 2013

(reply to post at 14:52:05 07/02/13)

Im really happy I came across it. The guy wanted $1300 for it. I gave him $1100. Ran, but had a miss(turned out to be valve lash out of adjustment). Recent rebuild and from the paper work, they were very thorough on the rebuild. Got the crank measured and all. From new bearings to new pistons, rebuild. Only real thing wrong with it is the brakes are locked up.
The low first gear will be great in the 6500# class pulls. Don't think the H could hang with the big boys if it didnt have that gear. My buddies H has the low first so I know it'll do it.

D Slater · Jul 2, 2013

Most times the codes in the latest printed parts manual for the tractor in question will have the least mistakes. Previous manuals will have less of the codes because more were added as time went on. H tractors didn't use codes below serial number 20891. Some special codes can still be missing sometimes.

D Slater · Jul 2, 2013

Hope a picture

Owen Aaland · Jul 2, 2013

You can use the same listing for a Farmall M. The only difference is the M also has X12 for pneumatic tires.

rhtx55 · Jul 3, 2013

You can look up the suffix codes, prefix codes, and serial number production lists provided by the Wisconsin State Historical Society.
Go to their site look under McCormick - International Harvester collection
The first page go down to serial number lists, they are listed by factory.
They provide this info for free, throwing a donation their way whenever possible would ensure this information stays available.

Serial decoder

PretendFarmer

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CNKS

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mkirsch

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PretendFarmer

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BillOHIO

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earlschieb

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sflem849

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PretendFarmer

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D Slater

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Owen Aaland

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rhtx55

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