IH insider drills deep into what went wrong with International Harvester
How did one of the most successful farm equipment and truck manufacturers in history go under? In The Breakup: What Really Happened, former International Harvester Co. (IHC) executive and dealer Paul Wallem provides an insider’s look at how a perfect storm of problems killed the iconic brand.
To gather content for the book, Wallem conducted interviews of dealers and customers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Sweden, and included discussions with restorers and collectors. Former IH and Case IH company personnel who were involved with the 1984 transition were also interviewed.
“Being a dealer is more than a job,” Wallem says. “It’s a way of life, and owners often invest everything they have.” International built more than 5 million tractors before 1984, he notes, and every one of them was sold by a dealer – but dealers are often invisible in historical International accounts. In this book, Wallem sets out to change that record.
In a series of first-hand accounts illustrated with vintage images, Wallem assembles a rarely seen perspective on a company and a brand that continue to have an enormous following. It is a chance for those who “bleed red” to have their say and share their enduring affection for the iconic brand.
The Breakup: What Really Happened, 2019, Paul Wallem, Bantry Bay Books, softcover, 192 pages, color photographs, and archival images, $28.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Farmall Cub in one handy reference
A new book co-authored by Kenneth Updike and Rachel Gingell is titled Farmall Cub Encylopedia: The Essential Guide to Models, History, Implements, and Repair. Based on its scope, it might just as well be titled The Guide to the Entire Farmall Cub Universe.
The shared effort by Updike (a regular contributor to Red Power and Heritage Iron, and author of several books on Farmall and International Harvester tractors) and Gingell (a tractor repair expert who’s produced video tutorials) has paid off in a comprehensive source for the novice and experienced collector alike.
The handsomely produced book includes a chapter on Cub history, a guide to Cub models, mechanical systems details, tips on buying a Cub, information on implements, paint, and decals, and a meaty section on repair and maintenance. The latter section is lavishly illustrated with full-color photos and clear, simple instructions. A must-have for the Cub collector!
Farmall Cub Encyclopedia: The Essential Guide to Models, History, Implements, and Repair, 2019, Kenneth Updike and Rachel Gingell, softcover, 176 pages, color photographs and archival images, $40, available at FarmCollector.com/Store.
Save the date with the 2020 Classic Farm Tractors calendar
Looking to get 2020 off to a great start? Hang a copy of the 31st collector’s edition of The Original Classic Farm Tractors calendar on your wall. Celebrating a calendar that enjoys enduring appeal, the current incarnation of the John Harvey product (now produced by Josh Deaven) delivers a year’s worth of exceptional antique and vintage tractors.
This year’s lineup is one of the best, including a well-considered mix of early and later tractors, as well as rare pieces you don’t see every day: a 1971 International 766, 1959 Ford 961 Powermaster, 1953 Minneapolis-Moline BF, 1958 International 130, 1959 Volvo T425, 1949 Allis-Chalmers WF, 1960 John Deere 435 Diesel, 1969 Case Agri King 970, 1930 Hart-Parr 18-36, 1956 Massey-Harris Super 80 combine, 1947 Detroit Tractor 44-16 and a 1956 John Deere 60 LP Orchard.
Exceptional photography by Mike Hood, Brian Baxter, and Wendel Kelch captures each classic in its element. With the possible exception of the January tractor, photographed in the snow on a day when the color of the sky matches the color of the ground, you will look at these photos and just want to be there.
Choice nuggets of information on each tractor deliver just the right amount of information on the unique company history, design, or back story of the tractor. A few major shows are highlighted on the calendar pages, but there’s still plenty of space to pencil in your “red letter days.” The perfect gift for any tractor collector or enthusiast on your list!
John Harvey’s The Original Classic Farm Tractors Calendar (14 by 10 inches), available online at www.classictractorfever.farm or by calling (800) 888-8979.
Kit helps solve the hydro issue
If your collection includes an International Harvester hydro tractor or combine, you may be interested to learn about a Kansas company that has come up with a kit to test the hydrostatic transmission or hydrostat pump and motor.
Herrs Machine Hydrostatics in Washington, Kansas, has 50 years of experience in hydrostat repair. Their kits test pressures, and also have all needed adapters to isolate other components that may cause the hydro to seem weak. Check out their instructional videos on their Facebook page and website at www.herrshydro.com.
Herrs fully supports the following tractor models with brand-new parts needed for proper hydro function: IH 656, 544, 666, Hydro 70, Hydro 86, 826, 966, 1026, 1066, Hydro 100, Hydro 186, and 3488 Hydro. Nationwide shipping is available on their Dyno Tested Reman Transmissions as well as entire tractors.
For more information: Raleigh Ordoyne, Herrs Machine, 1745 Prospect Blvd., Washington, KS 66968; (785) 325-2875.
