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The Enduring Legacy of International Harvester: A Pioneer in Farming Equipment

### The Birth of a Legend: International Harvester's Early Years In the early 20th century, International Harvester (IH) was formed through the merger of multiple companies, including the Deering Harvester Company and McCormick Harvesting Machine Company. This union marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for the company, which would go on to revolutionize the farming equipment industry. One of the most iconic models to emerge from IH's stable was the Farmall, a row-crop tractor that would find commercial success and become a staple of American agriculture. ### The Farmall H: A Record-Breaking Success The Farmall H, introduced in the late 1930s, would go on to become the best-selling crop tractor model of all time, with over 390,000 units sold between the mid-1930s and mid-1950s. This achievement was a testament to the innovative design and engineering that IH had brought to the table. The Farmall H's success can be attributed ...

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### The Birth of a Legend: International Harvester’s Early Years

In the early 20th century, International Harvester (IH) was formed through the merger of multiple companies, including the Deering Harvester Company and McCormick Harvesting Machine Company. This union marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for the company, which would go on to revolutionize the farming equipment industry. One of the most iconic models to emerge from IH’s stable was the Farmall, a row-crop tractor that would find commercial success and become a staple of American agriculture.

### The Farmall H: A Record-Breaking Success

The Farmall H, introduced in the late 1930s, would go on to become the best-selling crop tractor model of all time, with over 390,000 units sold between the mid-1930s and mid-1950s. This achievement was a testament to the innovative design and engineering that IH had brought to the table. The Farmall H’s success can be attributed to its impressive power output, combined with its durability and reliability, making it an ideal choice for farmers seeking to increase productivity.

### Powering the Future: The McCormick Super WD-9

As the 1950s dawned, IH continued to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation with the introduction of the McCormick Super WD-9. This tractor offered a significant boost in power, making it an attractive option for farmers seeking to capitalize on the increasing efficiency of fertilizers and pesticides. The McCormick Super WD-9’s enhanced capabilities marked a significant milestone in the evolution of farming equipment, cementing IH’s position as a leader in the industry.

### Heavy-Duty Field Work: The 1586 Tractor

In the mid-1970s, IH unveiled the 1586 tractor, a behemoth of a machine that boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine. Designed for heavy-duty field work, the 1586 was a testament to IH’s commitment to innovation and its ability to cater to the needs of farmers seeking to maximize their productivity. Although the 1586 was produced for a relatively short period, its impact on the agricultural landscape was undeniable.

### A Legacy that Endures

International Harvester’s contributions to the farming equipment industry have had a lasting impact on American agriculture. From the iconic Farmall to the groundbreaking McCormick Super WD-9, IH’s legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of perseverance. As the company’s story comes full circle, its impact on the industry remains a reminder of the transformative power of technology and engineering.

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