Compare/International Harvester 1206 vs International Harvester 1256

International Harvester 1206 vs International Harvester 1256

Verdict: International Harvester 1206 vs International Harvester 1256

The International Harvester 1206 and the International Harvester 1256 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. International Harvester 1256 leads on rated power with 116 hp against 113 hp. International Harvester 1206 is the lighter machine (4,588 kg vs 9,940 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. International Harvester 1256 holds more fuel (159.0 L vs 132.5 L) for longer stints between fills. International Harvester 1256 is the newer design (1967 vs 1965). In short: choose the International Harvester 1256 for outright pulling power, or the International Harvester 1206 if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.

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Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

International Harvester

Fit score

Best match

Clear

International Harvester

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

113 hp

116 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

International HarvesterReference

The Torque Amplifier (TA) provides a clutchless power shift between Direct Drive (DD) and the lower TA gearing.Reference

Four gears (1-4) in two ranges (low/high) plus reverse range. The Torque Amplifier (TA) allows a clutchless shift from direct drive (DD) to the lower TA speed in all gears and ranges.Reference

Total built

1,289Reference

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Variants

IH 1206

standard frontReference

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Farmall 1206

row-cropReference

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Wheatland

larger platform, heavy drawbarReference

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Farmall 1256

—

row-cropReference

IH 1256

—

standardReference

Engine

Fuel tank

132.5 LReference

159.0 LReference

Drawbar (claimed)

74.3 kWReference

—

Drawbar (tested)

70.8 kWReference

76.1 kWReference

Displacement

5.9 LReference

6.7 LReference

Bore/Stroke

105 x 108 mmReference

110 x 117 mmReference

Air cleaner

two-stage dryReference

dual dry elementsReference

Compression

17.0:1Reference

17:1Reference

Rated RPM

2400Reference

Starter volts

12Reference

Power at rated engine speed

84.0 kWReference

86.6 kWReference

Max power

70.8 kWReference

76.1 kWReference

Oil capacity

—

64.4 LReference

Coolant capacity

—

22.7 LReference

Transmission

Type

partial power shiftReference

Gears

16 forward and 8 reverseReference

Transmission

Torque AmplifierReference

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (claimed)

84.0 kWReference

84.3 kWReference

PTO (tested)

84.0 kWReference

86.6 kWReference

Valves

0 to 2Reference

1Reference

Pump flow

45.4 lpmReference

30.3 lpmReference

Rear Type

IIIReference

III/IIReference

Rear PTO

independentReference

Rear PTO Type

1000Reference

Power at rated PTO speed

79.5 kWReference

84.5 kWReference

Engine RPM

—

1000@2100Reference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

231 cmReference

233 cmReference

Weight

4588 kgReference

9940 to 11030 poundsReference

Front tire

11.00-16Reference

10.00-16Reference

Rear tire

24.5-32Reference

18.4-38 (Farmall)Reference

Ag front

11.00-16Reference

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Ag rear

24.5-32Reference

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Length

388 cmReference

416 cmReference

Width

238 cmReference

233 cmReference

Height (steering wheel)

218 cmReference

Operating weight

4588 kgReference

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Ballasted weight

6159 kgReference

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Bar rear axle

82 mmReference

Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 11.00-16. Rear: 24.5-32 (International)Reference

Shipping

—

5003 kgReference

Operating

—

4719 kgReference

Ballasted

—

6264 kgReference

1206 Serial Number Location

1206 Serial Numbers

1965

7501Reference

—

1966

7772Reference

—

1967

8492Reference

7501 (IH)Reference

Test results

Fuel use

26.5 l/hourReference

28.8 l/hourReference

Max pull

4873 kgReference

5036 kgReference

1256 Serial Numbers

1968

—

7703 (IH)Reference

1969

—

8444 (IH)Reference

Location:

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Serial number place on the left side of the 1256, on the clutch housing.Reference

Electrical

Charging system

—

alternatorReference

Charging amps

—

55Reference

Batteries

—

2Reference

Battery volts

—

6Reference

Battery AH

—

204Reference

Speeds

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.