Compare/International Harvester 280A vs International Harvester 3820

International Harvester 280A vs International Harvester 3820

Verdict: International Harvester 280A vs International Harvester 3820

The International Harvester 280A and the International Harvester 3820 are both backhoe loaders — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. International Harvester 3820 leads on rated power with 101 hp against 97 hp. International Harvester 280A is the lighter machine (8,096 kg vs 15,000 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. International Harvester 280A is the newer design (1978 vs 1971). In short: choose the International Harvester 3820 for outright pulling power, or the International Harvester 280A 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

97 hp

101 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

International HarvesterReference

Full power shift transmission with torque converter.Reference

liquid-cooledReference

Final drives

outboard planetaryReference

planetaryReference

Total built

—

601Reference

Drive

—

4x4 4WDReference

Steering

—

hydrostatic powerReference

Engine

Engine (gross)

72.3 kWReference

75.3 kWReference

Engine (net)

67.1 kWReference

62.6 kWReference

Displacement

5.9 LReference

5.1 LReference

Bore/Stroke

98 x 129 mmReference

98 x 111 mmReference

Power (net)

67.1 kWReference

62.6 kWReference

Power (gross)

72.3 kWReference

75.3 kWReference

Air cleaner

dryReference

—

Pre-heating

ether injectionReference

—

Rated RPM

2300Reference

Starter

electricReference

—

Starter volts

12Reference

—

Oil capacity

14.0 LReference

34.1 LReference

Coolant capacity

16.1 LReference

22.4 LReference

Idle RPM

—

900-2300Reference

Starter type

—

electricReference

Transmission

Type

power shiftReference

full power shiftReference

Gears

3 forward and 2 reverseReference

2 forward and 1 reverseReference

Capacities

Fuel

143.8 LReference

117.3 LReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Hydraulic system

117.3 LReference

206.3 LReference

Capacity

117.3 LReference

206.3 LReference

Pressure

172.4 barReference

165.5 barReference

Pump flow

166.5 lpmReference

172.2 lpmReference

Steering flow

—

34.1 lpmReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

229 cmReference

195 cmReference

Weight

8096 kgReference

15000 to 19500 poundsReference

Front tire

14-17.5Reference

15.5-25Reference

Rear tire

18.4x24Reference

15.5-25Reference

Industrial front

15-19.5Reference

15.5-25Reference

Industrial rear

20.5x25Reference

15.5-25Reference

Length

754 cmReference

690 cmReference

Width

219 cmReference

228 cmReference

Height (ROPS)

277 cmReference

289 cmReference

Height (backhoe)

371 cmReference

373 cmReference

Front tread

172 cmReference

185 cmReference

Rear tread

172 cmReference

185 cmReference

Max front axle

9979 kgReference

9072 kgReference

Max rear axle

8210 kgReference

9072 kgReference

Ground clearance

—

35 cmReference

Shipping

—

8686 kgReference

Operating

—

8845 kgReference

Backhoe & Loader

Dig depth

495 cmReference

496 cmReference

Dump angle

124 cmReference

114 cmReference

280A Serial Numbers

Location:

Serial number plate on top of the right-side frame rail next to the engine.Reference

—

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

—

Charging system

alternatorReference

—

Charging amps

60Reference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

—

Attachment overview

International Backhoe

Backhoe type

International BackhoeReference

Transport height

371 cmReference

373 cmReference

Bucket width

76 cmReference

Digging depth

495 cmReference

496 cmReference

Reach from pivot

607 cmReference

599 cmReference

Loading height

325 cmReference

322 cmReference

Bucket Rotation

171°Reference

Swing Arc

180°Reference

—

Bucket force

5694 kgReference

6058 kgReference

Dipperstick force

3219 kgReference

3191 kgReference

2-Foot flat digging depth

—

492 cmReference

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.