Compare/International Harvester 786 vs International Harvester 856XL

International Harvester 786 vs International Harvester 856XL

Verdict: International Harvester 786 vs International Harvester 856XL

The International Harvester 786 and the International Harvester 856XL are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. International Harvester 786 leads on rated power with 80 hp against 79 hp. International Harvester 856XL is the lighter machine (8,465 kg vs 10,600 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. International Harvester 856XL is the newer design (1983 vs 1980). In short: choose the International Harvester 786 for outright pulling power, or the International Harvester 856XL 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

80 hp

79 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

International HarvesterReference

18.4-34 rear tires.Reference

Four gears in two ranges, plus reverse range, with two-speed power shift.Reference

Total built

1,844Reference

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Final drives

bull gearReference

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Steering

power assistReference

—

Differential lock

—

mechanical rearReference

Engine

Drawbar (tested)

51.5 kWReference

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Displacement

5.9 LReference

3.9 LReference

Bore/Stroke

98 x 129 mmReference

Air cleaner

dual dry elementReference

—

Rated RPM

2400Reference

2300Reference

Coolant capacity

22.7 LReference

21.0 LReference

Oil capacity

85.2 LReference

42.0 LReference

Power at rated engine speed

59.8 kWReference

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Max power

51.5 kWReference

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Engine

—

63.4 kWReference

Power

—

63.4 kWReference

Fuel system

—

direct injectionReference

Torque

—

310.5 NmReference

Torque RPM

—

1600Reference

Starter volts

—

12Reference

Transmission

Torque AmplifierReference

IH SynchronReference

Gears

16 forward and 8 reverseReference

16 forward and 4 reverseReference

Oil type

IH Hy-Tran/B-6Reference

—

Clutch

—

310mm dry discReference

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (tested)

59.8 kWReference

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Hydraulic system

85.2 LReference

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Type

two-speed power shiftReference

Capacity

85.2 LReference

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Rear Type

II/IReference

IIReference

Rear PTO

independentReference

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Rear PTO Type

540/1000 (1.375)Reference

540/1000Reference

Power at rated PTO speed

57.7 kWReference

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PTO (claimed)

—

59.0 kWReference

Pressure

—

170.0 barReference

Pump flow

—

29.9 lpmReference

Control

—

position and draft controlReference

Rear lift

—

3949 kgReference

Capacities

Fuel

83.3 LReference

106.0 LReference

Front axle

—

9.0 LReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

256 cmReference

—

Weight

10600 to 11590 poundsReference

8465 to 9082 poundsReference

Front tire

9.5L-15Reference

7.50-18Reference

Rear tire

18.4-34Reference

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Ag front

9.5L-15Reference

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Ag rear

18.4-34Reference

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Length

419 cmReference

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Width

259 cmReference

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Height (ROPS)

284 cmReference

—

Shipping weight

4808 kgReference

—

Operating weight

5257 kgReference

—

Ground clearance

33 cmReference

—

Bar rear axle

82 mmReference

—

2WD Wheelbase

—

238 cmReference

4WD Wheelbase

—

234 cmReference

2WD Rear tire

—

16.9R34Reference

2WD Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 7.50-18. Rear: 16.9R34Reference

4WD Standard tires (ag)

—

Front: 13.6R24. Rear: 18.4R34Reference

2WD Length

—

368 cmReference

4WD Length

—

382 cmReference

2WD Weight

—

3839 kgReference

4WD Weight

—

4119 kgReference

2WD Clearance (front axle)

—

52 cmReference

4WD Clearance (front axle)

—

40 cmReference

Clearance (rear axle)

—

73 cmReference

2WD Front tread

—

134 to 182 cmReference

4WD Front tread

—

165 to 180 cmReference

Rear tread

—

157 to 198 cmReference

786 Serial Numbers

1980

6601Reference

—

1981

8936Reference

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Location:

Serial number plate on the right-frame of the tractor frame.Reference

—

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

alternatorReference

Charging amps

61 (with cab)Reference

33Reference

Batteries

2Reference

—

Battery CCA

470Reference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

Battery AH

—

88Reference

Test results

Fuel use

18.5 l/hourReference

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Max pull

4521 kgReference

—

Speeds

International Harvester 856XL Height

2WD Cab

—

266 cmReference

4WD Cab

—

268 cmReference

Exhaust

—

282 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.