International Harvester 956 Overview
The International Harvester 956 is listed from 1982 through 1985 with a 358 cu in (5.9 L) direct-injection diesel rated at 95 hp and a 16-forward, 8-reverse two-speed power-shift transmission. Published data also lists an independent 540/1000 PTO, open-center hydraulics, and a Category II rear hitch.
The base 956 and later or related 956XL references should not be treated as interchangeable. Published parts and operator-manual listings can cover 956, 956XL, 1056, and 1056XL families, while the linked workshop-manual listing is explicitly for 956XL and 1056XL. Check the model tag before using an XL-specific procedure on a 956.
That model distinction belongs alongside normal parts checks: record the serial number, drive arrangement, transmission, PTO, hydraulic equipment, and cab configuration before relying on a manual or placing an order.
International Harvester 956 Quick Answers
- What engine is in an International Harvester 956?The 956 is listed with a 358 cu in (5.9 L) direct-injection diesel rated at 95 hp (70.8 kW) and 2,200 rpm.
- What transmission does the 956 use?Published 956 information lists a two-speed power-shift transmission with 16 forward and 8 reverse gears. Confirm the fitted drivetrain before using a service procedure or parts reference.
- What PTO does the 956 use?The International Harvester 956 is listed with an independent 540/1000-rpm rear PTO. The published 540-rpm setting is 1,920 engine rpm; confirm the actual PTO equipment before implement setup.
- What hydraulic figures are listed?Published specifications list open-center hydraulics, 11.1 gpm (42.0 L/min) pump flow, 2,346 psi (161.8 bar) pressure, and a 12.2 gal (46.2 L) hydraulic-system capacity. The tractor's installed equipment still needs to be confirmed.
- What are the listed 956 capacities?Published records list 37 gal (140.0 L) of fuel, 12.7 qt (12.0 L) of engine oil, and 25.4 qt (24.0 L) of coolant. Use matching operator literature for fluid grades, intervals, and fill procedures.
- Can a 956XL manual be used for a 956?Not automatically. The operator and parts-manual listings below name 956 and 956XL families, but the workshop-manual listing is explicitly for 956XL and 1056XL tractors. Confirm the exact model tag before using XL-specific service information.
Engine and Power
The 956 is listed with a 358 cu in (5.9 L) direct-injection diesel at 2,200 rpm. Confirm the exact model and engine before applying a multi-model manual or parts reference.
Diesel engine
| Displacement | 358 ci 5.9 L |
|---|---|
| Rated Rpm | 2200 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 12.7 qts 12.0 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 25.4 qts 24.0 L |
Manufacture years
Transmission
Published 956 records list a 16F/8R two-speed power-shift transmission. Check the fitted drivetrain before using a capacity, repair procedure, or part reference.
16-speed two-speed power shift
| Type | two-speed power shift |
|---|---|
| Gears | 16 forward and 8 reverse |
| Clutch | 310mm cerametallic disc |
PTO and Hitch
The 956 is listed with an independent 540/1000-rpm rear PTO, with 540 rpm at 1,920 engine rpm. Confirm the PTO shaft and installed equipment before implement setup.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Engine RPM
Rear hitch
Hydraulics
Published specifications list open-center hydraulics with 11.1 gpm (42.0 L/min) pump flow, 2,346 psi (161.8 bar) pressure, and a 12.2 gal (46.2 L) capacity. The tractor's fitted valves, drive, and cab or equipment configuration remain the final check.
Type
Capacity
Pressure
Pump flow
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Published capacities include 37 gal (140.0 L) of fuel, 12.7 qt (12.0 L) of engine oil, and 25.4 qt (24.0 L) of coolant. The operator-manual listing covers a 956/956XL/1056/1056XL family, so verify the model before applying its directions.
Fuel tank
Hydraulic system
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Weight
Electrical
Published electrical entries list a negative ground, alternator charging system, 55-amp charging output, and 12-volt starting system. Verify the installed electrical equipment before replacing components.
Ground
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Manuals and Documents
The linked operator and parts-manual listings describe a broader 956, 956XL, 1056, and 1056XL family. They are useful literature routes, but the exact model tag and configuration decide whether a procedure or part applies to a particular 956.
The workshop-manual listing is specifically labelled for 956XL and 1056XL tractors. It is included as an XL research route only; do not substitute it for a base 956 service manual without confirming coverage.
Operator manual
- IH 956/956XL/1056/1056XL operator manualoperation, maintenance, and specifications
Commercial 85-page operator-manual listing for the stated model family. Confirm the exact tractor before use.
View operator manual
Parts catalog
- International 956/956XL/1056/1056XL parts manualparts matching
Commercial 790-page illustrated-parts-manual listing for the stated family. Verify exact tractor identification before ordering.
View parts manual
Service manual
- International 956XL/1056XL workshop manualoperation, maintenance, and specifications
Commercial 899-page workshop-manual listing specifically for XL tractors. Confirm an XL model tag before use.
View XL workshop manual
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Start with the serial number and exact model tag—956 and 956XL are not interchangeable labels. Then confirm the drive arrangement, transmission, PTO, hydraulic equipment, and cab configuration before ordering.
The family parts catalog is valuable for identifying assemblies, but it is not proof of fitment for every 956. Keep XL-specific workshop material attached to an actual 956XL identification.
- International 956/956XL/1056/1056XL parts manualCommercial 790-page illustrated-parts-manual listing for the stated model family. Verify exact tractor identification before ordering.View parts manual
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.