International Harvester W-450 Overview
The International Harvester W-450 is a standard-tread tractor built from 1956 through 1958. It uses a 281 ci engine and a Torque Amplifier two-speed transmission. The Farmall 450 is the row-crop counterpart, so parts and service references need to match the W-450 rather than the Farmall model name alone.
With a 540 rear PTO and a practical footprint, the W-450 offered a platform for tillage, hauling, and other farm work. Confirm the exact build with the tractor's serial number and the relevant manual or catalog before ordering parts or performing service.
The 47.30 hp figure sometimes attached to this model is not published here as W-450 performance: Nebraska Test 572 identifies an LP-gas International W-400. The same archive identifies Tests 533 and 535 as W-400 gasoline and diesel tests.
International Harvester W 450 Quick Answers
- Production yearsThe International Harvester W-450 was produced from 1956 through 1958.
- PowerPublished W-450 figures list 41-46 hp (30.6 kW) PTO and 34-37 hp (25.4 kW) drawbar as claimed values. The 47.30 hp figure is not a W-450 test result: it belongs to Nebraska Test 572 for an LP-gas W-400.
- Tractor typeThe W-450 is the International standard-tread version of the 450 line; the Farmall 450 is the row-crop counterpart.
- EngineEngine displacement is 281 ci (4.6 L).
- PTO and hitchRear PTO is 540 rpm.
- Service capacityCoolant capacity is published as 28 qts (26.5 L).
Engine and Power
Engine options for the W-450 include gasoline, diesel, and LP-gas, all at 281 ci. Diesel variants use a higher compression (17.45:1), gasoline variants 6.6:1, and LP-gas variants 8.35:1; rated speed is 1,450 RPM.
Gasoline engine
International Harvester / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 281 ci 4.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.125x5.25 inches 105 x 133 mm |
| Compression | 6.6:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1450 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Coolant Capacity | 28 qts 26.5 L |
Diesel engine
International Harvester / diesel / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 281 ci 4.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.125x5.25 inches 105 x 133 mm |
| Compression | 17.45:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1450 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
LP-gas engine
International Harvester / LP gas / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled vertical I-head
| Displacement | 281 ci 4.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.125x5.25 inches 105 x 133 mm |
| Compression | 8.35:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 1450 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
W-450 identity and Nebraska-test boundary
| Tractor Type | International standard-tread tractor; Farmall 450 is the row-crop counterpart |
|---|---|
| Nebraska Test Status | No W-450 Nebraska test result is published here; Tests 533, 535, and 572 are W-400 variants |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Transmission
The W-450 uses a Torque Amplifier two‑speed power shift with 10 forward and 2 reverse gears.
Torque Amplifier
| Name | Torque Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Type | two-speed power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
PTO and Hitch
Rear PTO is 540 rpm and configured as independent for accessory drives.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Coolant capacity is 28 qts (26.5 L). Fluid, filter, belt, and battery guidance vary with configuration; rely on the manual, parts catalog, or trusted supplier data for exact values.
Fuel tank
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
Height
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
Ag rear
Serial Number Lookup
Serial rows help narrow the W-450 by model year. Factory prefixes, regional builds, and serial breaks require documentation before applying a year table beyond the stated range.
1956
1957
1958
final
Manuals and Documents
These document locators cover W-450 operation, LP-gas equipment, and W-400/W-450 parts identification. Match the serial range, fuel system, and model before using a manual or ordering a part.
The University of Nebraska archive is included to clarify the test record: Tests 533, 535, and 572 are W-400 reports, not W-450 performance reports.
Manual
- I&T Shop Manual for International Harvester IH10 300, 350, 400, 450, W450 ( IH 10 )operation, lubrication, maintenance, parts matching
Covers International Harvester IH/ Farmall 300, 350, 400, 450, W400, W450 among others; includes service procedures for W450
Open source
Parts catalog
- Case IH McCormick International W-400, W-450 Series Tractors Parts Catalog Manualoperation, lubrication, maintenance
Complete parts catalog for the W-400 and W-450 series tractors (Case IH/McCormick International W-400, W-450 series)
Open source
Reference page
- Fiche technique IH W-450 - IH W-450 specificationoperation
Spec sheet for International Harvester W-450 including power, PTO, fuel capacity, serial numbers, drivetrain details
Open source - International Harvester W-450 specificationoperation
Model specs drawn from public sources including engine displacement, bore/stroke, PTO, fuel capacity, transmission configuration, and serial ranges
Open source - Nebraska Tractor Test Index: W-400 reportsreference details
The archive identifies Tests 533, 535, and 572 as W-400 reports, not International Harvester W-450 tests.
Open test index
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order International Harvester W-450 parts from the model name alone. Match the part to the tractor's model code, serial range, engine, and PTO setup before ordering.
Parts such as filters, fluids, belts, electrical items, clutch and PTO, and hydraulics vary by configuration. Exact part numbers require a parts catalog, manual, or trusted supplier data to verify applicability.
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.