The Farmall Cub, manufactured by Farmall (a part of International Harvester), is a compact and iconic tractor known for its versatility and reliability. Produced from 1947 to 1964 in Louisville, Kentucky, the Farmall Cub featured an offset engine and steering configuration, making it suitable for various agricultural tasks. Its compact size and maneuverability made it a popular choice for small farms and gardens. With its open operator station and manual controls, it was straightforward to operate. Over the years, it underwent several series improvements, ensuring its continued usefulness for farmers. The Farmall Cub holds a special place in agricultural history and remains a beloved collector’s item today.
Farmall Cub Specs
Manufacturer
Farmall (a part of International Harvester)
Made in
Built in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Three major series of the original Cub were built
the Farmall Cub until 1964, the International Cub until 1975, and the new International Cub until the end of production in 1979.
Liquid-cooled
Displacement
59.5 cubic inches (1.0 L)
Bore/Stroke
2.625×2.75 inches (67 x 70 mm)
Cooling system
Thermosyphon
Air cleaner
Oil bath
Compression
6.5:1
Rated RPM
1600 (later 1800)
Starter
Manual (Electric optional)
Starter volts
6 (12 after SN# 224401)
Coolant capacity
9.75 quarts (9.2 L)
Sparkplug
Champion D-21, AC C86
Sparkplug gap
0.023 inches (0.584 mm)
Intake/exhaust valve clearance
0.013 inches (0.330 mm)
Oil capacity
3 quarts (2.8 L)
Transmission
Type
Sliding gear
Gears
3 forward and 1 reverse
Oil capacity
1.75 quarts (1.7 L)
Farmall Cub Power
Drawbar (claimed)
10 hp (7.5 kW)
PTO (claimed)
11 hp (8.2 kW)
Belt (claimed)
9.76 hp (7.3 kW)
Plows
1 (12 inch)
Drawbar (tested)
9.87 hp (7.4 kW)
Belt (tested)
10.39 hp (7.7 kW)
Two-wheel drive
Steering
Manual
Capacity
Fuel
7.5 gallons (28.4 L)
Hydraulic system
0.56 gallons (2.1 L)
Hydraulics
Capacity
0.56 gallons (2.1 L)
Pressure
1200 psi (82.7 bar)
Total flow
2.8 gpm (10.6 lpm)
Tractor hitch
Type
IH Fast Hitch optional
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO
Independent
Rear PTO Type
1600, 1800 (counter-clockwise)
Farmall Cub Tires
Ag front
4.00-12
Ag rear
8-24, 9.5-24
Industrial rear
8.3-24, 9.5-24
Dimensions
Wheelbase
69.25 inches (175 cm)
Length
99.325 inches (252 cm)
Width
48.25 inches (122 cm)
Height
62.75 inches (159 cm)
Height (exhaust)
76.25 inches (193 cm)
Weight
Operating Weight (Early Models)
1477 lbs (669 kg)
Operating Weight (Late Models)
1877 lbs (851 kg)
Ballasted Weight
2891 lbs (1311 kg)
Nebraska Tractor Test 386 (Gasoline 3-speed 2WD)
Test Date
September 29 – October 9, 1947
Belt power (max)
9.23 hp (6.9 kW)
Belt fuel use (max)
0.8 gal/hour (3.0 l/hour)
Max power
8.47 hp (6.3 kW)
Max pull
1,596 lbs (723 kg)
Nebraska Tractor Test 575 (Gasoline 3-speed 2WD)
Test Date
May 18 – June 3, 1956
Belt power (max)
10.39 hp (7.7 kW)
Belt fuel use (max)
1.1 gal/hour (4.2 l/hour)
Max power
9.87 hp (7.4 kW)
Max pull
1,605 lbs (728 kg)
Attachment Overview
42″ mower deck (IH Danco C-2)
42 inches (106 cm), 1-blade
60″ mid-mount mower deck (IH Danco C-3)
60 inches (152 cm), 3-blade
54″ Blade (International 54A)
Mid-mount, 54 inches width (137 cm)
Weight
450 lbs (204 kg)
Raise time to height
6.5 seconds
Bucket width
36 inches (91 cm)
Bucket capacity
0.26 cubic yards (0.2 cubic meters)
Farmall Cub overview
The Farmall Cub, produced from 1947 to 1964, holds a revered place in tractor history, embodying a simpler era of agriculture. Today, it stands as a cherished relic and a collector’s dream. With its modest 10-horsepower gasoline engine and 3-speed transmission, the Farmall Cub may seem quaint compared to the powerful machines of today, but in its prime, it was a revolutionary tool for small-scale farming and gardening.
One of its standout features was the “Cultivision” design, which included an offset engine and steering wheel, allowing farmers to navigate through narrow rows with precision. This innovation was a game-changer at the time, making it a beloved workhorse for cultivating crops like corn, potatoes, and more. Its compact size and ease of operation endeared it to countless farmers, and many still reminisce about their experiences with the Farmall Cub.
In the modern world, the Farmall Cub has become a sought-after collector’s item. Enthusiasts and restorers painstakingly refurbish these vintage tractors, not only for their historical significance but also for their timeless charm. Owning a Farmall Cub today is a way of connecting with the past, a reminder of the days when farming required hands-on skill and a close connection to the land. It’s a testament to the enduring quality of American manufacturing and the agricultural heritage that shaped rural life for generations.
