Target Audience:
Small to medium farm owners, contractors, and equipment enthusiasts
Role:
Utility tractor for general farm tasks, loading, and PTO operations
Advantage:
Offers a balance of power, maneuverability, and durability for its class
Engine Options:
Available with gasoline and diesel engines for flexibility
Transmission:
Standard 8-speed transmission for versatile field speeds
Hydraulics:
Robust hydraulic system with position control for implements
General Service Information:
Safety, maintenance, and lubrication
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Engine Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan service
Engine Fuel System:
Fuel tank, lines, pump, and carburetor or injection pump service
Engine Electrical System:
Starter, alternator, battery, and wiring diagrams
Electrical System General:
Lighting, switches, gauges, and harness repair
Power Train:
Clutch, transmission, rear axle, and final drives
Steering System:
Mechanical and optional power steering gear and linkage
Brake System:
Service, adjustment, and rebuild procedures
Hydraulic System:
Hydraulic pump, control valves, cylinders, and lines
Three-Point Hitch:
Lift arms, linkage adjustment, and draft control
Power Take-Off (PTO):
Transmission-driven and independent PTO systems
Wheels and Tires:
Wheel bearings, tire pressures, and front axle (where needed)
Cab and Controls:
Cab disassembly, control linkage, and interior trim
Service Adjustments:
Step-by-step adjustment procedures for clutches, brakes, and linkage
Overhaul:
Detailed engine, transmission, and hydraulic overhaul specifications
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts and diagnostic procedures
Special Tools:
Lists of special tools required for repairs
Level of Detail:
Step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams and illustrations
Specifications:
Torque specs, clearances, and capacities for all major components
Part Numbers:
Exploded views with part numbers for ordering
Parts Catalog:
Comprehensive listing of components and assemblies
File Type:
PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader required for viewing)
Compatibility:
Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices
File Size:
Approximately 200 MB (not for slow connections)
Searchability:
Searchable PDF - find any keyword or phrase instantly
Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clarity
Binding:
Digital - no physical binding required
Paper:
N/A - not applicable for digital download
Gasoline Engine:
Case IH 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder, overhead valve
Diesel Engine:
Case IH 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder, direct injection
Horsepower (Gasoline):
Approximately 45-55 hp (depending on configuration)
Horsepower (Diesel):
Approximately 50-60 hp (depending on configuration)
Torque:
Sufficient torque for heavy field work
Idle Speed:
850 rpm (approx)
Fuel Type:
Gasoline or diesel
Carburetion/Injection:
Updraft carburetor (gasoline) or distributor injection pump (diesel)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 15-20 gallons (60-75 liters)
Type:
Manual, constant mesh with helical gears
Speeds:
8 forward and 2 reverse
Shift Control:
Mechanical linkage
Creeper Speed:
Available optional creeper unit for ultra-slow speeds
Clutch:
Dry single-plate, foot-operated
PTO:
Transmission-driven or optional independent PTO
Wheelbase:
Approximately 78 inches (198 cm)
Length (with 3-point hitch):
Approximately 132 inches (335 cm)
Width (minimal tread):
Approximately 68 inches (173 cm)
Height (to exhaust):
Approximately 92 inches (234 cm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) with cab or rollbar
Crash Test:
N/A - not applicable to tractors
Steering:
Mechanical or optional power steering for better control
Brakes:
Independent wheel brakes for tight turns and stopping
Reverse Warning:
Optional rear work lights and beacon
Operator Protection:
Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) frame standard or optional
Seat Belt:
Provided with ROPS
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or annually
Oil Filter Replacement:
Change with engine oil
Hydraulic Fluid:
Change every 500 hours
Transmission Fluid:
Change every 500 hours
Grease Fittings:
Lubricate every 10 hours
Engine Oil Grade (Gasoline):
SAE 30 (API SE or higher)
Engine Oil Grade (Diesel):
SAE 15W-40 (API CH-4 or higher)
Hydraulic Fluid:
Case IH Hy-Tran or equivalent
Transmission Fluid:
Case IH Hy-Tran or equivalent
Known Issues and Wear Items
Common Issues:
Electrical connections may corrode; hydraulics may leak from worn seals
Common Wear Items:
Brake discs, clutch disc, PTO friction plates, hydraulic cylinder seals
Manufacturer:
Case IH (International Harvester merged with J.I. Case in 1985)
Introduction:
The 255 was part of the IH Farmall 56 series but sold as Case IH after merger
Predecessor:
International Harvester Farmall 404/504 series
Successor:
Case IH 395/495 utility tractors
Factory:
Rock Island, Illinois, USA (production continued after merger)
