Target User:
Owners, mechanics, restoration enthusiasts of the International Harvester Cadet 55 tractor
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for maintaining and repairing a vintage piece of agricultural machinery.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers users with the knowledge to perform their own repairs, reducing reliance on expensive dealer services for classic equipment.
Primary Coverage:
International Harvester Cadet 55 Tractor
Secondary Coverage:
All mechanical and electrical systems relevant to the Cadet 55 model
Estimated Pages:
Variable, typical for vintage tractor manuals can range from 200-500 pages, depending on detail.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, inspection, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system
Transmission:
Gearbox operation, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, troubleshooting, clutch service
Drive Axle:
Rear axle assembly, differential, final drives, lubrication, and repair
Steering:
Steering mechanism, linkages, adjustments, and repair
Brakes:
Brake system operation, adjustment, repair, and component service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, generator/alternator, lighting, battery service, ignition system components
Hydraulics:
Hydraulic system operation (if applicable for implement lift), pump, cylinder, and valve service
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, welding procedures (if applicable), general chassis maintenance
Power Takeoff Pto:
PTO operation, maintenance, and repair of PTO drive components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tire inflation, battery checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, and solutions for various systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, timing settings
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, dimensions, and critical measurements
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Searchability:
Typically searchable text in a well-produced PDF
Printability:
Printable pages for on-site workshop use
Image Resolution:
High resolution for clarity of diagrams and illustrations (assuming a quality scan)
Binding:
Not applicable for PDF download (physical manual would be bound)
Paper Type:
Not applicable for PDF download (digital format)
Engine Type:
Gasoline (Petrol) Engine
Engine Manufacturer:
International Harvester (or possibly a supplier like Continental, depending on the specific variant)
Displacement:
Typically in the 100-200 cubic inch range for this era of small utility tractors. (Specific cubic inch needs to be confirmed via manual).
Bore X Stroke:
Specifications will be detailed within the manual.
Horsepower Rating:
Nominal PTO horsepower typically between 15-25 HP, drawbar HP lower. Exact figures depend on specific engine variant.
Governed Speed:
Engine RPM governed for rated load operation, typically around 1600-1800 RPM.
Carburetor:
Single barrel carburetor, specific model (e.g., Marvel-Schebler) detailed in manual.
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump
Transmission Type:
Manual Synchro-Shift Gearbox
Number Of Gears:
Likely 3 or 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Specifics will be in the manual.
Transmission Options:
Varied configurations may exist, but typically a single transmission option was standard for the Cadet 55.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil, specific API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., GL-4 80W-90) to be detailed in manual.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 65-70 inches (specific measurement to be confirmed).
Length:
Around 90-100 inches (specific measurement to be confirmed).
Width:
Varies by tire size, typically around 50-60 inches at the rear axle.
Operating Weight:
Approximately 1200-1500 lbs without ballast (specific weight to be confirmed).
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 4.00-8 or 4.00-12.
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 8.3-24 or 9.5-24.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 50 operating hours or annually. Specific recommendation in manual.
Air Filter Service:
Inspect and clean at 50-hour intervals, replace as needed. More frequently in dusty conditions.
Transmission Oil Change:
Recommended every 500 operating hours or every 2 years. Specific details in manual.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SE or SF, SAE 30W or 10W-30 depending on climate. Manual will specify.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4-5 quarts (US) with filter. Manual provides exact capacity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies capacity.
Hydraulic Fluid Type:
If equipped with hydraulics, likely Type A or Type F automatic transmission fluid, or IH Hy-Trans. Manual will specify.
Carburetor Issues:
Gumming and sticking due to fuel degradation, requiring cleaning or rebuilding. Manual guides this process.
Ignition System:
Worn points, condenser failure, plug fouling are common. Manual provides tuning specs.
Governor Sticking:
Mechanical governors can seize due to dirt or lack of lubrication. Manual offers troubleshooting steps.
Brake Adjustment:
Brakes can become loose and ineffective without regular adjustment. Manual details the procedure.
Brand Legacy:
International Harvester (IH) was a major American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, known for robust and reliable machinery.
Cadet Lineage:
The Cadet line was IH's entry into the sub-compact and utility tractor market, popular with small farmers and homeowners.
Production Period:
The Cadet 55 was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in the United States by International Harvester.
