Market Segment:
Heavy-duty agricultural tractors, favored for their robust construction and reliability in demanding farm operations.
Target User:
Designed for farmers and agricultural professionals requiring powerful and reliable tractors for a wide range of field operations.
Key Competitors Era:
John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz-Fahr during their respective production eras.
Brand Strengths:
Known for powerful engines, durable drivetrains, and operator comfort for extended work periods. IH's commitment to heavy-duty engineering.
Operator Comfort:
The '86 Series' often featured more comfortable cabs with HVAC systems, improved seating, and better ergonomics compared to earlier generations.
Systems:
Cab, Air Conditioning, Front End, Axle, Wheels, Steering, Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System, Cooling System, Clutch, Flywheel, Transmission, Differential, Rear Axle Housing, Brakes, Independent Power Take Off (PTO), Hydraulic System, Hydraulic System Testing
Cab And Ac:
Detailed procedures for removing and servicing cab components, troubleshooting and repairing the air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, heater core).
Front Axle And Steering:
Covers front axle assembly, kingpins, steering knuckles, steering linkages, power steering pump, and control valve for both two-wheel drive and potentially front-wheel-drive configurations.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine service information including cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft bearing service, camshaft inspection, and engine timing procedures.
Fuel And Cooling:
Detailed diagrams and procedures for fuel filters, injection pump removal/installation, injector servicing, radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan troubleshooting.
Clutch And Transmission:
Complete clutch assembly service, transmission disassembly/assembly, gear inspection, bearing replacement, and hydrostatic transmission unit service (for Hydro 186).
Rear Axle And Brakes:
Rear axle housing disassembly, differential service, final drive assembly, brake caliper/disc service, parking brake adjustment.
Pto And Hydraulics:
Independent PTO engagement mechanism, hydraulic pump overhaul, hydraulic control valve disassembly/reassembly, cylinder repairs, hydraulic system testing procedures, and troubleshooting common hydraulic faults.
Procedures:
Disassembly, Assembly, Inspection, Adjustment, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair, System Testing (especially hydraulics)
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic troubleshooting charts for common problems related to engine performance, starting, hydraulics, transmission, and electrical systems.
Component Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components such as the engine, transmission, hydraulic pump, and final drives.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive for complete chassis service, including detailed repair and overhaul procedures. Emphasis on practical workshop application.
Torque Specifications:
Includes critical torque values for cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, connecting rods, and various component fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Provides essential engine bearing clearances, ring gap specifications, valve lash settings, and other critical measurements for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for the tractor's electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, and instrument panel circuits.
Special Tool Requirements:
Likely lists specialized tools required for specific tasks, such as flywheel holding tools, bearing pullers, and hydraulic pressure testing gauges.
Engine Manufacturer:
International Harvester (IH) / DT-Series Diesel
Engine Coolant Type:
Water-cooled, wet-sleeve cylinder design is common in IH DT series engines.
Engine Displacement And Configuration:
Varies by model. Common displacements include 358 ci (5.8L) and 414 ci (6.8L) for the 986/1086/1486/1586 series. (Specifics for 786/886/Hydro 186 require model-specific cross-referencing within the manual).
Horsepower Range:
Typically ranges from 70 HP to 150+ HP depending on the specific model. (e.g., 1586 likely at the higher end).
Torque Curve Characteristics:
IH DT series engines are known for strong low-end torque, providing excellent pulling power for heavy draft work.
Fuel System Type:
Direct Injection Diesel, likely featuring Roosa Master or Simms/Lucas fuel injection pumps.
Operator Interface:
Basic analog gauges for engine parameters, RPM, speed, fuel level. Primarily functional controls for transmission, PTO, hydraulics.
Auxiliary Systems:
Independent PTO engagement, hydraulic lift and draft control, potential for auxiliary hydraulic outlets for implements.
Instrumentation:
Mechanical tachometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, ammeter/voltmeter. Focus is on mechanical and hydraulic function, not electronic connectivity.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 250 hours, or annually. (Manual will provide exact interval and oil type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 1000-1200 hours, or biennially. (Manual will confirm).
Air Filter Service:
Check daily, service as needed based on operating conditions, typically every 250 hours or annually.
Engine Oil:
API CG-4 or CH-4 rated diesel engine oil, viscosity typically 15W-40. (Manual will specify exact IH or Case IH approved fluid).
Hydraulic Transmission Fluid:
Hytran UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) or equivalent meeting IH J20C specification. (Crucial for transmission, hydraulics, and final drives).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol antifreeze mixture (50/50) with appropriate corrosion inhibitors for diesel engines. (Manual will specify IH or Case IH approved coolant).
Gear Oil:
EP (Extreme Pressure) gear lubricant for final drives and differentials, typically SAE 90 or 85W-90 GL-5. (Manual will specify).
Common Wear Points:
Front axle kingpins and bushings, clutch wear, PTO clutch packs (if equipped), hydraulic pump and valve spool wear, injector pump timing drift, potential turbocharger issues on higher HP models. Cooling system maintenance is vital.
Manufacturer History:
International Harvester (IH) was a major American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, known for its '86 Series' tractors which were popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Later became Case IH after mergers.
Series Development:
The 786, 886, 986, 1086, 1486, and 1586 models represent the evolution of IH's medium to large frame tractors, building upon previous designs with enhanced features, more powerful engines, and improved operator environments. The Hydro 186 was a specific model featuring hydrostatic transmission.
Production Era:
The '86 Series' tractors were primarily produced from the late 1970s into the early 1980s.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in the United States by International Harvester.