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International Harvester Company, known as IHC and later IH. Finally, Navistar International Corporation founded in 1901 from Lisle, Illinois. Originally a farm implement manufacturer, construction equipment, trucks and household and commercial goods. However, by 1985 International had sold off most of the agricultural line merging to become Case IH brand. They then rebadged themselves from 1986 onward becoming Navistar International Corporation. The first origins of IH can be traced to the 1830’s, when a Virginia inventor known as Cyrus Hall McCormick developed his model of the horse-drawn reaper, whereby he first presented a working unit in 1831 and was able to obtain a patent in 1834. These early models sold quite well, considering the railroads provided vast distribution and salesmen could demonstrate the machinery. The International Company was known for several firsts in the industry, many farm implements and light duty to heavy duty trucks.
After introduction of the Farmall tractor which proved to be a great success in 1926, sales leads continued through the 1940’s and 1950’s even with strong competition from John Deere and Ford. By the 1980’s IH was the first firm to introduce a computer monitoring system (Sentry) in its tractors. Other cutting edge technology included the “Z” shift pattern or 18-speed synchro transmission.
Who cannot remember the IH Scout that was liked by everyone? This little vehicle was great on a ranch or town with rear seat option or a pick-up cab configuration and produced until the mid-1980’s. The Travelall, similar too Chevrolet’s Suburban and would serve as a great tow vehicle. The remaining legacy of International can be seen with their heavy truck tractor line; known as Navistar International Corporation.
The International Company had a global position in its early years, however its demise could be due to labor issues such as strikes and management changes by 1979.
