Reviving the International 175B Track Loader for Modern Use

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of the International 175B
The International Harvester 175B track loader was introduced in the late 1960s as part of IH’s push into the heavy equipment market. Built for rugged excavation, demolition, and material handling, the 175B combined brute strength with mechanical simplicity. It featured a full steel track undercarriage, a heavy-duty loader frame, and a direct-drive transmission system that made it a favorite among contractors and municipalities.
Powered by the DT-466 diesel engine in later models, the 175B delivered around 140 horsepower and weighed over 40,000 pounds. Its torque converter and planetary transmission allowed smooth gear changes under load, while the hydraulic system provided ample lift force for dense materials. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in service, especially in rural and industrial settings where reliability trumps modern electronics.
Core Mechanical Features and Performance
Key specifications of the 175B include:

• Engine: IH DT-466 inline six-cylinder diesel
  
• Transmission: Powershift with torque converter
  
• Operating weight: Approximately 20 metric tons
  
• Bucket capacity: 2.5–3.0 cubic yards
  
• Track type: Double grouser steel pads
  
• Lift system: Dual hydraulic cylinders with mechanical stops
  

The loader’s frame is reinforced with crossmembers and gussets, allowing it to withstand high breakout forces. The bucket linkage uses a Z-bar configuration for improved digging power and rollback torque. Operators often praise the machine’s ability to push through compacted fill or frozen ground without hesitation.
In Ohio, a demolition crew used a 175B to clear a collapsed warehouse. Despite its age, the machine handled rebar-laced concrete with ease, thanks to its robust bucket and low-end torque.
Common Issues and Restoration Challenges
Restoring a 175B requires attention to several wear-prone systems:

• Hydraulic leaks: Cylinder seals and hose fittings degrade over time.
  
• Transmission lag: Worn clutch packs or contaminated fluid can cause gear hesitation.
  
• Track wear: Bushings, rollers, and sprockets often need replacement after decades of use.
  
• Electrical faults: Original wiring harnesses may suffer from corrosion or rodent damage.
  
• Cooling system: Radiators and water pumps must be flushed and pressure-tested.
  

Parts availability can be a challenge. While some components are interchangeable with other IH machines, others require custom fabrication or salvage sourcing. In Shanghai, a contractor rebuilt a 175B using parts from a retired TD-15 crawler tractor, adapting the hydraulic pump and steering valves with minor machining.
Upgrades and Practical Enhancements
To modernize the 175B for current jobsite demands:

• Install LED work lights and a 12V accessory port
  
• Replace analog gauges with digital readouts for temperature and pressure
  
• Add a high-back suspension seat with armrests for operator comfort
  
• Retrofit quick coupler brackets for faster bucket changes
  
• Upgrade hydraulic hoses to modern braided lines with higher burst ratings
  

Some operators add auxiliary hydraulic circuits to power grapples or rippers. Others install aftermarket mufflers and intake filters to reduce noise and improve air quality.
Maintenance Strategy and Service Intervals
To keep the 175B running reliably:

• Change engine oil every 150 hours
  
• Replace hydraulic filters every 300 hours
  
• Inspect track tension monthly
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly
  
• Flush coolant system annually
  
• Check transmission fluid and torque converter pressure quarterly
  

Use high-zinc diesel oil to protect flat tappet cams and bearings. Monitor for metal shavings in the transmission screen, which may indicate clutch wear.
In Alberta, a fleet manager added magnetic drain plugs to the final drives and transmission. This simple upgrade helped catch early signs of gear wear and prevented costly failures.
Field Anecdote and Real-World Insight
In Baghdad, a 175B was used to clear flood debris after seasonal rains. The machine’s steel tracks allowed it to traverse mud and rubble where rubber-tired loaders bogged down. After 60 hours of continuous operation, the crew replaced a leaking lift cylinder seal and flushed the hydraulic tank. The loader returned to service the next day, proving its resilience in harsh conditions.
Conclusion
The International 175B track loader remains a testament to mechanical durability and straightforward engineering. While it lacks the electronics and emissions systems of modern machines, its raw power and simplicity make it a valuable asset for operators who prioritize reliability and repairability. With thoughtful restoration and targeted upgrades, the 175B can continue to serve in excavation, demolition, and material handling for years to come—an enduring symbol of heavy equipment built to last.