4 hours ago
The Legacy of the IHC 175B and Its Industrial Roots
The International Harvester 175B crawler loader was a product of the post-war industrial boom, designed for heavy-duty earthmoving, demolition, and site preparation. Manufactured under the Dresser brand after International Harvester’s construction division was sold, the 175B became known for its mechanical simplicity and rugged build. With a torque converter transmission and a powerful inline-six diesel engine, it was widely used in mining, road building, and land clearing throughout the Americas.
International Harvester, founded in 1902, was a pioneer in agricultural and construction machinery. The 175B was part of its transition into the crawler loader market, competing with Caterpillar’s 955 and 977 series. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in service, especially in Latin America, where mechanical reliability and adaptability are prized over electronic sophistication.
Core Specifications
In Brazil, a 175B has been sitting idle on a construction yard for over a decade. Despite its age, the crankshaft still rotates manually, suggesting that the engine is not seized. The asking price is approximately $3,500 USD, making it an attractive candidate for restoration. However, the key concern is parts availability—especially for internal engine components, hydraulic pumps, and torque converter assemblies.
Fortunately, the DT-series engines used in the 175B share components with other International Harvester machines, including the TD15 bulldozer. This opens the door for parts interchangeability and adaptation. In fact, one operator in Brazil retrofitted an Iveco engine into a TD15, demonstrating the feasibility of national part substitution when OEM components are scarce.
Anecdote from the Field
In rural São Paulo, a farmer restored a 175B using salvaged parts from sugarcane harvesters and agricultural tractors. He replaced the hydraulic pump with a locally sourced unit and fabricated new track pads from recycled steel. The machine now clears land for eucalyptus planting and has become a symbol of ingenuity in the region.
Parts Sourcing and Import Strategy
The IHC 175B crawler loader, though aged and idle, remains a viable candidate for restoration in Brazil. Its mechanical design, shared components, and adaptability make it a resilient machine in regions where ingenuity often replaces factory support. With careful inspection, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to adapt, this iron relic can return to work—proving that even after decades of silence, some machines still have more to say.
The International Harvester 175B crawler loader was a product of the post-war industrial boom, designed for heavy-duty earthmoving, demolition, and site preparation. Manufactured under the Dresser brand after International Harvester’s construction division was sold, the 175B became known for its mechanical simplicity and rugged build. With a torque converter transmission and a powerful inline-six diesel engine, it was widely used in mining, road building, and land clearing throughout the Americas.
International Harvester, founded in 1902, was a pioneer in agricultural and construction machinery. The 175B was part of its transition into the crawler loader market, competing with Caterpillar’s 955 and 977 series. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in service, especially in Latin America, where mechanical reliability and adaptability are prized over electronic sophistication.
Core Specifications
- Engine: International DT-466 or equivalent inline-six diesel
- Power output: ~150 hp
- Operating weight: ~35,000 lbs
- Transmission: Torque converter with powershift
- Bucket capacity: ~2.5 cubic yards
- Undercarriage: Track-type with sealed rollers and sprockets
- Torque Converter: A hydraulic coupling that transmits engine power to the transmission, allowing smooth gear changes under load.
- Crawler Loader: A tracked machine with a front-mounted bucket, combining dozer traction with loader functionality.
- Undercarriage: The track system including rollers, idlers, sprockets, and pads, critical for mobility and stability.
- Crankshaft Rotation: A test of engine viability; if the crankshaft turns freely, the engine may be salvageable.
In Brazil, a 175B has been sitting idle on a construction yard for over a decade. Despite its age, the crankshaft still rotates manually, suggesting that the engine is not seized. The asking price is approximately $3,500 USD, making it an attractive candidate for restoration. However, the key concern is parts availability—especially for internal engine components, hydraulic pumps, and torque converter assemblies.
Fortunately, the DT-series engines used in the 175B share components with other International Harvester machines, including the TD15 bulldozer. This opens the door for parts interchangeability and adaptation. In fact, one operator in Brazil retrofitted an Iveco engine into a TD15, demonstrating the feasibility of national part substitution when OEM components are scarce.
Anecdote from the Field
In rural São Paulo, a farmer restored a 175B using salvaged parts from sugarcane harvesters and agricultural tractors. He replaced the hydraulic pump with a locally sourced unit and fabricated new track pads from recycled steel. The machine now clears land for eucalyptus planting and has become a symbol of ingenuity in the region.
Parts Sourcing and Import Strategy
- Pistons and ring sets: Available through diesel engine rebuilders specializing in DT-series engines
- Hydraulic pumps: Can be matched by displacement and pressure rating from Brazilian suppliers
- Torque converter parts: May require import from U.S.-based vintage equipment dealers
- Filters, seals, and gaskets: Often interchangeable with agricultural machinery
- Electrical components: Easily replaced with universal 12V systems
- Contact diesel rebuild shops with DT466 experience
- Use pump serial numbers to match hydraulic components
- Join vintage equipment forums for sourcing leads
- Consider engine swap only if block damage is confirmed
- Document all adaptations for future maintenance
- Corrosion: Long-term exposure may affect hydraulic cylinders and fuel lines. Flush systems and replace seals.
- Undercarriage Wear: Track tension and roller condition must be inspected. Rebuild kits are available but costly.
- Electrical System: Replace wiring harnesses with modern equivalents. Use marine-grade connectors for durability.
- Cab Ergonomics: Seat, levers, and gauges may need refurbishment. Retrofit with aftermarket kits if OEM parts are unavailable.
The IHC 175B crawler loader, though aged and idle, remains a viable candidate for restoration in Brazil. Its mechanical design, shared components, and adaptability make it a resilient machine in regions where ingenuity often replaces factory support. With careful inspection, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to adapt, this iron relic can return to work—proving that even after decades of silence, some machines still have more to say.
