The New Number One

The new International 50 series tractors in the 135 hp to 185 hp
class were the largest 2-wheel drive tractors ever marketed by Harvester. New for 1982 was a Synchrotorque transmission providing 18 forward speeds with no overlap and full synchromesh shift-on-the-fly capability for the 5088, 5288 and 5488 models. These new tractors were engineering marvels with forward air flow cooling. Clean air is drawn in through a top grill and expelled out the front carrying engine heat, noise and dust with it. IH began working on the next generation 88 series models for release in 1986 in late 1984. These models known as the "New Farmalls"  had the front flow air system with Magnum style cab. The models in the test phase at the time of the CaseIH merger were the 200hp TX189 test model and DT-466C powered 200+ hp 5000 and the DT-436 powered 125 hp 5188. In 1987 the Magnum was released with the "New Farmall" series cab and transmission with Case refinements.

These new 88 series tractors were triple tested. First they were extensively tested by IH in laboratories and in the field dating back into the mid-1970's when front flow air cool design was first started by IH engineers. An independent group of engineers from Doerfer Engineering in Cedar falls, IA, certified the performance and productivity of the  88 series.  These independent test put the  88 series head to head in the field again John Deere 40 series tractors.  In the Doerfer Engineering tests an IH 5288 was matched against a John Deere 4640.  The 5288 worked 13.5% more acres per hour plowing, 8.8% more acres chiseling and 10.5% more acres disking.  During the trial the 5288 had better fuel economy with 3.6% more acres per gallon plowing, 5.6% chiseling and 5.9% disking.   Evaluations were also made by John Deere owners across the United States. 75% of these John Deere owners like the forward air flow cooling system compared to their 40 series.  74% of Deere owners liked the easy smooth shift of the fully synchronized transmission over their 4440 and 4640 Quad-Range and Power Shift tractors.  IH wanted to let farmers know they had a solid tractor that was #1 in the field and IH hoped it would make them #1 in the industry in sales.

Forward air cooling was an International innovation designed to improve performance and reliability. With this advanced new design, cooling air is pulled in through the top grille and expelled through the front grille.  Hot engine air bypasses the radiator through the side duct.  Not only is incoming air cleaner, but the system also blows heat and dust away from the operator.  Over-heating and plugging of the radiator are reduced.  A different, more engine sound is another advantage of forward air cooling.

Ertl offered several 88 series tractors in 1/16 and 1/64 scale. You can learn more about the history of these models here in the ToyTractorShow.com 88 series history pages.

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