ProAG Tractors

In late 1976, International Harvester introduced the ProAG line of 86 series
tractors. This new model lineup included the 161 hp 1586, 147 hp 1486, 131
hp 1086, 105 hp 986 and Hydro 186, 86 hp 886, and 66 hp 686 and Hydro 86 
and the 150 hp 4186 4wd. The new 2wd drive 86 series tractors featured the 
new "Control Cab," which was moved a foot and a half forward on the chassis from where the 66 series cab was placed. IH's concept was to design the tractor to fit the farmer. The Command Cab gave the driver better vision to the front and easier entry and exit from the cab. The reduced amount of noise in the new cab improved the ride for the operator greatly. Because the quieter cabs isolated the farmer from the sounds of the machinery, it was harder to tell when something was going wrong. IH introduced instrumentation and monitors on the 86 series tractors so the farmer could enjoy the comfort of the cab and tell when his chopper was plugging.

The 86 series was a successful venture for IH in the improving AG economy of
the late 1970's. In 1979 IHC was feeling good about the prospects of the
company's future thanks impart to strong tractor sales. Although the IH's
tractor technology was dated. The body style and transmissions on the 86
series were not any different from the 66 series whose technology dated back
to the Farmall 60 series of the late 1950's.

The tractor industry for the 1980's was turning toward synchronized
transmissions that allowed shifting on the fly. IH knew it was lagging
behind but a leap forward would require millions in research and development
and retooling costs that IH did not have. The 86 series carried company
through 1982 despite its ageing transmission. The power shift transmission
would come to IH tractors, but it was too late when it arrived.

The 1/16 1586 was the most popular toy model offered by the Ertl
company over its 17 year run. IH claimed in its 1586 sales literature: " This
is a tractor that could well become the kingpin of your entire operation.
Powered by an IH series B turbo charged engine with 436 cu. in.
displacement, this powerful model needed dual rear wheels to take advantage
of all the power it had to offer on as many as 8 plow bottoms. Ertl offered
the popular 1/16 and 1/64 1086 and a 1/16 886 with ROPS designed to fit
every job on the rug farm.

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