The International Harvester Company, IHC, often simply referred to as \u201cInternational\u201d, originates from the merger in 1902 of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and Deering Harvester Company with 3 other small companies specializing in agricultural mechanical equipment. During World War II, IHC has attained the rank of 33rd<\/sup>\u00a0supplier for the US military.<\/p>
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\n Our tractor is a \u201cM425 \u2013 H542-9 \u2013 5-ton truck Tractor\u201d<\/p>
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\n M425 is the US Army classification. This type of truck was produced in two very similar versions: there was also the \u201cM426 \u2013 H542-11\u201d with a slightly higher tonnage.
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\n H542-9 is the manufacturer classification. The H is for the manufacturer (Harvester), 542 is the type and 9 refers to the tire size: 9.00\u00d720. The M426 was referenced by IHC \u201cH542-11\u201d, being equipped with 11.00\u00d720 tires. It was equipped with reinforced suspensions. The mechanical base was the same:
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\n All were COE, \u201ccab over engine\u201d, although the cab was not entirely over the engine, the truck having a short hood (Hayes cabin).
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\n 4,640 M425 were manufactured by IHC and 10,978 M426 were manufactured by three companies:
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\n Note that 1,200 M425 were rebuilt by Marmon-Herrington in 1945 according to M426 specifications. They were then designated H542-11-C, C for \u201cconverted\u201d.
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\n The M425 was associated with the 5-ton trailer. The M426 was associated with the 10-ton trailer.
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\n Both trailers were of the type \u201cstake and platform\u201d with one axle and dual wheels. The tires were the same as those of the tractor, ensuring identical loads on trailer axle and rear truck axle.<\/p>
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\n The short wheelbase tractor and non motorized front axle gave it an excellent turning radius, easing maneuvers with the trailer.
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\n These trucks were a great success on the Red Ball Express logistics roads, but they were also popular on many other operations, including the blockade of Berlin shortly after the war.
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\n Gasoline engine by IHC, mod\u00e8le : H-542-9
\n6 cylinders in line, valve-in-head, displacement : 452 cu in (7.4 l), 143 hp at 2,600 rpm
\nFuel consumption : 2.6 mpg (110 l\/100 100 km)
\nTransmission : 4\u00d72, 5 speed<\/p>
\n Empty weight : 12,000 lb (5,440 kg)
\nPayload : 12,000 lb (5,440 kg)
\nLength : 200\u00b2 (5.07 m)
\nWidth : 97\u00b2 (2\u00a0.48 m)
\nHeight : 105\u00b2 (2.66 m)
\nGround clearance : 101\/2<\/sup>\u00b2 (0.26 m)
\nWheel base : 120\u00b2 (3.05 m)
\nGasoline tank : 80 gal (300 l)
\nElectrical equipment : 6 v
\nAir brakes
\nTires : 9.00\u00d720<\/p>
\n\n\t\t\tTechnical data<\/h2>
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