Vintage News: International B-414

The B-414 was positioned below the B-450, the flagship model of the International Harvester range at the time.

The tractor was built at the old Jowett car factory located in Bradford, England, which was acquired by International Harvester for production in 1954.

Although the B-414's styling was similar to that of its predecessors, the tractor sported a new cream and red colour-scheme.

The International B-414 was powered by an indirect-injection BD-154 four-cylinder diesel engine that produced 40 h.p., which was 5 h.p. more than the B-275's power-plant and 15 h.p. less than the B-450.

The engine was fitted with a rotary injection pump, and although refined and torque it gained a reputation for being a difficult starter in cold weather conditions. The tractor's glow-plugs had to be heated for up to thirty seconds before the engine would start.

The main advantage of the B-414, over its predecessor, was that it was fitted with a new 'vary-touch' hydraulic system which provided position and draft control,and was operated by two levers to the operator's right-hand side.

The tractor had category I and II rear hydraulics and was capable of lifting up to 1.2 tonnes. The B-414 was fitted with a high/low gearbox that provided eight forward and two reverse speeds, the top gear being intended for road-use only.

The transmission was mated to the engine using either an 11" single-plate clutch or a dual clutch assembly which provided the operator with 'live-drive.'

The 6.00 x 19" front and 11 x 28" rear wheels were fitted as standard, as were the disc brakes, a lighting kit and differential lock.

A range of p.t.o. speeds from 540 r.p.m. to 1,000 r.p.m. was available. Optional extras included a foot-throttle, a deluxe seat, tractor-meter, power-assisted steering and wheel weights.

The dash layout of the B-414 was as simple and utilitarian, same as the rest of the tractor. Even though it was launched in 1961, the tractor's starter motor was still engaged using a lever similar in style to that of the Fordson Major E1A unveiled ten years before that.

Although many viewed the International B-414 as being little more than a slightly upgraded B-275, it was nevertheless a useful and robust tractor with more modern features than its smaller sibling.

The B-414 was joined by the 62.5 h.p. International B-614 in 1963, and was replaced by the B-434 three years later.

The B-434 had much sharper styling than the B-414 and its design was more driver focused with a deluxe seat, a wider operator platform and re-arranged controls being fitted for ease of use.

The larger International 634 replaced the B-614 in 1968, and was the first British built tractor with lower-link sensing draft control hydraulics.

The introduction of these tractors was followed by the launch of the new worldwide International tractor range in the early 1970s.

*Email: robertkierans@hotmail.com