[SS5150]

This is a good topic but there are a bunch of reasons for the failure. I got a softcover copy of A Corporate Tragedy about 15 years ago and it is a great read, but I don't think I'd give $200 for it. Maybe some of you guys can try your local library.

Some things that I've read that maybe weren't mentioned here-

Construction division was sold in early 80s, (to Dresser Corp) for less than what the inventory was worth; Payhauler quarry trucks were spun off into a standalone company;

IH had a large share of ownership in Steiger Tractor, (that's where the 66/86s 4WDs were sourced) sold in real early 80s. Look for a marketing flyer for the 73/75/7788 tractors to see what the future IH/Steigers were supposed to look like. (By the way, one reason given for the sale was the lack of a PTO option)

We all know that the Cubs were sold off;

Wisconsin Steel was a money pit, I think they had a deal set up to sell it and then the buyer folded; 'I think" (I can't recall now) IH just closed it

Were unable to sell the Scout line; ended up closing it down

Lack of a full powershift in the high hp row crop tractors hurt head to head with Deere. I think most of us know at the time IH had a superior engine, and the 86/88 series cab is pretty competitive. Unfortunately IH didn't have the money to invest in the new tranny; really the full powershift STS should have been out around the time of the 86 series, at least as an option, and definitely available in the 50 series. Marsh outlined how IH would develop a line, introduce it, and then Deere would respond with an updated, improved lineup, and market it against IH's 'new' tractor.

Poor management for many years, the 60 series diff failures, overproduction in '79-80, always at odds with the labor union, wanting to go head to head with Cat in construction. Speaking of the labor issues, you guys should read some of the stuff in Marsh's book. Some of the issues were just ridiculous.

Book outlines just how critical the Powerstroke diesel for Ford Motor Co. was to IH's survival. Also company internal debates regarding the DT466- Engine division wanted to sell it to competitors, Trucks wanted it kept in house, so as customer would buy IH truck (or other heavy eq) vs competing brand with the IH engine.


Lots of good info out there. I got the new Red Tractors book last summer and it really gets into the development of the Magnum tractor. Pretty interesting stuff.....think 50 series IH with a Cummins engine, IH cab, IH (full powershift) tranny, IH rearend, Case rear wheels and dash, and new hood styling. I think the FWA axle was the same as the 50 series as well. There was a quote in there that Case had their 96 series in development, (94 series using the Cummins engine), but the Case just didn't compare with the technology that IH had, so they quickly dropped the Case and focused on refining the IH design.