Production years
1978-1985
International Harvester combine ยท 1978-1985
International Harvester 1480 Combine
The International Harvester 1480 was the flagship early Axial-Flow combine, built from 1978 through 1985. It is a large, high-capacity rotary machine for its era and remains one of the best-known classic IH combines because of its simple single-rotor design and strong parts support.
Threshing system
Axial-Flow single rotary rotor
Engine
International Harvester DT466 7.6L turbo diesel, 210 hp on later machines
Grain tank capacity
208 bu
International Harvester 1480 specifications
| Production years | 1978-1985 |
|---|---|
| Threshing system | Axial-Flow single rotary rotor |
| Engine | International Harvester DT466 7.6L turbo diesel, 210 hp on later machines |
| Grain tank capacity | 208 bu |
| Header compatibility | 13-30 ft grain platforms; 4-, 6-, or 8-row corn heads |
| Weight | Approx. 22,600 lb without header |
| Rotor diameter | 30 in |
| Drive | Hydrostatic ground drive |
What the 1480 is used for
The 1480 was designed for broad-acre corn, soybeans, wheat, and small grains, where its large rotor and 208-bushel tank suited medium-to-large farms and custom harvesting work of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Today it is valued as an affordable, capable classic rotary combine. It remains practical where acreage, crop conditions, and available labor fit a 20- to 30-foot platform or an 8-row corn head.
Why the International Harvester 1480 stands out
The 1480 is notable as a flagship of the original IH Axial-Flow generation. Its long production run, straightforward rotor-based crop flow, huge owner community, and broad availability of OEM, aftermarket, and salvage parts keep it popular decades later.
Buying a used International Harvester 1480
Inspect the rotor, concaves, rasp bars, transition cone, and cage for wear or patching, then check feederhouse chains, sprockets, reverser, clean-grain elevator, unloading auger, hydrostatic drive, and belts. Verify engine and separator hours where possible, inspect the final drives and axle area for leaks, and confirm the header, adapter, and electronics actually match the machine. Power and equipment details changed during production, so confirm serial-number-specific specifications with TractorData.com and manufacturer records.
International Harvester 1480 frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does an IH 1480 have?
Later 1480 combines are commonly cited at 210 hp with the DT466 turbo diesel; early machines used a lower-rated 436-cubic-inch engine.
How large is the grain tank on an IH 1480?
The standard grain tank capacity is 208 bushels.
Is an IH 1480 still a good used combine?
It can be a good fit for modest acreage when it has been maintained well and local parts and service support are available; condition matters far more than the paint or hour-meter reading alone.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used combines vary by condition, hours, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.