Production years
1960s-1970s
International Harvester grain drill ยท 1960s-1970s
International Harvester 510 Grain Drill
The International Harvester 510 is a classic mechanical box grain drill from the 1960s and 1970s. It is a conventional-tillage drill, most commonly encountered in 10- to 12-foot versions with closely spaced double-disc openers.
Working width
Commonly 10 or 12 ft; wider versions existed
Row spacing
Commonly 6, 7, 7.5, 8, or 10 in., by version
Number of openers/rows
Common examples: 18 rows at 7 in. on 10 ft; 20 rows at 6 in. on 10 ft
International Harvester 510 specifications
| Production years | 1960s-1970s |
|---|---|
| Drill type | Conventional grain drill |
| Working width | Commonly 10 or 12 ft; wider versions existed |
| Row spacing | Commonly 6, 7, 7.5, 8, or 10 in., by version |
| Number of openers/rows | Common examples: 18 rows at 7 in. on 10 ft; 20 rows at 6 in. on 10 ft |
| Opener type | Double-disc |
| Seed and fertilizer boxes | Grain box; grass-seed attachment available on many drills |
| Weight (approximate) | About 1,500-2,000 lb for common 10-ft configurations; confirm by model |
What the 510 is used for
The 510 was built for wheat, oats, barley, rye, pasture seedings, and other small grains in worked ground. Its double-disc openers place seed more consistently than older hoe drills, but it was not designed as a modern no-till machine.
Today, owners use good examples on small acreages, hay and pasture renovations, food plots, and conventional small-grain fields. Its appeal is durable, uncomplicated construction rather than high-residue performance.
Why the International Harvester 510 stands out
The 510 became popular because it combined a practical ground-driven metering system with double-disc openers in a relatively compact drill. It remains recognizable and serviceable, although condition and local parts support matter more than the model name alone.
Buying a used International Harvester 510
Inspect the discs, disc bearings, scraper hardware, seed boots or tubes, drag chains, and any closing or press-wheel equipment. Turn the ground-drive wheels and verify that every feed cup and shaft turns freely. Rusted box bottoms, seized rate controls, worn drive chains, and missing grass-seed components are common on long-stored drills.
International Harvester 510 frequently asked questions
Is the IH 510 a no-till drill?
No. It is primarily a conventional-tillage grain drill and needs a prepared seedbed for its best work.
What row spacing is common on a 510?
Examples are found from 6 to 10 inches, with 7- and 7.5-inch drills especially common.
Are parts still available?
Many wear items are available through aftermarket agricultural suppliers, but inspect for model-specific or discontinued parts before purchase.
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 grain drills vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.