International Loadstar
The International Loadstar is a series of medium and heavy-duty trucks that were built by International Harvester from 1962 to 1978.[1] Early models were recognizable by their grey grill and "butterfly" hood, but a one-piece tilting hood was used from model year 1972 onwards.[2] The Loadstar was primarily used for local delivery, construction, and agricultural applications, as well as utility and fire trucks. It replaced the earlier R-series, which had been built in medium (and heavier) duty form until the Loadstar arrived. The Loadstar conventionals were replaced by the second phase of the S-Series' introduction in the summer of 1978.[3] The name was briefly revived in 2012 for a stillborn low-built cabover truck.
| International Loadstar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | International Harvester (1962-1978) |
| Production | 1962-1978 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Class 6-7 |
| Body style | Truck (bonneted cab) |
| Layout | 4x2, 4x4, 6X4 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Gasoline *154–210 hp (115–157 kW) Diesel *113–200 hp (84–149 kW) |
| Transmission | 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10-speed manual 4 and 6-speed automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | International Harvester R-Series |
| Successor | International Harvester S-Series |
Design
International manufactured a complete line of trucks and used few light and medium-duty vendor parts. A conservative company, components had long production runs without model year changes. The Loadstar itself changed very little over its fourteen year production run.
Loadstar
Most Loadstars had a medium-duty 4x2 chassis, but 4X4 and 6x4 models were also built. A four-door extended cab was also available. The cab, also used on the Fleetstar, had been introduced on the A series in 1956.
Models included: 1600, 1700, 1750, 1800, F1800, 1850, and F1850, with the numbers indicating the size and weight rating of the model. The 1750 and 1850 had mid-range diesels. The 1600 and 1700 were available with 4X4, the F1800 and F1850 had tandem rear axles.
Loadstar CO
The Loadstar CO 1600, 1700, and 1800 were forward control cab-over-engine versions of the Loadstar, built from 1963 until 1970. They were available with loaded weights from 19,500 to 27,500 pounds (8,800 to 12,500 kg).
Schoolmaster
The Schoolmaster 1603, 1703, 1803, and 1853 were cowl-chassis models used for school-bus type bodies, the 1853 was also available as a forward control bare chassis for flat-nosed bodies. The Schoolmaster had longer wheelbases available than the Loadstar, otherwise they were mechanically the same.
Engines
Gasoline, CNG, and mid-range diesel engines were used. The short hood of the Loadstar meant that V-8 engines fit better than inline-six engines.
The V304/345/392 family was the primary engine of the Loadstar between 1962 and 1973. They are 304, 345, and 392 cubic inches (5.0, 5.7, and 6.4 l) overhead valve gasoline V8s. They developed 193, 197, and 236 horsepower (144, 147, and 176 kW) respectively. CNG V345s were also available. In 1962 the V304 was standard on the 1600 and 1700 while the V345 was standard on the 1800. On most models the next larger engine was optional. In 1974 the V345 became standard on the 1600.
The MV404 was introduced in 1974. It was a 404 cubic inches (6.6 l) overhead valve gasoline V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. It developed 210 horsepower (160 kW) and 366 pound force-feet (496 N⋅m) of torque. It became standard on the 1700 and 1800.
The BD264/282/308 family were the only inline-six cylinder gasoline engines offered. They were 264, 282, and 308 cubic inches (4.3, 4.6, and 5.0 l) and developed 154, 136, and 202 horsepower (115, 101, and 151 kW) respectively.
Mid-range diesels were International V8s up to 200 horsepower (150 kW), the Detroit Diesel 6V53 with 195 horsepower (145 kW), and Perkins inline-sixes up to 130 horsepower (97 kW).
Driveline
Four and 5-speed manual transmissions were used. All gasoline single axle models could have a 2-speed rear axle. Diesel models were available with 8- and 10-speed Roadranger manual transmissions. Four and 6-speed automatic transmissions were available on some models.
Chassis
Models other than semi-tractors had vacuum assisted hydraulic drum brakes standard. Air over hydraulic and full air brakes were available. A driven front axle and tandem rear axles were available on some models (cab-over-engine models could have neither). Loaded weights were from 18,200 to 30,200 pounds (8,300 to 13,700 kg) and up to 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) including trailers.[4]
1972-1974 Models
| Model[5] | Max. front GAWR[lower-alpha 1] | Max. rear GAWR | Max. GVWR[lower-alpha 2] | Engine[lower-alpha 3] | Trans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1600 | 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) | 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) | 24,500 lb (11,100 kg) | V-345 | 5 spd.[lower-alpha 4] |
| 1600 4x4 | 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) | 14,200 lb (6,400 kg) | 35,000 lb (16,000 kg) | V-345 | 5 spd. |
| 1700 | 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) | 18,500 lb (8,400 kg) | 27,500 lb (12,500 kg) | MV-404 | 4 spd. |
| 1700 4x4 | 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) | 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) | 26,000 lb (12,000 kg) | V-345 | 5 spd. |
| 1800 | 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) | 21,200 lb (9,600 kg) | 30,200 lb (13,700 kg) | MV-446 | 10 spd. |
| 1850 | 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) | 21,200 lb (9,600 kg) | 30,200 lb (13,700 kg) | D-170 | 5 spd. |
| F1800 6x4 | 10,860 lb (4,930 kg) | 34,000 lb (15,000 kg) | 44,600 lb (20,200 kg) | MV-404 | 5 spd. |
| F1850 6x4 | 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) | 34,000 lb (15,000 kg) | 46,000 lb (21,000 kg) | D-170 | 5 spd. |
- Gross Axle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the axle.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the truck.
- Highest rated engine for model.
- A 4 spd. automatic was available.
2012 Loadstar
The Loadstar name was revived in 2012 for a series of heavy duty low-slung cabover trucks, particularly suitable for waste hauling.[6] The Loadstar offered a stainless steel cab, an industry first, making it resistant to the corrosion associated with waste disposal, airplane refueling, and other such fields for which the truck was intended. Production was scheduled to begin in 2013 but never did.
References
- Wren, James A.; Wren, Genevieve (1979). Motor Trucks of America. Ann Arbor MI: The University of Michigan Press. pp. 247, 320. ISBN 0-472-06313-8.
- Take another look- it's also a Loadstar (Brochure). International Harvester. 1972.
New optional tilt hood and a new grille combine to make the Loadstar look wider, more powerful, and way ahead in styling [...].
- Crismon, p. 492
- Motor's Truck and Diesel Repair Manual (26 ed.). Motor. 1973. pp. 946–948. ISBN 0-910992-16-9.
- "International Truck Specifications - Loadstar Line". Wisconsin Historical Society. 2013. Retrieved 2014-10-28.
- "Introducing the New International Loadstar". Navistar, Inc. 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11.
- Burness, Tad (1985), American Truck & Bus Spotter's Guide: 1920-1985, Motorbooks International, ISBN 9780879381981
- Crismon, Frederick W. (2002), International Trucks (2nd ed.), Minneapolis, MN: Victory WW2 Publishing, ISBN 0-9700567-2-9
- Foster, Patrick (2015). International Harvester Trucks, The Complete History. Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-7603-4860-4.
- International Truck Specifications - Loadstar (Wisconsin Historical Society)