Story No 0006

Utica, MN

Interview 8/22/2026

Story By : Jim Ellsworth

1974 International 1568

Story By: Jim Ellsworth

Jim Ellsworth’s 1974 International 1568

Jim Ellsworth’s 1974 International 1568 was built during a very short chapter in International Harvester history. The 1568 was powered by a V8 diesel engine and was produced for only two model years, 1974 and 1975.

Jim bought the tractor in 1992 from Pringle Implement in Lewiston, Minnesota.

Before buying the 1568, Jim had been looking for more horsepower. He had a John Deere 4020 that he traded toward the International.

One feature that can be misleading when looking at the tractor is its black stripe. This 1568 was not originally a black stripe tractor. The dealer added the black stripe decals to it. Jim remembers that only about eight to ten 1568 tractors were given this treatment by the dealer.

The tractor was put to work on the farm, where Jim used it mostly for planting corn. It was not simply a collector tractor. It earned its keep in the field for many years.

By the time Jim sold the 1568, it had accumulated more than 8,000 hours. It had received considerable mechanical work over the years, including a new radiator, new bearings and head gaskets.

After selling the International, Jim bought a John Deere 5020 to continue farming with. Today, he still owns and drives the 5020.

As for the 1974 International 1568, Jim does not know where it is today. Somewhere along the way, the tractor that spent years planting corn on his farm moved on to another owner.

Its current location may be unknown, but its story is not.

Owner: Jim Ellsworth
Tractor: 1974 International 1568
Engine: V8 diesel
Purchased: 1992
Purchased From: Pringle Implement, Lewiston, Minnesota
Primary Farm Use: Planting corn
Hours: More than 8,000
Current Location: Unknown
Special Detail: Black stripe decals added by the dealer