Frustration with the speed of progress is common—particularly now, as we are told that electric vehicles represent the future, even while the technology necessary to fulfill that promise is still evolving. It is essential to recognize that the internal-combustion engines of today are the result of the same gradual development, which included numerous false starts and engineering setbacks in the past.
One such setback remained concealed for seven decades, and it is intriguing. It is a 25-horsepower single-cylinder “hit-and-miss” engine crafted by International Harvester in 1915. A recently shared video on the YouTube channel Antique Tractor Life highlights that it is one of only three believed to still be in existence today. The engine operated within a planing mill for 70 years before being auctioned in the 1990s, retaining an impressive original state.
The term “hit-and-miss” refers to how these engines ignite (“hit”) only when operating at a specific speed; otherwise, they cycle without ignition (“miss”). The speed is controlled by the exhaust valve’s opening and closing, which is connected to a rocker arm similar to that in traditional engine designs. A governor keeps the exhaust valve open for speed maintenance. The intake valve operates solely based on the combustion chamber’s suction, meaning it remains closed if the exhaust valve is open. Like most early internal-combustion engines, it is not highly efficient. This engine produces its 25 hp from 1,100 cubic inches—around 18 liters—of displacement.
As per the video, International Harvester manufactured hit-and-miss engines in Milwaukee from 1904 to 1917. The company began with gasoline-powered models of 6, 8, and 15 hp. Additional variations followed, with the 25-hp iteration beginning production in 1910. By 1913, International introduced kerosene-fueled models due to the surging gas prices caused by the booming automobile industry. Versions suitable for horse and wagon transport were offered for agricultural use, and stationary models also existed to provide energy prior to widespread electricity availability. Although most of its operational life was stationary, this engine was originally mounted on a wheeled chassis.
Concealed in a Planing Mill for 70 Years — One of Only 3 International Harvester Engines
These rudimentary hit-and-miss engines performed adequately in comparison to more labor-intensive steam engines and manual power, although they were rendered largely outdated by the 1930s. Notably, this engine was already on its way to the scrap yard before finding a new home. It was repurposed in a Pennsylvania mill in 1935 following a fire caused by the steam engine that previously powered the facility. The persistent Great Depression made low cost a necessity, which is why the abandoned engine was quite affordable. This turned out to be a wise investment.
The engine continued to operate the mill until it was auctioned in 1997. Some mechanical restoration was necessary to reactivate it, yet a coat of oil and sawdust from its extensive working life aided in its preservation for engineering enthusiasts to appreciate.
### Three Surviving International Harvester Hit-and-Miss Engines Still in Existence Today
International Harvester, a well-known American maker, manufactured a variety of farming machinery and engines in the early 20th century. Among their significant inventions were hit-and-miss engines, which found extensive use for an array of functions, including driving agricultural equipment and minor machinery. Although numerous such engines have perished over time, a few remarkable instances endure today, revered by collectors and fans. Below are three surviving International Harvester hit-and-miss engines that continue to draw the curiosity of historians and machinery lovers.
#### 1. International Harvester 1.5 HP Engine (Model 1.5)
The International Harvester 1.5 HP engine, produced in the early 1920s, stands as a notable testament to the company’s engineering capabilities. This engine showcases a straightforward yet effective design, marked by its sturdy cast iron framework and unique hit-and-miss functionality. The 1.5 HP model primarily served light agricultural duties, such as powering small pumps and generators. Currently, a select few of these engines are preserved in private collections and at vintage machinery exhibitions, where they are often demonstrated to highlight their distinctive operating traits.
#### 2. International Harvester 3 HP Engine (Model 3)
Another significant instance is the International Harvester 3 HP engine, which became well-regarded for its adaptability and dependability. Manufactured in the 1920s, this engine was intended for more strenuous applications, such as operating larger equipment and machines. The 3 HP model is known for its unique flywheel and efficient cooling system, contributing to its durability. A few of these engines remain functional, with committed owners who keep them in operational condition, often partaking in antique engine showcases and local fairs.
#### 3. International Harvester 6 HP Engine (Model 6)
The International Harvester 6 HP engine marks the larger end of the hit-and-miss range. Crafted in the late 1920s, this engine could power more substantial machinery, like threshers and larger irrigation pumps. Its sturdy construction and elevated power output made it a popular choice among farmers of its era. Today, a handful of examples of the 6 HP engine can be discovered in museums and private collections, serving as a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering. Enthusiasts frequently restore these engines to their original state, ensuring they remain a part of agricultural heritage.
### Conclusion
The remaining International Harvester hit-and-miss engines are not merely artifacts of the past; they symbolize innovation and agricultural progress of their era. Each of these engines narrates a tale of the time in which they were created, mirroring the demands and challenges faced by farmers in the early 20th century. As collectors and historians continue to care for these machines, they help guarantee that the legacy of International Harvester and its contributions to agricultural technology will endure.