Classic Machines: The International Model 560 Payloader

The 560 PayLoader: an overview by Richard Campbell

The International model 560 Payloader represented one of the first of the new breed of wheel loaders in International Harvester’s product range and was introduced in 1971.

Wielding a 6.5 to 12 cubic yard bucket, the 560 Payloader was a big wheel loader for its day and was a contemporary of the Caterpillar 988B, Fiat-Allis 945B, Terex 72-71 and Michigan 275A.

Prior to the 560s introduction, the largest wheel loader in the International Harvester range had been the Hough H400, which had built up a very creditable reputation as a rugged and reliable wheel loader since its introduction in 1963.

The Frank G Hough company was a pioneer in the field of wheel loaders, having brought out its first machine (mounted on a McCormick tractor) in the early 1920s.

Although it manufactured loader attachments for other make tractors, Hough was always closely allied with International Harvester so it was really no great surprise when the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of International Harvester in 1952.

During the following years the Hough products were continually improved upon, with new machines being introduced on a regular basis to the extent that, for a period during the 1950s and 60s, International/Hough was the market leader worldwide in wheel loader sales.

As a result of worldwide requirements for larger wheel loaders International set about designing an entirely new series of machines in the late 1960s, the ‘500’ range, which eventually culminated in the enormous model 580, truly an awe inspiring beast.

Just a few rungs down on the ladder sat the 560.

This was available with two engine options, International Harvester or Cummins, and a variety of buckets or log handling attachments.

A very popular machine, the 560 was upgraded in late 1980 to the 560B version and this model was carried through until International Harvester’s Payline division was acquired by Dresser Industries in 1982.

There were examples of the 560B sold in Dresser markings but by the time Dresser offloaded its construction equipment business to Komatsu, a scanty six years later, the machine had disappeared completely. Frank Hough must have turned in his grave!