1970 544 Hydro Gas Farmall Row Crop Golden Demonstrator

This International Harvester 544 is a compact tractor produced from 1968 to 1973. It features a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing about 44 PTO horsepower.  It’s designed for row-crop farming and features adjustable rear wheel spacing and ample ground clearance to accommodate various crop widths and cultivating tasks. The 544 was available with a hydro transmission, 540-RPM PTO, and dependable hydraulics, making it known for reliability, ease of use, and versatility on smaller farms. 

This International Harvester 544 Golden Demonstrator is an incredibly scarce and desirable IH classic—believed to be just one of eight known examples in existence. Small yet capable, the 544 is celebrated for its dependable performance, versatility, and ease of operation, making it a standout tractor with serious collector appeal in this rare gold configuration. Finished in high-quality automotive paint with straight, clean sheet metal, the attention to detail is evident throughout. Riding on excellent Firestone tires, this 544 Golden Demonstrator is a remarkable showpiece and a prized addition to any IH enthusiast’s lineup. 

This tractor was originally found in a salvage yard in Salem, South Dakota by Richard Landis in 2005. Richard reworked it and repainted it before his passing in 2015. The Van Wyhes purchased it from his daughter Kate Rogers in 2018. She gave them the picture of her father picking up the tractor from the salvage yard and it still had its golden paint. It was re-restored by Josh Olson in 2018 with chrome and/or stainless steel bolts throughout the sheet metal, wheels, and fenders. There was an article published in Red Power Magazine about Richard Lantis in January/February 2004 and his tractor collection.  

 Tractor runs and drives as shown in the video. Tractor is equipped with a drawbar, 540 PTO with proper shield, three point system, two hydraulic remotes, fenders, lights, hazards, split rear wheel weights, front mounted suitcase weight bracket, custom steps, chrome grille insert, chrome throttle and shifter levers, chrome exhaust, and new seat cushions. High quality, detailed restoration. The sheet metal is straight. Rear tires are 15.5-38 Firestones and front tires are 7.50-16 Firestones. This tractor was on the front cover of Red Power Magazine January/February 2020.