Why Did a 1930 International Harvester Need a Six-Speed Transmission?

During the Great Depression, trucks had to replace horses — and they had to work everywhere. This video explains how a 1930 International Harvester six-speed truck fit into that transition, why low gearing mattered more than speed, and how early truck engineering reflected the realities of the time. It’s a look at transportation history through the lens of one unusual gearbox.

Published

January 30, 2026

Written by

Rick DeBruhl