Ford 2_138 4.40 star(s) (18)

Best Small Tractor For My Situation
Model Year: 1980

There were several things that I was in the market for. I travel 3 miles from one farm to the other so wanted a good travel speed. This one goes about 4 mph faster than a lot of the compact tractors. I also wanted an adjustable front axle and adjustable rear wheels so it had to be two wheel drive and again, there were very few models in this HP range that had this. I also wanted a great transmission with nicely stepped gear ranges. I don't think anyone else has a tranny like this. Start in low range and go through the 3 gears, step to 2nd range and go through the 3 gears, all the way to the top gear and there is no overlapping. Love it! I have had to do several repairs and have found parts easily by searching on the net. I have run one of the 1710 models and it has a 3 cylinder engine instead of the 2 cylinder. That is a much smoother engine and starts much easier. Have to use the glow plugs almost all the time unless the engine is warm from running.

Pros: Dependable, easy on fuel and very versatile.
Cons: Hard to start, have to use the glow plugs.

Very Good Tractor the Best
Model Year: 1979

Good tractor strong enough uni problem was the hydraulic 3 PTOS Q I put hydraulic direction and is now slower.

Pros: Good tractor strong enough.
Cons: See above.

Little Blue
Model Year: 0

Great little all around machine for small farm/garden. Added bucket which is more helpful than anything else.

Pros: Simple operation.
Cons: When the ground is wet it would be nice to have 4 wheel drive.

Property Maintenance Equipment
Model Year: 1978

Machine needs minimal maintenance.

Pros: Machine built to last long.
Cons: Bulky for a compact tractor.

Ford 1700 Small But Sturdy
Model Year: 1981

Ford 1700's, like my FORD 600, are relatively small but sturdy...lil' tractors and I would argue with anyone about the 1700 being a gas guzzler or having lift problems. This compact tractor does some really big work on hardly any diesel and I'd recommend this Japanese built Ford to anyone. It uses all of the equipment that my larger 600 uses and seems to handle it all quite well....superbly on some counts. My only complaint is the size in which the cockpit tightly envelopes the operator and I don't particularly care for the balance when considering how certain grades of ground causes the tractor to be back-heavy. Even with several heavy weights, any type of load at any sharp grade will cause it to do a wheely. Great tractor though....I just wish it had been built by Americans. Sorry that I have yet to take some photos (other than what I put in temporarily of my Ford 600 etc).

Pros: Tough, durable, maneuverable, cheap to operate.
Cons: Light, rare/expensive parts to some degree and not open enough for a big operator.

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Steering Box is Weak
Model Year: 1982

This model tractor seems to suffer from a weak manual steering gear box. I knew this from other online reviews prior to purchase. As it turns out, the steering shaft has integral bearing races (both upper and lower bearings). When you replace the bearings, all you are replacing is the balls with open cage assembly unless you buy a new steering shaft and or new gearbox, which forms the opposite side of the bearing's race. To me, this is a design flaw in that you can't simply replace a bearing as a sealed unit, gaining new races in the process. Unfortunately, this "design flaw" is directly proportionate to the unit's reliability. the issue seems to be worn race(s) on the steering shaft over time. The best way to check a 1700 before you buy is to watch the steering wheel closely. As you turn from side to side with the wheel, watch for the wheel to raise and lower slightly in relation to the dash. Any up or down movement will indicate wear in the steering at the bearing(s). Aside from this issue. The tractor has plenty of capability!

Pros: Price, fuel consumption, capability, it's a workhorse.
Cons: Steering gearbox/bearing issue making reliability suffer.

Ford 1700
Model Year: 1980

Only problems I have had is: 1. Hydraulics seem to get water in it and freeze up in the winter 2. Pre august 31 1980 machines have weak front 4 wd axles and the are known to break which has happened to me and its a very expensive fix. Other than that great working little tractor.

Pros: Small, versatile great for small acreage.
Cons: 1979 Aug. 1980 weak 4 wd front axle. Parts expensive hard to find.

Works Hard Easy on Fuel
Model Year: 1981

First tractor ever. First thing I did was buy the manual from Jensales so there are no mysteries when a maintenance issue arises. I learned that water will leak into the transmission/hydraulic system and freeze up the components. Built a custom backhoe and dug a 5'x 200' trench and it only burned about $10 in fuel. Engine starts all the time, great unit, keeps your arms in shape when working with the loader full. Maintain the fuel system (filter and injector pump) and lots of grease and oil, the cheapest maintenance.

Pros: Always starts, burns little fuel, nimble enough to get anywhere.
Cons: Keep it out of the rain or tarp it, no power steering, trans PTO.

Ford 1700 - Works Good
Model Year: 1985

A good basic tractor. No built-in hydraulics or front end loader. Bought it from a friend. It's a pain when you run out of diesel fuel---you have to take off the fuel injector lines to bleed it.

Pros: Solid construction.
Cons: Ugly when you run out of fuel. No hydraulics.

Still Learning
Model Year: 1980

Seems to be a good medium duty tractor. I have been been leveling off some of my yard mostly front end loader work, I am a beginner with this being my first tractor, Love the 4 wheel drive, it really adds to the ability to skim the high spots off with the loader bucket.

Pros: Starts good, works hard, services easy.
Cons: No power steering.

Ford 1700
Model Year: 1983

I got this little 1700 about 1 1/2yrs ago, it had been very badly abused and didn't run well at all. All the tires were full of liquid which I drained out. I lots rather spin than brake. Had water in the oil an no power. I knew it had serious problems when I got it. I rebuilt the engine, the head had been cracked before and was cracked again, cost almost $400 to repair the head. I got it back together and it does fine. Had to get used to the power though, I was used to the power of my Allis Chalmers 5050. Overall I think it's a nice little tractor if you can get by with one of it's size, It would never take the plac a bigger tractor. That was the problem with it when I got it. Someone tried to make it work like a big tractor, it may work for a while but it's gonna brake.

Pros: Small and easy to get around with for small jobs.
Cons: No cons really.

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Love this Tractor
Model Year: 1980

Original 1700. 1408 hours as of 2012. 4x4. 770 Loader. What a wonderful item. Built like the larger work horses. 540rpm rear PTO. Would recommend this unit to anyone.

Pros: 2cyl diesel always starts.
Cons: Loader limit is about 500-600 lbs in reality.

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F 1700 Ford
Model Year: 0

First tractor, great price, have a few things to update/repair, but love my new toy!!

Pros: Strong motor.
Cons: Didn't have fenders or front end loader.

Owner
Model Year: 1979

I bought this tractor new over 30 yrs ago and can't say anything bad.

Pros: Dependability.
Cons: None.

Owner of Ford 1700
Model Year: 1980

For an older tractor it is a great unit.

Pros: Runs great w/ excellent power.
Cons: Does nor appear to have a live PTO.

Ford 1700
Model Year: 1979

I bought my Ford 1700 from a guy in our organization. Being first time Tractor user I had very little experience with it. I’m mechanically inclined and okay with wrenching and I was extremely pleased to see how easy it is to maintain this tractor. My Ford 1700 is a basic machine and does not have much fancy options as far as front end loader, live PTO but does have live hydraulics which is great. It is light and nimble @ 2500 lbs and can get in to tight areas. I consider it to be one of the best investments I made. I paid $3100 for it with actual 900 hrs on the proof meter. It has been stored in the barn or garage and has some paint fading but nothing bad, has some surface rust but it’ll out live me as the sheet metal is thick and good quality. Fit and finish and casting look excellent and appears to have excellent metallurgy. I have done much work on it and they were all relatively easy and painless. I have gone thru the whole hyd system, including hyd pump overhaul, hyd cylinder seal and had no issues so far with the parts from NH dealer. All the maintenance I have done to it cost me about$250 and I did a lot on it. I know the major engine parts will be pricey. I trust I can maintain this 1700 for a long time if I give it a bit of TLC. The consumables are easy to find and replace. I don’t expect engine overhaul as long as oil and radiator is kept up before 4000 hrs, probably will not be around to do it. It has been a $5500 investment with the implements that I bought and made and could not be happier. I’d be happy as a lark if it had live PTO and FEL.

Pros: Great little tractor
Cons: Missing live pto and fel

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Ford 1700
Model Year: 1976

Tough little tractor once the flaws of design are fixed. Had to build new kingpin steering arms (4x4) as I was unable to find a used one anywhere. They were designed too light and are prone to breaking. I needed a good compact 4x4 tractor and did not want to spend the money on a newer model. Great value for the buck.

Pros: good power for the size
Cons: Hard to find parts

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Ford 1700
Model Year: 1979

Bought this used and it has a bucket loader. This is a very powerful small tractor that has tons of time on it (though hour meter doesn't work). It's a diesel and it just has tons of power, 12 speeds and lots more. Mine is 2 wheel drive (the only disadvantage...if you have slick or muddy soil I strongly suggest the 4 wheel drive version) but overall these can be bought at a good price and the diesel makes it ideal to run economically at home or on a small farm.

Pros: Powerful, cheap to operate, reliable
Cons: Would be better to have 4 wheel drive..otherwise no negatives

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