Ford 3400 Reviews
Ford 3400
Model Year: 1968
Enjoying old Ford tractors most of my life. Being mechanical by nature and always seeking a good deal, I found this project on Craigslist. It had more features than I had on my '57 861 or my '64 2000. I completely restored it, since I planned to keep it. That began by rebuilding the motor, trans., hyd. system, all new seals and rebuilding or replacing most all other components on the tractor by the time I was done. Automotive paint and bodywork, with attention to details finished it off. It works just as if it were new and I enjoy it every time I use it.
Pros: They don't put the steel in them like this tractor has any longer.
Cons: It's too nice to use at times, I jump on the 861 for the real dirty work.
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Model Year: 1968
Enjoying old Ford tractors most of my life. Being mechanical by nature and always seeking a good deal, I found this project on Craigslist. It had more features than I had on my '57 861 or my '64 2000. I completely restored it, since I planned to keep it. That began by rebuilding the motor, trans., hyd. system, all new seals and rebuilding or replacing most all other components on the tractor by the time I was done. Automotive paint and bodywork, with attention to details finished it off. It works just as if it were new and I enjoy it every time I use it.
Pros: They don't put the steel in them like this tractor has any longer.
Cons: It's too nice to use at times, I jump on the 861 for the real dirty work.
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3400
Model Year: 1966
Had this tractor for many years. One tough unit! Using around my home and woodlands for a variety of functions. Have a loader,backhoe,log winch,forks, snowplow. It is two wheel drive so I do need to be careful of the muddy spots, but the tires are R4s, loaded and weighted. Most reliable piece of machinery I have ever owned!
Pros: Tough, reliable, versatile.
Cons: Two wheel drive, low power.
Model Year: 1966
Had this tractor for many years. One tough unit! Using around my home and woodlands for a variety of functions. Have a loader,backhoe,log winch,forks, snowplow. It is two wheel drive so I do need to be careful of the muddy spots, but the tires are R4s, loaded and weighted. Most reliable piece of machinery I have ever owned!
Pros: Tough, reliable, versatile.
Cons: Two wheel drive, low power.
Gas Ford 3400
Model Year: 1968
We bought this 3400 used with a 730 loader and I'm still using it for moving dirt, loading potting soil bin and to be honest the tractor was used pretty hard for mowing etc. and it would foul out the spark plugs about every 2-3 months, so I started adding Lucas oil treatment at about 30% ratio and I've gone years now without fouling a plug. The steering is not great because it has a tendency to pigeon toe when reversing which is a problem with a full bucket. I also have a Ford 3600 Diesel and had considered moving the front loader to it because it does not have the steering issues but have not looked into whether the 730 loader will fit the 3600.
Pros: Very reliable, still using the clutch that was in it when bought.
Cons: Steering is my biggest complaint (pigeon toed in reverse).
Model Year: 1968
We bought this 3400 used with a 730 loader and I'm still using it for moving dirt, loading potting soil bin and to be honest the tractor was used pretty hard for mowing etc. and it would foul out the spark plugs about every 2-3 months, so I started adding Lucas oil treatment at about 30% ratio and I've gone years now without fouling a plug. The steering is not great because it has a tendency to pigeon toe when reversing which is a problem with a full bucket. I also have a Ford 3600 Diesel and had considered moving the front loader to it because it does not have the steering issues but have not looked into whether the 730 loader will fit the 3600.
Pros: Very reliable, still using the clutch that was in it when bought.
Cons: Steering is my biggest complaint (pigeon toed in reverse).
Ford 3400
Model Year: 1969
The tractor is extremely well built in terms of strength and durability. Most parts are easy to work on, with a few notable and annoying exceptions. The selling point of this tractor (over the 3000) is the beefed up front end, and the high quality loader that goes with it. The loader is very strong, powerful and has it's own 15-20 gpm (depending on model) pump. You won't have any complaints with the loader. Due to the heavy duty loader, the tractor is extremely front heavy and you will absolutely want a 3ph counterweight and/or weights on or in the tires in order to get decent performance. The hydraulic filters are in the rear axle and are a pain to change out/clean, with one requiring you to split the tractor. The design of the loader is such that replacing the clutch/brake cross shaft seal also requires either removal of the loader or splitting of the tractor. These last features are worth knowing if you are considering buying a tractor that needs filters replaced or has a leak at the cross shaft.
Pros: Strong loader, good fuel economy.
Cons: Front heavy, must use counterweights.
Model Year: 1969
The tractor is extremely well built in terms of strength and durability. Most parts are easy to work on, with a few notable and annoying exceptions. The selling point of this tractor (over the 3000) is the beefed up front end, and the high quality loader that goes with it. The loader is very strong, powerful and has it's own 15-20 gpm (depending on model) pump. You won't have any complaints with the loader. Due to the heavy duty loader, the tractor is extremely front heavy and you will absolutely want a 3ph counterweight and/or weights on or in the tires in order to get decent performance. The hydraulic filters are in the rear axle and are a pain to change out/clean, with one requiring you to split the tractor. The design of the loader is such that replacing the clutch/brake cross shaft seal also requires either removal of the loader or splitting of the tractor. These last features are worth knowing if you are considering buying a tractor that needs filters replaced or has a leak at the cross shaft.
Pros: Strong loader, good fuel economy.
Cons: Front heavy, must use counterweights.
Just an Old Ford
Model Year: 1975
I'm not vastly experienced in tractors, but this Ford has proven to be a great runner in the short time that I've owned it. I added a front end loader that was designed for early 60's Fords but that upgrade went quite well and it works great. The Northern NY winter will be this tractor's "acid test". I'll add to this review in the spring if all goes as planned.
Pros: Fuel efficient, great turning radius, mid-sized.
Cons: No P.T.O., no 3 point hitch, crappy braking.
Model Year: 1975
I'm not vastly experienced in tractors, but this Ford has proven to be a great runner in the short time that I've owned it. I added a front end loader that was designed for early 60's Fords but that upgrade went quite well and it works great. The Northern NY winter will be this tractor's "acid test". I'll add to this review in the spring if all goes as planned.
Pros: Fuel efficient, great turning radius, mid-sized.
Cons: No P.T.O., no 3 point hitch, crappy braking.
Great Product
Model Year: 1970
This tractor is a reliable piece of equipment. Mine is a industrial version with a front loading bucket attached. Other than a few minor maintenance needs this tractor runs great! I use a Titan pallet fork now on the front which works great along with this tractor, I bought the pallet fork from who had great customer service and free shipping.
Pros: Well manufactured, starts well in cold weather.
Cons: PTO clutch came out but was an easy fix.
Model Year: 1970
This tractor is a reliable piece of equipment. Mine is a industrial version with a front loading bucket attached. Other than a few minor maintenance needs this tractor runs great! I use a Titan pallet fork now on the front which works great along with this tractor, I bought the pallet fork from who had great customer service and free shipping.
Pros: Well manufactured, starts well in cold weather.
Cons: PTO clutch came out but was an easy fix.
The Beast
Model Year: 1970
It's old, it's beat up, but it's a lot of fun. I bought it last year for $2000. It's a 3 cyl gas engine. I had a coil problem that I diagnosed thanks to this forum. I have been having battery problems but I really think it's the alt. I bought a solar charger instead of replacing it. We'll see how that works. I am now looking for bucket debris forks. I am not real sure what to buy. Any ideas?
Pros: Beautiful paint. Fancy bodywork. lol
Cons: Need more equipment?
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Model Year: 1970
It's old, it's beat up, but it's a lot of fun. I bought it last year for $2000. It's a 3 cyl gas engine. I had a coil problem that I diagnosed thanks to this forum. I have been having battery problems but I really think it's the alt. I bought a solar charger instead of replacing it. We'll see how that works. I am now looking for bucket debris forks. I am not real sure what to buy. Any ideas?
Pros: Beautiful paint. Fancy bodywork. lol
Cons: Need more equipment?
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Ford 3400 w/Front End Loader
Model Year: 1973
I purchased the tractor w/ front end loader for $300. It had a connecting rod through the side of the block. I had the engine rebuilt w/ a new rod, ground the crankshaft, replaced the cam shaft (that was broken also), welded the side of the block, put a new piston and bored the block, new rings. I got it running and after changing all the fluids noticed that a leak in the rear at the axle hub had occurred. I checked the fluids and noticed that the engine oil was not on the dip stick but the rear end was overflowing. I checked with a Ford dealer and he informed me that it is likely the result of a bad o-ring on the hydraulic pump. Sure enough, I pulled the pump, replaced the o-ring and the rest is history. Just recently, 6 weeks ago, the hydraulic system for the loader (I believe that it is a model 730 (it has a model #19-530 stamped on the loader frame) stopped working. I'm looking for Info on the loader valve/hydraulic system. Any leads? Thanks.
Pros: Good solid tractor once repaired.
Cons: Needs weight on rear as w/ loader it is front heavy and cannot move w/industrial tires on wet ground.
Model Year: 1973
I purchased the tractor w/ front end loader for $300. It had a connecting rod through the side of the block. I had the engine rebuilt w/ a new rod, ground the crankshaft, replaced the cam shaft (that was broken also), welded the side of the block, put a new piston and bored the block, new rings. I got it running and after changing all the fluids noticed that a leak in the rear at the axle hub had occurred. I checked the fluids and noticed that the engine oil was not on the dip stick but the rear end was overflowing. I checked with a Ford dealer and he informed me that it is likely the result of a bad o-ring on the hydraulic pump. Sure enough, I pulled the pump, replaced the o-ring and the rest is history. Just recently, 6 weeks ago, the hydraulic system for the loader (I believe that it is a model 730 (it has a model #19-530 stamped on the loader frame) stopped working. I'm looking for Info on the loader valve/hydraulic system. Any leads? Thanks.
Pros: Good solid tractor once repaired.
Cons: Needs weight on rear as w/ loader it is front heavy and cannot move w/industrial tires on wet ground.
66 3400 Industrial SOS Gaser 158cu
Model Year: 1966
This is a solid tractor, came with P/S and a grader blade. I use it mostly for plowing snow in the winter and putting in a 2 acre garden in the summer. Same as a 3000 just has a heaver front end for a loader. The only draw back to this particular tractor is the select-o-speed transmission. The transmission has received a bad reputation right from the git go (1959) and has not been able to shake it. Most SOS’s go for half the price of a 5 speed and some times hard to sell. Parts are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. To know someone how to work on these transmissions are rare. If it works well in all gears and you follow adjustment procedures from the manual you should have no problem. There is no guarantee. You either love them or hate them. I sure like mine.
Pros: Great all around tractor.
Cons: Select-o-Speed.
Model Year: 1966
This is a solid tractor, came with P/S and a grader blade. I use it mostly for plowing snow in the winter and putting in a 2 acre garden in the summer. Same as a 3000 just has a heaver front end for a loader. The only draw back to this particular tractor is the select-o-speed transmission. The transmission has received a bad reputation right from the git go (1959) and has not been able to shake it. Most SOS’s go for half the price of a 5 speed and some times hard to sell. Parts are expensive and sometimes hard to come by. To know someone how to work on these transmissions are rare. If it works well in all gears and you follow adjustment procedures from the manual you should have no problem. There is no guarantee. You either love them or hate them. I sure like mine.
Pros: Great all around tractor.
Cons: Select-o-Speed.