Ford-New Holland 1715 4.60 star(s) (9)

Reclaiming a Worn-Out 1715
Model Year: 1997

Well I bought this tractor a few months back, from a listing on "used tractors.com". Although the seller may have not intentionally misrepresented the condition of the tractor, it has sure turned out much different than I had expected. I was told that the tractor was previously owned by a deceased elderly gentleman and was running when it was parked in a barn until the seller recently purchased it. Although I reviewed several photos before traveling 500 miles (one way), it didn't look like what I expected. I had already made payment and went ahead and hauled it home. The unit had a Bush Hog Loader which had rust through the bucket, hoses warn out, and joystick missing parts. The hydraulic filter had caught something and broke the cast housing it screws onto and damaging the suction line. The fuel cut-off valve was missing. The bell housing had collected water and the clutch plate had rusted stuck to the flywheel and throughout bearing frozen up. The thermostat housing had evidently frozen and cracked. The muffler had broken loose from the lower pipe. The front apindal bearings and seals were worn out on the front wheel drive. The front universal joint was worn out along with the protective boot. The seat was missing. The electrical harness was broken in several places making the safe-to-start circuit inoperable. The rear fenders were too light weight and had developed severe cracks which had to be welded. The radiator top support bracket was broken loose. The water pump was worn out along with all belts and hoses. After my initial start up I discovered that a freeze plug had blown out in the top of the head and poured water and antifreeze into the crankcase. Well now after several hundred dollars in parts and many hours of labor I have the tractor running again. Now it seems there is an excessive knocking either in the upper of lower part of the engine, not sure where yet. This project tractor is about to get the best of me.

Pros: I like the look of the tractor and the ground clearance.
Cons: The sheet metal is too light guage for farm equipment.

1715 Ford New Holland 4x4 Tractor
Model Year: 1995

Great tractor. Great diesel engine. Starts easily, even in cold weather. 4WD is a must. With chains, goes thru deepest snow no problem. Front end loader and rear finish mower work great and expand utility of tractor. Only problem: Poor design on internal PTO overiding clutch. Needs to be replaced. Service Bulletin issued but only to dealers. Owners not notified of problem. My only disappointment owning this tractor: Ford - New Holland warranted this problem for only one year -- no long term warranty for this problem. My tractor only has 720 hours---basically just broken in---I feel the warranty should be good by hours of operation, not by time.

Pros: Great utility, reliability. Runs all day on one tank of diesel.
Cons: Lack of long term warranty on design defect regarding weak PTO overiding clutch.

Good Tractor
Model Year: 1998

I have only good things to say about the tractor. This was my first tractor and I abused it before learning how to properly operate it. I used it primarily to clear food plots covered with small trees. I had no prior experience in using a tractor or the various implements. Once someone showed me how to use the brush cutter, disc and grader properly I began to really enjoy its capabilities.

Pros: Easy to learn to operate for a beginner.
Cons: Parts are very expensive.

Clutch Problem
Model Year: 1995

This tractor is used 90% by my wife for transporting hay bales in the front load bucket and for removing horse poop from the barn. We have had to replace the clutch and pressure plate twice (last time in 2000). I did the R&R on the first replacement and had our local John Deere do the second. Same problem. The clutch pressure plate rusts beyond anything I have ever seen. The user manual calls for the installation of a block to hold the clutch peddle depressed to insure that the clutch in not in contact with the pressure plate, otherwise the clutch will freeze to the press plate and you can't get it to disengage for starting the engine. When this happens, the only way we have found to free up the clutch from the press plate was to start the tractor in 3rd gear, mid-range and then start to pop the brakes while holding down the clutch peddle. 4-6 times of popping the brake would usually brake loose the frozen/seized clutch. About 2 years ago, the 3 pt. stopped lifting. It takes about 3 minutes for it to lift. Since it is something that I or my wife never use we just ignore it. Since the Woods Dual loader was working, telling me that the hydraulic pump was functioning properly, we ignore the 3 pt. lift problem due to high cost of having them tear into the 3pt control. We found that, at least locally, hydraulics problems are very expensive to repair. I would not recommend this model.

Pros: Workhorse for light duty.
Cons: Very bad clutch design.

Ford-New Holland 1715
Model Year: 1996

This is a great little tractor for brush hogging, clearing, hauling and light grading. It's reliable, easy to use and has plenty of power. I had the clutch replaced after I loaned it to someone who tried to use it far beyond its capabilities. The mechanic told me it was a common problem with this model but I haven't any problems since. I enjoy using it and would recommend it to the smaller property owner.

Pros: Reliable, powerful, user-friendly.
Cons: Clutch can be an issue with heavy use.

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Ford 1715
Model Year: 1994

Tractor has gone 19 years with only normal maintenance. Tractor has been used to run 6 foot bushhog, scraper blade, has a six foot bucket. It has been used to spread gravel, backfill, also hauls out firewood. If I was buying a new tractor I would go bigger, but with how well this tractor is working I will be retired before it is worn out.

Pros: Always starts, no problems.
Cons: Single stage clutch, if left outside a block must be kept under clutch pedal or clutch will bond to flywheel.

Ford-New Holland 1715
Model Year: 1995

The perfect tractor for 2.5 acres in the forest. Plow snow in the winter, has a 3pt. log splitter for firewood. I built forks for moving brush, logs, and equipment. Love this tractor.

Pros: 4WD, PS, very economical.
Cons: ROPS bar does not fold.

First Tractor for a New Recreational Land Owner
Model Year: 1980

Bought this tractor used with a bush hog, finishing mower and a disk harrow. Best thing I ever did! Having a blast clearing brush and planting food for deer and turkey in SC. Tractor fits my needs perfectly. Only maintenance so far is a battery and hydraulic filter. Easy to maintain.

Pros: Compact size perfect for my 30 acres.
Cons: I need more experience to find what it's shortcomings might be.

Ford Tractor
Model Year: 1984

I love my Ford 1715 tractor, it has been a pleasure owning this tractor and I use it to mow, bush hog, and grade.

Pros: Good all around tractor.
Cons: Hard to find parts.