Is Ford 4000 strong enough?

[Soundguy]

As has been mentioned.. the axle style is the clencher.

I'm attaching a pic of the 2 styles being talked about. it would be helpfull if the original poster would refer to the 2 pics to see if he is looking at the axle with radius rods or not.

soundguy

 

[TBigLug]

Sorry for digging up the old threead but figured it would be better than starting new.

Is the front end setup on the right too weak for a loader? I believe that is the one on the front of my "new to me" 4000 but was hoping to put a loader on it. Mainly for movng 20 rounds a year and scooping a little dirt.

 

[Soundguy]

the one on the right is the old style light duty radius rod setup started in 1939 and carried thru 75 on 4000 su and under. the regular post 65 ag 4000 has the left axle.

still many fords have loaders using the lighter duty axle. it's not as ideal.. but it works..

soundguy

 

[bigbull338]

a 4000 can handle the loader fine if it has the right axel an front end under it.the other frontend will bust the tie rods hubs bearing an axels every now an then.but then most all 2wd drive tractors will blow bearing an hubs under loader stress.

 

[Soundguy]

i bet there are more loaders on that older radius rod axle style than there are on without it.. especially since it went back to 1939 technology.

like I said.. not ideal.. but workable.

I move 1000# bales on my fords using that light duty adjustable axle design. biggest issue is wear on the king pin and bushing...

soundguy

 

[jgrieve]

My dad has a 3000 with a loader. I think your dealer wants to sell you a tractor. I sure would not want to be driving a tractor and have the front end fall apart though. a 3 point bale spear may be a safe option, but every body needs a loader.

 

[bigbull338]

if the front end falls apart you fix it plain an simple.

 

[Soundguy]

My dad has a 3000 with a loader. I think your dealer wants to sell you a tractor. I sure would not want to be driving a tractor and have the front end fall apart though. a 3 point bale spear may be a safe option, but every body needs a loader.

ditto what bibbull said. when it wear and/or breaks in a few decades.. you fix it.. end of issue.. if you are chronically lifting huge loads.. like 2000#.. then you simply need a bigger tractor anyway..

and I'd skip the 4000 and go right to a 5000 just to get some weight and chassie size in that case.

soundguy

 

[jenkinsph]

Sorry for digging up the old threead but figured it would be better than starting new.

Is the front end setup on the right too weak for a loader? I believe that is the one on the front of my "new to me" 4000 but was hoping to put a loader on it. Mainly for movng 20 rounds a year and scooping a little dirt.

Listen to SoundGuy, he has more experience with the Fords than most people here. I would heed his advice.

 

[TBigLug]

and I'd skip the 4000 and go right to a 5000 just to get some weight and chassie size in that case.

soundguy

I hear ya' but I doubt I'll find a 5000 for what I paid for this 4000.