Ford Industrial Tractor Identification

[CTPhil]

The info I'm getting on the 420 has them made 1975-1978. I'm getting away from thinking 3550, as RickL claims they all had generators and mine has an alternator, For crying out loud, why couldn't Ford simply have put a spot on the ID tag for a model number?

 

[CTPhil]

I'm also thinking the 335 had a more ag type front end and outboard brakes.

 

[RickB]

A known 420 I have seen and worked on has the power steering cylinder alongside the engine with the operating valve incorporated in it a la an early 3 cylinder 4000, 961 rowcrop or a '78-'81 4100 all purpose. I also agree that 420 production began in 1978. C467239 is without question a 1975 serial number.

 

[CTPhil]

A known 420 I have seen and worked on has the power steering cylinder alongside the engine with the operating valve incorporated in it a la an early 3 cylinder 4000, 961 rowcrop or a '78-'81 4100 all purpose.

Yes, it has that. Also the loader is Model 735.

 

[CTPhil]

I've done all I can do. I've even contacted Ford New Holland (It's embarrassing how clueless they are about their own creations, they called it a 445 based only on the serial number). I've searched Google, deeply, using every search combo I could think of, and checked out many part numbers to verify what I'm seeing in the driveway. And of course the tractor forums, which IMO is the best source of older tractor info on the web.

Until I'm proven wrong, I'm going to believe that my tractor is a 1975 Model 420. :thumbsup:

 

[whodat526]

are you sure it isn't a 3550 it was made between 72-75
and yes the 335 had the front axle of a 3400 and outboard brakes

 

[CTPhil]

are you sure it isn't a 3550 it was made between 72-75

Pretty sure. The 3550 had a generator, mine has an alternator. I have the manual for the 3550 and there are subtle inconsistencies here and there, although admittedly they are quite similar.

 

[Opti-Mist]

Alternators were first installed in 1972.

 

[RickB]

Alternators were first installed in 1972.

But not across the board (7000 only?), and not on any 3 cylinders I am aware of until 1976.

 

[CTPhil]

Rick, what do you think about my conclusion that I have a 420?