Ford 545D transmission swap

Dunno · Jan 14, 2025

One for the knowledgeable Ford/New Holland folks. I have a 1997 545D withe 8spd automatic transmission (shuttle shift?). The tractor is a keeper, and that transmission is awesome. A dealer I met said that parts are no longer available to fix that tranny, and should it go it will be unrepairable. Any thoughts on this statement? If it did go, could a manual clutch-type transmission be sourced and swapped in? That is my favorite transmission of all my tractors, and wonder if I should try to find any spare parts now, or research a work around of what he is talking about. Tractor has 540 hours on it. In reality I won’t put more than 1,500 to 2,000 hours on it in my ownership, but like to be ahead of the game if possible. Thanks.
Best regards.

Sportsman762 · Jan 14, 2025

Did the dealer state what is obsolete? To my knowledge the only part no longer available is the transmission control unit F0NN7Z319AA.
eKretz posted a work around. N H Ford 445C TCM no. FONN7Z319AAR.
The 545D was offered with a 6x4 manual transmission that had no electronics, the shift pattern is a little goofy but it works. I would not be suprised of a4x4 or 8x8 transmission from an earlier model would swap in.

Dunno · Jan 14, 2025

Sportsman,
Thank you for posting that link. I’m pretty sure he said the transmission control module, and if that is the only thing not available it is probably the part. He actually recommended that I sell it before this problem arises. I just ordered the two control modules off of eBay, $49. I’ll print out the discussions and have these parts and directions on the shelf in case it goes south. Unlikely in my lifetime, but you never know. The 8x8 tranny is really nice, and as you may know these machines are strong. I also have a 1998 or so Ford 4610 with the manual transmission, which is a cousin to the 545D. Great tractor too, and better in the field than others. But when conditions permit I’ll be in the D because of that tranny.
Best regards.

TractorTech · Feb 14, 2025

It is true that a lot of parts are not made for that transmission, but used parts and some aftermarket are available. It is a sturdy transmission and not worth swapping over your worries. I have a customer that I sold one new to 25-30 years ago who is a dirt contractor. Still going strong today. He bought a second 545D used recently and uses it as a backup tractor. eKretz solution works as a workaround to the controller.

AntiqueIron · Feb 14, 2025

If Ford made this tractor like they did their earlier 1000 series I'd wager a guess that there are few differences between your transmission and a 4610 or 4630 transmission. Heck if worse comes to worse, bolt one of them in. Should be a direct fit.

Course my opinion is gonna be worth about what ya paid for it.

Dunno · Feb 14, 2025

Thanks for the follow up. I have the work around all set, and just wanted to be sure. There’s a 545D for sale in NJ with manual for a spare, but I’m sure I’ll be good for many years. Nice ones of these tractors are hard to find. In New England a lot were used to load salt spreaders and show it. I’ll keep up on the fluids and filters should be GTG. Someone mentioned they didn’t use the lockup feature, but I always use it when running a constant speed to avoid overheating the TC. Was great when prepping for a new orchard.
Antique,
I have two Ford 801 series tractors with loaders, a ‘64 4000 and a ‘61 40404 HD industrial with backhoe. Both are Elenco FWA conversions. The 4000 is manual with 3-spd subtranny (can’t recall the name of it right now). Other is SOS, but works great. They are great tractors and I encourage people looking for tractors to buy one as long as they don’t mind getting a little greasy working on them. All in all four old iron Fords. Talk about staying busy.
Best regards.

TractorTech · Feb 14, 2025

Well if you have an SOS, then you know about taking care of a tractor.

By the way, if it is a 4WD 545D, make sure you grease the rear axle pivot as there is a thin oring that keeps dirt out and front differential oil in. Also, inspect often to make sure it isn't leaking from that area. Parts for the front axle are expensive and the reversing box parts on that axle are non existent. Only the industrial A, C and D skiploaders used that box.

Dunno · Feb 15, 2025

Tractor Tech, thanks for the info and help. You made some great posts in the other guy’s search for a resolution, and thanks again for sharing that knowledge. What I find interesting is that there are a dozen or so folks looking for a TCM. I saw the names in a database of folks looking for the part. Someone opened up the TCM and you could see the Kubota name in there, so it was obviously made by them. Has anyone thought to go to them and see if they can come up with a fix? Or if it is used on any of their tractors? One trick I’ve learned is to track down part numbers to the original manufacturer. Case in point: my Genie Z45 lift needed a fuel pump. Genie will gladly sell you one with their part number for $600. I tracked the numbers to a Walbro pump, and bought it off eBay for $50. Just because CNH says NLA, I don’t really think that to be true to the right person. Best regards.

TractorTech · Feb 15, 2025

Yes, I have tried there part number (the part numbers for the transmission parts in the Ford New Holland system are a Kubota number preceded by K), but I have not found where Kubota uses these parts in any of their tractors.