1972 Ford Industrial 3500 tractor newbie questions

[rmeav8er]

I just purchased what I am fairly confident is a 1972 Ford industrial 3500 with loader and backhoe that runs, albeit a little rough. This is my first "real" tractor since I already own a new Kubota BX2380, which is more of a lawn mower for me than anything else which I have abused to the point of "needing" something bigger. Here is what I know. It's a model C5021B, unit 2D24B, engine 2C22B, transmission 2B17B and rear axle 2B08B. From my several hours of research on this site as well as others, that tells me it is a 3500, gas, no PTO with a ? on the transmission since I can't seem to find what code B means. It was built in 1972 on April 24th by the day shift.

It also came with another tractor as a parts tractor that I'm sure isn't a 3500 due to the steering and front end being slightly different. If I can figure out how to upload pictures, I'll post what they both look like.

Here are my initial questions.
1. I'm draining all the fluids and starting fresh since there is no telling how long this has sat. Engine oil and filter are fairly straight forward. How many different places do I need to be draining the hydraulics? Where are all the fill ports? I know that one is on the left side of the loader arm and one should be a fairly large cap in the middle of the transmission. Not sure for the rear axle. Also, are the ports on the sides easy to identify to tell you when it's full?
2. I've seen the manuals for these things cost around $120. I'm assuming they are worth it. Suggestions on what I should be looking for in buying one?
3. The shift pattern by the steering wheel is 95% gone but what is there is the lower part of an H with a 5 and a R on the left and right respectively. Since this has a high and low, I think the shift pattern is 1,2,4, and R in low, and 3,5,6, and R in high. Does this seem right?
4. How can I tell if the engine in the parts tractor is a direct replacement for the engine currently in it. I'd like to tear it apart, completely rebuild it and have it standing by in the event I kill this one. On the side of the engine currently installed it shows C9NN 6015A and on the parts tractor C5NE 6015C
5. Looks like a 12 volt conversion has already been done since the alternator looks like it belongs in a honda civic. The last owner left a mess of wires in it and I want to clean it up. Is there an easy picture showing what components can be removed once you switch over to a 12V system?
6. There is a lever to the left side of the seat. Any idea what it's for?
7. I've ordered a tune up kit for the engine and a PS filler cap since it was missing. Anything else I need to do other than basic fluid changes before I start really using it? Eventually, I want to do a 75-90% restoration knowing that it's for digging but should be able to look and function nice.

 

[fried1765]

I just purchased what I am fairly confident is a 1972 Ford industrial 3500 with loader and backhoe that runs, albeit a little rough. This is my first "real" tractor since I already own a new Kubota BX2380, which is more of a lawn mower for me than anything else which I have abused to the point of "needing" something bigger. Here is what I know. It's a model C5021B, unit 2D24B, engine 2C22B, transmission 2B17B and rear axle 2B08B. From my several hours of research on this site as well as others, that tells me it is a 3500, gas, no PTO with a ? on the transmission since I can't seem to find what code B means. It was built in 1972 on April 24th by the day shift.

It also came with another tractor as a parts tractor that I'm sure isn't a 3500 due to the steering and front end being slightly different. If I can figure out how to upload pictures, I'll post what they both look like.

Here are my initial questions.
1. I'm draining all the fluids and starting fresh since there is no telling how long this has sat. Engine oil and filter are fairly straight forward. How many different places do I need to be draining the hydraulics? Where are all the fill ports? I know that one is on the left side of the loader arm and one should be a fairly large cap in the middle of the transmission. Not sure for the rear axle. Also, are the ports on the sides easy to identify to tell you when it's full?
2. I've seen the manuals for these things cost around $120. I'm assuming they are worth it. Suggestions on what I should be looking for in buying one?
3. The shift pattern by the steering wheel is 95% gone but what is there is the lower part of an H with a 5 and a R on the left and right respectively. Since this has a high and low, I think the shift pattern is 1,2,4, and R in low, and 3,5,6, and R in high. Does this seem right?
4. How can I tell if the engine in the parts tractor is a direct replacement for the engine currently in it. I'd like to tear it apart, completely rebuild it and have it standing by in the event I kill this one. On the side of the engine currently installed it shows C9NN 6015A and on the parts tractor C5NE 6015C
5. Looks like a 12 volt conversion has already been done since the alternator looks like it belongs in a honda civic. The last owner left a mess of wires in it and I want to clean it up. Is there an easy picture showing what components can be removed once you switch over to a 12V system?
6. There is a lever to the left side of the seat. Any idea what it's for?
7. I've ordered a tune up kit for the engine and a PS filler cap since it was missing. Anything else I need to do other than basic fluid changes before I start really using it? Eventually, I want to do a 75-90% restoration knowing that it's for digging but should be able to look and function nice.
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If that is a 1972 Ford 3500, it almost certainly came from the factory with a 12V system, though certainly not with a Honda alternator.
I had a 1970 Ford 3400 (industrial) that was stock 12V.
You will like your machine a lot.

I bought my 3400 TLB, with 1350 hrs.,when it was 16 years old, and kept it for 33 more years.
Thought I was going to keep it forever, so, I refurbished it 2 years before I sold it - big mistake -spent way too many $ doing that.
Always only used it for my own little tasks, and sold it a year ago, for 90% of what I paid, 33 years prior.

I now have a wonderful 253 hour, private owner, 2006 Kubota L48 TLB, with all the bells and whistles.
Fantastic machine, in almost new condition,.......but I did need to spend quite a few $$ to make it mine!

 

[fried1765]

I just purchased what I am fairly confident is a 1972 Ford industrial 3500 with loader and backhoe that runs, albeit a little rough. This is my first "real" tractor since I already own a new Kubota BX2380, which is more of a lawn mower for me than anything else which I have abused to the point of "needing" something bigger. Here is what I know. It's a model C5021B, unit 2D24B, engine 2C22B, transmission 2B17B and rear axle 2B08B. From my several hours of research on this site as well as others, that tells me it is a 3500, gas, no PTO with a ? on the transmission since I can't seem to find what code B means. It was built in 1972 on April 24th by the day shift.

It also came with another tractor as a parts tractor that I'm sure isn't a 3500 due to the steering and front end being slightly different. If I can figure out how to upload pictures, I'll post what they both look like.

Here are my initial questions.
1. I'm draining all the fluids and starting fresh since there is no telling how long this has sat. Engine oil and filter are fairly straight forward. How many different places do I need to be draining the hydraulics? Where are all the fill ports? I know that one is on the left side of the loader arm and one should be a fairly large cap in the middle of the transmission. Not sure for the rear axle. Also, are the ports on the sides easy to identify to tell you when it's full?
2. I've seen the manuals for these things cost around $120. I'm assuming they are worth it. Suggestions on what I should be looking for in buying one?
3. The shift pattern by the steering wheel is 95% gone but what is there is the lower part of an H with a 5 and a R on the left and right respectively. Since this has a high and low, I think the shift pattern is 1,2,4, and R in low, and 3,5,6, and R in high. Does this seem right?
4. How can I tell if the engine in the parts tractor is a direct replacement for the engine currently in it. I'd like to tear it apart, completely rebuild it and have it standing by in the event I kill this one. On the side of the engine currently installed it shows C9NN 6015A and on the parts tractor C5NE 6015C
5. Looks like a 12 volt conversion has already been done since the alternator looks like it belongs in a honda civic. The last owner left a mess of wires in it and I want to clean it up. Is there an easy picture showing what components can be removed once you switch over to a 12V system?
6. There is a lever to the left side of the seat. Any idea what it's for?
7. I've ordered a tune up kit for the engine and a PS filler cap since it was missing. Anything else I need to do other than basic fluid changes before I start really using it? Eventually, I want to do a 75-90% restoration knowing that it's for digging but should be able to look and function nice.
View attachment 671426View attachment 671427View attachment 671428View attachment 671430

Please enter your general location in your profile.
It may help us to help you.

 

[rmeav8er]

Updated profile info.

While trying to figure out what year the parts tractor is, where should I look for information on the body? On the 3500 it was on a data plate under the hood. There isn’t anything like that on the second tractor.

 

[fried1765]

Updated profile info.

While trying to figure out what year the parts tractor is, where should I look for information on the body? On the 3500 it was on a data plate under the hood. There isn’t anything like that on the second tractor.

Yep....from your pictures the 3500 data plate is visible.
Same location as my 1970 3400.

Hopefully TBN member from North Carolina, RickB, will be along soon.
He will likely be able to answer all your Ford industrial tractor questions.

 

[raydean]

Sorry for the inclusion, but having difficulty getting response on my issue. I would like help identifying my recently bought old ford industrial tractor.
Here are the numbers that are legible: near the starter - 3BC85 - hard to see, may not be correct, below that number is *C372129*, on other side of engine is 2M19C, below that is T70A14. My research has resulted in much confusion.

 

[fried1765]

Sorry for the inclusion, but having difficulty getting response on my issue. I would like help identifying my recently bought old ford industrial tractor.
Here are the numbers that are legible: near the starter - 3BC85 - hard to see, may not be correct, below that number is *C372129*, on other side of engine is 2M19C, below that is T70A14. My research has resulted in much confusion.

No decal adhering to the underside of the right side of the hood on the end nearest the operator station?

 

[raydean]

It痴 there but not legible.

 

[rmeav8er]

Check out this link. TRACTOR MODEL & SERIAL NUMBER C372129 should be your tractor SN. Ford Tractor Serial Number and Model Identification Looks like it may be a 1973 3000 series tractor. I agree that the search can be confusing and these sites may not help much. They helped me but I had a data plate to work with.

 

[RickB]

You have the serial number and unit code. Missing is the model designation, which is essential. Should be 3 sets of data where you found two.

Fords built between 1965 and 1975 were 12V negative ground and factory equipped with generators and voltage regulators, not alternators.