4000SU, 4600SU, 4610SU owners??

[RickB]

It took me 4 years to find my 4000AP. And then I settled for a gasser.

 

[ovrszd]

That is correct!!

I wish I could deal with the larger frame size of the standard models. Seems those are readily available. But the SU models are rare.

 

[ovrszd]

It took me 4 years to find my 4000AP. And then I settled for a gasser.

I'm determined to not go to gas. I know me. I'd be pouring diesel in it.

What is an AP model?? I'll hafta Google that, not sure I've saw one.

 

[RickB]

I'm determined to not go to gas. I know me. I'd be pouring diesel in it.

What is an AP model?? I'll hafta Google that, not sure I've saw one.

Well truth be told, that 4000 now has a diesel 201 engine from a 1981 4610 under the hood. AP refers to an All purpose model, what most of us typically think of when a 4000 or 5000, etc, comes to mind. Straight front axle, straddle mount seating. Not a flat deck Row Crop and not an SU with a swept front axle. For sure you've seen them, just not familiar with the designation.

 

[ovrszd]

Rick,

yep, know what you are talking about now. Memory kicked in and I've saw that designation before. My Dad bought a new 4000 in 72. It was the "AP" model.

I do a lot of timber work and am looking for a lower/smaller chassis with comparable HP. The standard (AP) model 4000 is comparable in size to my Kubota so wouldn't be gaining much there.

 

[RickB]

Rick,

yep, know what you are talking about now. Memory kicked in and I've saw that designation before. My Dad bought a new 4000 in 72. It was the "AP" model.

I do a lot of timber work and am looking for a lower/smaller chassis with comparable HP. The standard (AP) model 4000 is comparable in size to my Kubota so wouldn't be gaining much there.

"Smaller" is relative. An SU will be lower, but apart from a slightly lesser wheelbase, overall length & width won't vary much from an AP to an SU. I doubt an AP set at the minimum tread width has an appreciably larger turning circle than an SU. Buying an SU style front axle to dedicate to heavy loader use (if that is your intent) is far less than the best choice.

 

[ovrszd]

Rick,

Friend of mine has a 4000SU. It's not much larger if any than another friend's 3000. I'm mostly after lower stance for timber use. An AP set at it's narrowest setting won't fit my needs at all. I'd have it flopped on it's side.

I've got the FEL on my Kubota so am not interested in this tractor being FEL equipped. Actually am steering away from any that are so equipped. Don't want to buy a worn out frontend.

Thanks for all advice and experiences.

 

[sawtooth]

I saw a pic of one on Tractorhouse with those. Already decided if I buy an earlier model I'll build a pair. I can't go back to chains and/or pin-on stabilizers..... I know there aren't a large number of Ford owners on TBN, but I'm really surprised at least one owner hasn't joined this discussion. Makes me wonder how hard it's gonna be to find one of these tractors. I see very few on Tractorhouse or Fastline. And so far, the ones I see are a long ways from me.

I actually own 5 Ford tractors. The SU's are my favorite but I love all of them. Keep in mind none of these tractors are ideal for front end loader work. They are all great for for working in tight spaces but don't offer super heavy front ends. 1988 Ford 2810 with less than 500 hours 1989 Ford 3910 with under 800 hours 1980 Ford 4600 SU 1800 hours 1971 Ford 4000 SU over 10,000 hours 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee hours unknown.

By the way as someone else mentioned very few will sell their good old Fords as you are hard pressed to buy new small tractors that are built as heavy as the old Fords. They are very reliable tractors too.

 

[ovrszd]

Sawtooth, nice collection of tractors!!!

I'm not wanting one for FEL work and actually don't spend much time looking at tractors that have an FEL on them. Don't wanna buy a worn out frontend. I'd be all over your 4600.

I'm gonna call about a Massey 1190 that's not too far from me today. 4wd, 16spd shuttle, triple rear hydraulics have been added, no FEL, 60hp 4cyl diesel, 1200hrs, pretty straight for $8500. What concerns me is I can't find much info about the tractor and if I search for parts I find almost nothing. It's slightly bigger in size than an SU but the extra HP and 4wd attracts me. As well as the 16spd shuttle. Just wish it said Ford on the side....