Ford 1710 Head Issues ???

JFS2295 · Nov 14, 2014

So yesterday I was getting a new front tire installed on my 1710 front rim at the local Kubota dealer (the nearest New Holland dealer is 60mins away). So the guy mounting the tire is asking what I have and comes back that he used to work for the local New Holland dealer that closed years ago and started to warn me about the 1710s having head issues. Usually cracked heads.

I kind of took that as "buy a new Kobota", but curiosity got to me and I started looking at tractor salvage sites and there are a couple salvaged 1710s that mention cracked head. I haven't come across this issue on TBN however.

So have any Ford/New Holland mechanics or those with a long Ford/NH history seen this as a common problem?

RickB · Nov 14, 2014

Almost 20 years experience at a NH dealer who has sold many hundreds of compacts over the last 40+ years. Cracked heads on 1710's are most definitely not an endemic problem. I know for a fact that I have been around more John Deere/ Yanmar engines (650's, 750's and 850's) with head problems than Shibaura/Ford/New Holland.

Wolfy · Nov 14, 2014

My 1710 has been excellent and I would buy another one tomorrow. People that complain about broken machines often are too stupid to even check the oil level. Keep it maintained, and do not drive it like a bulldozer, and you will be fine.