Ford 3000

[LMan1967]

good tractor? any gotchas?

 

[KRB]

Have a 73 model love it

 

[hrcarver]

I have a old one that I think my grandad bought in the 60's. It has almost 7000 hrs on it and runs like a champ. Not pretty, but it works every time.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

good tractor? any gotchas?

Gas or diesel?

I bought a new '73 gasser and had it around until 6 years ago. Flat wore out the front axle/steering with a manure loader on the tractor. Only real complaint I had was it tended to be the most cold natured gas engine I was ever around. I sold it and bought a low houred diesel 3000 to take the place of the gasser. Much better starter in cold weather in spite of being a diesel. Sold it 3 years ago when I bought a loader for a larger tractor I had.

 

[hrcarver]

Good point. Mine is a diesel (as tractors should be). The only two tractors I have mechanical trouble with on a regular basis are old gas farmall 140's.

 

[deere5105]

Very popular in my neck of the woods. Good size tractor. Seem to be reliable and easy to work on. I too would recommend diesel and add power steering to things to look for. We run an 1970 something Ford 4000. Has around 5400 hours on it and still pulls strong. Very dependable.

 

[KYDan]

I have had two Ford tractors, a 2000 gas with a lot of hours when I bought and even more when I sold it. It was a good tractor. I later bought an old Ford 4000 diesel with select-o-speed. And, even with that problematic transmission it was a good ol' tractor. It had a bushhog loader on it, but was only 2WD, so it was not particularly effective. However, going downhill with a load it made a good brake when you dropped it! I used a 4600 diesel that was a friend's and it was a great tractor.

 

[LD1]

I guess the only real gotcha I can think of, was just mentioned in the previous post. STAY AWAY from the select-o-speed.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

If you need remotes or want to run a fel it might not be the best tractor. A slow hydraulic pump and front end design.
Otherwise very good utility tractor.
Avoid the grey models many are hodgepodge of parts. Imported extremely used new front panels decals and painted to look like US sold models.

 

[LMan1967]

thanks for the info, it was sold before I got back to 'em. Ever onward....

 

[Soundguy]

keep looking.. try to find a diesel, later model, 8spd/twin stick, and power steering.

soundguy

 

[LMan1967]

Thanks for the advice, I will do that

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I would say they are on par with 800 series work wise.

 

[Soundguy]

I'd say all things being equal, as far as hp goes, an 800 will run a 3000 into the ground.. an 8XX is a good 10hp more than a 3000.. that's about a 28% increase...

now.. that said.. there are plenty of things that the 3000 with an 8spd tranny can run the 800 down with.. like rototilling. guess you could jump to an 871 and 10spd and catch up.. but I'm no fan of the SOS tranny

soundguy

 

[LMan1967]

Are all SOSs marked/labeled as such, or do I have to look for a particular shift/pattern configuration or other telltale that its so equipped?

 

[Soundguy]

the sos 10spd has a shifter like no other ford.

it has a funny looking lever on a hump on the cowling under the steering wheel.. otherwise fords ahd 1-2 shifter sticks on the trans top like you would expect from a regular manual tranny.

remember... the sos is a 10spd powershift... etc.. 2 reverses and 10f gears... etc

soundguy