Looking for a Ford tractor.

PSDStu · Jul 4, 2008

I am looking for suggestions as to what model Ford tractors to look at for a 2nd tractor.

There is a large New Holland Dealer in the area and they usually have a large number of older Ford Tractors for sale.

I would like a 1970's or 1980's year tractor, something between 30-40 HP, would prefer a diesel model, and 2wd.

Tractor would be primarily used for pulling a rotary cutter for pasture mowing, and maybe some finish mowing.

Looking for suggestions as to what models to look for, and what features to look for, and what to avoid.

Thanks!

wolc123 · Jul 4, 2008

I had a 2000 deisel of that vintage. Was a good tractor and I would not hesitate to reccomend one for you. A 3000 would be ok also. With gas now so much cheaper than deisel and the ultra low and 2X ultra low sulfer deisel soon to be all we will be able to buy (about 10% less energy than the old stuff), I would seriously consider a gas version of either of these models. These days and even more so in the future, deisel has little if any advantage over gas in a tractor in this size range. In the old days when you got a lot more energy per gallon than gas at lower cost it was a far different story.

Birdhunter1 · Jul 4, 2008

I've got a 3910, about the same tractor as a 3930 or the older 4000 or 4110. Pretty much aything between a 3000 and 5000 series should work well for what you want to do.

Bob_Young · Jul 4, 2008

Pay attention to the transmission you're getting if you start looking at gas 2000s. Late '60s gas 2000s had a single range 4 speed that really didn't have a good low first gear. My '69 is that way. Groundspeed in 1st at PTO speed is faster than my L4300 is in 3rd. Although the tractor seems to have plenty of guts, you just can't slow it down.

I think the gas 2000s went to a single range 6 speed sometime in the early '70s. Dunno whether that solved the problem, but it couldn't have hurt.

Best tranny from that era seems to be the dual range 8 speed they put on the diesels. It's about bullet proof and has a good selection of gears. It may have been an option on the gassers, but I don't know that.

The gas 2000s are pretty economical to run, but were built with a Holley updraft carburetor that is no longer available. A bad thing about the Holley is that it didn't have a replaceable needle valve seat. So when the needle valve started leaking (as evidenced by your fuel tank draining onto the ground) you needed to buy a new carburetor. The replacement is a Zenith that is available from sources on the web for around $250. My '69 has a Zenith that came from the local NH dealer. I played **** getting it working, but there's a story with that and the carb itself seems to be OK.

You may also end up with a transmission type PTO on a 2000 gasser. I never really had any issues with mine but, having been spoiled by independent PTO, stepping back seems like dark ages.

Power steering was a nice option, but something else to maintain. The manual steering will give you a workout if you put in a long day. Aftermarket PS kits have been offered in the past.

One very good thing is that you get your 540 PTO RPM at only 1500 engine RPM. My 2000 has been in the family since the mid '70s, so I've seen some of its problems.
FWIW
Bob

Farmwithjunk · Jul 5, 2008

I've owned a couple 3000 Fords. One gas, one diesel. They're in the HP class you're interested in, fairly common still, and in general, a good tractor. I owned the 3000 gas from new in 1973 until 2005. 4000+ hard hours as a loader tractor on a farm and it finally just gave out. I sure can't say anything bad about it.

Bob_Young · Jul 5, 2008

If looking at Ford 3000s, it would be wise to stay away from the Select-O-Shift hydros. They often need attention and it's difficult to find anyone who knows how to work on them. There is someone in my area, but, from what I've heard, the turnarounds are quite long and the repairs are expensive.

As a result you can often find a straight and clean SOS Ford going at a very reasonable price. Best think twice before buying one.

A gear 3000 would be a fine choice.
Bob

JoeinTX · Jul 5, 2008

PSD, I was reading your post and it reminded me of a little tractor I saw on Craigslist:

Ford Tractor and Shredder

Kind looks like something that would be right up your alley. Unfortunately, it's only 800 miles or so from you....

PSDStu · Jul 5, 2008

Joe,

Thats a fine looking Ford and I would seriously consider it if it wasn't so far away.

I called the local NH dealer here that I know has some Ford as well as MF used tractors on the lot..... I about spit out my coffee when the salesman gave me the prices... hears what I got for prices:

1962 Ford 2000..... diesel, rebuilt engine, and new clutch...$10,995

MF 135, diesel.... $9995

Tafe 35 .... $9995

Needless to sat about **** all over my self when I heard those prices.

For not much more then that I can probably get a new Kubota L3240 2wd, or a MX5100 2wd....

I will check the craigslist around the area and see what else I can find......or may just go get a new 2wd Kubota.

Stu

JoeinTX said:
PSD, I was reading your post and it reminded me of a little tractor I saw on Craigslist:

Ford Tractor and Shredder

Kind looks like something that would be right up your alley. Unfortunately, it's only 800 miles or so from you....

sandman2234 · Jul 5, 2008

Nothing cheap about buying a good used tractor, but there are deals out there. Just keep your ear to the ground and ask around a lot!
David from jax

PSDStu · Jul 5, 2008

I found this Deere 1520, don't know much about them and it's a little bigger then what I was looking for, but the pics sure show a good looking old Deere.

John Deere 1520 50hp wide front nice

JoeinTX · Jul 5, 2008

A few more a little closer to home for you:

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5382262&GUID=C6750CB7D8AD42D1A8DB9184B860F28C

http://www.tractorhouse.com/images/Tractor/fullsize/78023083.jpg

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5374663&GUID=C6750CB7D8AD42D1A8DB9184B860F28C

Just gives me an excuse to look through tractor listings...

Farmwithjunk · Jul 5, 2008

Bob_Young said:
If looking at Ford 3000s, it would be wise to stay away from the Select-O-Shift hydros. They often need attention and it's difficult to find anyone who knows how to work on them. There is someone in my area, but, from what I've heard, the turnarounds are quite long and the repairs are expensive.

As a result you can often find a straight and clean SOS Ford going at a very reasonable price. Best think twice before buying one.

A gear 3000 would be a fine choice.
Bob

SelectOspeeds are NOT hydro's. clutch packs, not fluid drive. Still, best to avoid unless you LOVE a mechanical challenge.

Bob_Young · Jul 5, 2008

PSDStu said:
Joe,
I called the local NH dealer here that I know has some Ford as well as MF used tractors on the lot..... I about spit out my coffee when the salesman gave me the prices... hears what I got for prices:

1962 Ford 2000..... diesel, rebuilt engine, and new clutch...$10,995

MF 135, diesel.... $9995

Tafe 35 .... $9995

For not much more then that I can probably get a new Kubota L3240 2wd, or a MX5100 2wd....

I will check the craigslist around the area and see what else I can find......or may just go get a new 2wd Kubota.

Stu

That '62 Ford 2000 for $11K seems waaay out of line....for a normal tractor. Must be a restoration or a parade tractor or maybe a rare model. Check Tractorhouse.com to get some more representative prices. Could be your dealer only carries really clean used stuff.

I hear you on the 2nd Kubota. For as much as you pay for a good used tractor, a new bare bones Kubota doesn't seem too bad. You won't be buying someone else's problems; the engine, tranny, PTO, & hydraulics will be up to date; and you'll get a warranty. I'd much rather run 'em than work on 'em.
Bob

Bob_Young · Jul 5, 2008

Farmwithjunk said:
SelectOspeeds are NOT hydro's. clutch packs, not fluid drive. Still, best to avoid unless you LOVE a mechanical challenge.

FWJ,
I stand corrected.
Bob

flusher · Jul 5, 2008

PSDStu said:
Joe,

Thats a fine looking Ford and I would seriously consider it if it wasn't so far away.

I called the local NH dealer here that I know has some Ford as well as MF used tractors on the lot..... I about spit out my coffee when the salesman gave me the prices... hears what I got for prices:

1962 Ford 2000..... diesel, rebuilt engine, and new clutch...$10,995

MF 135, diesel.... $9995

Tafe 35 .... $9995

Needless to sat about **** all over my self when I heard those prices.

For not much more then that I can probably get a new Kubota L3240 2wd, or a MX5100 2wd....

I will check the craigslist around the area and see what else I can find......or may just go get a new 2wd Kubota.

Stu

I paid $3600 for a 1964 MF-135 diesel in July06. The last model year for the 135 was 1975 and, from the Tractor Blue Book, the average retail price for a diesel is $3000.

Farmwithjunk · Jul 6, 2008

flusher said:
I paid $3600 for a 1964 MF-135 diesel in July06. The last model year for the 135 was 1975 and, from the Tractor Blue Book, the average retail price for a diesel is $3000.

That MAY be what's printed in the book, but try to find an "average" 135 for $3000. You'll pay upwards of $4500 for average and more that $5000 to as much as $6000 for a nice one in these parts. $3000 will get you a shabby, flat-tired, non runner here.

Gravdigr · Jul 6, 2008

We use an old FORD 1510 with a 770B loader and a newer new holland backhoe here in the cemetery. This is the best pic I can find of it offhand...

It has a 3 cyl diesel though I have no idea the HP rating, 4wd with separate range and main box tranny. And whoever had the idea to make a tractor with a loader and not put power steering on it needs shot. My forearms look like popeye after a day of driving that thing.

It was bought back in '88 and has over 4k hours and is on it's second hoe, the first hoe was a woods 3pt hitch style hoe and it was such a POS, I wouldn't dig a sandbox with one of those...but I digress....

As far as the tractor itself goes I don't have any complaints. It runs like a champ though we occasionally have problems with the frame bolts breaking off in the engine block and turf tires are the suck. Actually I can't wait to get rid of this thing once I can get a mini excavator.

In all most of my complaints are because we use the tractor mainly for work it was not specifically designed to do.

PSDStu · Jul 7, 2008

Thanks for all the replys.

I have not ruled out a used Ford if I can find a decent one, but I am also looking now at both new/used 2wd tractors.

I am thinking about the following models:

John Deere 5103.... a 2008 used model, 175 hrs, can be had for around $12K.

Kubota dealer has both a L3240 and MX5100, New, on the lot. Plan to call them and see what they run.

I am open to other suggestions for models to look at.

We have NH, Massey, Montana, and Kubota dealers here locally. Local Deere dealer closed, new one is supposed to open in the fall, closest Deere dealer is about 30 miles away.

Sti

mwb · Jul 7, 2008

I wish you were closer to me; I have a 1974 Ford 2000 diesel with almost 1400 hours on it

. I purchased a new machine with a loader so I am supposed to sell the old one

.

To be honest, I really like the 2000 and will miss it. I haven't gotten around to listing it yet

.

Cheers,
Mike

sandman2234 · Jul 9, 2008

According to tractor data's website, the 1510 is as follows...

Drawbar (rated): 16 hp [11.9 kW]

Drawbar (max): 16.3 hp [12.2 kW]

PTO (rated): 20 hp [14.9 kW]

David from jax