3000 - Straight 4 speed Update

[Brian WI]

Appreciated all the comments from my last post regarding the $2500 straight 4 spd. 3000 gas with PS and DL. No remotes and 75 % rubber. Decided NOT to buy it even though I was really serious about purchasing it last week. What changed my mind? Lack of LPTO , transmission gear ratios but mostly because a better tractor (in my opinion) in my area came up for sale.

Its another 3000. A 1974 diesel model with only 1192 actual hours. It has the 8 speed, PS, DL. The family that owns the tractor claims the 4 tires are original and show 70% tread yet. They want 5K FIRM. I have other FORDS but I never had a 3 cylinder diesel. When I tried it out today, it started and ran so sweet. I was quite impressed. Anything I should be concerned with regarding the 3 cyl. dsl? Anything to look for?

Brian

 

[flyingace]

(quoted from post at 21:22:50 12/03/11) Appreciated all the comments from my last post regarding the $2500 straight 4 spd. 3000 gas with PS and DL. No remotes and 75 % rubber. Decided NOT to buy it even though I was really serious about purchasing it last week. What changed my mind? Lack of LPTO , transmission gear ratios but mostly because a better tractor (in my opinion) in my area came up for sale.

Its another 3000. A 1974 diesel model with only 1192 actual hours. It has the 8 speed, PS, DL. The family that owns the tractor claims the 4 tires are original and show 70% tread yet. They want 5K FIRM. I have other FORDS but I never had a 3 cylinder diesel. When I tried it out today, it started and ran so sweet. I was quite impressed. Anything I should be concerned with regarding the 3 cyl. dsl? Anything to look for?

Brian

Starting and running smoothly is the big thing. It's what made the decision to buy my 3000 diesel. Make sure the hydraulics work and take a voltmeter to the battery to verify it is charging. Mine was operating on
a 'total loss' electrical system when I bought it. They all leak, but make
sure the leaks are not engine oil or coolant.

 

[sotxbill]

should start good and quick.. could leak at rear axle onto brake shoes. but if tight, you have a lifetime tractor.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Dunno if 8 sp /w lpto is worth double the price over a 4 speed but...
Price is not out of the zone. Tires are suspect. If they are original I would approach them as basically junk. Keep that in mind.
Also, I do believe they made an 8 sp W/O LPTO.
You could easily verify that from the seat by engaging the pto and watch the pto turn as you let out the clutch - with the tractor in gear. PTO will turn before you move forward.
The only other thing I can advise is I would NEVER trust a Ford of that vintage to be original hours on the tach unless I had seen the hour meter turning over with my own eyes.

I ran mine for about an hour today. Moved a few items with the boom pole to make way for winter snow removal then put the back blade on and plowed the 2" of snow we got last night. First time plowing this year. They are just the nicest little tractors to own and use.
You'll sometimes get tired of shifting twin sticks and maybe long for a 5 speed again.
But in the long run more gears does make for better choices in ground speed.
Let us know...
And pictures man, pictures!

 

[andyd4ntx]

Hey Brian: I will admit my 68 3000 Diesel could use a few more gears (Mine is 4 speed) but he runs sweet and always starts on the 4th or 5th turn. And He has plenty of power.
I paid 4K for mine, it had a homebuilt (badly built) loader on it and the front end was badly worn. I junked the loader and rebuilt the steering and front end and it runs great. It's the go to machine when something is too much for the 2N or the 600.
Andrew