7710 with odd (backwards?) front end?

[BarnyardEngineering]

This is on an upcoming auction. Something looks odd about the front end, like it's mounted backwards. Is this an option or a farmer modification?

 

[paulsamwel]

Seen those before...pretty sure it's a
factory setup.Seen a 7700 with cab and had
the shorter wheelbase like this tractor.

 

[Fordfarmer]

Factory or dealer installed option, but
not real common, especially on late models
like that.

 

[Bern]

That's the short wheelbase model. Essentially it's just the front axle flipped around.

 

[Sean in PA]

Parts drawings show both the "short wheel base" and "long wheel base" setups. There are a few different parts used for the two setups. The spindle arms are different as well as the piece that anchors the cylinder near the center of the axle, plus the tie rod ends. All of the parts to convert from long to short wheel base were available in a kit.

 

[Tom in Mo.]

That would be popular with Hillfarmers. Like me. I like it!

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 18:27:26 04/18/23) That would be popular with Hillfarmers. Like me. I like it!

How many bushels of hills do you grow in a year?

 

[paul]

Its rare, if any of the parts need replacing be sure you can find them, wont be as many in junk yards, etc.

Paul

 

[NJcubguy]

Back in the day Ford called the short wheelbase an All Purpose and long wheelbase Rowcrop.
Had same for 5000, 6000 and 8000. Never saw on a 9000 but probably a few out there...

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 04:05:06 04/21/23) Back in the day Ford called the short wheelbase an All Purpose and long wheelbase Rowcrop.
Had same for 5000, 6000 and 8000. Never saw on a 9000 but probably a few out there...

There was a fellow here in NH who used to bring a short wheelbase 9000 to the pulls. I looked into changing my 9000 around and found that it didn't take much.

 

[Bern]

Thanks for bringing that up. I've always struggled with the difference in terminology, but your explanation helps, not that it makes a lot of sense. For example, what makes a long wheelbase model any better suited for rowcrop work than a short wheelbase machine?

 

[steve wi]

I have a 9600 that came that way from the factory. I turned it over to the longer wheelbase but it was nice for tight spaces.