english ford 4000

[cubman56]

am looking for good info on the ford tractors made in england. ive been to most of the usual places for gathering info but to no avail. am restoring a 1970 ford 4000 and need info. thank you

 

[RickB]

Basildon-built Ford tractors differ very little from those built in Belgium or Michigan. There are well documented subtle differences in the electrical systems based on factory of origin. Other features generally described as 'European' or 'English' may or may not appear depending on the intended market location of the tractor rather than the originating factory. An example is my British built 1971 4000 that I believe was sold new in Canada. Apart from the B-prefix wiring which includes a horn, the tractor looks just like any C-prefix 4000 except for the wider footrests which I like very much. No headlamps in the grille, no handbrake geared to the pinion shaft, but a British 4000 none the less.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Differences in a 'B' 4000 that I had were rather innocuous.
Wider step plates, handbrake geared to pinion (which was completely shot and I removed it),
headlights in the grill, 6 lug rear hubs instead of 8 and 36" wheels and tires which i've never seen on a 'C' 4000.
Mine also had a horizontal exhaust system on it though that may not have been original.

 

[Brian Allen]

cubman56
I would think that the people on this forum would be able to answer almost any question you can come up with.
Finding that in print or on a web site may not happen.
Welcome to the forum and feel free to ask away!
Brian

 

[tx3000]

I sure am glad we got on the subject of the British 4000! Mine left me stuck in the field today. When I went to turn at the end of a row, the steering wheel spun to the right and locked up. I had to break the power steering lines loose at the cylinder and pull the wheels back straight with a chain. When I started it back up, she tried doing it again. It took everything I had to hold the wheel still and shut it off. L looked in the big 2000-5000 manual I have and nothing in the steering section looked like whats on my tractor. I took the cylinder apart and it looked fine, I took the only valve out of the pump and it seems to be fine. When all this started, I had only been on it about 20 minutes and the cylinder, hoses, and pump were so hot I couldn"t touch them. Now for the big question: what on earth is wrong with it?

 

[RodinNS]

The control valve is likely stuck... in whatever direction it was heading.
I know mine has been sticky since years... but this one is an integral unit... and it never sticks as badly as yours.
The valve on yours is in the end of th cylinder IIRC.

Rod

 

[crazylocha]

Thats a "classic dealer installed option only" !!!!

Why, don't you know they can charge double or triple if its a popular option, like them new fangled a/c cars!!

 

[tx3000]

By being in the cylinder, I gather that I can't get parts to fix and will need a new cylinder? Thanks for the help

 

[RodinNS]

I've never really looked into it. You'd just have to take it apart, see what you need, then run down the part numbers on the web site and see if they're available. Generally I would think that they would be available.
Most things that NH has obsoleted are things that are either readily available as aftermarket or things you can fab.

Rod

 

[tx3000]

Thank you for the direction, I really appreciate the help on this thing Rod.

 

[cubman56]

Ultra dog you have the distinction of being the first person I have seen with a tractor like mine ,and could point out the diferences as tires, brake etc. however horizontal exhaust differs a bit from whats on mine. seriously though the fenders on mine are flat similar to some fordsons i have seen. but not similar to 4600 models with lights in front of fenders. thats the main thing im looking for. or maybe possibly just restoring it to a US type 4000 since parts dont seem to be readily available.thanks for your help guys.

 

[Brian Allen]

cubman56
Do your rear fenders drop down and bolt to the side of the foot rests.
If so, they are called mudguards. They are still available in the UK aftermarket.

My 3000 has these and I prefer them to the US version.
Brian

 

[Ultradog MN]

Cubman,
If you do decide to keep the hand brake I would at least open it up and have a close look at the seals in there. Mine was a major entry point for getting water into the rear end. That handbrake would be a nice feature if working correctly.
If yours is completely shot like mine was you can remove it pretty easily and cover the hole with a 6" round cover from a 3000.
I had to modify the rear bracket on the left step plate too. EZ.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 19:10:39 09/20/11) I sure am glad we got on the subject of the British 4000! Mine left me stuck in the field today. When I went to turn at the end of a row, the steering wheel spun to the right and locked up. I had to break the power steering lines loose at the cylinder and pull the wheels back straight with a chain. When I started it back up, she tried doing it again. It took everything I had to hold the wheel still and shut it off. L looked in the big 2000-5000 manual I have and nothing in the steering section looked like whats on my tractor. I took the cylinder apart and it looked fine, I took the only valve out of the pump and it seems to be fine. When all this started, I had only been on it about 20 minutes and the cylinder, hoses, and pump were so hot I couldn"t touch them. Now for the big question: what on earth is wrong with it?

y 971 did that, and as Rod said it was because the control valve stuck. I am not familiar with the English 4000 but on the 4 cyl. 4000 the valve can get hung up by putting a standard grease fitting into the valve, instead of a short threaded one. Once the damage is done you pretty much have to dissassemble it and clean up the scratches. It is not a tough job.