Ford 3400 or 3000?

[sherman]

I recently purchased a 1973 Ford 3500. I bought it from the orginal owners (family). The third and forth digits of the model number are "4" and "0" (40) indicating that it is a utility.

http://www.springfieldbiz.com/oaktree/codes_short2.html

What is a utility tractor? The orginal decals indicate that it is a "3400." Where the decals changed?
Are there any physical/mechanical parts on the tractor that will indicate to me if it is a 3400 or a 3000. I"ve read that the front-end is heavier but I can not locate pictures of either one (3000 or 3400) to see the difference.

If it helps the machine is yellow and does have a front loader.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cloud]

Sherman,

Congratulations on your newly purchased tractor.

Why don’t you just post your Model Number, Unit Number and Serial Number then someone will tell you exactly (hopefully) what you have.

For example, the model 3500 was made from 1965-1971, so your 1973 model 3500 is subject to question at this point.

Be safe.
Cloud

 

[RickB]

3500's were built through the end of 1974, same as 3000's, 3400's and the rest of the Thousand series. Primary differences between the 3000, 3400, and 3500 would be the front axle, bolster and grille shell.

 

[RodinNS]

You have a 3400... if you've decoded the model number correctly. It would look a lot like the 3500 with the exception of the heavy front shell on the 3500 and a bit heavier axle.

The 3400 was considered a 'Utility' because it had a heavier non-adjustable front axle as opposed to the 3100 (3000 Ag) which had a fully adjustable AG front axle for row crop work....

Rod

 

[souNdguy]

sounds like you have not been to the new holland parts site and looked up a 3000 or 3400 front end. the light duty adjustable front end uses a center section and leaves, and uses radius rods.

soundguy

 

[sherman]

Okay so here it goes:

TRACTOR NUMBER: C389998
MODEL: C4022K
UNIT: 3G/9B

ENGINE: 3F/3C

TRANSMISSION: 3F22B
REAR AXLE: 3E11G
HYDRAULIC PUMP: 3F21A
HYDRAULIC LIFT: 3E23B

 

[sherman]

I just realized in my initial post I said it might be a "3500" This is not true! Typo! I suspect that is a 3400, but the decoding that can do says it might be a 3000. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[sherman]

I meant to say 3400 not 3500.

 

[Rick from NC]

Serial Number C389998 = US built 1973

Model Decodes as

3 = 3000 series
40 = utility chassis
2 = Gas Engine
2 = 540 Transmission PTO
K = 6 x 4 manual Reversing Transmission

Unit 3G/9B = build date of July 9, 1973 on "B" (day) shift. The / may be a 1 so it would be the 19th instead.

The other codes are build dates from earlier in 1973 so it looks like your major components are original to the tractor.

 

[Rick from NC]

Meant to also add the 3400 & 4400 are also called "light industrials" If your loader came on the tractor when new it is most likely a model 730 loader.

 

[Cloud]

Sherman,

Congratulations, now you know exactly what model tractor you have. A 1973, Ford Industrial model 3400. Your tractor serial number confirms this to be a 1973.

You do have a 3000 series tractor, but your code for your “6Y Industrial Tractor” makes it an Industrial model 3400.

RickB:
The Ford Industrial model 3500 was made from 1965-1971, while the Ford Industrial model 3550 was made from 1972-1975.

The Ford Industrial model 4500 was made until 1974.

Be safe.
Cloud

 

[RickB]

OK. Can you tell me what the differences were between a 3500 and 3550? I have heard of a 3550, but have not seen one.

 

[Rick from NC]

3550 has the rear end from the 4000 series with wet brakes. I looked at one before I bought my 4400.

 

[phil lowe]

can a front end from an industrial be swapped out of a utility 3000 ..saw one on kijij..not ure the price ,but really want a put a loader on my 3000

 

[Dave_N_Ga]

Anyone parting out a 3000?? I have a 3400 industrial with a 753 BH and a 730 loader, it has no PTO shaft or lift arms.
I'd like to buy from the engine back so I can use it as a tractor and install the backhoe only when needed.

I'm in Ga, Thx!