Ford 7000 series

[Gavin Kedar]

We farm in Queensland, Australia, and bought a Ford 7000 recently. It is possibly labelled a 7200 in Nth America. It seems uncommon here, being only 1 I have seen in the flesh. Others are standard 7000's. Does any one know what was different to the standard 7000 (apart from the higher clearence, flat deck, tilting steering wheel & chrome levers), & if many 7200's made thier way 'down under'?. Also, can the front axle be turned around to lenghten the wheel base, as we are fitting a front end loader to it for hay work.
Thanks,
Gavin Kedar, Millaroo, QLD.

 

[jimont]

Gavin -
I have a Ford 5200 and the only difference between it and a "standard" 5000 is, as you say,the elevated platform, tilt steering and the chrome goodies. No reason to think the 7200 would be any different. Yes, the wheel-base can be lengthened. Mine always has been lengthened and needless to say, I'm very happy with it. Bought it new in 1972 and now has 10,000 trouble free hrs on it. 7000 is really a 5000 with the motor adapted to the use of a turbo.

 

[souNdguy]

Sounds like a rowcrop model..

Soundguy

 

[Gavin Kedar]

Yes, it is a 'row crop' model, has good ground clearance, but fitted with 23.1x34 rear tyres, & about 1/2 ton wheel wieghts on each rear wheel!! Previous owner used it in cane for heavy cultivation as well as row work in the crop.
Regards,
Gavin.

 

[Gavin Kedar]

Thanks, jimont, for reply. I believe the 5000 was best tractor Ford made. Sounds like you have had a good run with yours. Is it possible to take a photo of your front axle & email to me?. I have a feeling that it might differ from ours, as it looks like ours can have a tricycle wheel bolted straight under & onto the steering motor. To turn our axle around, it looks like we would need to make up a mounting bracket for the support arm of the front axle, which currently is out the front of the main axle beam, but to lenghten wheel base, would be at rear of main beam, & seems there is no where to mount it.
Thanks,
Regards,
Gavin.

 

[jimont]

Gavin -
I understand your tractor has the wide front axle, as opposed to the narrow row-crop configuration ----- correct? If so, there is/was a 5200/7200 supplement to the regular 5000/7000 owner's manual which shows how to convert from short to long wheelbase. Right now, I can't seem to find mine (getting forgetfull/old). However I don't recall that it was particularily difficult with no modifications or different brackets needed. If you have a New Holland dealer near, you might check with him.
Sorry, I don't have the ability to send a picture of mine. Good luck as you will find the long wheelbase makes for a very comfortable ride.
Jim

 

[Fordfarmer]

This the page you were thinking of (assuming my link works)? Not much info beyond the pictures, but they do help. Looks like the axle is just moved back- not turned around (I thought it was turned around until I found this manual on ebay) and the tie rods are put in front of the axle with the steering arms turned 180 degrees on the spindles. Front axle bracket may have to me moved back too. Hope this helps.
5200 supplement page

 

[Gavin Kedar]

Thanks Jim for your help. Sorry for not replying earlier. Busy with cane harvest & hay work. Local dealer has no idea of the tractor (more interested in selling a new one). The dealer who sold it back in 70's went belly up several years ago. Will continue to fit loader mounting frame & look at front axle when the 'wet' comes & have some more time in the shed.
Regards,
Gavin

 

[Gavin Kedar]

Thanks Fordfarmer for the help & the 5200 supplement. Sorry for not replying earlier, busy with Cane & hay work. Once the 'wet' sets in, will look more at what you suggested, as will have more time in the shed.
Regards,
Gavin.