Ford Identification numbers

[merle kopf]

I am having trouble understanding the model and production code. The numbers on my tractor are
5E7C E185 A106/789 The / between 6 & 7 may be just a scar on the metal. It appears to have been struck by something. The decal on the tractor says Ford 3000.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 21:34:06 01/03/11) I am having trouble understanding the model and production code. The numbers on my tractor are 5E7C E185 A106/789 The / between 6 & 7 may be just a scar on the metal. It appears to have been struck by something. The decal on the tractor says Ford 3000.

Where on the tractor did you find those numbers? If they are from the flat spot on the bell housing, look on the under side of the right side of the hood, as there may be a foil sticker with the original numbers as well.

If the / is just a scar, then the A106789 should be the serial number. The A indicates it was assembled at the Antwerp Belgium plant, and the rest of the serial number would make it a 1965 model. 5E7C should be the production code, which is May 7, 1965 afternoon shift. The E185 doesn't make any sense though, as the model numbers started with a number from '65 through the beginning of '68, and they switched to a letter part way through the '68 production year.

Posting some pictures of the tractor would help.

 

[merle kopf]

Sorry no pictures, but the numbers are from the flat spot on top of the lug on case just behind the starter where the model info is supposed to be. I figured the last number was serial but didn't know what the A was for would still like to know what the E185 is. No label under hood either. The lift has quit working and I am trying to get a correct owners manual to find out how to check hydro and rear gear oils and what type to use Thanks for the information

 

[Sean in PA]

Sometimes the model number wasn't on the actual flat spot, instead it was stamped into the same area, but on the rougher cast surface. look straight down at the numbers that you already found and then look "above them" from your point of view.