Ford Instrument Panels Hours Indicator

[Tupperville]

Anyone here know what year Ford started using instrument panels that gave the hours?

I just messaged a dealership with a 1956 Ford 800 if it has an hours indicator.

 

[Keith Williams]

Anyone here know what year Ford started using instrument panels that gave the hours?

I just messaged a dealership with a 1956 Ford 800 if it has an hours indicator.

At least back to 1953.
BUT, the hours on the machine may not match what is on the gauge. In fact, I would guess that most of the hour meters have been replaced over the years.
I have replaced every gauge cluster or tachometer on every Ford tractor I have owned (4)!

Look at other signs for the amount of use (e.g. Clutch petal ware).

Just realize that parts can be interchanged or replaced over the years.
YMMV
Keith

 

[Welding man]

1952 8N

 

[Fordfarmer]

At least back to 1953.
BUT, the hours on the machine may not match what is on the gauge. In fact, I would guess that most of the hour meters have been replaced over the years.
I have replaced every gauge cluster or tachometer on every Ford tractor I have owned (4)!

Look at other signs for the amount of use (e.g. Clutch petal ware).

Just realize that parts can be interchanged or replaced over the years.
YMMV
Keith

Yep. On my 5 tractors, only 2 have original, working hour meters. And one of those is on the 2nd time around. Indicated hours on a 40+ year old tractor has little meaning.

 

[Tupperville]

Yep. On my 5 tractors, only 2 have original, working hour meters. And one of those is on the 2nd time around. Indicated hours on a 40+ year old tractor has little meaning.

I would like to know indicators of second time around.

I assume there are many.

 

[Greg NE]

Anyone here know what year Ford started using instrument panels that gave the hours?

I just messaged a dealership with a 1956 Ford 800 if it has an hours indicator.

The first Ford tractor with an hour meter was mid year in 1950 when they added the proof meter to the 8N's. That being said as others have already said, very few still have their original proof meters as they have quit working and have been replaced.

 

[Fordfarmer]

I would like to know indicators of second time around.

I assume there are many.

On the meter, faded needles. Mine reads just over 2000 hours, but that's actually 12,000. (It's been here since new) The orange needle on the tach has faded to completely white. (Only applies to open tractors... My 7600 is 4 years older, but the tach needle is still orange... inside the cab.)
Also look at wear on the clutch and brake pedals. Wear can show up on the drawbar, too. The pin hole gets worn oblong, and the end of the drawbar gets thinner.