Model Suggestions

[ikepieman]

I am shopping for a Ford tractor. My first was a MF TO35 gas. I then took on a mid 60's JD2010 gas, which I recently sold. My main use will be keeping a flat field mowed, approximately 8 acres. I have an old Mott 88 flail that the 2010 handled with ease.

I have been looking at the 3000/4000 series Fords. I would like a smaller tractor but worried it won't be able to run that mower.

While I have never owned a diesel, I figured I would give it a try. I am fine with basic mechanics and have an old farmer to bail me out, if need be.

I was looking at the 3000,3600,4000,4600,4600SU. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[nashranch]

Any of those models are great tractors. I've had a 3000, two 4000's, a 3500 industrial and just recently a 6600. All were good and easy to work on. I wish i had one to sell you

 

[Ultradog MN]

The 4600 SU would be my first choice of
the ones you listed.

 

[ikepieman]

I am overwhelmed with the information on these tractors. However, the overall opinion appears to be positive. I will find something. Thank you.

 

[Dean]

If your TO-35 could operate your mower, any of the others listed will do so as well, some with ease.

Dean

 

[Jimmyjack]

Listen to the Dog! If a good 3000 or even an 861 comes available grab it.

 

[Jim L WA]

Dean, He didn't say he used that mower with the TO-35.

 

[Destroked 450]

Brother, BIL, MIL all have 3000's, I have a 4000 and 4000SU, cousin has a 4600SU.
For what your doing a 4000SU or 4600SU would be my first choice, same compact size was 3000 but more power and much better brakes, personally I like the independent pto over a 2 stage clutch but that's just me.
I like my 4000SU but a 4600SU's paper air filter and raised parking brake controls are nice upgrades to have.

If a loader is planned in your future go with the 4000 or 4600 all purpose models with the heavier straight front axle. The swept back axle on the 3000 and SU models isn't a loader friendly design.

 

[Texasmark1]

Have had a TO20, MF35 gas and diesel. The diesel was a real tugger and I'd still have it were it not for the heavy spring on the clutch and no PS. Have had
Fords from 2000, 4 cyl up through the 4600. Last purchase was a 3910, my favorite, a couple of years ago. That 3x10 series is a late 1980's model built
while Ford still owned Ford. There are smaller units than mine in the series. I'd suggest you invest another couple of thousand up front and get into the
later models. The differences are well worth the money...remember money spent is just that....gone forever....what stays with you is what you bought.
Food for thought.

I have 3 Fords currently, 2000 4 cyl, 3000, and the 3910. I keep the other two plus a couple of newer Bransons because I use all of them when I put up
hay.

 

[ikepieman]

I loved my little TO35 but only ran a 5' rotary. It was a learning curve without the independent PTO but I got good with it. It came time to move on so I bought my father in law's old JD2010 which I used with the Mott flail. Loved the mower, but not a fan of the tractor. Now, it is time to move on again and I am definitely getting a Ford. Thanks.

 

[ikepieman]

Thanks for the information. I looked at one yesterday that he listed as a 1979 4600. However, after looking, I believe it is one of the industrial models. That being said, it does have wet brakes and independent pto but the front axle doesn't jive. It has an arched, non adjustable axle, possibly 3400 (from what i'm told). It appears to be a nice, tight tractor.

Like a dummy, I didn't get the model number when I looked at it and read the above information when I got home. Waiting on him to provide the model number off the tractor so I can look into it.

On a side note, I found a freshly painted 3000 that was advertised across the state. They only had 3 pics posted so I asked for a couple more. They asked if I was a "tire kicker" so I had to explain that I don't mind driving but would like a bit more information first. Not kidding, after they gave their tractor painting credentials, they said they were raising the price from $5000 to $6900 AND DID. While I was texting.

Thanks for all of your guys' help. I appreciate the knowledge.

 

[Check Break]

[i:60c64319fe]I looked at one yesterday that he listed as a 1979 4600. However, after looking, I believe it is one of the industrial models. That being said, it does have wet brakes and independent pto but the front axle doesn't jive. It has an arched, non adjustable axle, possibly 3400 (from what i'm told). [/i:60c64319fe]

Arched solid axle that resembles an I-beam. May be a 4410. You won't adjust an adjustable front axle unless you mow steep side hills. It will not only handle your mower, it will handle a loader.

 

[ikepieman]

(quoted from post at 23:55:00 07/06/20) [i:95ebad5396]I looked at one yesterday that he listed as a 1979 4600. However, after looking, I believe it is one of the industrial models. That being said, it does have wet brakes and independent pto but the front axle doesn't jive. It has an arched, non adjustable axle, possibly 3400 (from what i'm told). [/i:95ebad5396]

Arched solid axle that resembles an I-beam. May be a 4410. You won't adjust an adjustable front axle unless you mow steep side hills. It will not only handle your mower, it will handle a loader.

This is the one I'm looking at. Yellow under blue paint and no steering shafts on sides.

 

[Nyquil Junkie]

I didnt know squat about diesels either but I'm glad we chose one. So far to me it seems like there is a lot less to go wrong with a diesel.... these old ones anyway.

 

[Texasmark1]

I had 1 gas tractor in my 42 years of trying to learn how to farm!!!!!!!!! Currently have 5 tractors, 3 of which are Fords and all are diesel. Wonder why?????
You guessed it! I didn't know squat about them when I "upgraded" either but it isn't hard to learn.

 

[ikepieman]

(quoted from post at 16:23:53 07/08/20) I had 1 gas tractor in my 42 years of trying to learn how to farm!!!!!!!!! Currently have 5 tractors, 3 of which are Fords and all are diesel. Wonder why?????
You guessed it! I didn't know squat about them when I "upgraded" either but it isn't hard to learn.

I have learned a ton from this thread and I haven't even bought a Ford yet. Headed out this afternoon to take a second look at the mystery machine. Thanks for the input.

 

[Destroked 450]

Since it's been repainted they probably painted the tag under the hood, if so look for the model numbers on the flat area just behind the starter.
Should look simulate to the photo, but with paint on it hiding the numbers.

 

[ikepieman]

Well, I went back to look at it tonight and bought it. The model number is DW314C. Another forum advised it is a 540 Industrial which according to that forum is a version of the 4600? Can anybody shine light on this?

 

[ikepieman]

I ended up buying this. The model number is DW314C which apparently is the a 1979 540 Industrial. The other designators match up as well being Diesel, Independent 540 and 8x2 transmission. Thank you all for the help. I learned a lot and I'm sure I will run into more questions.

 

[Sean in PA]

DW314C is a 540 with a diesel engine, independent PTO and an 8 speed transmission. The 540 model is an industrial model. It shares the same engine, transmission, rear axle and 3 point hydraulics components (if it has that) with the 4600. The main difference is the front axle is much heavier duty on the 540 and it also came stock with a loader with its own separate hydraulic system with a front mounted hydraulic pump and the sump for the loader hydraulics is inside the loader frame.