Tractor question for Majorman

[Masseyharrisnut]

A good friend of mine is currently restoring a 1965 model 954 super 6 County tractor that belonged to his father. Serial number is 15761 and he cant find information about how many where built and if his is in fact a 1965. He thinks they where only made for one year. It has the wide fenders on it that meant it was a tractor built for export to North America. Any help I can get for him is appreciated. He needs some parts for it as well and has found them on line from Europe so freight will be interesting. If any one else can answer the questions that will be good as well. Thank You.

 

[RCP]

I worked at a Massey dealer in western Pa in the 70's, they sold a used one to a farm in Ohio and I delivered it.

 

[Majorman]

County Super Six 954 was the first County six cylinder based on the then new Ford 5000. it was built from 1965 to 1968 when it was updated and parts strengthened and became the 1004. There were quite a few made and all would have had the wide wings as County were fitting these as standard. As the tractor was using mostly Ford 5000 parts, the increased horsepower, 95 from 65, caused problems. Larger implements found all the problems we were experiencing with the early 5000 hydraulics and, in the early days, Ford could offer no solutions. Another problem was the tractors tendency to knock two teeth off the crown wheel and pinion. This was mainly due to operators who rammed the dif. lock in when two wheels started to spin, so causing shock loads in the transmission.

If you e-mail County Tractor Spares here in England, they have all County's records and can tell you all about your tractor if you give them the serial number, including where it was sold and who to.

Parts are available but could be expensive to transport. You should be able to get some parts over there as they would be the same as in the Ford 5000. County did put heavy duty bearings in the gearbox but a bearing supplier should be able to source those. Front axle parts were modified Ford 3000 crown wheel and pinions.

The engine is a Ford 2703E, industrial based engine similar to the early Ford 5000 so again, parts could be available over there.

The competition at the time were the Doe 130, Northrop and the Muir Hill 101 all based on the Ford 5000. The County's weak point was the others had a better turning circle. Eventually twin assister rams went a long way to sorting out the lift problems but the rear axle problem remained until much later.

 

[Masseyharrisnut]

Thank you very much for the info Majorman. I will pass it along to the owner. Im sure he will find it useful. Have a Merry Christmas and all the best in the NewYear to you and your family.