Re: The best utility tractor made.

Posted by RodinNS on September 19, 2005 at 20:03:13 from (142.177.112.26):

In Reply to: The best utility tractor made. posted by R.M.Evans on September 19, 2005 at 14:14:03:

The 4000 and 5000 Fords are probably as tough, economical and reliable as you will find. That's a post '65 4000. What you will do with the tractor, and your preferences as an operator will be a major factor in determining if you like the shift ratios on the transmission, and the hydraulic capacity. They don't pump as much oil, and don't have as much 3-point lift capacity as Ford's newer models from the 10 series. The old 8x2 transmission is purely indestructable, but it has 2 reverse speeds. Too slow, and too fast. That isn't good with a loader, especially if you're pressed for time or are trying to be efficient. PTO's, axles and brakes are all quite strong and reliable. Tractors are fairly heavy. The engines will run and run and run, and then keep going.
So, if you want a simple brute reliable old tractor, they would be my pics. If you want updated features with better transmissions, more hydraulic capacity, nicer steering, and mabey FWD, then I would look at a 3910, 3930 (definitely for the 8x8 synchro tranny), 4610, 4630 (tranny), 5610, 6610..... then you're getting to about 72 hp with the 6610.
When you get to the 8x8 tranny.... well it's not as tough. I found out the hard way. But it's a lot nicer to work with......soo.... I also like the larger capacity hydraulics on the newer models. It's a lot more relevant for what I'm doing. I find that the 4000 is now pretty well outclassed for most of my gear..... Also keep in mind that some of the durability is probably lost in the hydraulic systems of the newer models... After all, they are the basics of the older systems simply updated and pushed to higher levels. I haven't found that the life cycle is there on the pumps. Perhaps that's just me.
If I had to pick one tractor for general light utility work, I would probably go with the Ford 4630, with dual pumps, dual remotes, 8x8 shuttle transmission, and FWD. It has considerable capacity to do a lot of very hard work with those features, provided that maintenance is kept top notch, and the front axle is not over ballasted so as to make the tractor pull. It should be a very economical tractor to operate, and last a long time. The Ford 30 series were very very capable tractors.
If you don't like Ford, then there's lots of old pelters out there from Massey, IH, Case, David Brown, and Deere that are probably worth looking at. As far as I'm concerned, they all have their strong points and their weak points. They all have one thing in common. They will ALL break down, especially if they are pounded and not maintained. Well, that's my kick at the can.....

Rod

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