Ford FORD3000 Reviews
This Tractor Will Outlive You
Model Year: 1970
3 cylinder diesel. 8 speed hi/lo transmission. Will pull a 2-16 bottom plow through heavy clay. 6-ft. bush hog no problem. Never had any trouble with this tractor. Very powerful tractor. It is a southern model so it doesn't have any cold start assist. Yet it will crank at 15 degrees in January. Very easy to maintain. Mine doesn't have power steering so I save on gym membership. She's difficult to steer in tight spots. Aftermarket power-steering kits available. Get one with power steering.
Pros: Parts readily available and easy to work on.
Cons: Did I mention to get one with power steering?
Model Year: 1970
3 cylinder diesel. 8 speed hi/lo transmission. Will pull a 2-16 bottom plow through heavy clay. 6-ft. bush hog no problem. Never had any trouble with this tractor. Very powerful tractor. It is a southern model so it doesn't have any cold start assist. Yet it will crank at 15 degrees in January. Very easy to maintain. Mine doesn't have power steering so I save on gym membership. She's difficult to steer in tight spots. Aftermarket power-steering kits available. Get one with power steering.
Pros: Parts readily available and easy to work on.
Cons: Did I mention to get one with power steering?
3000 Ford 1971 8 Speed
Model Year: 0
This is one of 4 Ford tractors we use on the farm baling square bales. Have a 4100, 2 3000's, and 1 3600. All are in good shape. This one has a Bush Hog loader. Very cheap to operate and parts are easily available. Have owned several makes, but overall like the Fords the best. We like to keep all the tractors the same make for parts etc. Also have a 140 Farmall for row crop and garden work.
Pros: Cheap to operate, parts available.
Cons: Hyd. filter access.
Model Year: 0
This is one of 4 Ford tractors we use on the farm baling square bales. Have a 4100, 2 3000's, and 1 3600. All are in good shape. This one has a Bush Hog loader. Very cheap to operate and parts are easily available. Have owned several makes, but overall like the Fords the best. We like to keep all the tractors the same make for parts etc. Also have a 140 Farmall for row crop and garden work.
Pros: Cheap to operate, parts available.
Cons: Hyd. filter access.
Ford 3000 From New Zealand (Not Australia)
Model Year: 1972
Simple, totally reliable, inexpensive to repair. Would gladly buy another. On;y downside is hydraulics. Filter is difficult to access inside rear end, and flow is inadequate for modern driven applications. Power steering would be great and regret not opting for it when new. Still rate it as 5 stars excellent.
Pros: Simple, totally reliable, inexpensive to repair.
Cons: Hydraulics filters difficult to access, hydraulic flow inadequate.
Model Year: 1972
Simple, totally reliable, inexpensive to repair. Would gladly buy another. On;y downside is hydraulics. Filter is difficult to access inside rear end, and flow is inadequate for modern driven applications. Power steering would be great and regret not opting for it when new. Still rate it as 5 stars excellent.
Pros: Simple, totally reliable, inexpensive to repair.
Cons: Hydraulics filters difficult to access, hydraulic flow inadequate.
My Ford 3000 in New Zealand!
Model Year: 1966
Have had this machine for approximately 30 years. We had a 93 acre farm and this machine did everything required of it on the farm haymaking keeping tracks tidy and clearing waterways including mowing and raking hay for neighbors. We are now on a 10 acre block and it is still a useful machine to keep the driveway graded and topping the paddocks. I would put the 3000 in the class of not a draught horse (heavy) or a pony (light) but a hack (good all rounder). When I first purchased it it was not power assisted steering and was very hard to steer when using the front end loader, but after about 3 years I had power steering fitted and is now a pleasure to operate.
Pros: Very easy to work on and the availability of parts.
Cons: Wish it had better access for cleaning and replacing the hydraulic filters.
Model Year: 1966
Have had this machine for approximately 30 years. We had a 93 acre farm and this machine did everything required of it on the farm haymaking keeping tracks tidy and clearing waterways including mowing and raking hay for neighbors. We are now on a 10 acre block and it is still a useful machine to keep the driveway graded and topping the paddocks. I would put the 3000 in the class of not a draught horse (heavy) or a pony (light) but a hack (good all rounder). When I first purchased it it was not power assisted steering and was very hard to steer when using the front end loader, but after about 3 years I had power steering fitted and is now a pleasure to operate.
Pros: Very easy to work on and the availability of parts.
Cons: Wish it had better access for cleaning and replacing the hydraulic filters.
Doing Up My 1968 Ford 3000
Model Year: 1968
I have recently purchased a 1968 Ford 3000 Vinyard model. I am still deliberating whether to go the whole hog and restore it to its original condition. First things first though, the hydraulics are not working. I am keen to hear anyone's advice on this as I am relatively new to this. Also, what has other readers found the best way to clean up a tractor in readiness for painting?
Pros: I see it as a challenge and the great thing is that here in Australia you can buy nearly all after market replacement parts for it.
Cons: The lack of knowledge I have in restoring a tractor in areas such as cleaning it up for painting and stopping a few leaks it has.
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Model Year: 1968
I have recently purchased a 1968 Ford 3000 Vinyard model. I am still deliberating whether to go the whole hog and restore it to its original condition. First things first though, the hydraulics are not working. I am keen to hear anyone's advice on this as I am relatively new to this. Also, what has other readers found the best way to clean up a tractor in readiness for painting?
Pros: I see it as a challenge and the great thing is that here in Australia you can buy nearly all after market replacement parts for it.
Cons: The lack of knowledge I have in restoring a tractor in areas such as cleaning it up for painting and stopping a few leaks it has.
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1967 Ford 3000
Model Year: 1967
The 3000 has been very reliable for what I've used it for, mainly maintaining my gravel road and spreading dirt for different projects.
Pros: Easy to start, reliable, good power.
Cons: The 3000 has an internal hydraulic filter screen. The tractor has to be split for access to the screen; a job for the Ford dealer. Ford should have designed the 3000 with a filter screen that is accessed from the outside.
Model Year: 1967
The 3000 has been very reliable for what I've used it for, mainly maintaining my gravel road and spreading dirt for different projects.
Pros: Easy to start, reliable, good power.
Cons: The 3000 has an internal hydraulic filter screen. The tractor has to be split for access to the screen; a job for the Ford dealer. Ford should have designed the 3000 with a filter screen that is accessed from the outside.
Does All I Need
Model Year: 1973
I use this tractor to plow, disc, harrow, pull logs, dig post holes...just about everything. It has power steering, live power and plenty of power. I put new tires on it last year and it digs in nicely now.
Pros: Heavy-duty, versatile, parts easy to find.
Cons: Age-related issues (leaks, clutch), light front end.
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Model Year: 1973
I use this tractor to plow, disc, harrow, pull logs, dig post holes...just about everything. It has power steering, live power and plenty of power. I put new tires on it last year and it digs in nicely now.
Pros: Heavy-duty, versatile, parts easy to find.
Cons: Age-related issues (leaks, clutch), light front end.
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1970 Ford 3000 Tractor
Model Year: 1970
Found tractor/brush hog/16ft trailer as package deal; made things easier. First tractor, never even owned a riding lawnmower before. Having a blast with it. Had charging system issues when purchased; wiring wrong. Got some help, and I think it's fixed now. Still figuring out what it will and will not do. Need to get some attachments. Have to research how to do that. Will add picture later. Very disorganized right now figuring out all this new lifestyle stuff.
Pros: Ford, diesel, starts easy, mows good..
Cons: No bucket, no 4-wheel drive, no other attachments.
Model Year: 1970
Found tractor/brush hog/16ft trailer as package deal; made things easier. First tractor, never even owned a riding lawnmower before. Having a blast with it. Had charging system issues when purchased; wiring wrong. Got some help, and I think it's fixed now. Still figuring out what it will and will not do. Need to get some attachments. Have to research how to do that. Will add picture later. Very disorganized right now figuring out all this new lifestyle stuff.
Pros: Ford, diesel, starts easy, mows good..
Cons: No bucket, no 4-wheel drive, no other attachments.
Basic 3000 4 Speed Diesel
Model Year: 1965
Bought this tractor in 2008. This is a basic 1956 Ford 3000, 4 speed, diesel. No live PTO, NO power steering. It had a loader on it when I purchased it---big mistake. No power steering on this unit, so the arms got a big work out when anything was in the front bucket. Took off the loader in 2010 as I had to rebuild the front axle and steering because of the loader. This made the tractor much more usable. For brush hogging, discing, and any other pulling duties this tractor is great! The diesel engine really pulls! I live in Texas and have never had a problem starting this tractor. Very little to go wrong with this model. It has been very dependable. Just remember, It's not really a loader tractor if you need a loader tractor look at a different model with a stronger front axle and power steering. If you need the basics 3-point lift and power in this size the Ford 3000 diesel is it. Also look at the 3000 with 8 speeds.
Pros: Rugged, reliable, easy to operate.
Cons: No live PTO, no power steering, could really use the 8 speed trans.
Model Year: 1965
Bought this tractor in 2008. This is a basic 1956 Ford 3000, 4 speed, diesel. No live PTO, NO power steering. It had a loader on it when I purchased it---big mistake. No power steering on this unit, so the arms got a big work out when anything was in the front bucket. Took off the loader in 2010 as I had to rebuild the front axle and steering because of the loader. This made the tractor much more usable. For brush hogging, discing, and any other pulling duties this tractor is great! The diesel engine really pulls! I live in Texas and have never had a problem starting this tractor. Very little to go wrong with this model. It has been very dependable. Just remember, It's not really a loader tractor if you need a loader tractor look at a different model with a stronger front axle and power steering. If you need the basics 3-point lift and power in this size the Ford 3000 diesel is it. Also look at the 3000 with 8 speeds.
Pros: Rugged, reliable, easy to operate.
Cons: No live PTO, no power steering, could really use the 8 speed trans.
A Project
Model Year: 1966
The tractor I purchased had been sitting in a field for two years. I have now got it running. The clutch is seized up and the carb needs some work but I will fix it. For 500 bucks it was a steal. It should turn into good tractor.
Pros: Cheap price.
Cons: Clutch is seized.
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Model Year: 1966
The tractor I purchased had been sitting in a field for two years. I have now got it running. The clutch is seized up and the carb needs some work but I will fix it. For 500 bucks it was a steal. It should turn into good tractor.
Pros: Cheap price.
Cons: Clutch is seized.
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Ford 3000
Model Year: 1970
I have always had the opportunity to operate my buddies series N, 3600, 4000 and 4600 series tractors until June of 2012. Most models were made in England and exported back to the states. All of these older model tractors except for the model N were made between 1965 and 1975. None of these tractors have had any reliability issues. They do the work required but don't have all the bells and whistles that newer models have.
Pros: Dependable work horses.
Cons: Lack of available options.
Model Year: 1970
I have always had the opportunity to operate my buddies series N, 3600, 4000 and 4600 series tractors until June of 2012. Most models were made in England and exported back to the states. All of these older model tractors except for the model N were made between 1965 and 1975. None of these tractors have had any reliability issues. They do the work required but don't have all the bells and whistles that newer models have.
Pros: Dependable work horses.
Cons: Lack of available options.
My English Built Ford 3000
Model Year: 1967
I purchased this tractor from a family trust that had been using it in their peach orchard before it was replaced by a newer Ford. The Prove Meter does not work because the linkage to the generator is broken. I am working on getting it fixed up to use in my small pasture. It had been rolled over in a drainage ditch years ago and had had some work done on it. So far I am pleased with the operation. It started right up this spring after putting the battery back in. It is a diesel and I did use a shot of ether on the first cranking.
Pros: Great tool for me to learn "tractoring" and a good little mechincal experience for me to enjoy.
Cons: The expense of getting it fixed up will be daunting and will take many moons and lots of money.
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Model Year: 1967
I purchased this tractor from a family trust that had been using it in their peach orchard before it was replaced by a newer Ford. The Prove Meter does not work because the linkage to the generator is broken. I am working on getting it fixed up to use in my small pasture. It had been rolled over in a drainage ditch years ago and had had some work done on it. So far I am pleased with the operation. It started right up this spring after putting the battery back in. It is a diesel and I did use a shot of ether on the first cranking.
Pros: Great tool for me to learn "tractoring" and a good little mechincal experience for me to enjoy.
Cons: The expense of getting it fixed up will be daunting and will take many moons and lots of money.
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My English Built Ford 3000
Model Year: 1967
My "new" Ford 3000 was used in an peach orchard for who knows how long. One thing that had happened during it's work at the orchard was a rollover. So the "body" work is marginal but that does not seem to have an effect on it's willingness to do the work I have for it to do, which is limited. Having been an orchard tractor the exhaust manifold points down and the pipe extends back near the rear axle. This old tractor has seen some use so it will be a work in progress to get it set up to my satisfaction. It has some fluid leaks. The implement have is a tool bar with units on it that will enable me to crease my field. The lift does not stay up when the tractor is not running, which is how the manufacture says to leave it. However with grandchildren around I think down is the best place for rest. I borrowed a small disk unit from up the street and did my small pasture. Oddly enough it is a Ford disk but also needs repairs.
Pros: Great tool for me to learn "tractoring" and a good little mechincal experience for me to enjoy.
Cons: The expense of getting it fixed up will be daunting and will take many moons.
Model Year: 1967
My "new" Ford 3000 was used in an peach orchard for who knows how long. One thing that had happened during it's work at the orchard was a rollover. So the "body" work is marginal but that does not seem to have an effect on it's willingness to do the work I have for it to do, which is limited. Having been an orchard tractor the exhaust manifold points down and the pipe extends back near the rear axle. This old tractor has seen some use so it will be a work in progress to get it set up to my satisfaction. It has some fluid leaks. The implement have is a tool bar with units on it that will enable me to crease my field. The lift does not stay up when the tractor is not running, which is how the manufacture says to leave it. However with grandchildren around I think down is the best place for rest. I borrowed a small disk unit from up the street and did my small pasture. Oddly enough it is a Ford disk but also needs repairs.
Pros: Great tool for me to learn "tractoring" and a good little mechincal experience for me to enjoy.
Cons: The expense of getting it fixed up will be daunting and will take many moons.
My Dad Knew What He Was Doing
Model Year: 1968
About a month ago, I drove to southeastern Virginia to pick up a Ford 3000 Gas tractor that my day purchased in 1974. It has only had 10 hours of use in the last 8 years since his death, and with minimal expenditure it is running like a champ. I have put 20 hours on it (mainly bush hogging in heavy briars and plum thickets) and it outperforms 30 HP diesel new tractors doing the same job. It has a select-o-speed transmission, and I would like to find someone who has experience to adjust it. In R2, it seems to be trying to go forward and reverse at the same time. Local New Holland dealer honestly tells me that everyone they had who knows the tranny is retired.
Pros: Strong tractor for my needs. Power steering works great, and implement hook up is easy.
Cons: Finding someone qualified and knowledgeable to work on it.
Model Year: 1968
About a month ago, I drove to southeastern Virginia to pick up a Ford 3000 Gas tractor that my day purchased in 1974. It has only had 10 hours of use in the last 8 years since his death, and with minimal expenditure it is running like a champ. I have put 20 hours on it (mainly bush hogging in heavy briars and plum thickets) and it outperforms 30 HP diesel new tractors doing the same job. It has a select-o-speed transmission, and I would like to find someone who has experience to adjust it. In R2, it seems to be trying to go forward and reverse at the same time. Local New Holland dealer honestly tells me that everyone they had who knows the tranny is retired.
Pros: Strong tractor for my needs. Power steering works great, and implement hook up is easy.
Cons: Finding someone qualified and knowledgeable to work on it.
3000 Ford Tractor
Model Year: 1978
Was in bussiness clearing land when it was bought. I pump holes out to dig ponds, used it to prepare my land for planting, box blade, all purpose plow in cleaning up lots, rotary mowing pulled subsoiler, pulled hay ride wagons for the boys when they were growing up. In all the years I have owned this 3000 ford never had any work done on it. It has never failed me other than batteries when needed, the tires are still running what can I say.
Pros: What can I say? I am satified with my 3000 ford tractor.
Cons: Wish it had power steering, but still happy with it.
Model Year: 1978
Was in bussiness clearing land when it was bought. I pump holes out to dig ponds, used it to prepare my land for planting, box blade, all purpose plow in cleaning up lots, rotary mowing pulled subsoiler, pulled hay ride wagons for the boys when they were growing up. In all the years I have owned this 3000 ford never had any work done on it. It has never failed me other than batteries when needed, the tires are still running what can I say.
Pros: What can I say? I am satified with my 3000 ford tractor.
Cons: Wish it had power steering, but still happy with it.