Ford FORD4500 4.50 star(s) (4)

Best Toy Ever
Model Year: 1968

I bought the 4500 from my neighbor in 2010 after spotting it beside a Quonset shed. It took about 3 visits with the gentleman to even get a hint that he might want to sell it. The deciding day was when I walked into his house, cash in hand. Seeing the cash he reluctantly said "well...I suppose we can see if she starts". The day I picked it up he went around with his grease gun and showed me every fitting as he gave each one a few pumps. Though small in stature the 4500 is a tough machine with plenty of power. The hydraulics are up to the task for every job I have asked of the machine. I use it primarily for landscape projects and as a good helper in getting firewood.

Pros: great power, stable and heavy enough for large boulders. Starts great with a shot of ether.
Cons: There's not a tight joint in the machine after years of hard use. The previous owner used it for stump pulling. I think the weld weighs as much as the orginal metal.

My 4500
Model Year: 1971

Great machine bought it to help build my new house. Very reliable, only have blown hoses so far. Only problem that I can say is: it does not start well below 40 and does not start below 20.

Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: Not the fastest girl at the dance but does the job needed.

Ford 4500 Industrial on the farm
Model Year: 1970

Overall happy with this tractor. It is a heavy beast with a bucket and backhoe and it serves several purposes. Utilitarian. Good hydraulics. Was purchased to use and abuse in the woods and for snow emergencies the plow truck can't handle. Good value for what I paid.

Pros: Relaible beast.
Cons: Heavy, heavy, heavy.

FORD 4500 TLB
Model Year: 1975

I bought this 1975 industrial TLB 4500 with 2229 hrs in great shape few years back to have around the house for projects. She's a good ol' girl-strong hydraulics, no leaks, everything works like it should-even the electronics. The only thing I needed to do was have the injector pump rebuilt and I replaced all the fluids and filters, few welds here and there but nothing major. She's old but digs like hell. Has the 201 CI 3 CYL diesel that runs like new uses no oil, has factory installed ROPS, and has the two lever 740 loader and the four lever 15' 755 hoe. Has all original paint and sheet metal also. She's retired living a pampered lifestyle now.

Pros: Strong hydraulics, very tough, reliable, good old tractor.
Cons: Not as fast as the new ones of today.