Help in buying Ford 3000 Selectospeed

[achoneyc]

I am going to look at a Ford 3000 Selectospeed in a couple of days. I have only seen pictures of it and it looks decent (used but decent). I have read good and bad about the selectospeed transmission. Either it seems you love them or hate them. What are some things I should look for when test driving/inspecting this tractor? Or should I just stay away altogether?

I am going to be using the tractor for bush hogging and maintaining a 3 acre field, light plowing in a garden, maintaining a gravel driveway. No other plans, no loaders or anything like that. The guy is asking $1200. My research shows this to be significantly lower than the standard manual transmission models. If it checks out okay should I go for it or save my pennies and get something else?

Thanks for your help.

 

[oldnslo]

I am going to look at a Ford 3000 Selectospeed in a couple of days. I have only seen pictures of it and it looks decent (used but decent). I have read good and bad about the selectospeed transmission. Either it seems you love them or hate them. What are some things I should look for when test driving/inspecting this tractor? Or should I just stay away altogether?

I am going to be using the tractor for bush hogging and maintaining a 3 acre field, light plowing in a garden, maintaining a gravel driveway. No other plans, no loaders or anything like that. The guy is asking $1200. My research shows this to be significantly lower than the standard manual transmission models. If it checks out okay should I go for it or save my pennies and get something else?

Thanks for your help.

One thing to check is how smooth or rough are the shifts. From my feeble memory on a 5000 there was three different colors on the shift range. If it shifts rough going from one color to the next it is either out of adjustment or getting worn out. When our failed after unknown amount of hours the repairs where more than the value of the tractor and this was back in 84. Should shift reasonably smooth from 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc while in the same color range.

Note: Check backing up with the inching clutch. If it is real jerky i would walk away.

 

[k0ua]

I am going to look at a Ford 3000 Selectospeed in a couple of days. I have only seen pictures of it and it looks decent (used but decent). I have read good and bad about the selectospeed transmission. Either it seems you love them or hate them. What are some things I should look for when test driving/inspecting this tractor? Or should I just stay away altogether?

I am going to be using the tractor for bush hogging and maintaining a 3 acre field, light plowing in a garden, maintaining a gravel driveway. No other plans, no loaders or anything like that. The guy is asking $1200. My research shows this to be significantly lower than the standard manual transmission models. If it checks out okay should I go for it or save my pennies and get something else?

Thanks for your help.

I would check with a member on here, called Soundguy he is well versed in older fords operations, and ills.. I would PM him if he does not show up on this thread.

James K0UA

 

[beenthere]

Do you like to do your own mechanic work?

Can you find a good mechnical book for repair of the 3000.

I only remember one from years ago and it was filled with grief over the selectospeed and trying to keep it adjusted and working.

check this out

http://www.oldfordtractors.com/sostrblshoot.htm

 

[crankshaft21]

People around here stay away from these tractors. They are very old and need lots of attention. For the most part, when checking on a tractor and its learned that it is a selectospeed, talk will end.

 

[whodat526]

dont touch it unless u have really deep pockets and like spending money or great mechanical skills there is not to many people now a days that knows how to get them to work correctly and the ones thats do know how really dont wont to work on them since they are so tempermental. they are nothing but a pain in the a**.

 

[oldnslo]

As an option if you are mechanically inclined and parts are available.

When the select-o-speed went out on our 5000 I put a standard tranny in it. Found a 5000 with a bad engine. The bolt pattern was direct fit. You may want to check if the 3000 models where the same before even considering this though. To me three days and some lossed hide but made two into one.

Roy

 

[hc99]

I have a 4000 Selectospeed that I bought about 17 years ago. Would have preferred gear drive, but the machine was in such good condx and price was right, so I couldn't resist. It's used for mowing, snow removal, pulling a wagon and never a problem. I do treat the tractor gently and change the tran fluid every 4 years or so. I've been very happy with mine, but would buy one only if condx and price were both right (would probably be very difficult to find anyone familiar with it as has been pointed out). If/when mine goes out I will probably convert to gear as Roy did (local dealer says that's what they usually do). If the tractor looks good and you are interested, be sure and ask the seller if/when he changed the fluid. Also be sure and check the shifting as Roy recommended. Should not be jerky or long delays in moving after shifts. Guy I bought mine from convinced me that he changed fluid religiously, and I guess he was honest after all.

Howard

 

[Soundguy]

1200$ is about right... SOS equipped models go for cheaper than the 4speeds around here. if you ar elucky it is a later diesel with power steering to make it nice. post 4-68 diesel would be nice.

IF the trans goes to park correctly, shifts thru all ranges, and pulls in all 10 forward speeds and 2 reverses, both hot and cold, and does not slip or 'jerk into gear TOO BADLY ( has an inching pedal to help with this.. but will still jerk some ).. then it's a good deal IF the pto also works.

I know the older small SOS units had no pto break.. but the larger units like the 5000 did. not sure about the 3000, so the pto may freewheel even when shut off.. but just as long as it does not stay powered when shut off. there are some minor issues that can be fixed thru cable and servo adjustments.. but hopefully it's been well maintained, and serviced .. filters and oil, thru the years and will be good. I've heard of 25 cent fixes, adn 2500$ fixes. In many cases when an sos shells out.. peopl edig around and piec together a manual for it.. plus any changes in the rear that are needed.. etc. many times it's difficult to find a shop who will fix or even know about an SOS... that's why you want to buy a working one to start out with.. not a 'project'.

as for the rest of the tractor.. the 3 cyl were good machines.. good design...

1200$ and the trans runs good and pto works.. brakes ok with no excessive leaks.. especially not the brakes.. I'd go for it. if it is power steering and diesel.. so much the better.

make sure she starts good with no start fluid.. or if a gasser, not needing choke. the holley carbs are a bit finicky to rebuild.. and the zenith repalcements can run you a few hundred bucs and are not as fuel economical as the holley.. but they do turn a wheezing underpowered tractor into a workaholic, if you have a sick holley.. etc.

soundguy