Don't even know where to start

[Soundguy]

If looking at 65+ then ALL ford smallish tractors are gonna be 3 cyl ie.. 2/3/4 series. by the time you get tot he 5series.. you are getting into a 70hp machine.

prior models.. liek the 6xx/8xx are obviously older. many people overlook those and find the 3 cyl instead.

Did I actually say that the 3 cyl are more troublesome? or did I refer to something more specific? for instance.. on a gasser 3 cyl.. the carbs are more finicky if a holley.. and the puel pump system is a bit drawn out.. etc.

the basic mechanical pto setups from the 3000 and down are 'essentially' the same technology. a very minor difference in some parts and R&R.. etc.

drivetrain is also similar.. again.. untill you get to 4000.. then you get gear reduction and wet brakes.. etc.. etc. independent pto.. different pump setups.. etc.

kinda really depends on the subsystem in question as to what is more difficult.

the front axle and bolster setup from 39 on up for any of the 3xxx ag series that use radius rods is virtually identical in function and repair, if having a few parts and setup differences.

hyds changes at 65 and 75, and between 3xxx and 4xxx models.. etc..

sheet metal differences.. etc.

wireing is for sure more simple on a pre 65 model.

if you have a specific question, shoot. otherwise.. we need to talk about a specific system if you want specific answers.

for instance. I'd rather rebuild the pto on a non independent pto machine.. or do the brakes on a non wet brake machine.. just due to less steps and disassembly.. etc.

 

[dave1949]

.. and if the hay thing didn't work out, maybe we could give weed dating a try..

Never heard of that, but I guess if you want to know what gal looks like on her ... aw forget that.

I think you would have to adapt your dating to something else besides weeds. You would have to plant a big garden first, and that's a lot of work.

Now, fireflies are romantic, and a hay field should be loaded with them in June, the traditional month for weddings. You could get one of those one-day marrying permits Maine has and offer a complete package.

"I met my sweetie chasing fireflies in a Maine hay field" sure beats "weed dating."

 

[keegs]

I think you would have to adapt your dating to something else besides weeds. You would have to plant a big garden first, and that's a lot of work.

... :laughing: How is it I know what you mean by this... :laughing:

 

[dave1949]

... :laughing: How is it I know what you mean by this... :laughing:

Because you are a guy, and guy's minds run in a very tight circle.

 

[keegs]

Hey Gents...I'm looking at a Ford 2k that has turf tires on the rear. I'm wondering whether the turf tires have any downside...I plan to use the tractor primarily for cutting hay..TIA

 

[LMan1967]

Well, others may correct me but turf tyres have the least traction of the three tyre types. Lightest footprint but worst traction.

 

[keegs]

Because you are a guy, and guy's minds run in a very tight circle.

Hey Dave, I was thinking about all those years when I'd start the garden with great gusto and enthusiasm only to run out of it steam and see it go to weeds. Maybe I should have been growing barley and hops instead of tomatoes and peppers back then.

 

[Soundguy]

Hey Gents...I'm looking at a Ford 2k that has turf tires on the rear. I'm wondering whether the turf tires have any downside...I plan to use the tractor primarily for cutting hay..TIA

as long as you don't need agressive traction diamond tread sand or turf tires are fine.. good flotation. I have a few machine with turfs.

be aware that many turfs are on 24" rims not 28" rims and are quite pricey when you go to repalce them.. but don't let that dissuade you from a good tractor deal.

 

[keegs]

as long as you don't need agressive traction diamond tread sand or turf tires are fine.. good flotation. I have a few machine with turfs.

be aware that many turfs are on 24" rims not 28" rims and are quite pricey when you go to repalce them.. but don't let that dissuade you from a good tractor deal.

Thanks Soundguy...did you mean that if I decided I needed diamond tread at some point that I'd need to replace the rims and the tires?

One more q ..if you would...according to tractordata.com the 2k has a non-synchronized trans. Not sure if that's the only trans it was sold with... do you? I've never owned a car with an auto trans but all were synchronized manuals...Any insights about the unsychronized trans...is it for pulling heavier loads? ...is it an economy trans?

 

[Pitch1]

Thanks Soundguy...did you mean that if I decided I needed diamond tread at some point that I'd need to replace the rims and the tires? View attachment 275539

One more q ..if you would...according to tractordata.com the 2k has a non-synchronized trans. Not sure if that's the only trans it was sold with... do you? I've never owned a car with an auto trans but all were synchronized manuals...Any insights about the unsychronized trans...is it for pulling heavier loads? ...is it an economy trans?

All a non synchro means that you can't shift while moving. With a tractor you start in the gear you are going to use. You just need to feather the clutch. Sound guy seems to be quite familiar with the Fords. transmissions will be different on different models and submodels of a series depending on how the tractor was specced.
If you haven't operated a tractor before it is a short learning curve. If you have "machinery sense" you will listen to your tractor with your ears your hands and the seat of your pants. You will soon learn when you are stressing our abusing your equipment'

If you have turf tires you would not need a diamond pattern or vice versa. Used tractor rims are quite cheap and readily available. The only change I could imagine you making would be to an Ag tread. With 2wd you only need to change the rears.

 

[keegs]

Thanks Pitch...I was looking at an older Ferguson TO 30 a few months back and had the opportunity to drive it around some. It had the unsynchronized trans and so I understand now what that's about.

 

[Soundguy]

Thanks Soundguy...did you mean that if I decided I needed diamond tread at some point that I'd need to replace the rims and the tires? View attachment 275539

One more q ..if you would...according to tractordata.com the 2k has a non-synchronized trans. Not sure if that's the only trans it was sold with... do you? I've never owned a car with an auto trans but all were synchronized manuals...Any insights about the unsychronized trans...is it for pulling heavier loads? ...is it an economy trans?

you CAN get turfs for 28" rims.. bit most I see are on 24" rims. I DO have both... just keep in mind turfs cost more. if you ever think you may want ag tires.. stick to 28" rims .

as for the trans.. in a 2000 65+ you could get a 4spd, a 6 spd twin stick, an 8spd twin stick or a 10spd sos. the sos is a full powershift tranny with independent pto. the twin 8 and twin 6 could be live pto depending upon spec, and would have a dual clutch if live pto. the 4 spd is basic, non live pto. the 4-6-8 are non synchro as mentioned. select a gear and go.

soundguy

 

[keegs]

Thanks...I'll be sure to take this info with me on Saturday...

 

[keegs]

Is there a rule of thumb on the number of hours of service you can expect from a tractor? I've heard 5000 hours. I imagine you get less out of a gas tractor than a diesel?

 

[MarkV]

Many tractors out there that have over 10K hours and running strong. All depends on how it was maintained. I would agree and expect less hours from a gas engine.

MarkV

 

[bigbull338]

as long as a tractor is taken care of theres no telling how meny hours you can get out of it.

 

[keegs]

thanks Gents...That makes sense..

 

[boggen]

going disagree some with soundguy with tires. tractor tires, can get rather expensive more so the rear tires, when the tire starts loosing tread. you really start loosing a lot of traction. you are working in soft soils and not in the concrete jungle of a city. and on paved roads. and longer those treads stick out form tire, more likely more traction you will get.

AG tires (R1's) generally require smaller size width rims. vs turf or loader (R3's) it is more likely you can swap tire types between turf and R3 tires. vs swapping anything but R1's for R1's without getting a different set of rims.

dry rooted and/or cracked tires with 50% tread left on tires. on a old use machine, i would have to most likely pass on. due to cost of tires may be more than what you paid for the used machine. or less you are fairly mechanically inclined and will be keeping the tractor for good amount of years to come. were getting new tires would more likely pay for themselves.

with being in maine, if my remember is working correctly, you get descent snow every year, and those turfs, tires to me would be ice skating, and no traction, you also mentioned 20 acres of woods, dealing with driveway, and other things. it is all those odd jobs, and getting in soft soil and muddy conditions, that turf tires, *shakes head no*. see about finding a tractor with R1's or R3's on the rear end. the fronts, if possibly might go with a 2 or 3 ribbed tire, vs a generic turf tire on front. 2 or 3 ribbed tire, will bite into mud when ya go to turn, vs having skies on the front and just keep sliding forward in the mud. if you looked at some old field only tractors you will more likely see the 2 to 3 ribbed tires on the front.

 

[keegs]

Thanks Boggen....makes sense...I'm just getting started on this. I'm in no rush. It so happens there's three 2000's and a 3000 for sale on the local craigslist here in the NJ area that I'll be looking at over the next week or so. Once I've had the chance to look them over I'll write back on the details...Hope to read your perspective again.. Cheers.

 

[Soundguy]

Is there a rule of thumb on the number of hours of service you can expect from a tractor? I've heard 5000 hours. I imagine you get less out of a gas tractor than a diesel?

not enough data in that post to make a good assumption.

I would 'guess' you should get at least 4000 hrs out of a smaller tractor.. say compact in size.. perhaps 45hp and down.. and a utility and ag.. 50 and up.. upwards of 10k. not uncommon to see old iron from the 60's and 70's with 12k on them and going ok.

most of the time , the care and maintenance the machine has seen matters more than hours. also types of use and abuse.


an unskilled operator can ruin a clutch in 30 minutes of use.. or that clutch might survive 60ys of correct usage..