Ford 1600 or 1700

tlj87 · Jul 11, 2016

For some reason I have recently taken an interest in the Ford 1600 and/or 1700 2-cylinder diesel tractors. I like the size, the 2-cyl has an interesting sound, and I like the looks of the 2wd versions with turf tires. I've read through several threads and it seems some say they can get parts and other say they're nowhere to be found. Clutch assemblies also seem to be available. Water pumps and injector pumps seem to get the most discussion. Water pumps seem to be available, but not the injector pumps. If the inj. pumps have been maintained (i.e. have oil in them), then are they really something to be worried about? I have a few pieces of diesel equipment but none are old so I do not know.

I am also wondering what the differences are between the 1600 and 1700? I know the 16 is the predecessor to the 17. It also appears that the the 16 has a slightly different dash, tach, pto lever (its next to the gear shifts). Any reason to go with one over another if condition and price are equal?

JC-jetro · Jul 12, 2016

I am biased toward 1700 and like it better. a bit more horse power for the weight and all around easy maintenance. Clutch, water pump, t-stat, hyd pump parts and many other components were easy to find for me although in the last many years I had mine, the most major work I have done was to overhaul of hyd pump and cleaning the hyd system. on the injector pump, i routinely change the oil there to keep as clean working innards for the pump component. I hope I don;t have to but I believe I can open it up and put back exactly how I got it and perhaps change components that appear to be worn out. You can find the injectors but they are not very sophisticated in design and can be opened up, cleaned and put back together. The form factor is great and really it is my go to for a lot of smaller jobs and I have done many bigger ones before I got my kubota. What I spend on it is about what you pay for a throwaway lawn mower and after +35 year still working flawlessly for me. I do use a bit of power service additive for low sulfur diesel believing it is helping the injectors and the injector pump by adding more lubricity, right or wrong. I have been able to buy all automotive hoses for the radiator by going to a store and eyeballing similar and trimming it a bit. Can't beat simplicity of 2 WD and although I have about 90% clutch thickness left I think splitting it would be much simpler that the clutch job I have done on my son's Mitsubishi Eclipse. 1700 does have an inspection hand-hole that to me is ingenious and quite valuable to have.

JC,

bspeedy · Jul 12, 2016

I am a happy member of the 1700 club. Mine was handed down from my father and has been in the family for 30 years. It is a 4wd and I certainly prefer 4wd and have no real use for a 2wd tractor that is as light as this one.

I have needed the following parts since getting it from Dad:

Radiator - repaired by local shop
Alternator - repaired by local shop
voltage regulator - available from CNH - 150 bucks
Rear rims (rusted out due to CaCl) - 150 each available on-line
A couple of decals for the dash - available from CNH

If you purchase a well maintained example, parts should not be an issue. Most wear parts are available. Castings and other larger parts are harder to find, but there are tractor salvage yards in the US.

I also like the size and short wheelbase of the tractor, as well as the 2-cylinder sound. Everyone loves it because it looks so nice. It is great for woods work and pulling hayrides on our place. A 1600 or 1700 4wd in great condition should sell for around 5 grand. Less for 2wd, less for so-so condition.

Brian