Ford 3000 Buying Advice

[RickinVA]

Looking at a pretty nice Ford 3000 gas with power steering and 8 speed transmission - asking $4,100. Going back for a second look this week. I've owned a '52 8N for the last 17 years, but am still pretty inexperienced. Have a list of things to check, but my research shows this is a pretty good tractor with parts readily available. A little more tractor than I need for mowing 8 acres of pasture, and hauling firewood on a carry-all, but good used tractors in my price range are hard to find. Any general or model specific advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[Tractorable]

Good tractors and should easily run a 6ft bush hog for your eight acres. Not overkill at all. I almost bought one from a farmer down the road from me just south of you here in Fauquier county, but decided to hold off to get something with 4wd and a loader. Price looks about right.

Check for the usual stuff like easy starting when cold, blue smoke out the exhaust, fluid leaks, tire wear, differential lock, and make sure the two stage clutch works.

 

[strum456]

Of all of our tractors, the 3000 is the most temperamental. The reason being the carburetor and the ignition system. During the time the X000 series tractors were made, manufacturers were trying to improve fuel economy. The gas tractors, such as the 3000 had vacuum advance distributors and Holley carbs. that were ahead of the times - as far as tractors go. This is great, as long as maintenance is done and wear is minimal. I would definitely recommend a 3000, but one should consider that a 3000 will not be as easy to keep running as an 8n.

 

[Tennsawdust]

They are good tractors. It will easily handle a 6 foot brush hog. I can't speak to gas specific issues because mine is diesel. The only real weak point is the steering. Make sure you check for steering box wear. Tie rod ends are cheap, but the power steering boxes are expensive. Overall they are solid workhorses.

 

[RickinVA]

Thanks, guys!

 

[metalbender]

Does the 3000 have a loader? Had one with the loader controls under the seat, PIA. Park brake hard to access. Did feel like a solid machine.

 

[RickinVA]

Going back for a second look this weekend and remembered the oil pan is pretty beaten up. Read that the oil pump can be damaged as a result. It starts and runs fine. Should this be a concern? Any way to check? Not sure if the oil pressure light works. Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Tennsawdust]

Hopefully the oil pressure light works and goes out when you start it. Then you will know it has enough pressure to make the switch. The beat up oil pan may not be an issue, but you'll have to make that determination. Worst case: Ford 3000's are not that uncommon in decent shape so don't be afraid to walk away from one that scares you. Any Ford 600 or up will be a big improvement in capability over the 8N.

 

[RickinVA]

Second visit revealed fuel shutoff stuck open (should be easy replacement), and fair amount of oil/dirt on top on engine under battery tray (bad gasket?) Drives really well, good hydraulics. Regarding oil pan damage am I correct in assuming that if the oil pump were damaged the oil pressure light would have come on and the engine would have seized? The dent is in the front of the pan. Is the pump toward the rear? Thanks.