Ford 3000 Reviews: What You Need to Know About This Utility Tractor

The Ford 3000 reviews are a detailed guide to one of the best Ford utility tractors. If you want to learn whether the 3000 model is worth buying or selling in 2022, stick around to hear all the key features and specs.

The tractor is perfect for anyone looking for a mid-sized tractor with a wide range of speeds and great value for money.

Take Away Key Notes

  • The Ford 3000 tractor is one of the best value-for-the-money utility tractors.
  • The water-cooled engine supplies the energy transmission of 37HP, resulting in a very powerful tractor for daily farming tasks.
  • The Ford 3000 tractor is compatible with various loaders, meaning farmers can complete numerous landscaping jobs.

History of Ford 3000

is ford 3000 a good tractor
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The Ford 3000 was a part of Ford’s 1000 series, manufactured in 1965. During this period, Ford produced another tractor line known as Ford 2000.

The Ford 3000 was initially created as a ground-up new platform to replace the existing 1000 series and the “Prior” series. The Ford 3000 tractor was built from the beginning of 1965 to 1975.

The 2WD utility tractor was manufactured in Highland Park, Michigan, USA, England, and Antwerp. Depending on the year of tractor production, you can find the Ford 3000 with either a gasoline or a diesel engine. One of the critical features of the series was the live PTO, manual or power steering options, mechanical expanding shoe brakes, large fuel tank, and optional transmissions.

The Ford 3000 tractor is currently priced between $3,000 and $8,000. The price of the tractor depends mainly on the year of the manufacturer as well as the overall condition of the tractor.

Key Features

ModelFord 3000
Type Utility tractor
Fuel tank capacity49.2 L
Battery12 V
Cabin typeOpen operator cab (canvas cab optional)
Weight4,184 lbs

Ford 3000 Tractor: Engine

The Ford 3000 tractor features a 3-cylinder OHV water-cooled engine.

Additionally, the tractor is equipped with two engine choices. Depending on the year of the manufacturer, you can opt for a gasoline engine or a Ford 3000 diesel engine.

Ford 3000 gasoline: the Ford gasoline engine features a 158 cubic-inch displacement and a 4.20-by-3.80-inch bore and stroke. The compression ratio for the gasoline engine is 8.0:1, which can produce the maximum output power of 47.0 HP at 2100 rpm.

Ford 3000 diesel engine: the Ford diesel engine has a bigger displacement of 175 cubic inches. The bore and stroke measure out by 4.20-by-4.20-inches. The compression ratio for the diesel is 16.5:1.

However, a common problem with Ford tractors is engine reliability issues. Depending on your engine type, you might experience troubleshooting as engine failure, stalls, or power loss.

Make sure you are using high-quality fuel and always fill the tank to a recommended level, never less! Replacing the old fuel can often help with the problem, and check the air filter for any blocking.

Gas  Engine

Engine typeFour-stroke, liquid cooled, inline
Number of cylinders3
Displacement158.0 cu·in
Bore and stroke4.21 in X 3.82 in
Compression ratio8.0:1
Starterelectric
Horsepower 47.0 HP
Oil TypeSAE 10W-30
Oil capacity7.6 L
Coolant capacity13 L

Diesel Engine

Engine typeFour-stroke, liquid cooled, inline
Number of cylinders3
Displacement175.0 cu·in
Bore and stroke4.21 in X 4.21 in
Compression ratio16.5:1
Starterelectric
Horsepower
Oil TypeSAE 20, 10W, 5W
Oil capacity7.6L
Coolant capacity 13 L
Intake valve clearance0.014-0.016 in
Exhaust valve clearance0.017-0.019 in

Ford 3000 Tractor: Transmission

ford 3000 tractor reviews
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The Ford 3000 tractor offers optional transmission. Users can choose between 4-speed, 6-speed (3 speeds with high and three with low), or 8-speed (4 high and four low). The tractor also includes a Select O Speed power shift transmission. The powershift transmission offers ten forward and two reverse speeds.

With the Ford 3000 tractor, it’s recommended to fit the power-assisted steering. The transmission is a bit rough, so it can be challenging to control the steering wheel. Nonetheless, the transmission will need frequent change along with differential fluids.

Transmission

Chassis4×2 WD (open center chassis)
Steering typePower steering or manual steering
BreaksMechanical expanding shoe 
Power steering capacity2.1L
Differential lockMechanical rear
Steering box capacity0.9 L
Transmission modelSelect O Speed
Transmission typeFull power shift
SpeedForward: 26.4 kmh
Reverse: 7.4 kmh
Number of gears10 forward and 2 reverse
Transmission oil capacity10.4L

Ford 3000 Tractors: Hydraulics

The hydraulic system of the Ford 3000 tractor delivers 2.500 psi pressure while the pump flow is 5 gallons per minute. The hydraulics are open-center and include hydraulic remote valves. The hydraulic system can often be faulty and not deliver enough flow for specific farming tasks. The possible root of this problem could lead to insufficient oil levels.

If the front wheels are not aligned properly, this can also lead to hydraulic troubleshooting, such as power steering or a broken pump. If you plan on purchasing the Ford 3000, you should know that many users complain about the inaccessibility of the rear-end filter, which is weak for modern-driven applications.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic typeOpen-center
Hydraulic capacity23.8L
Pump flow5.0 gpm
Pressure 2500 psi
Steering flow4.25 gpm
Total flow9.25 gpm

Ford 3000 Tractor: Power Take-Off & Attachments

When it comes to using a different set of attachments, the PTO shaft enables effortless transmission and operation of the attachments. In addition, the smooth transmission allows the PTO to distribute the weight of the attachment evenly. However, you do need to use an appropriate PTO shaft.

The live rear PTO transmission is independent and controlled via a two-stage clutch. The clutch ensures the safety and guaranteed control when you use this tractor for brush hogging, row crop, clearing waterways, or any other landscaping task.

The rear-lives PTO measures 540/1000 rpm and delivers a maximum power output of 37HP.

As for the attachments, the Ford 3000 tractor is compatible with Ford 771 and 772 loaders. The Ford 771 loader has a clearance dumped bucket of 78 inches, while the 772 model features an 80 inches clearance dumped bucket, while the bucket width is 60 inches. Both of the loaders use a 6 ft bush hog.

PTO Shaft

Rear PTO shaftTransmission, live, independent
Rear PTO speed540, 540/1,000 rpm

3-point hitch

Rear type 1
Rear lift 1700 lbs 
Control typePosition and draft control

Ford 3000 Tractor: Tires & Dimensions

how do you engage pto on a ford 3000 tractor
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Many of the users that had the chance to try out the Ford 3000 were pleased to know that this model supports both standard tires and optional tires. The Ford 3000 tractor offers standard tires that measure out in 12.4-28 R1 and optional tires that are 13.6-28 R1, 14.9-24 R1, and 16.9-24 R3 (turf).

Dimensions

Shipping weight3.700 lbs
Operating weight4185 lbs
Ballasted weight6,940 lbs
Wheelbase75.8 inches
Length127 inches
Width64 inches
Height of the steering wheel58 inches
Ground clearance13.4 inches
Front axle clearance21.5 inches
Front tread52-80 inches
Rear tread52-76 inches

Front tire
5.50-16 
Rear tire12.4-28 

Common Issues With Ford 3000 Tractor

Although the Ford tractor brand is a respected name in the industry, its models are not without a flaw. The Ford 3000 series tractor is good, but compared to the newer models, the 3000 could leave you with a few troubleshooting issues.

For instance, the southern model does not feature any cold start assistance, which is a problem for those in colder climates.

Due to the weak hydraulics, the steering wheel on the Ford 3000 tractor can be challenging to steer, especially in tight spots. Your best option is to purchase a Ford 3000 tractor with power steering.

FAQs

What engine is in a Ford 3000 tractor?

The Ford 3000 tractor is equipped with either a 2.6L gasoline engine or a 2.9L diesel engine. Both engines are three-cylinder, water-cooled, and reliable for farming work.

How much horsepower does a Ford 3000 have?

The Ford 3000 tractor is rated at 35HP maximum power output, while the gas engine tractor delivers 46 HP.

Does Ford 3000 have live PTO?

Yes, the Ford 3000 tractor has a live PTO shaft compatible with various loaders. The power take-off shaft is controlled via a clutch, enabling the operator to experience full control in the field.

How do I identify a Ford 3000 tractor?

The best way to identify a Ford 3000 tractor is to check the production code and serial numbers on the engine casting. The production code will indicate the year of production, while the engine should begin with the letters ND, followed by six digits, one letter for the month, and one digit for the year of production.

What type of oil for a Ford 3000 tractor?

The best kind of oil for a Ford 3000 tractor is the 134D, SAE 10W-30.

Conclusion

The Ford 3000 is an excellent tractor for various farming and landscaping jobs. With minor issues related to hydraulics and steering, the 3000 tractor is still an excellent choice for those looking for a mid-sized tractor.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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