Ford 6000 Specs
| Production | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Row-Crop tractor | |
| Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA | |
| Original price was $4,900 in 1967 | |
| The Ford 6000 featured an economy PTO option which provided full 540 or 1000 rpms at a lower engine speed (1,730 rpm). The 6000 was recalled by Ford due to a number of problems. The 6000 was originally red, but the rebuilt tractors were blue starting in 1963. | |
| 6000 Serial Numbers | |
| 1962 | 1001 |
| 1963 | 11948 |
| 1964 | 38931 |
| Engine Detail | |
| Ford | |
| diesel | |
| 6-cylinder | |
| liquid-cooled | |
| Displacement | 241.7 ci 4.0 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.62×3.90 inches 92 x 99 mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 16.2:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2400 |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts 4.7 L |
| Coolant capacity | 21 qts 19.9 L |
| Engine Detail | |
| Ford | |
| gasoline | |
| 6-cylinder | |
| liquid-cooled | |
| Displacement | 223 ci 3.7 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.62×3.60 inches 92 x 91 mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 8.4:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2400 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Coolant capacity | 21 qts 19.9 L |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Ford Select-O-Speed |
| Type | full power shift |
| Gears | 10 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 3 qts 2.8 L |
| Ford 6000 Power | |
| Plows | 5 |
| Drawbar (tested) | 59.3 hp 44.2 kW |
| PTO (tested) | 66.9 hp 49.9 kW |
| Ford 6000 Power | |
| Plows | 5 |
| Drawbar (tested) | 59.3 hp 44.2 kW |
| PTO (tested) | 66.9 hp 49.9 kW |
| Mechanical | |
| Two-wheel drive | |
| Steering | power assist |
| Differential hydraulic wet disc brakes | |
| Open operator station. | |
| Power Take-off (PTO) | |
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
| Ford 6000 Tires | |
| Ag front | 6.00×16 |
| Ag rear | 13.6×38 |
| Ag front | 6.50×16 |
| 9.00×10 * | |
| Ag rear | 15.5×38 |
| Capacity | |
| Fuel | 26 gal 98.4 L |
| Hydraulic system | 3.5 gal 13.2 L |
| Rear axle | 3 qts 2.8 L |
| Hydraulics | |
| Type | closed center * |
| Capacity | 3.5 gal 13.2 L |
| Pressure | 1900 psi 131.0 bar |
| Pump flow | 4.5 gpm 17.0 lpm |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 95 inches 241 cm |
| Length | 149 inches 378 cm |
| Height (hood) | 68 inches 172 cm |
| Front tread | 56 to 84 inches 142 to 213 cm |
| Rear tread | 56 to 90 inches 142 to 228 cm |
| Ford 6000 Weight | |
| Shipping | 6500 lbs 2948 kg |
| Operating | 7405 lbs 3358 kg |
| Ballasted | 9545 lbs 4329 kg |
Ford 6000 Problems
The Ford 6000 series tractors, including the 6000 and the improved 6000 Commander, were notable for their ambitious design but encountered several significant issues that impacted their reliability and user satisfaction.
Mechanical Issues with Early Models: When the Ford 6000 was first introduced in 1961, it faced numerous mechanical problems. Key issues included:
- Diesel Engine Problems: The original engines had performance and reliability issues that required adjustments.
- Transmission Failures: Early models experienced frequent transmission failures, which affected their operation.
- Hydraulic System Leaks: The hydraulic system was prone to leaks, which compromised its functionality.
These problems led Ford to recall the early models in 1963 and release the 6000 Commander. The Commander was designed to address these issues with improvements in engine performance, transmission reliability, and hydraulic system design.
Difficult Repairs: The Ford 6000 and 6000 Commander had components that posed challenges during repairs:
- Select-O-Speed Transmission: This hydrostatic transmission was innovative for its time, allowing for smooth gear changes while in operation. However, it was complex and prone to failures. Repairing it was difficult because when it broke, debris from the transmission could spread and cause further damage. Repairing this system required replacing each clutch pack individually and dealing with tricky valve installations.
- Accumulator Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system operated under high pressure (up to 1500 psi), which made it effective for lifting heavy implements. However, this high pressure meant that the system had to be carefully maintained. Bleeding off the pressure before working on the hydraulic system was essential to avoid accidents. Neglecting the hydraulic lines and hoses could lead to serious injury.
Quality Control Issues: Ford struggled with quality control during the production of the 6000 series. Reports from owners highlighted frequent breakdowns and reliability concerns. This led some farmers to switch to other brands, such as John Deere, due to their better experiences with alternative tractors.
Ford 6000 Review
The Ford 6000 tractor, produced between 1961 and 1967, was an ambitious entry into the high-horsepower row-crop tractor market. It introduced several innovative features for its time but was marred by a series of technical problems that led to its recall and replacement by the improved Ford 6000 Commander.
Unique Features
The Ford 6000 was notable for several advanced features:
- Powr-Stor Hydraulic System: This system included an accumulator that allowed for rapid lifting of implements, enhancing productivity in fieldwork.
- Select-O-Speed Transmission: This full powershift transmission allowed for gear changes without the need for a clutch, which was a significant innovation for the time.
- Planetary Rear End and Dual-Speed PTO: The planetary rear end improved durability, and the economy dual-speed PTO offered versatility in power take-off operations.
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel: Designed for operator comfort, this feature allowed for better adjustability and ease of use.
Early Problems
Despite its advanced features, the Ford 6000 faced numerous issues:
- Engine and Transmission Issues: The early models had significant problems with the diesel engine, and the Select-O-Speed transmission, although innovative, was problematic. When it failed, debris from the transmission spread throughout, complicating repairs.
- Hydraulic System Leaks: The hydraulic system, designed to operate at a high pressure of up to 1500 psi, experienced leaks. This high pressure made the system effective but also hazardous, requiring careful maintenance and pressure management.
Transmission Difficulties
The Select-O-Speed transmission, while cutting-edge, was problematic:
- Repair Complexity: When the transmission malfunctioned, it created a mess of shrapnel that made repairs challenging. Each clutch pack had to be replaced individually, and the intricate valve system added to the complexity.
- Shifting Issues: The shifting mechanism was not as smooth as modern powershift transmissions, leading to less-than-optimal performance and user experience.
Hydraulic System Hazards
The hydraulic system’s design posed safety and maintenance challenges:
- High Pressure: Operating at 1500 psi required careful handling. Technicians had to bleed off pressure before working on the system to avoid accidents.
- Maintenance Requirements: The system demanded rigorous maintenance to prevent failures and potential injuries.
Overall Assessment
The Ford 6000 tractor was a technological leap for its time, with features that were ahead of its competitors. However, its performance was overshadowed by quality control and reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and hydraulic system. The recall and subsequent redesign into the Ford 6000 Commander addressed many of these issues, improving reliability and ease of repair. Despite these improvements, the 6000 series still struggled with a reputation for being difficult to maintain, which impacted its overall success in the market.