900 series

Hello,
Looking for some info on the 900 series ford. I see a lot of different horsepower rating for the same tractor. Anything listed from 45 to 60.
What is the difference between them?
I am in the market for one that has a 5 speed transmission, and maybe build a little farm stock barnyard puller out of. But not sure what to look for.
I have also been told there is some industrial engine that bolts right in and is bigger but don't know anything about it.
I found a 961 on Craigslist with a bad motor, said it was started without oil, it looks good, but he wants $1600 for it. Seemed a little high to me.
Just curious, thanks
Shawn

900 was a series, and there were several models within the series like the 940, 950 and 960, with the second digit telling you what transmission and PTO option it had. They all had a 172 ci gasoline engine and all produced roughly the same hp. I'm guessing that 60 is a high estimate of the engine hp at the flywheel, while the hp at the PTO was generally around 45 hp or so, and the power at the drawbar was even lower, as tractordata shows the Nebraska test was able to only get 38.4 hp at the drawbar.

A 961 is actually one of the models in the slightly later 901 series, which had some minor improvements over the 900 series, including an optional diesel engine, also 172 ci. The 6 in the middle says that it has the 5 speed transmission and live PTO. It was about the same hp as the earlier 900 series.

Ford did make an industrial engine that was the same basic block design that was 192 ci, and which will bolt right in as a replacemnt for the 172 ci engine.

My Neb test list has them depending on the model from 42-48HP Transmission may make a difference as would the gov. As per the list the 941 had 42HP and the 951 has 48HP. Ya the 900/901 series where different years and a little different then each other but my list only lists the 901 series

In addition to what has been said, there were 172 LPG models available as well.

If you wanted a beefy puller with a 5 speed, I think I would get a later model, or one that has the 2 piece front bolster, so you have a choice between single narrow , dual narrow, or factory wide front end... parts are a tad easier to get for the 2 piece front end.

Past that. 5 speeds will be 950/960 or 951/961

If you are not looking for live pto, just get the *5*

If you want a beefy puller, you might play around mating an industrial 192 gasser with a propane head for higher compression.

Take the HP ratings with a grain of salt as many haven't a clue.

All 9*0 tractors were rated at approximately 43.5 PTO HP.

9*1 gasoline tractors were rated at approximately 46 - 48 PTO HP, depending upon transmission.

There are no OEM 9** 60 PTO HP tractors.

Yes, Ford did make a 192 CI industrial engine that will bolt in in place of the OEM 172 CI engine that will produce as much as 10 - 12 additional PTO HP if properly configured.

Dean

I have been pulling with a 960 for about 15 years. The nice thing about the Fords is that they had a much higher power to weight ratio than about anything else built at the time. There are two of them, one in Indiana and one in Eastern NY that pretty much dominate wherever they go, but they are pulling enhanced classes. A buddy went down to Harrisburg PA in March and won two stock classes with his 900. $1600 isn't bad for a 901 if the rest is decent. you can easily buy a rebuilt 172 for $2500. Before you jump consider what classes you want to pull in, and learn the rules where you want to pull. You need to build for the rules. If you want to pull stock, the 192 wouldn't be such a good idea, because with the Ford's stock 172 power you will be getting accused of having more power than you should. You can help a 900 quite a bit by just swapping out the carb and manifolds from an XX1. I like the 960 better for the lighter weight, especially in the front end. The one piece front does limit you to the Two wheel trike, but it is 150 lbs lighter than the 901. I run 38 inch rears and I weigh 225 but I get into the 3500 no problem, and the tractor is well balanced at that weight.

I have a 960 5 speed. Engine runs when using starter fluid, Has some carb and other issues.

Asking price is less than what you are seeing.

Located in Kansas City MO area

If interested give me a call 816-694-6219