861D vs. 961D

Tater_51

Member
I purchased my tractor about 4 years ago. At the time I was told it was a 961D. Today, when charging the battery I checked what was left of the serial number. Of course most of it was gone but it looks like the first digit is an 8. Is there any thing on the tractor that distinguishes between the 861 and 961D? The sheet metal has been replaced, although I have found everything from another 981D should I decide to fix it up.
 
If you saw both models side by side, the difference would be obvious. They use the same engines and transmissions. An easy way to tell is to look at the rear axle - the 961 (and all '55-'64 rowcrops) has dropboxes, the utility or all-purpose models don't.
 
This is a 961D with narrow front. The 861 (801 series) looks much more like an 8N in its squat appearance.

Colin, MN
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Hi Colin.
I don't remember what the problem you had with that engine. Didn't Paul in MN have parts or an engine that you got from him?
How is it running now?
The tractor looks great.
 
Thanks Royse for identifying my tractor! Sure helps to know the model you have! Was the 800 series diesel an 861D?
 
Might have been. 861D would have a 5 speed transmission with
live PTO via a two stage clutch and the diesel engine of course.
An 851 would also have the 5 speed transmission but lack the
live PTO using a single stage clutch.
There were also other models in the series, such as the 841.
Check out John Smith's excellent website for positive ID.

Link
 
Diesels weren't available until the x01's. The hundreds were all gas or LP powered. The first digit of the model (8, in your case) indicated engine size and wether it was a utility, rowcrop, or offset. (8 = 172 cubic inch and utility model) The second digit indicated transmission and pto type. (6 = 5-speed with live pto) The D at the end indicates a diesel engine.
 

Ford serial numbers tell you nothing about the tractor except for when it was made in relation to all the other Fords.
 
Hey Jerry! Yea, Paul and his son gave me a low-hour engine that came out of a research lab over at the U's Ag campus in St. Paul. Runs like a top. The old engine sits in the shop until I can disassemble it. Looks to me like the balancer failed, which resulted in a broken crank. The tractor, however, has been a challenge. The VR burned up last summer, and I have not had time to install the new alternator. And the fuel tank is so crudded up that the filter plugs up after a few hours of operation. Dennis Carpenter has a tank that has the proper fittings for the diesel return line. That's on the spring parts purchase list :) It also needs repairs done on the hydraulics. They're either all the way up or all the way down. Cam follower pin, I think...

The incredibly warm weather has given me a good head start on early spring work, so that will help me get the tractor field ready by late April, when I'll need it back in the field. Once we're done with lambing and maple sugaring.

Be well, my friend! I'm not often in your neck of the woods, but maybe we can grab a beer next time I am.
Colin
 
We switched engines in a 4 cyl 2000 light industrial a few years ago - gas to deisel.
Had to deal with that fuel return tap in the bottom of the tank. I just soldered a fitting in the correct location on the tank and then drilled a hole through the fitting into the tank afterwards. It was pretty easy.
I don't know what Dennis Carpenter gets for a diesel tank but I'll bet a gas tank from YT and a little solder would be a lot cheaper.
Yes, I would be up for a cold one if you are ever down this way. There has been a proliferation of small brew pubs since you moved away. Some tasty flavors out there now.
 
Thanks for the fuel tank tip! I'll look into that.

Yea, the proliferation of micro breweries is incredible. A buddy of mine took me to Dangerous Man last November. That was pretty cool. I'm also really excited by the growth in local cideries. We've got a really good one up here called Milk and Honey.

Colin
 

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