640 with PS

Husker 50 8n · Feb 13, 2020

I recently purchased a late SN 640 with what appears to be factory power steering. I was hoping it
was the 840 model but clearly is not. SN is in the 142,000 range. PS offered on the late 800-600
series starting in late 1957 from what I've read? Doesn't seem to be very common on the 640's
tho.

Sean in PA · Feb 13, 2020

The 640 was the economy model in terms of the least expensive engine, transmission and PTO options available in the hundred series (unless you count the 620 which had no PTO or hydraulics and 630, which had hydraulics but no PTO), so if people were willing to spring for more money over the price of a 640 they would probably upgrade to a 650 or 660 or something in the 800 series before thinking about spending the extra money for power steering.

Husker 50 8n · Feb 13, 2020

I was surprised that the extra option was PS, not 5 speed or moving to the 800 series.

Ultradog MN · Feb 13, 2020

I should preface this by admitting I'm a 3 cylinder man and prefer the 3000 and 4000 Fords.
I'll probably catch a bit of flak here but have always thought the 6XX tractors were just about "right" in their design as far as HP to size and weight ratios go. The 8XX tractors were comparatively a bit overhorsed for that platform - especially after 1957? when they bumped the HP up on them.
I suppose their best use was heavy pto work but for heavy draft work they were the proverbial alligator mouth and mocking bird butt kind of deal.
They were all very good machines however and have put in many Billions of hours of useful work.
Here's another odd opinion I'll confess to:
If I had to choose between power steering vs Live PTO I would choose the PS. I like having it that much - even though most of the work I do with mine is mowing where lpto is supposedly THE option to have.
Meanwhile, welcome to the Ford board. This is the best site on the entire Internet for info, help, camaraderie and unasked for opinions on your tractor.

Zeke Boniface · Feb 13, 2020

Maybe it began its life as a loader tractor. Or maybe it was to be used by someone with modest arm strength. Or both.

I recently bought a 641 with power steering and a loader, PS works great, loader is slow.

Zeke B.

Nebraska Cowboy · Feb 13, 2020

Hey Husker fan, do you live in Nebraska.? If so, care to share where?

Husker 50 8n · Feb 15, 2020

North of Fremont

Husker 50 8n · Feb 15, 2020

Thanks. I really was not looking to buy a 600-800 right now but when I found this one with power steering I decided it was one to buy. I use a finish mower on my 8n (yes with over riding clutch) and live PTO isn't really a necessary item. Live hydraulics will be nice as well as the power steering. Rather have the 800 for the extra hp when it's needed but this will do. Also when I was growing up my dad and my uncle both had 860's so I was kind of looking for something in this series. This tractor hasn't run in about 10 years. 3 of the 4 tires are "Huskee" brand. Can't find anything online for Huskee tires. Mfd 60's and 70's?

Ultradog MN · Feb 16, 2020

You don't need an ORC when using a finish mower. The only implement you need an orc for is a rotary/bush hog type mower. They're the the only ones that have such a huge amount of inertia that can push you forward.
A 640 is a pretty good upgrade from an 8N - even without the PS. More HP, live hyds and a not so crazy fast reverse speed. I went from a 2N which I liked to an 8N which I disliked because of that reverse.

Husker 50 8n · Feb 16, 2020

(quoted from post at 12:15:09 02/16/20) You don't need an ORC when using a finish mower. The only implement you need an orc for is a rotary/bush hog type mower. They're the the only ones that have such a huge amount of inertia that can push you forward.
A 640 is a pretty good upgrade from an 8N - even without the PS. More HP, live hyds and a not so crazy fast reverse speed. I went from a 2N which I liked to an 8N which I disliked because of that reverse.

I do like the over running clutch with the finish mower as it allows me to stop and shift to reverse if needed without letting the mower blades to come to a complete stop.
I do need to get some new tires tho,

640 with PS

Husker 50 8n

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Sean in PA

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Husker 50 8n

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Ultradog MN

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Zeke Boniface

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Nebraska Cowboy

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Husker 50 8n

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Husker 50 8n

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Ultradog MN

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Husker 50 8n

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