Hundred series serial numbers

grandpa Love · Dec 10, 2022

Correct me if I'm wrong..... All
the hundred series tractors came
off one line? So possiblity of
finding 2 960s in a row are slim.
Also there are no records of how
many of each were built? Maybe a
fire burnt any records?

Ultradog MN · Dec 10, 2022

I think you are correct.
However,
I doubt there would have been say, a 640, then a 960, another 960 a 660 and then an 850 come down the assembly line.
That would be a parts and logistics nightmare. IMO it would have been more likely to see maybe 25 640s go down the line, then a couple dozen 850s then say 20 950s.
So it would be likely to see several or a bunch of a particular model with sequential seeial numbers.
This is just speculation on my part.

grandpa Love · Dec 10, 2022

That sounds reasonable....

Fordfarmer · Dec 10, 2022

I was under the impression various lines made assemblies (engine, transmission, rear end,) and those assemblies were pulled in to the main assembly line as needed for the specific model.
Even if they were building a group of 20 (or 50) 600's, there could still be 4 speeds, 5 speeds, or 5 speeds with live PTO.

Sean in PA · Dec 10, 2022

I agree, that it would make sense for efficiency's sake to do a number of the same model in a row, and they probably did that for the most part, but then they had individually ordered tractor models from customers at the dealerships, so some of those may have been added into the lineup at any point, and changes based on how fast any particular model was selling could have influenced things as well.

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · Dec 11, 2022

Perhaps this will clarify your inquiry. Serial numbers were hand stamped on engine blocks and trans cases prior to moving to assembly line. After machining was completed, engine blocks and transmissions were tested, inspected, and approved by QC and then stamped with a s/n. Tractor production was never serialized as they moved down the line as many assume. After the war (WWII for any post boomers or earlier) FORD Tractor production moved from the Rouge Factory to the older Highland Park Factory where Model T's were once built. All Hundred Series models were built at Highland Park. A brochure I have a diagrammed plant tour pictorial flow chart of the plant layout and each department and categorized and has the statement:

Modern production control methods make it possible to produce any of the 4-wheel or tricycle tractor models simultaneously.

There were eleven Hundred Series Models produced in all.

FORD PLANT TOUR:

page%201%20-%20set%20the%20stage%20for%20you%20visit%20to%20the%20plant.jpg

page%202%20-%201st%20section%20of%20plant%20map.jpg

page%203%20-%202nd%20section%20of%20plant%20map.jpg

Tim Daley(MI)

Tim PloughNman Daley RIP · Dec 11, 2022

First page, RH column, middle paragraph... Modern production control methods...

Tim Daley(MI)

grandpa Love · Dec 11, 2022

Tim , excellent information! Thank you.

Hundred series serial numbers

grandpa Love

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Ultradog MN

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grandpa Love

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Fordfarmer

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Sean in PA

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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Tim PloughNman Daley RIP

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grandpa Love

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