1976 ford 2600

hi! don't know anything about these tractors? (1976 ford 2600) are they good and dependable? low maintenance? 3cyl, gas

thanks...jeff

I think most on here will tell you they are a great tractor (2000,3000,2600,3600, etc). I have the industrial version of the 2600, a 231.

Most any part you want/need is available.

They are a tough tractor, but you need to look it over to make sure it has had proper maintenance and care.

Here's a few things you may run into...
1. Holley carb, after a few reuild attempts most people replace.
2. Power steering cylinders, non rebuildable seals = EXPENSIVE.
3. Clutch fingers in double clutch, when you drive it make sure the PTO works properly, if not another $100 to replace, AFTER you split the tractor to get to them.

Regardless, I worked my hard, at its limit quite a bit, but didn't abuse it, and it worked great.

Its main job was pulling a 12 foot batwing.

Rick

rick...thanks! the add i was looking at said it has manual steering. did all 2600's come with power steering?
here's the add...Have a 1975 Ford 2600 tractor, manual steering, three cylinder gas. Includes brush hog. Has 3 point hitch, live PTO, no leaks, runs great, starts RIGHT up. New starter and starter solenoid. Condition is probably average, the paint is faded, and it might need tires in the next few years. The brush hog isn't pretty, but it cuts great.

thanks again...jeff

Heres a pic of my 1981 231 industrial painted like a 2600. Only real difference is the lower profile (shorter front spindles and shorter tires) most around here call them golf course mowers.

The gas is less desirable, just a fact. And it will drink some fuel if you are running it hard with a brush hog, or similar implement.
New starter is worth a few, tires can set you back 600 a pair maybe more.
As far as steering, if you are not putting a loader on it, manual steering is fine, but power is nice.
Make sure the 3 point lifts easily, and when you disengage the PTO shaft it quits spinning. Check it with nothing attached to the tractor, sometimes the weight of the PTO shaft and gearbox of the brush hog will keep it from spinning, so you want to check it bare. If it is spinning when disengaged, it may just need adjustment, or you may need the fingers I mentioned previously.
Check and make sure the engine has good compression and is not running rich. If I remember correctly, on the Holley carbs, the seat of the carb is not-replaceable so once it wears and starts running rich there is not much you can do. Someone else might be able to add more info, its been a few years since I tinkered with the carb on mine.
Rough condition brush hog $250 or more.

Around my neck of the woods this tractor would probably price around $3500, especially needing tires and manual steering. Me, I'd run the tires until they blow or no tread left.

Rick

thanks rick. nice looking tractor! they want $3000.00 obo. no low ballers though.? if i can i will go to check it out this weekend. thanks for all of your advice and insight.

jeff