ford 4000 3cyl/4cyl???

I am thinking it might be fun to have a little ford 4000 row crop to rake/ted hay and maybe run a brush hog to clip pastures. I have a 6000 commander with the sos tranny that I have used for 30+ years and really like that trans in the hay field. So my question is, if I started looking for a 4000 which one would be better for me, the early 4000 with the 172, or the late 4000 with the 3 cylinder? Either tractor would need to be a diesel. AS a kid we had an 801 with the 5 speed, and a 3000 with the 8 speed, both utility style. I didn't like the two step clutch, so I know I would like a SOS trans. I also would like the higher row crop style for ground clearance. What was any pros and cons of the 4000 early to late? Al

The 4000 you are looking for is sub model 4200 I had the 4100 models. That is the all purpose model with 38" rear wheels. And myself would not own an SOS tractor or a diesel but each to his own. I hear the 4 cylinder diesel were a problem.

The 3 cylinder models are a newer tractor and in my opinion a better tractor than the 4 cylinder .

Ben

3 cylinder 4000 8 speed allows you independent PTO, no two stage clutch. Better power steering. More robust diesel engine than 4 cylinder. Differential lock.

I have 3 SOS, dang PTO is always turning when disengaged unless it's hooked up to something with significant resistance.

Zeke B.

I believe the 3 cylinder 4000 was available with the 8 speed and IPTO.

I had a 3cyl diesel 4600 and loved it

I have a three cylinder diesel in my 550 Ford backhoe. When I bought it, it had who knows how many thousand hours on it. I rebuilt it and did a couple of things to it to add a little more power. I think it was rated at 60 HP. It amazes me how little fuel it uses. It lugs really good too. I only run it around 1200 to 1300 RPM. It could still use a little more power for loader work. I load in first gear while my boss's 310 can load in 2nd gear. I think you will like that engine. It's a bear to get started if you run out of fuel. Make sure that never happens! You will have to add heat to start it in the winter. Mine might start better if I put in New injectors. I had to have the pump rebuilt too. Changing the starter is a bear too. Mine doesn't use a drop of oil at 600 hrs. oil change.

Best bang for the buck in a 3 cylinder ford general purpose tractor. I had the 4 cylinder version in a '64 4000 with an S-O-S, it was a great all purpose do everything on the small farm tractor. I ran a 532 ford baler and a kicker wagon with it, also cut and raked with it. S-O-S worked flawlessly, but with usual S-O-S characteristics that some may not like. 3 cylinder is a big leap forward, I could not be happier with my newest tractor, a '98 4630 with 8x8 mechanical shuttle, FWD, deluxe remotes and fold down ROPS. It does everything I need a tractor to do and is very fuel efficient, easy to service, fits nicely in the garage with the rotary mower attached. Independent PTO is good, but you need to learn to engage smoothly, they are a bit different in that regard.

If you want a diesel I would go with a 3 cyl model. I have a gas SOS 4000 utility (1967) which I use for allot of the same things you have in mind. I also own 3 pre 1965 4 cyl Fords, all gas engine. If you want a nice tractor to use you are on the right track.

I currently have the '63 2000 4 cyl and '65 3000 and '88 3910. Have had 2 ea. 4 cyl 4000s, one an SOS. None of my 4 cyl engines have caused me any problems to speak of and were smooth as silk runners and quiet, very quiet. The SOS was at the end of it's band adjustment screws but still had enough to get good traction and no slipping. I did like the 10 speeds and ease of tranny operation with an independent PTO vs Tranny or Live which the geared models had.....not aware of any Ind. PTO on the 4 cyl engines. My 3000 needed an inframe but that was due to the PO removing the hose from the air filter to the intake manifold and working it in a dirty environment.

My 3000 is right at usable without ear plugs/muffs and the 197 cu in 3 cyl 3910 is very loud, hearing protection mandatory, even with the long vertical muffler. It's 4.2x4.4 whereas my 3000 is 4.2x4.2 and i think the 4000 engine is 200 cu in making it 4.4x4.4 and I'd expect the noise to be worse.

4 cylinders are less noisy. Brakes are tighter on the 3 cyl. '65 models up and the sumps are common for hyd-diff if that makes any difference. But in the thousand series 3 cyls. the brake lock is less than desirable. On the 3910 it is greatly improved.

I'd opt for PS which may put you in the 3 cyl category for availability. Parts for both are plentiful.