Ford 7000 Four-Cylinder Diesel Tractor

1975 Ford 7000 All-Purpose

As Ford updated it’s tractor lines in preparation for the swinging ‘70s, they realized the Thousand Series lineup was going to have some gaps. The updated four-cylinder 5000 model had debuted for 1968 and was a great tractor that had sold very well. Thing is… there was a big gap between it and the six cylinder naturally aspirated 8000 and there would be an even bigger gap with the even more powerful turbocharged 9000. The answer was the new Ford 7000, which debuted in September of 1971 for 1972…. but it wasn’t an all-new tractor design.

Ford 7000 four-cylinder diesel tractor The latest version of 5000 series was a robust, 256ci four-cylinder tractor in the midsize weight range. It was rated for 67 PTO horsepower in a 1968 Nebraska test. For 1971, Ford added a turbocharger to the platform which delivered a boost to 83 horsepower. They called it the 7000. That wasn’t all. An all new torque-sensing load control device was designed and the Ford 7000 was the first tractor to carry it. It combined upper and lower link sensing so the draft control system worked equally well with mounted or semi-mounted implements.

1974 Ford 7000 tractor, Oversquare engine, 256 diesel, Simms inline injection pump — Ford was fond of oversquare engines in cars, trucks and tractors. The 256 diesel has a 4.4 x 4.2 inch bore and stroke. It’s dry sleeved, direct injected and has five main bearings. It uses a Simms inline injection pump and the injectors popped at about 2700 psi. At the low 2100 rpm setting it made about 90 hp on the flywheel but the engine was capable of more rpm and a bit over 100 in some applications. Note the hydraulic pump directly driven by the engine. It was there solely to run the standard power steering system. The triangular cover on the same side near the flywheel could operate another PTO. There was a gas version of this engine as well that used the same block and crankshaft, but had been designed to be a diesel from the start. In this era a goodly number of Ford four and six-cylinder tractor engines shared this same basic architecture.

The Ford 7000 was offered in two basic configurations, All-Purpose and Rowcrop. The All-Purpose had the familiar straddle type driver’s position while the Rowcrop was a platform model with squared off fenders that mounted quad headlines. Both had adjustable width front axles. The row crop had a higher stance (24 inches of clearance under the front axle versus 18 for the All-Purpose) for more crop clearance as well. The Rowcrop also had the option of a tricycle front axle, but it’s seldom seen. ROPS was optional, with or without a fiberglass sun shade. There were aftermarket cabs available in this era but it would be a few years before Ford offered a factory cab in this size range.

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Though the tractor was fairly compact, it was robust and could carry a hefty amount of ballast (over 4,000 pounds) to let it fight above it’s actual weight class. Power-adjusted rear wheels were optional as well as duals. With maximum ballast, the 7000 was rated at Nebraska for 8,138 pounds of drawbar pull and a very respectable 71.42 drawbar horsepower. Not bad for an economical four-cylinder tractor. Down the road, some operators reported the 7,000 was a bit too capable. Under a full load in a warm climate, many claimed it ran hotter than it should.

Load Monitor system, clamshell fenders, All-Purpose Ford 7000 diesel tractor — The working end shows off the 540 rpm PTO as well as the Load Monitor system (upper link is removed). The clamshell fenders are a quick way to spot an All-Purpose 7000. Three sets of remotes have also been added to this tractor. Another semi-negative comment heard about the 7000 claimed it had a slow hydraulic system but we suppose that is a relative statement depending on how the tractor was used.

Like it’s little brother the 5000, the 7000 was built in Basildon, England, at a new tractor plant that was one of the focal centers for Ford tractor development. They designed and built some of Ford’s best tractors there and you can find Basildon Thousand Series Fords from this era still working all over the world. The parts situation is great for most of them, so they are a tractor you can keep at work for a very long time.

In the era it reigned, the 7000 was the upper middleweight in a seven tractor lineup, from the 30 horsepower 2000 to the 130 horsepower 9000. The 7000 proved a very popular three-bears-just-right size and it’s successor, the 7600, debuted in the same class and power rating but with a new 16-speed power shift gearbox supplanting the old mechanical 8-speed. The 7000 line, and it’s successors the 7600 and 7700, are almost legendary, both here and worldwide.

Specifications

1975 Ford 7000 All-Purpose

Engine: 4-cyl, turbo diesel, DI
Displacement: 256 ci
Bore & Stroke: 4.4 x 4.2-in.
*Rated PTO Power: 83.49 @ 2100 rpm
*Rated Drawbar Power: 71.42 hp @ 2105 rpm
Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
Transmission: 8-speed (4×2)
Weight: 5,740 lbs
Wheelbase: 87.5 in
Fuel Capacity: 20 gal.
Tires: Front: 7.50-16
Rear: 13.6-38

*Fuel Consumption: 5.1 GPH @ full power
*Drawbar Pull: 8,138 lbs @ 1.95% slip
*Top Speed: 16.8 mph
* As Rated by Nebraska Tractor Test 1093

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the dimensions and tire sizes of the Ford 7000?

Dimensions and Tire Sizes of the Ford 7000

When it comes to understanding the dimensions and tire specifications of the Ford 7000, here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Wheelbase:The tractor features a wheelbase of 87.5 inches (or 222 cm), providing a stable and balanced ride.
Weight:Weighing in at approximately 6,300 pounds (or 2,857 kg), this robust machine is designed for durability and strength in various agricultural tasks.
Front Tire Size:The front tires are sized at 6.00-16, ensuring adequate grip and maneuverability on different terrains.
Rear Tire Size:The rear tires are larger, sized at 13.6-38, which helps in maintaining traction and stability, especially during heavy-duty operations.

This combination of size and weight propels the Ford 7000 to be an effective option for those requiring a reliable and sturdy tractor.

What kind of hitch does the Ford 7000 have?

The Ford 7000 is equipped with a Category II rear hitch. This hitch type supports various agricultural attachments and implements. Additionally, the hitch features both position and draft control, allowing for precise adjustments to improve performance and adaptability in different farming conditions.

What are the PTO specifications of the Ford 7000?

*Rated PTO Power: 83.49 @ 2100 rpm

For those looking into the PTO specifications, the Ford 7000 offers a robust and versatile setup:

Rear PTO:Independent
Rear PTO Type:540, with an optional 540/1000 setup for enhanced adaptability.
Engine RPM:Achieve 540 PTO speed at RPM, and 1000 PTO speed at 2060 RPM, ensuring efficient power transfer and performance across a range of applications.

This detailed configuration allows operators to match their power needs precisely, whether working with standard or more demanding attachments.

What engine RPM is required to achieve specific PTO speeds?

To reach 540 PTO speed, the engine must run at RPM, while 1000 PTO speed requires 2060 engine RPM.

What are the available PTO types or configurations?

The PTO can be configured to operate at 540 RPM, with an optional setup for both 540 and 1000 RPM.

What type of rear PTO does the tractor have?

The tractor features an independent rear PTO.

What are the hydraulic specifications of the Ford 7000?

The working end shows off the 540 rpm PTO as well as the Load Monitor system (upper link is removed). The clamshell fenders are a quick way to spot an All-Purpose 7000. Three sets of remotes have also been added to this tractor.

While some users have noted that the 7000 might have a slow hydraulic system, let’s delve into the specifics to see what it offers:

Hydraulic Type:45
Pressure:2500 psi (172.4 bar)
Number of Valves:2
Pump Flow:6 gpm (22.7 lpm)
Steering Flow:74 gpm (10.4 lpm)
Steering Pressure:1100 psi (75.8 bar)

These specifications highlight the capabilities and limitations of the hydraulic system, providing a clearer picture of its performance. The perception of slowness can often be subjective, depending on the intended use and user expectations.

What pressure is the steering system rated at?

The steering system pressure is rated at 1100 psi, or 75.8 bar.

What is the flow rate for the steering mechanism?

For steering, the flow rate is 2.74 gallons per minute, translating to 10.4 liters per minute.

What is the flow rate of the hydraulic pump?

The pump provides a flow rate of 6 gallons per minute, or 22.7 liters per minute.

How many valves are included in the hydraulic system?

There are two valves integrated into the hydraulic setup.

What is the hydraulic pressure rating?

The system operates at a pressure of 2500 psi, which is equivalent to 172.4 bar.

What type of hydraulic system does the Ford 7000 have?

The Ford 7000 features a hydraulic system designated as type 11.45.

What are the different variants of the Ford 7000?

The Ford 7000 was offered in two basic configurations, each tailored for specific agricultural needs: All-Purposeand Rowcrop.

All-Purpose (7100):This variant featured the familiar straddle-type driver’s position, designed for versatility and general use. It came with adjustable width front axles, providing 18 inches of clearance under the front axle, suitable for various terrains and tasks.
Rowcrop (7200):Recognized for its platform model design and squared-off fenders, this configuration boasted quad headlights and a higher stance, offering 24 inches of clearance under the front axle. The Rowcrop was engineered for specialized row-crop applications and even offered the option of a tricycle front axle, though this feature is rarely seen in practice.

Both configurations of the Ford 7000 provided flexibility and adaptability, allowing farmers to choose the model best suited to their specific agricultural demands.

Who manufactured the Ford 7000, and what was its price in 1975?

Like its little brother the 5000, the 7000 was built in Basildon, England, at a new tractor plant that was one of the focal centers for Ford tractor development. They designed and built some of Ford’s best tractors there, and you can find Basildon Thousand Series Fords from this era still working all over the world.

Manufacturer: Ford
Type: Utility tractor
Original price: $12,260 in 1975

The Ford 7000 stands out not just for its robust design but also for its historical significance in the evolution of utility tractors. Its enduring presence on farms today is a testament to the quality and innovation that came out of Basildon during this period.

What was the cost of the Ford 7000 when it was first released in 1975?

The initial cost of the Ford 7000 in 1975 was $12,260.

Who produced the Ford 7000 tractor?

The Ford 7000 tractor was produced by Ford.