Introduction
Ford 740 Row-Crop Tractor
The Ford 740 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1954 and 1957 in Highland Park, Michigan, USA. Designed for agricultural versatility, this two-wheel-drive model represents a period of classic tractor engineering, offering a balance of mechanical simplicity and operational utility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, vertical inline engine with a displacement of 134 cubic inches (2.2 liters). It operates at a rated speed of 2200 RPM and features a compression ratio of 6.6:1. The engine utilizes an oil bath air cleaner and requires 4.7 liters of oil, with maintenance intervals for oil changes set at 100 hours. The ignition system uses 14mm spark plugs with a firing order of 1-2-4-3.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The powertrain consists of an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Power is transferred via a dry plate clutch. The tractor is configured as a two-wheel-drive unit and is equipped with differential mechanical internal expanding shoe brakes to ensure controlled stopping power.
Hydraulics and PTO
The Ford 740 features a rear-mounted power take-off (PTO) operating at 540 RPM. The hydraulic system has a fluid capacity of 8.5 liters. The rear hitch is a Category I system capable of lifting up to 1,250 lbs (567 kg), allowing for the operation of various standard implements of the era.
Dimensions and Chassis
The machine rests on a 216 cm wheelbase with an overall length of 335 cm. It provides a ground clearance of 69 cm. The front tread is adjustable between 21 and 41 cm, while the rear tread can be set between 142 and 203 cm. The tractor is fitted with 6x16 front tires and 11x28 rear agricultural tires.
Conclusion
With its 33 horsepower rating and row-crop configuration, the Ford 740 was designed for general farming tasks. Its mechanical robustness and adjustable tread widths make it a suitable machine for light-duty tillage, cultivation, and utility work on small to medium-sized agricultural operations.
Production Information of Ford, 740
- Original price was $2,671 in 1954
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 740
| Wheelbase | 85.3 inches [216 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 8.3 to 16.3 inches [21 to 41 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 27.25 inches [69 cm] |
| Length | 132.1 inches [335 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 80 inches [142 to 203 cm] |
| Height | 65.07 inches [165 cm] |
| Ag front | 6x16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 11x28 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 740
- Liquid-cooled vertical inline
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches (min) [0.635 mm] |
|---|---|
| Compression | 6.6:1 |
| Oil change | 100 h |
| Sparkplug | 14MM |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Displacement | 134 ci [2.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.44x3.60 inches [87 x 91 mm] |
| Sparkplug | 14MM |
| Sparkplug(optional) | 0.031 inches (max) [0.787 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.028 inches (min) [0.711 mm] |
Transmission Information of Ford, 740
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Ford |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry plate |
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 740
- Two-wheel drive
- Differential mechanical internal expanding shoe brakes
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Ford, 740
| Rear PTO | Transmission (non-live) |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 740
| Capacity | 2.25 gal [8.5 L] |
|---|
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 740
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 1,250 lbs [567 kg] |
Electrical System of Ford, 740
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 33 hp[B] HP, the Ford 740 sits just below 741 (48 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 42th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford 740 have?
The Ford 740 delivers 33 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Ford 740 produced?
The Ford 740 was produced in 1954-1957.
What transmission does the Ford 740 use?
The Ford 740 uses a Ford transmission.
Is the Ford 740 4WD?
The Ford 740 is available in 2WD.