Introduction
Ford 850 Utility Tractor
The Ford 850 is a two-wheel-drive utility tractor produced between 1954 and 1957 at the Ford manufacturing facility in Highland Park, Michigan. Belonging to the 800 series, this machine was designed as a versatile agricultural workhorse, offering a balance of power and maneuverability for mid-century farming operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 172 cubic-inch (2.8 L) liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder engine. Featuring 8 valves and an 8.0:1 compression ratio, it delivers approximately 44 horsepower at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine utilizes an oil bath air cleaner to maintain performance in dusty field conditions and features a 1-2-4-3 firing order.
Transmission and Hydraulics
The powertrain consists of an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse gear, engaged via a dry disc clutch. The hydraulic system is of the open-center type, delivering a pump flow of 4.8 gpm (18.2 lpm) at a pressure of 2000 psi (137.9 bar), which supports the operation of Category I implements.
Hitch and PTO
Equipped with a Category I rear hitch, the Ford 850 provides both position and draft control, allowing for precise implement depth management. It features a rear power take-off (PTO) operating at 540 RPM, facilitating the use of various pull-type and mounted agricultural equipment. The rear lift capacity is rated at 1250 lbs (567 kg).
Mechanical and Dimensions
Built on a 75.18-inch wheelbase, the tractor has an overall length of 121.8 inches. It features manual steering, with power assist offered as an optional upgrade. Braking is handled by differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The front and rear treads are adjustable between 52 and 76 inches, providing stability for various row-crop configurations.
Conclusion
The Ford 850 serves as a reliable utility tractor suitable for general farm applications, including light tillage, mowing, and transport. Its sturdy construction and straightforward mechanical design make it a representative example of 1950s American tractor engineering, favored for its ease of maintenance and operational utility.
Production Information of Ford, 850
- Original price was $2,273 in 1957
- Utility tractor
- Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 850
| Rear tread | 52 to 76 inches [132 to 193 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 75.18 inches [190 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 21 inches [53 cm] |
| Height | 59.3 inches [150 cm] |
| Length | 121.8 inches [309 cm] |
| Front tread | 52 to 76 inches [132 to 193 cm] |
| Width | 64.75 inches [164 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12-28 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 850
- Liquid-cooled inline
- 4-cylinder 8-valve
| Starter volts | 6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 172 ci [2.8 L] |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
| Compression | 8.0:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.90x3.60 inches [99 x 91 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 15 qts [14.2 L] |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
Transmission Information of Ford, 850
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 80 Mild EP |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Gears(optional) | SAE 80 Mild EP |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 850
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power assist optional |
Power Information of Ford, 850
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.125) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 850
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 4.8 gpm [18.2 lpm] |
| Capacity | 2 gal [7.6 L] |
| Pressure | 2000 psi [137.9 bar] |
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 850
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Rear lift | 1250 lbs [567 kg] |
Electrical System of Ford, 850
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 44 hp[B] HP, the Ford 850 sits between 2120 (42 HP) and 3000 (46 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 63th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford 850 have?
The Ford 850 delivers 44 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Ford 850 produced?
The Ford 850 was produced in 1954-1957.
What engine does the Ford 850 have?
The Ford 850 is powered by a 4-cylinder 8-valve engine.
What transmission does the Ford 850 use?
The Ford 850 uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
Is the Ford 850 4WD?
The Ford 850 is available in 2WD.