Ford 8970 tractor

Ford 8970

Power

240 hp

Production

1993-2002

Engine

6-cylinder

Transmission

Full power shift

Drive

2WD/4WD

From the same series:

8870

Introduction

Ford 8970 Row-Crop Tractor

The Ford 8970 is a high-horsepower row-crop tractor manufactured in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, between 1993 and 2002. Positioned as a heavy-duty machine, it was engineered for large-scale agricultural operations requiring significant traction and implement management.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by a 7.5-liter, 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled inline engine producing 240 horsepower at a rated speed of 2100 RPM. It features a 17.5:1 compression ratio and utilizes a standard 1-5-3-6-2-4 firing order. The engine cooling system has a capacity of 26.4 quarts, while the oil system holds 20.8 liters.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 8970 offers a 16-speed full power shift transmission as standard equipment. An optional creeper range is available, expanding the configuration to 32 forward and 18 reverse gears. The drivetrain includes an electro-hydraulic wet disc clutch and is available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations, supported by power steering and wet disc brakes.

Hydraulics and Hitch

The hydraulic system utilizes a closed-center load-sensing design, delivering a pump flow of 24 gpm and a total system flow of 31 gpm at a pressure of 2750 psi. It is equipped with three valves for implement control. The rear Category III hitch provides a lift capacity of 15,000 lbs, suitable for heavy-duty agricultural implements.

Operator Environment and Dimensions

The tractor is equipped with an air-conditioned cab as standard. It features a 118.3-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 196.7 inches. Adjustable rear tread widths ranging from 60.3 to 128 inches allow for adaptation to various row-crop spacings. The unit weighs in with a clearance of 18.6 inches under the drawbar.

Conclusion

The Ford 8970 serves as a robust platform for intensive fieldwork, combining high hydraulic capacity with a flexible transmission system. It remains a notable model for farmers and collectors seeking a powerful, reliable tractor from the late 1990s.

Production Information of Ford, 8970

  • Original price was $127,000 in 2000
  • Row-Crop tractor
  • Built in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
ManufacturerFord

Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 8970

Rear tread60.3 to 123.8 inches [153 to 314 cm (112" axle)]
Wheelbase118.3 inches [300 cm]
Height (cab)121.3 inches [308 cm]
Width96.7 inches [245 cm]
Width(optional)122.6 inches (SuperSteer) [311 cm]
Clearance (drawbar)18.6 inches [47 cm]
Height (exhaust)124.4 inches [315 cm]
Length196.7 inches [499 cm]
Rear tread60.3 to 128 inches [153 to 325 cm (120" axle)]
Rear tread60.3 to 107.8 inches [153 to 273 cm (96" axle)]
Front tread62 to 87 inches [157 to 220 cm]
Clearance (front axle)19.9 inches [50 cm]
Ag front14L-16.1 (2WD)
Ag front(optional)16.9R28 (4WD)
Ag rear18.4R42

Engine Specifications of Ford, 8970

  • Liquid-cooled inline
  • 6-cylinder
Exhaust valve clearance0.017 inches (cold) [0.432 mm]
Compression17.5:1
Rated RPM2100
Starter volts12
Firing order1-5-3-6-2-4
Displacement456 ci [7.5 L]
Oil capacity22 qts [20.8 L]
Power240 hp [179.0 kW]
Bore/Stroke4.4x5.0 inches [112 x 127 mm]
Intake valve clearance0.014 inches (cold) [0.356 mm]
Coolant capacity26.4 qts [25.0 L]
Starter power6 hp [4.5 kW]

Transmission Information of Ford, 8970

Transmission variants 1

TypeFull power shift
Gears16 forward and 8 reverse

Transmission variants 2

  • Creeper range added to standard power shift transmission. With tractor in neutral and inching pedal pressed, toggle button is used to enter/exit creeper range.
TypeCreeper
Gears32 forward and 18 reverse
  • 16-speed full power shift
  • 32-speed creeper

Mechanical Specs of Ford, 8970

  • Two- or four-wheel drive
  • Cab standard with air-conditioning.
  • Power steering
  • Wet disc brakes

Power Information of Ford, 8970

Rear PTOIndependent
Engine RPM1000@1903
ClutchElectro-hydraulic wet disc
Rear PTO Type1000 (1.375)

Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 8970

TypeClosed center load sensing
Pump flow24 gpm [90.8 lpm]
Valves3
Capacity36.9 gal [139.7 L]
Total flow31 gpm [117.3 lpm]
Pressure2750 psi [189.6 bar]

Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 8970

Rear TypeIII
Rear lift15000 lbs [6804 kg]

Electrical System of Ford, 8970

GroundNegative
Battery CCA950
Batteries2
Charging systemAlternator
Battery volts12
Charging amps130

Where it sits

With 240 HP, the Ford 8970 sits just above 8870 (210 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1990s models in our database (2097 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Ford 8970 have?

The Ford 8970 delivers 240 HP.

What years was the Ford 8970 produced?

The Ford 8970 was produced in 1993-2002.

What engine does the Ford 8970 have?

The Ford 8970 is powered by a 6-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Ford 8970 use?

The Ford 8970 uses a Full power shift transmission.

Is the Ford 8970 4WD?

The Ford 8970 is available in 2WD/4WD.

Compare the Ford 8970 with another model