
Ford 946
Power
325 hp
Production
1989-1993
Engine
Turbocharged aftercooled diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
Constant mesh
Weight
32500 lbs [14742 kg]
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Ford 946: Heavy-Duty Articulated Four-Wheel Drive Tractor
The Ford 946 is an articulated four-wheel drive tractor produced between 1989 and 1993 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Part of the 976 series, this machine was engineered for large-scale agricultural operations requiring high tractive effort and consistent performance.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 14.0-liter (855 ci) six-cylinder turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine. It delivers 325 horsepower (242.4 kW) at a rated speed of 2100 RPM. The engine features liquid cooling and a dry-element air cleaner, with an oil capacity of 37.0 liters and a coolant capacity of 60.3 liters.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Two transmission configurations were available: a 12-speed constant mesh transmission with a dry disc clutch, or a 12-speed full power shift transmission utilizing a wet disc clutch. The drivetrain features permanent four-wheel drive with articulated power steering and outboard planetary final drives to manage power delivery to the ground.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system utilizes a closed-center, load-sensing design capable of delivering 24.5 gpm (92.7 lpm) pump flow at 2300 psi. It supports four to five remote valves. The rear hitch is a category IVN/III system with position control, providing a lift capacity of 13,036 lbs (5,913 kg) at 24 inches behind the lift point.
Operator Environment and Dimensions
The tractor is equipped with a standard cab featuring air conditioning for operator comfort. It has a wheelbase of 130 inches (330 cm) and an overall length of 260 inches (660 cm). With a base weight of 32,500 lbs (14,742 kg), the machine is designed to maintain traction under heavy load conditions.
Conclusion
The Ford 946 is a high-horsepower tractor tailored for demanding primary tillage and heavy draft applications. Its combination of articulated steering, robust engine torque, and flexible transmission options makes it a reliable asset for large-acreage farming operations.
Production Information of Ford, 946
- Original price was $106,000 in 1993
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 946
| Wheelbase | 130 inches [330 cm] |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 16.1 inches [40 cm] |
| Length | 260 inches [660 cm] |
| Weight | 32500 lbs [14742 kg] |
| Ag front | 24.5-32 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4x42 |
| Ag rear | 24.5-32 |
| Ag rear | 18.4x38 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 20.8x42 |
| Ag front | 18.4x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8x38 |
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4x42 |
| Ag front(optional) | 30.5x32 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 946
- Liquid-cooled inline
- Turbocharged aftercooled diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 39.1 qts [37.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Air cleaner | Dry dry element |
| Coolant capacity | 63.7 qts [60.3 L] |
| Coolant capacity(optional) | Block heater |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Pre-heating | Ether injection |
| Displacement | 855 ci [14.0 L] |
| Power | 325 hp [242.4 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.50x6.00 inches [140 x 152 mm] |
| Torque RPM | 1400 |
| Torque | 1057 lb-ft [1433.3 Nm] |
| Idle RPM | 1000-2100 |
Transmission Information of Ford, 946
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears in three ranges, plus reverse range.
| Manufacturer | Versatile |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 21.5 qts [20.3 L] |
| Clutch | 394mm dry disc |
| Type | Constant mesh |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 50 qts [47.3 L] |
| Gears | 12 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 228mm wet disc |
- 12-speed constant mesh
- 12-speed full power shift
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 946
- Four-wheel drive
- Cab standard with air-conditioning.
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
| Final drives | Outboard planetary |
|---|
Power Information of Ford, 946
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75) |
PTO available only with power shift transmission.
Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 946
| Steering press. | 2300 psi [158.6 bar] |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed center load sensing |
| Pump flow | 24.5 gpm [92.7 lpm] |
| Valves | 4 to 5 |
| Capacity | 15.3 gal [57.9 L] |
| Steering flow | 26.1 gpm [98.8 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2400 psi [165.5 bar] |
Steering pump is open center.
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 946
| Rear Type | IVN/III |
|---|---|
| Control | Position control |
| Rear lift (at 24"/610mm) | 13036 lbs [5913 kg] |
Electrical System of Ford, 946
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 625 |
| Batteries | 4 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 325 HP, the Ford 946 sits just below 976 (360 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 96th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford 946 have?
The Ford 946 delivers 325 HP.
What years was the Ford 946 produced?
The Ford 946 was produced in 1989-1993.
What engine does the Ford 946 have?
The Ford 946 is powered by a Turbocharged aftercooled diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Ford 946 use?
The Ford 946 uses a Constant mesh transmission.
How much does the Ford 946 weigh?
The Ford 946 weighs 32500 lbs [14742 kg].
Is the Ford 946 4WD?
The Ford 946 is available in 4WD.