Introduction
Ford 960 Row-Crop Tractor
The Ford 960 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1954 and 1957 at the Ford manufacturing facility in Highland Park, Michigan. As part of the 900 series, it was designed to provide reliable power for mid-century agricultural operations, delivering approximately 44 horsepower.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, 8-valve engine with a displacement of 172 cubic inches (2.8 liters). It features a liquid-cooled, vertical inline configuration with a compression ratio of 8.0:1. Operating at a rated speed of 2200 RPM, the engine utilizes an oil bath air cleaner to ensure longevity in dusty field conditions. It has a firing order of 1-2-4-3 and a coolant capacity of 15 quarts (14.2 liters).
Transmission and PTO
The Ford 960 is equipped with an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, operated via a dry disc clutch. It features a live rear Power Take-Off (PTO) system, which allows the operator to maintain PTO engagement even when the tractor is clutched, operating at a standard 540 RPM.
Mechanical and Hydraulic Systems
The chassis is a two-wheel-drive configuration featuring an open operator station. Steering is primarily manual, with an optional power-assist system available for improved ergonomics. Braking is handled by differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The tractor includes a Category I rear hitch with a maximum lift capacity of 1,250 lbs (567 kg).
Electrical and Dimensions
The electrical system operates on a 6-volt positive ground setup, supported by a 20-amp generator. The tractor measures 132.6 inches in length with an 85.3-inch wheelbase and a ground clearance of 27.9 inches. It utilizes 6x16 front tires and 12x28 rear agricultural tires, with adjustable tread widths for both front (8.3 to 16.3 inches) and rear (56 to 80 inches) axles.
Conclusion
The Ford 960 remains a notable example of mid-1950s agricultural engineering, characterized by its robust build and versatile row-crop capabilities. Its combination of live PTO and adjustable tread widths makes it suitable for a variety of traditional farming tasks requiring steady draft power and implement control.
Production Information of Ford, 960
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|---|
| Original price | $2,561 (1957) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 960
| Wheelbase | 85.3 inches [216 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 8.3 to 16.3 inches [21 to 41 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 27.9 inches [70 cm] |
| Length | 132.6 inches [336 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 80 inches [142 to 203 cm] |
| Height | 65.8 inches [167 cm] |
| Ag front | 6x16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12x28 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 960
- Liquid-cooled vertial 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, 960
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Ford |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 960
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power assist optional |
Power Information of Ford, 960
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 960
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 1,250 lbs [567 kg] |
Electrical System of Ford, 960
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 44 hp[B] HP, the Ford 960 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 960 have?
The Ford 960 delivers 44 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Ford 960 produced?
The Ford 960 was produced in 1954-1957.
What engine does the Ford 960 have?
The Ford 960 is powered by a 4-cylinder 8-valve engine.
What transmission does the Ford 960 use?
The Ford 960 uses a Ford transmission.
Is the Ford 960 4WD?
The Ford 960 is available in 2WD.