Does Ford Still Make Tractors?

Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Well, Ford still makes tractors but currently, they are making tractors under the name Fordson, and Ford-New Holland. Ford tractors are known for their durability, reliability, and performance. If you want to buy a Ford tractor then you can buy an old/used Ford tractor.

Key Takeaways

  • Since 1991, Ford has stopped making tractors as Ford sold its tractor division to Fiat
  • Ford reduced the retail price of this tractor in 1922 and by doing so they were able to capture 77% of the entire tractor industry
  • Ford purchased New Holland in 1985 and created the Ford-New Holland line to make tractors

Most Popular Ford Tractors Models- New Holland Tractors

New Holland ModelsFeatures
3037
Engine3 cylinder / 39 HP
Capacity CC2500 CC
ClutchSingle – Double
Gear Box8 forward + 2 reverse
BrakesMechanical – Real Oil Immersed Brakes
SteeringMechanical – Power Steering

Total Weight

1800 KG
3630 TX Plus
Engine3 cylinder / 55 HP
Capacity CC2991 CC
ClutchDouble-clutch with the independent clutch lever
Gear Box8+2 / 12+3 CR / 12+3UG
BrakesOil Immersed Multi Disc Brakes
SteeringPower Steering
Excel 4710
Engine3 cylinder / 47 HP
Capacity CC2700 CC
ClutchDouble / Single
Gear Box8F+2R / 8+8 Synchro Shuttle
BrakesOil Immersed Multi Disc Brakes
SteeringMechanical
Total Weight2040 KG
3630 TX Special Edition
Engine3 cylinder / 55 HP
Capacity CC2931 CC
ClutchDouble-clutch with the independent clutch lever
Gear Box8F + 2R
Brakes
Mechanically Actuated Oil Immersed Multi Disc Brake
SteeringPower steering
Total Weight2080 KG
5630 TX Plus 4WD
Engine4 Cylinder / 75 HP
Capacity CCN/A
ClutchDouble-clutch with the independent clutch lever
Gear Box8F + 2R
BrakesMulti-Plate Oil Immersed Disc Brakes
SteeringPower steering
Total Weight2400 KG

When Did Ford Stop Making Tractors?

The first tractor of this manufacturer dates from 1907, along with the presentation of one of the most outstanding vehicles of the time. In this case, it was a vehicle built from the planning of a Ford engineer. Here, model B was taken as a reference to start building this vehicle that would later become a tractor.

1. In particular, the 4-cylinder engine of this new vehicle had a wide variety of features. At the same time, using the engine of the Model T vehicle, another of the very light tractors was manufactured. So, in 1913 there was not only one model of tractor. However, this type of tractor was still too light to be able to perform most of the tasks in the field.

In particular, tillage work required heavier tractors compared to the light units so far. That is why, based on these needs, the engineers of this manufacturer dedicated themselves to perfecting the designs they had achieved so far. In this case, the main task was the creation of much heavier tractors in comparison with the previous ones.

To achieve clear and defined achievements, Ford decided to create a separate company. So Henry Ford and Son Company wanted to leave many of Ford Motor Company’s shareholders behind. This was necessary since most of Ford Motor Company’s shareholders did not agree with stopping the dividend money for tractor projects.

So, construction of the Fordson two-plow tractor began on this new Henry Ford and Son Company project. The U.S. market was beginning to have this tractor with red wheels and light gray paint. It was even one of the most classic and eye-catching tractors of the time. Owners who wanted this vehicle had to invest a budget of $750.

Also, Henry Ford couldn’t use his name to baptize this new tractor. At that time, a Ford tractor was already being built at a company in Minneapolis. Therefore, instead of naming the new tractor Ford, the name Fordson was chosen. This name is also clearly represented by Henry Ford and Son Company.

However, some experts on the history of the time assure us that this is nothing more than a myth. The minutes of the Ford Motor Company board meeting of the time may prove otherwise. So, this document of February 2, 1916, states what Henry Ford and Son Company was allowed to do. 

Here, it was necessary to pay Ford Motor Company $46,810.76 as this was the necessary budget for the costs of the work of the tractor developments. That amount of money was needed before Henry Ford and Son Company became a separate company from Ford Motor Company. At the same time, in this tractor business, no vehicle could be named Ford.

2. Beyond that, Ford had to reduce the retail price of this tractor in 1922. Here, the new price was set at $395 per unit. Of course, this was an excellent strategy since this new Ford tractor managed to capture 77% of the entire tractor industry. This achievement was achieved only one year later in 1923.

However, after a few years, Ford dealers were not achieving a high level of sales with this tractor. The highest point of difficulty came in 1927 when it was very difficult to sell tractors in the United States.

3. That is why in 1928 the production of this tractor in the territory of the United States was completely stopped. From then on, one solution was to move the production to Ireland abroad.

It was 10 years before Harry Ferguson’s Ferguson Brown tractor was demonstrated to Henry Ford. In this case, it was a vehicle with a hydraulic 3-point hitch. So, these two manufacturers reached an agreement on the production of tractors of the time. On the one hand, Henry Ford would be the new designer of a tractor.

On the other hand, Harry Ferguson was in charge of acquiring a new line of implements. In turn, this same manufacturer would also be in charge of marketing both tractors and implements. From then on, the new tractor was named Ford – Ferguson 9N. This vehicle had a 3-speed transmission, a four-cylinder engine, and a three-point hitch.

4. In particular, it was one of the most efficient and powerful tractors introduced in June 1939. Later, during World War II, the scenario of the automotive industry was quite negative. So, in 1942 the 9N tractor was downgraded to a 2N. These two manufacturers had some problems as lawsuits and claims were filed.

5. Ferguson sued Ford for infringement of its patents and loss of business for $340 million. Beyond that, in 1952 the lawsuit was settled and both companies felt they were winners. In this case, the lawsuit had a result of 9.25 million dollars in favor of Ferguson. Of course, this was a point against Ford’s tractor production.

6. In 1953 Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford NAA model with a 4-cylinder engine larger than the previous ones. Besides, in 1959 Ford introduced the Select – O – Speed. It was especially the first total power shift transmission in the entire automotive industry. At the same time, the developments in tractors will continue for some more years.

7. So, in March 1961 the Ford 6000 was introduced which was a 6-plow tractor with 66 PTO horsepower. This included the transmission created in 1959, a 6-cylinder diesel engine, and a hydraulic system with an accumulator. This is why this tractor was another of the great advances for fieldwork at the time.

This tractor was originally manufactured with red and gray paint. However, it was later removed and rebuilt using the colors white and blue. In 1968 Ford presented the model 8,000 which represented a great jump of power in the Ford tractors. So, this vehicle had the possibility of offering 105 PTO horsepower.

8. Finally, in 1985 Ford bought New Holland which was another tractor manufacturer. Along with this, Ford New Holland was bought by Fiat in 1990. From there, the essence of the shape tractors became the units called New Holland. However, after that, the color blue was still used in the design of these tractors. 

Are New Holland Tractors Made By Ford?

Initially, New Holland was bought by Ford in 1986. So, from then on, this company adopted the name Ford New Holland. As we have mentioned, before this success Ford Motor Company had harvested a great trajectory, experience, and several models of tractors with great success. 

That is why until this moment Ford was one of the main tractor manufacturers in the whole industry. At the same time, a wide variety of innovations had been developed in this area that was very useful for farm work. Among the best innovations of this manufacturer were

1. The three-point hitch

2. Diesel engines

3. Rubber tires

4. Power Hydraulic Systems

Although the three-point hitch was widely used in Ford tractors, the truth is that this was an invention of Harry Ferguson. Beyond that, the manufacturer Fiat bought in 1991 an 80% stake in Ford New Holland. So, from that moment on, the direction of the manufacture of the new tractors took a new direction.

At the same time, this manufacturer was also another major car and tractor manufacturer. Also, the Ford New Holland company managed to become one of the largest global producers of a complete line of tractors. In 1999, Case Corporation and New Holland merged under the leadership of Fiat.

This is the story that indicates that New Holland and its tractors have the best designs from Claeys, Fiat Trattori, Ford, and New Holland. Therefore, New Holland tractors are not specifically manufactured by Ford. However, some classic aspects of its former business partner are still preserved to this day.

Today, New Holland is present in more than 170 countries. Also, the headquarters are located in a city with the same name in the state of Pennsylvania, USA. It is possible to find this company in several countries in Asia, Europe, and in many parts of North America. 

In South America, specifically in Argentina and Brazil, New Holland continues to distribute its line of tractors. As if that were not enough, this company not only has great projects in its vehicles but also innovation projects and environmental initiatives. 

Therefore, the merger between the major tractor manufacturers has given New Holland an excellent advantage to reap great success.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordson

https://tractors.fandom.com/wiki/Ford_Tractors