More tractor help, please

PrettyPaisley · #1 11/30/11, 08:13 PM

So we promised the bank our souls for the next 30 years and they gave us the keys to our new place Tuesday morning.

The tractor is running, or it was, until the key went missing. And the former owners are not cooperating (not a surprise) so I'm needing help finding out what year and model number this machine is. It's old-almost as old as me (1973-1976) and is either a Ford 2000 or 3000. It's rusted and needs serious cosmetic help, but first I need a key.

Is there a place I can look on the tractor that will identify the year and model so I can figure out how to get a new key and find a manual on eBay or some place like that?

Thanks!

Ramblin Wreck · #2 11/30/11, 08:20 PM

Not sure about Fords from that time period, but for Kubotas and John Deeres, one key often fits all. If you have a New Holland dealer near by, give them a call to find out if they have a key that will work for you...and if they do buy two or three. Happy homesteading and puttering on your tractor.

plowjockey · #3 11/30/11, 08:21 PM

Ford was not really into making a lot of different tractor keys.

http://steinertractor.com/FDS400-ignition-key

A New Holland Dealer, has them also.

Here is how to ID the model. Most are stamped on the engine block, right behind the starter.

http://www.springfieldbiz.com/oaktre...es_serial.html

jwal10 · #4 11/30/11, 08:22 PM

http://vintagetractorengineer.com/20...erial-numbers/

PrettyPaisley · #5 11/30/11, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowjockey

Ford was not really into making a lot of different tractor keys.

http://steinertractor.com/FDS400-ignition-key

A New Holland Dealer, has them also.

Here is how to ID the model. Most are stamped on the engine block, right behind the starter.

http://vintagetractorengineer.com/20...erial-numbers/

HOLY COW! That one key fits ALL those tractors ? They must not be a high theft item (says the once city girl)!

FWIW-that isn't that the key he gave us (that I lost in the field walking around complaining about the trash he left on the property that I have to clean up) looked like. But it seems like it will still fit.

Thanks for the help!

plowjockey · #6 11/30/11, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettyPaisley

HOLY COW! That one key fits ALL those tractors ? They must not be a high theft item (says the once city girl)!

FWIW-that isn't that the key he gave us (that I lost in the field walking around complaining about the trash he left on the property that I have to clean up) looked like. But it seems like it will still fit.

Thanks for the help!

Was it all metal and stamped FORD on it? If so those were the originals.

A monkey can probably hot-wire a tractor. The keys probably just kept little kids, from starting them. You did say you were boorn in the 70's, right ?

They are good tractors.

Callieslamb · #7 11/30/11, 08:43 PM

I think the make and model of our tractor - circa 1960 ford Workmaster - is on the inside of the hood - the one you lift up to find the gas tank.

PrettyPaisley · #8 11/30/11, 08:45 PM

I'm glad we chose to keep it. At the 11th hour he offered us a generator instead of the tractor. I slept on it but we ultimately decided a tractor almost as old was me would be worth more and used more-even if we are on a well. And even if it needs a facelift.

Yes, born in laaaate 1970. Just celebrated another anniversary of my 29th birthday.

HermitJohn · #9 11/30/11, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowjockey

The keys probably just kept little kids, from starting them..

Didnt ever have kids so thought never entered my head, but yea that would be about only reason and have to be stupid kid at that. Adults tend not to think about keys being so interchangable, kids will try it anyway and know what works more often than adults, at least if they live around the equipment, if its just a stray city kid passing through then maybe not.

And its not hard to find a universal key switch in Walmart or TSC or such for $4 or $5. Switch comes with set keys and probably more sophisticated key than they used in those old tractors. Just pop out the current switch and replace it with the universal one. I did that on some old tractor I had when original key switch went bad. I sure wast going to pay $40 to dealer for basically same thing.

FarmboyBill · #10 11/30/11, 09:52 PM

The newest tractor I have ever drove is a 1952 SC Case

Windy in Kansas · #11 11/30/11, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmBoyBill

The newest tractor I have ever drove is a 1952 SC Case

Compared to the ones of today that isn't even a tractor.

Guess my newest was a New Holland or Ford bought in 2000 for a highway construction project. Large articulated four wheel drive unit. I don't remember the model.

FarmboyBill · #12 11/30/11, 10:42 PM

Heck, the little mitsunsabishes, and kioties, and LIs, and little fords I see round here, that SC would pull any of them.

davel745 · #13 12/01/11, 06:04 AM

You could go to your local parts store and get a replacement key unit and wire it in and you will have your own key. I am sure it is simple project.

geo in mi · #14 12/01/11, 07:29 AM

Yesterday's Tractors is a handy site. it has a Ford Forum that you can use to get info. YT is the home page of their online parts ordering system.......http://www.ytmag.com/parts/

Look through the site and you will find other info as to where to find your serial number, too, and lots of discussions on your model....... This is good to have before you go to your NH dealer and get charged an outrageous sum for the same part......... BTW, if it isn't inside, get it under a tarp. Rain can get into the transmission if the gear shift doesn't have a good rubber boot on it.

And also, congratulations on your new farm.

geo

Allen W · #15 12/01/11, 10:13 AM

You would be surprised how many older tractors and other equipment simply took a lawn mower key.

FarmboyBill · #16 12/01/11, 11:02 AM

mine dont lol

FarmboyBill · #17 12/01/11, 11:03 AM

I agree with the posting about YT Forums. There invaluable to me. I have a posting now for help on my Case Carb and on my IHC Cub in the Farmall Forums.

fordy · #18 12/01/11, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrettyPaisley

So we promised the bank our souls for the next 30 years and they gave us the keys to our new place Tuesday morning.

The tractor is running, or it was, until the key went missing. And the former owners are not cooperating (not a surprise) so I'm needing help finding out what year and model number this machine is. It's old-almost as old as me (1973-1976) and is either a Ford 2000 or 3000. It's rusted and needs serious cosmetic help, but first I need a key.

Is there a place I can look on the tractor that will identify the year and model so I can figure out how to get a new key and find a manual on eBay or some place like that?

Thanks!

....................Remove the ignition switch and take it too a New Holland tractor dealer , they can probably help ! , fordy

KMA1 · #19 12/01/11, 11:54 AM

PrettyPaisley,

That is not really old for the tractors that used to be built. Particularly tractors used on smaller farms. I have a 1973 John Deere that I have used for the last 20 years on my farm and it will probably (hopefully) last me as long as I need one. Now I will not say that about the newer ones. And almost all makes of tractors used to have the same key for the maker, if they even had a key. Didn't expect people to steal things like that then. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Not a change for the the better.

wy_white_wolf · #20 12/01/11, 12:04 PM

Tractor data . com can help figuring out what model it is

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-trac...-tractors.html