History of the Ford 4000

The 6X line-up initially consisted of the Ford 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 tractors, and replaced the ageing Dexta, Super Dexta and Super Major models.

For a brief period, the new tractors retained the model designations of their predecessors as their branding was so strong among the farming community. The 4000, therefore, carried the ‘Major’ name to reinforce its link with its well-respected predecessor.

Like its siblings, the Ford 4000 sported modern straight-line styling and had a new blue and white colour scheme. The 6X ‘Pre-Force’ version of the tractor can be easily distinguished from later models by its bonnet louvres and ‘wraparound’ front grille. The headlights of US specification tractors were mounted on each side of the front cowl as opposed to inside the main grille as was the case with their British counterparts.

The Ford 4000 was fitted with a 55hp three-cylinder diesel engine. A petrol variant was optional, and to reduce costs across the range, the engines shared many components such as pistons, etc. Due to its larger cylinder bore, the Ford 4000 was harder to start than the old Super Major, and it was also quite loud in operation. Early 6X tractors also suffered from a range of mechanical problems due to insufficient component testing.

The 4000’s engine was mated to either an eight-speed manual high/low gearbox or a 10-speed ‘Select-O-Speed’ unit which provided clutch-less gear changes.

This transmission was quickly dubbed ‘Jerk-O-Matic’ given its delayed reactions and subsequently sudden gear changes! The manual gearbox was the same as that fitted to the smaller Ford 3000.

The new tractor was fitted with a Plessey hydraulic pump and had draft, position and flow control. Inboard disc brakes were fitted as standard, while a pick-up hitch and power assisted steering were optional extras. The 6Y ‘Force’ tractor range was introduced in April 1968. The tractors featured revised styling with a new bonnet and front grille design, together with a range of engine, transmission and hydraulic system-related improvements.

The power output of the Ford 4000 increased to 62hp as a result of the engine’s modified cylinder head and fuel injection system.

From September 1970, all tractors sold in Britain had to be fitted with safety cabs by law. The cab fitted to the Ford 4000 consisted of a steel box-section frame and metal panels. The ‘deluxe’ version had a glass as opposed to flexible rear window. The Ford 4000 ‘Force’ tractor was replaced by the 4600 when the new ‘600 Series’ range was launched at the Royal Smithfield Show in December 1975.

Visually, the new tractor was not vastly different in appearance to its predecessor, save for a black front grille and a larger exhaust silencer. However, several modifications were made to the tractor’s engine which now ran more efficiently and had lower emission levels.

Following the introduction of further regulations in 1976 which specified that the internal sound rating of tractor cabs should be no higher than 90db(A), Ford introduced their Q-cab which was subsequently fitted to the Ford 4600.

The Ford 4000 represented very good value at the time of its launch, hence the tractor’s popularity. County Commercial Cars Ltd built a four-wheel drive conversion of the model known as the County 4000-Four, while a row-crop version was also available.

Ford 4000s are relatively inexpensive to restore because of their simple design and the wide range of reproduction parts currently available for the tractor. Given their rarity, ‘Select-O-Speed’ versions are now the most sought-after among classic tractor enthusiasts.

-Robert Kierans