Ford 3000 4 Wheel Drive Tractor 1972

The Ford 3000 series was part of the 1000 series of tractors first launched in 1964.  The range was produced for World-wide markets at Antwerp, Highland Park U.S.A. and in the U.K. at a new factory at Basildon Essex.  Initial versions were the 2000 rated at 37 h.p. the 3000, 46 h.p. and the 4000, 55 h.p. all were powered by three cylinder direct injection engines.  The 5000 versions used a four cylinder 65 h.p. direct injection unit.  An optional and novel feature of the range from the 3000 and above was Select-O-Speed transmission.  Ten forward and two reverse gears could selected without the use of a clutch by the means of a small single lever.  The transmission allowed the driver to move from forward gear to reverse without stopping the tractor, while this feature was often used to demonstrate the flexibility of the system, it was much abused to such an extent that the epicyclic gear unit failed.  The unit was perhaps ahead of it's time, dealers were not usually able to repair the units quickly or satisfactorily, the unit soon gained a reputation for poor reliability and was withdrawn as an option.