FIVE GRAND FORD

the Nebraska-rated PTO power of the 5000 was nearly the same as the 6000 as well. Well, four equals six in this case, eh?

Two gearboxes were offered in the 5000, an 8-speed mechanical unit (four gears in the main transmission with a two-speed range box) or the 10-speed Select-o-speed (S-O-S). The S-O-S was a clutchless, planetary-gear transmission that was shifted hydraulically. It had some quirks when introduced in 1959, but by the late ’60s S-O-S was a reliable unit and continued in production through 1975. An effective mechanical diff lock was standard, as was power steering on the wide front tractors.

Cabs were available for the 5000 models but are rarely seen in the United States. ROPS appeared on the 5000 in the early ’70s and a canopy could be added to it. Generally speaking, both versions of the Ford 5000 were well laid out and comfortable units. The 5000 models were produced into late 1975 and replaced by the updated and restyled 70hp 6600, which was a natural evolution in the same general weight class. The Select-o-speed option was replaced by a 16-speed powershift gearbox. The 5000 was one of the most popular Ford models of its era, both here and overseas. In fact, it was one of the best-selling Ford models ever in Britain.

The 5000 is both a collectible tractor and one that is still viable out in the field. Because all the Thousand Series tractors were so interchangeable and popular, parts are still widely available from New Holland and the aftermarket. The Thousand Series are some of the best-known tractors worldwide and are commonly seen across the globe. In the ’90s, when New Holland replaced the designs that had evolved from the Thousand Series with completely new units, they sold off the old-school designs and tooling in the ’90s and Thousand Series progeny lived on under new nameplates… and still do.