1967 Ford 4500 Tractor Deep-Dive

[MikePhua]

Background and Model Significance
The Ford 4500 is a mid-60s industrial / agricultural tractor built roughly between 1965 and 1975. It belongs to Ford’s “Force” series (sometimes called the 6× series) which replaced older 2000/3000 style tractors in many markets. These tractors bridged the gap between small utility tractors and heavy work machines. They were popular both in industrial applications (e.g. loader or backhoe duty) and on farms.
The Ford 4500’s backhoe and loader attachments made it more versatile than many contemporaries. It saw widespread use in North America, particularly in the United States. While exact production numbers are harder to pin down, numerous units from that period remain in operation. Vintage tractor shows often feature well-restored 4500s, and lots of them have been kept in working condition by hobbyists and small contractors.

Technical Specifications
Here are the major specs of the 4500 (mid-1960s / 1967 onward):

• Engine & Power
  • 3-cylinder diesel or gasoline options (diesel being preferred for torque).
    
  • Displacement approx 201 cubic inches (≈ 3.3 liters).
    
• Hydraulic System
  • Open-center hydraulics.
    
  • Pump flow approx 26.6 gallons per minute (≈ 100.7 liters per minute) on industrial variants.
    
• Power Take-Off & Hitch
  • Rear hitch classified as Category II.
    
  • PTO is rear; in many models, the standard PTO is transmission-driven; some had optional independent PTO.
    
• Transmission Options
  The tractor came with multiple transmission configurations:
  • Mechanical shuttle with 6 forward / 4 reverse ratios.
    
  • Full power shift version: 10 forward / 2 reverse.
    
  • Power shuttle versions (4 forward/reverse) and dual range gearboxes also appear in some configurations.
    
• Dimensions & Weight
  • Wheelbase: ~ 79.4 inches (≈ 201 cm).
    
  • Weight depends on configuration:
    • Basic industrial tractor: ~ 4,510 lbs (≈ 2,045 kg)
    • Loader variant: with added counterweight, may run ~ 7,200-7,300 lbs (≈ 3,280-3,300 kg) when loader is installed.
    
  • Clearance, width, height approximate:
    • Front tire sizes: common are industrial fronts like 7.50-16; rears often 16.9-24 or similar.
    • Minimum width ~ 70.5 in (~ 179 cm) ℴf tractor alone.
    

Common Issues & Maintenance Insights
Based on user experience, here are frequent trouble spots and their solutions:

• Backhoe / Loader Cylinder Drift
  The lifting arms or loader often drift downward when under load. This is often caused by:
  • Worn or damaged cylinder piston seals.
    
  • Leaks or internal bypass in the hydraulic cylinder.
    
  Suggested fix: reseal the cylinder. If resealing does not solve it, inspect the control valve.
  
• Control Valve & Linkage Binding
  Because many models use open-center hydraulic systems with control towers, the control tower valve spools or levers may bind. Specifically:
  • Shafts and linkages may corrode (especially in exposed environments).
    
  • Shafts often have little or no lubrication; prolonged exposure to weather causes more binding.
    
  Accessing the valve can be difficult: removal of the backhoe or cutting out a section of the floor above the valve is sometimes necessary.
  
• Parts Availability
  Spare hard parts are often scarce. Because of transitions in brand ownership (Ford → New Holland → Case), many original spares are no longer produced, or are expensive. Manuals are rare; dealer service books cost a lot when they appear.
  

Attachments & Performance
Some of the common attachments and their performance values:

• 740 Loader
  • Lift at pin: ~ 3,750 lbs (≈ 1,701 kg) in full-capacity configuration.
    
  • Bucket width ~ 71.5 inches (≈ 181 cm).
    
• Backhoes
  Two common models: Ford 753 and Ford 755.
  • Ford 753:
    • Weight approx 2,800 lbs (≈ 1,275 kg)
    • Digging depth ~ 164 in (≈ 4.16 m)
    • Bucket rotation ~ 194°; swing arc ~ 185°
    
  • Ford 755:
    • Slightly different geometry: digging depth ~ 184 in (≈ 4.67 m)
    • Transport height (when folded) ~ 135 in (≈ 3.42 m)
    

Real-World Advice & Small Story
A farmer in Indiana working a 1967 Ford 4500 backhoe complained that the loader lifted fine, but slowly drifted downward when holding in position under load. Investigation showed the hydraulic cylinder lift (loader) was leaking internally past a worn seal. The farmer ordered replacement seal kit, pulled cylinder, replaced three rings (seal, wear ring, scraper ring), cleaned inside of the barrel, reassembled. Afterward, loader held position properly. He also cleaned & re-lubricated control valve linkage shafts (which had been rusted and stiff). Performance improved not only in holding loads but also in responsiveness.
In another case, someone found that transmission shifting in their 4500 had become sloppy over years; part of the issue was wearing out of the shuttle-gear linkage and low fluid in the gearbox. After replacing worn linkage parts and topping off proper fluid, shifting sharpened noticeably.

Recommendations for Owners & Restorers

• Before buying one, inspect hydraulic cylinders for leaks and drift. Lift arms should hold under load.
  
• Ensure control valve spools return to neutral cleanly—check linkages, clevises, shafts, lubrication.
  
• Get the correct service manual if possible, even if expensive; original manuals or dealer books often have diagrams not in generic "tractor guides".
  
• Maintain fluid cleanliness—hydraulic fluid, transmission oil. Old or contaminated fluid can worsen drift, sluggish response, or valve sticking.
  
• Use correct tires (industrial vs agricultural) depending on usage; mismatched tires affect stability under loader/backhoe loads.
  
• For safety, check that ROPS (rollover protection structure) is intact; many older units had optional ROPS or aftermarket updates.
  

Conclusion
The 1967 Ford 4500 is a rugged, versatile tractor for its era. Its strengths include strong attachments (740 loader, 753/755 backhoe), decent hydraulic flow, and adaptability for industrial or farm use. Common nuisances like cylinder seal leakage, valve binding, or wear on linkage parts are often fixable with patience, correct parts, and good hydraulic maintenance. For those who restore or operate these tractors, understanding their specs and weakness can mean the difference between a tractor that drifts and one that holds up solid under load for generations.