Ford 1700 2wd

[jed1124]

Ive been looking for a small tractor to brush hog about 3 acres and do small jobs around the property. I found a Ford 1700 in excellent condition. I would like to run a 5’ rotary on it.
This one has about 1750 hours on it. The guy is asking $4500. I don’t think I’d be willing to pay more than $3500.
Does anyone have any experience with these small tractors, good or bad?

 

[FergusonTO35]

Nothing wrong with the 1700, but for that price you could get a very nice Ford 2000 or Ferguson 135. Parts will be alot cheaper too.

 

[longleaf]

I agree around hear you could get a 245 Massey for that which would be a lot more capable. But if you have three acres you may need a smaller tractor which doesn’t always mean cheaper. That would still be pretty steep in our area. I would see if I could find comparable prices in your area and parts. i don’t have much experience with them but there are a lot of fords that size still running out there.

 

[FergusonTO35]

According to Tractor Data, the 1700 seiries were made by Shibaura in Japan. So, they should be top quality. Our new MF 2706 has a Shibaura engine and it's pretty sweet. 1750 is pretty low hours for a 30-40 year old tractor. If it is a really clean example and everything works, I wouldn't call $4500 a rip-off, just a little high for what it is.

I use my 1955 Ferguson TO-35 in the yard and it's about as nimble as anything out there. Paid $3400.00 for it in 2007 with new paint and decals. In typical worn but useful condition these and the near twin Ford NAA fetch around 2500.00. Quite often you can get them as a package deal with some implements for that price. The Ford N series is almost as small as the Japanese compacts, and parts are plentiful and cheap for them.

 

[jed1124]

Thanks guys. That’s kinda my thought. The thing just seems so small. I ran an 8n for years. My fear is that it might be less of a tractor than my old 8n which like you guys said are a dime a dozen and parts are plentiful.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I would guess their capabilities are pretty similar. Japanese farms tend to be small and with an irregular layout compared to ours, hence their tractors are designed to be small and light. Another thing to consider is, would you prefer gas or diesel?

 

[longleaf]

The old gas burners are fine if you don’t use them much. I have a few for fun. They last forever but just aren’t as user friendly if you use them everyday. For everyday use a more modern diesel with power steering can’t be beat.

 

[FergusonTO35]

The problem with the gas tractors is, none have been made for the last 30 or 40 years. I think a tractor with a modern EFI gas engine would do really well, although convincing people to buy it would be another thing entirely.

 

[bowtechmadman]

Late to the party but just curious what you ended up doing on the 1700? I have a 1600 and it's been a great tractor for what it is. Definitely, a Shibaura they sip fuel and I have never had an issue finding parts.