The Ford 5600, manufactured from 1975 to 1981, is a robust and versatile row-crop tractor renowned for its dependability. Powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine, it offers reliable performance for various agricultural tasks. With multiple transmission options and durable construction, the 5600 caters to a wide range of farming needs. Owners appreciate its ease of maintenance and availability of parts, ensuring longevity with proper care. While some users note limitations in hydraulic flow for loader work and occasional PTO brake wear, the Ford 5600 remains a popular choice for its straightforward design and ability to handle demanding operations effectively.
Overview
Model
“Ford 5600”
Years
“1975 – 1981”
Type
“Row-Crop tractor”
Manufacturer
“Ford”
Original Price (1981)
“$26,000”
Engine
Engine Options
“Ford 3.8L 4-cylinder diesel, Ford 4.2L 4-cylinder diesel”
Displacement (3.8L)
“233 ci (3.8 L)”
Bore/Stroke
“4.20 x 4.20 inches (107 x 107 mm)”
Power (Gross)
“69 hp (51.5 kW)”
Power (Net)
“65 hp (48.5 kW)”
Air Cleaner
“Oil bath”
Compression
“16.3:1”
Rated RPM
“2100”
Torque
“182 lb-ft (246.8 Nm) @ 1400 RPM”
Starter Volts
“12”
Oil Capacity
“9 qts (8.5 L)”
Coolant Capacity
“13 qts (12.3 L)”
Displacement (4.2L)
“256 ci (4.2 L)”
Description (4.2L)
“Blue Power Special (1981 only) with performance similar to the 5610”
Transmission
Transmission Options
“Dual-Power two-speed power shift, Gear transmission”
Type (Dual-Power)
“Two-speed power shift”
Gears (Dual-Power)
“16 forward and 4 reverse”
Clutch (Dual-Power)
“Dry disc”
Type (Gear)
“Gear”
Gears (Gear)
“8 forward and 2 reverse”
Clutch (Gear)
“Dry disc”
Power
Engine (Gross)
“69 hp (51.5 kW)”
Engine (Net)
“65 hp (48.5 kW)”
PTO (Claimed)
“60.5 hp (45.1 kW)”
Drawbar (Tested)
“50.09 hp (37.4 kW)”
PTO (Tested)
“60.49 hp (45.1 kW)”
Mechanical
Chassis
“Two- or four-wheel drive”
Final Drives
“Inboard planetary”
Differential Lock
“Mechanical rear”
Steering
“Power steering”
Brakes
“Mechanical wet disc”
Operator Station
“Open, with optional two-post ROPS or cab (available with heat and air-conditioning)”
Capacity
Fuel Capacity
“20 gal (75.7 L), 19 gal (71.9 L), 13 gal (49.2 L)”
Hydraulics
Type
“Open center”
Pressure
“2100 psi (144.8 bar)”
Valves
“1 or 2”
Pump Flow
“9.7 gpm (36.7 lpm)”
Tractor Hitch
Rear Type
“II”
Control
“Top-link draft sensing”
Rear Lift
“3340 lbs (1515 kg)”
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO
“Independent”
Rear PTO Type
“540 (1.375 inches)”
Optional PTO
“540/1000”
Engine RPM
“540 @ 1900”
Dimensions
Wheelbase
“87.5 inches (222 cm)”
Length
“141.6 inches (359 cm)”
Width
“72.2 inches (183 cm)”
Clearance (Front Axle)
“18 inches (45 cm)”
Front Tread
“52.5 to 80.5 inches (133 to 204 cm)”
Rear Tread
“52 to 80 inches (132 to 203 cm), 66 to 90 inches (167 to 228 cm)”
Weight
Shipping Weight
“5475 lbs (2483 kg)”
Open Station Weight
“5905 lbs (2678 kg)”
Cab Weight
“7310 lbs (3315 kg)”
Height
Hood
“60.9 inches (154 cm)”
Cab
“106.6 inches (270 cm)”
Exhaust
“108.6 inches (275 cm)”
Tires
Ag Front
“7.50-16”
Ag Rear
“16.9-30”
Attachments
Front-End Loader
“Available”
Electrical
Ground
“Negative”
Charging System
“Alternator”
Charging Amps
“32 (51 optional)”
Battery Volts
“12”
Battery AH
“128”
Serial Numbers
1975
“C450700”
1976
“C490300”
1977
“C527300”
1978
“C560500”
1979
“C595800”
1980
“C635700”
1981
“C660700”
Ford 5600 Overview
The Ford 5600, produced from 1975 to 1981, is a reliable and versatile row-crop tractor known for its durability and efficiency. Equipped with a 4.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine, it delivers approximately 69 horsepower, making it suitable for various agricultural tasks. The tractor offers multiple transmission options, including an 8-speed gear and a 16-speed Dual-Power two-speed power shift, providing operators with flexibility in different working conditions. Its robust build and straightforward mechanics have earned it a reputation as a dependable workhorse on farms.
Owners appreciate the Ford 5600 for its reliability and ease of maintenance. Many report that, with proper care, these tractors can operate efficiently for decades. The tractor’s design allows for relatively simple repairs, and parts are generally accessible, contributing to its longevity. However, some users have noted that the hydraulic flow may be limited for loader applications relying solely on the rear axle-mounted hydraulic pump. Additionally, the gear ratios in reverse can be less than ideal, with low reverse being too slow and high reverse too fast for certain tasks.
Common issues reported by owners include smoking upon startup, which typically diminishes as the engine warms up, and potential wear in the power take-off (PTO) brake, especially if used extensively with large mowers lacking an overrunning clutch. Despite these concerns, the Ford 5600 remains a favored choice among farmers seeking a dependable and straightforward tractor for various agricultural operations.
