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FW-30

Ford FW-30

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The Ford FW-30 is a large, articulated 4WD tractor that was manufactured by Ford in collaboration with Steiger from 1977 to 1982. It features a powerful Cummins 8-cylinder, 903 cubic inch liquid-cooled diesel engine capable of producing 265 horsepower. With its robust design and 20 forward and 4 reverse gears, this tractor was likely used for a variety of heavy-duty farming operations. The tractor stands out with its significant ground clearance of 12 inches and a weight of 31,310 lbs, which speaks to its substantial build. The large tires, both front and rear measuring 38 inches in diameter and 18.4 inches in width, contribute to its effective traction and stability in challenging field conditions. The Ford FW-30 also provides comfortable operation with a cab-style operator station and power steering. Overall, this model reflects the characteristics of powerful, durable, and reliable machinery designed for extensive agricultural work or other large-scale tasks.

Key Specifications

Category: Utility, Four-Wheel Drive

Power Output: 265

Transmission: Manual

Drive Type: 4WD

Operating Weight: 31,310

Fuel Type: diesel

Ford FW-30 vs. Similar Tractors

Power Output

Excellent

Greater than 94% of similar tractors.

Operating Weight

Poor

Greater than 7% of similar tractors.

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: Cummins
Model: -
Cooling Type: liquid-cooled
Cylinder Orientation: V-8
Valve Configuration: -
Fuel Type: diesel
Induction Type: Natural
Cylinders: 8
Displacement (ci): 903
Bore (in): 5.5
Stroke (in): 4.75
Rated RPM: 2600
Power Output (hp): 265

Transmission

Type: Manual
Forward Gears: -
Reverse Gears: -
Total Gears: 20 forward and 4 reverse

Dimensions

Length (in): 267
Width (in): -
Height (in): Height (hood): 94.3, Height (cab): 134.3
Operating Weight (lb): 31,310

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type: -
PTO Speed 1 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 2 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 3 (rpm): -

Miscellaneous

Chassis: 4x4 articulated 4WD
Drive Type: 4WD
Steering Type: articulated power
Coolant Capacity (qts): 67.6
Front Tire Diameter (in): 38
Front Tire Width (in): 18.4
Rear Tire Diameter (in): 38
Rear Tire Width (in): 18.4
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Agricultural
Manufacture - End Year: 1982
Hitch Type: Three-Point Hitch
Hitch Category: Category 3
Hitch Position: Rear
Hitch Capacity (lb): -
Operator Station Type: Cab
Starter Type: 12 volts
Brake Type: -
Hydraulic System Type: open center

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: September 25 to October 14, 1978

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power: 15.022 Gal/hr (56.863 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.490 lb/hp.hr (0.298 kg/kW.h)
Fuel Consumption at Rated PTO HP (Full Throttle): 10.914 Gal/hr (41.315 l/h) at 2766 rpm
Fuel Consumption at Rated PTO HP (Minimum Throttle): 9.351 Gal/hr (35.396 l/h) at 2357 rpm

Drawbar Performance (FW-30)

Maximum Power at Drawbar: 212.68 HP (158.60 kW) in 9th Gear with a drawbar pull of 13638 lbs (60.66 kN) and a speed of 5.85 mph (9.41 km/h)
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power: 15.022 Gal/hr (56.863 l/h), fuel efficiency of 0.490 lb/hp.hr (0.298 kg/kW.h) with a power output of 14.16 Hp.hr/gal (2.789 kW.h/l)

Hydraulic Performance

Pump Delivery Rate: Not explicitly stated in selected data

Torque and Engine Performance

Maximum Torque: Not explicitly stated in selected data
Rated Engine Speed: 2600 rpm

Sound Levels

Sound Level at Maximum Available Power: 77.0 dB(A)
Sound Level at 75% Pull at Maximum Power: 78.5 dB(A)
Sound Level at 50% Pull at Maximum Power: 79.0 dB(A)

NTTL.(1978).Nebraska OECD Tractor test 1288 for Ford FW-30 Diesel. Lincoln, NE:Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/1607