This tractor is a modern classic and an excellent buy
IN THE SHOP with Rachel
By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com
This week in the shop, my dad and I are fixing up a Ford-New Holland 4630. It’s a great tractor that I’m delighted to share with you.
First, a note on the model designation. Over the years, the tractor was sold as both the “Ford 4630” and as the “Ford-New Holland 4630.” It’s the exact same tractor under the hood, just a different sticker.
This tractor was produced from 1990 to 1999, with a big change halfway through production. The tractor started out with a naturally-aspirating 201 ci diesel engine. It’s an excellent, reliable engine.
Things got really fun, though, in 1995 when Ford-New Holland switched to a turbocharged 192 ci diesel engine.
What makes this turbocharge so fun is the fact that you can turn it on and off as needed. So when you’re pulling a wagon around or doing other light chores, you can turn the turbo off and benefit from the solid fuel efficiency of the regular diesel engine. When you need extra power, though, you can turn the turbo on and get a huge horsepower boost. It’s like having two tractors in one.
This excellent engine is paired with a time-tested Ford platform. The underlying frame and rear end are a rock solid, proven design. This model is easy to work on, but you probably won’t need to do much – and that’s a good thing.
The 4630 that we’re working on had an unfortunate run-in with some very hungry mice, who burrowed their way under the hood and gnawed at the wiring. (This problem is a danger to all tractors – don’t forget to set some traps in your barn this winter!) I’ll get the 4630 fixed up as good as new with some help from my dad, a licensed electrician. While I usually try to sell tractors as soon as I’m done fixing them, this is one that I want to keep around for a while.