The Ford 6000 Commander

Jul 21, 2016

Tips surrounding repair work on this tractor

IN THE SHOP with Rachel

The Ford 6000 Commander has a lot of horsepower and can be purchased for a rock-bottom price, but it is tricky to repair.

The Ford 6000 Commander was intended to replace the recalled Ford 6000. The 6000 was had a lot of mechanical problems and only produced from 1965-1967. After Ford recalled the tractor, it corrected the problems and re-released the model with a new designation. The Ford 6000 Commander is this re-release.

While Ford corrected the big mechanical issues with the Commander version of the Ford 6000, the tractor retained the Select-O-Speed transmission and the accumulator hydraulic system. Both of these features are difficult to repair.

The Select-O-Speed transmission was an early development of the hydrostatic transmission that allowed smooth shifting between gears during operation. Designers borrowed concepts from the automotive industry to make this transmission. The Select-o-Speed was a huge advance for the time.

Compared to modern transmissions, the shifting is not as smooth as you would expect. While this wouldn't be a big problem in a manual transmission (where you stop to change gears), it's an issue when you are still rolling along.

More significantly, the Select-O-Speed transmission very difficult to repair. When it breaks, the shrapnel is spread throughout the entire transmission. Each separate clutch pack must be replaced, and the valves that hold these clutch packs in place are tricky to install.

A second repair difficulty with the Ford 6000 Commander is the accumulator hydraulic system. The tractor's hydraulic system is equipped with a pressurized tank. This tank builds up to 1500 psi. At the touch of a button, the farmer can lift an implement out of even the most sticky soil, making the turn-around at the end of a row quick and efficient.

If you are repairing the hydraulic system on a 6000 Commander, be very careful! It is very important that you safely bleed off the pressure in a controlled way before beginning work on the system. Carefully inspect your hydraulic lines and hoses, and replace them at the first sign of wear. If you are not careful with maintenance, it could result in injury. While I’m a big fan of making repairs yourself, this one might be worth turning over to a qualified professional mechanic.

Video: Air Command Section Control for Pro-Force Spreaders

This patented section control system uses air to divert material on to different areas of the spinner disks for precise 4-section control, for an economical design by eliminating the need for added conveyor belts or movable spreader components. The section control uses the Raven RCM ISOBUS controller and a customer’s field boundary and coverage map to automatically turn off any of the four sections at any time to avoid applying valuable fertilizer in areas where it’s not needed.

This results in fertilizer savings which means more money in your pocket for a maximum Return On Investment. The powerful blower fan sends air through a 4-section manifold while the conveyor automatically speeds up or slows down as sections are turned on or off for consistent and precise fertilizer application.

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• The new Air Command section control option is available on pull-type models 2250 and 1850 with the new PTO drive system, and on 1450, 1250 and 1050 pull-type models with standard single hydraulics.

• Continue to do it all with the Unverferth pull-type Pro-Force Spreader. Use the Air Command section control for spreading fertilizer and in-seeding applications, while converting to single-section lime or litter application in a matter of minute