Ford 641 Tractor

Manufacturer Ford
Price 3,096(USD)
Model 641
Equipment Type Utility Tractors
Factory Highland Park, Michigan, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 642 2

Description Gasoline 12-speed 2WD March 20 - 31, 1958 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 642 file Drawbar performance/Gear 5 used for power test. Gear 1 used for pull test
Belt power (max) 33.65hp / 25.1kW
Belt fuel use (max) 3.4gal/hour 12.9l/hour
Max power 29.82hp / 22.2kW
Max pull 4,101lbs / 1860kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 686 2

Description Diesel 12-speed 2WD March 11 - 18, 1959 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 686 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 5 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test
Power at rated engine speed 31.78hp / 23.7kW
Fuel use 2.3gal / hour/ 8.7l / hour
Power at rated PTO speed 25.29hp / 18.9kW
Max power 29.33hp / 21.9kW
Max pull 4,230lbs / 1918kg

FORD 641 POWER

Engine (gross) 48.4hp / 36.1kW
Belt (claimed) 32hp / 23.9kW
Plows 2 (14-inch)
Drawbar (tested) 29.82hp / 22.2kW
PTO (tested) 31.78hp / 23.7kW
Belt (tested) 33.65hp / 25.1kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The Ford 641 tractor, equipped with a choice of 2.2L gasoline, 2.4L diesel, or 2.2L LP gas engines, provides versatility for various agricultural tasks. The gasoline variant offers quicker starts and lower initial costs; however, the diesel engine delivers superior fuel efficiency and torque for heavy-duty tasks, making it ideal for larger operations. The LP gas option can benefit from cleaner emissions but may require access to specific fueling infrastructure, which could be a limitation based on location.

Description Ford 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline Ford 2.4L 4-cyl diesel Ford 2.2L 4-cyl LP gas

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The Ford 641 tractor features a 2.2L EAE Red Tiger engine, delivering 48.4 hp at 2200 RPM with a robust torque of 126.8 lb-ft at 1600 RPM, making it suitable for various farming tasks. Its oil bath air cleaner system enhances engine longevity in dusty environments, while a relatively low compression ratio of 7.5:1 indicates the engine is optimized for reliability over high performance. However, with Tier 0 emissions, it lacks modern environmental standards, which could limit its use in certain regions with strict regulations.

Description Ford EAE Red Tiger gasoline 4-cylinder 8-valve liquid-cooled vertical inline
Displacement 134ci / 2.2L
Bore/Stroke 3.4375x3.60inches / 87 x 91mm
Emissions Tier 0
Power (gross) 48.4hp / 36.1kW
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 7.5:1
Rated RPM 2200
Torque 126.8 lb-ft / 171.9Nm
Torque RPM 1600
Firing order 1-2-4-3
Starter volts 6
Coolant capacity 15qts / 14.2L
Sparkplug 14MM
Sparkplug gap 0.025inches / 0.635mm (min) / 0.028 inches / 0.711mm (max)

ENGINE OIL

The Ford 641 tractor has an oil capacity of 5 quarts (4.7 liters), necessitating regular maintenance to ensure optimal engine performance. An oil change interval of every 100 hours is crucial to prevent wear and extend engine life, especially under heavy load conditions. Neglecting this maintenance could lead to decreased efficiency and potential engine damage over time.

Oil capacity 5qts / 4.7L
Oil change 100 h

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The Ford 641 tractor features a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a high compression ratio of 16.8:1, enabling efficient fuel combustion and torque delivery at rated RPM of 2200, making it suitable for various agricultural tasks. With a gross power output of 42.7 hp, it provides adequate performance for medium-duty applications; however, its maintenance costs may increase due to the oil bath air cleaner design. Overall, the choice of a liquid-cooled system enhances durability, though potential challenges include ensuring proper coolant maintenance to prevent overheating in demanding situations.

Description Ford diesel 4-cylinder 8-valve liquid-cooled vertical inline
Displacement 144ci / 2.4L
Bore/Stroke 3.562x3.60inches / 90 x 91mm
Power (gross) 42.7hp / 31.8kW
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 16.8:1
Rated RPM 2200
Firing order 1-2-4-3
Starter volts 12

ENGINE DETAIL 3

The Ford 641 tractor features a 2.2L EAE Red Tiger LP gas engine, offering moderate power efficiency with a low compression ratio of 7.5:1, making it suitable for lighter agricultural applications. Its 2200 RPM rated speed is ideal for typical farm tasks, but may limit high-speed operations. The 6-volt starter system can pose challenges in colder climates, necessitating potential upgrades for reliable starting performance.

Description Ford EAE Red Tiger LP gas 4-cylinder 8-valve liquid-cooled vertical inline
Displacement 134ci / 2.2L
Bore/Stroke 3.4375x3.60inches / 87 x 91mm
Compression 7.5:1
Rated RPM 2200
Firing order 1-2-4-3
Starter volts 6

FORD 641 ENGINES

The Ford 641 tractor is equipped with a versatile engine lineup, including a 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline engine, a 2.4L 4-cyl diesel, and a 2.2L 4-cyl LP gas option, allowing for flexibility in fuel type based on operator preference and availability. The gasoline engine offers quick start-ups and smooth operation, while the diesel variant provides better fuel efficiency and torque for heavy-duty tasks. However, the availability of LP gas may limit refueling options, making the gasoline or diesel models more practical for long-term usage scenarios.

Description Ford 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline Ford 2.4L 4-cyl diesel Ford 2.2L 4-cyl LP gas

TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW

The Ford 641 tractor features a 4-speed unsynchronized gearbox, which enables straightforward shifting but can lead to gear grinding if not timed carefully. The 12-speed unsynchronized transmission provides greater versatility and allows for better fine-tuning of speed and torque for various agricultural tasks but may require more operator skill to manage. Operators should consider the trade-off between ease of use with the 4-speed versus the expanded functionality of the 12-speed in applications like tilling or hauling.

Description 4-speed unsynchronized gear 12-speed unsynchronized gear

TRANSMISSION 1

The Ford 641 tractor features an unsynchronized transmission with 4 forward and 1 reverse gear, which may result in less smooth shifting compared to synchronized gear systems, particularly under heavy load conditions. With an oil capacity of 6 quarts (5.7L) and recommending SAE 80 Mild EP, proper lubrication is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Ideal for light to moderate agricultural tasks, the simplicity of this model can be a pro for users seeking reliability, but the gear limitations may present challenges in more demanding scenarios.

Manufacturer Ford
Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 4 forward and 1 reverse
Oil capacity 6qts / 5.7L / SAE 80 Mild EP

TRANSMISSION 2

The Ford 641 tractor features an unsynchronized 12-speed transmission with a mechanical over/under, enhancing torque management and operational versatility. The dry disc clutch provides reliability but may require precise operation to prevent wear. This setup is ideal for diverse agricultural tasks, balancing power with flexibility, but may pose challenges for novice operators due to the lack of synchronizers.

Manufacturer Ford
Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 12 forward and 3 reverse
Clutch dry disc
Description The 12-speed adds a mechanical over under to the basic four-speed transmission.

MECHANICAL

The Ford 641 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, providing simplicity and ease of maintenance, though it may limit traction on uneven terrain. The optional power assist steering enhances maneuverability, particularly beneficial in tight working conditions; however, the manual steering may be less desirable for prolonged use. Its 4-speed and optional 12-speed unsynchronized transmissions offer versatility in speed selection, important for varying field activities, but may require skill in gear shifting.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Steering manual/power assist optional
Brakes differential mechanical expanding shoe
Cab Open operator station.
Transmissions 4-speed unsynchronized gear 12-speed unsynchronized gear

CAPACITY

Fuel 13gal / 49.2L
Hydraulic system 2gal / 7.6L
Rear axle 8qts / 7.6L

HYDRAULICS

Capacity 2gal / 7.6L
Total flow 4gpm / 15.1lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Rear Type I
Rear lift 1,250lbs / 567kg

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear PTO transmission
Rear RPM 540

FORD 641 TIRES

The Ford 641 features a versatile tire size configuration with 5.50-16 front tires and 11-28 rear tires, offering a balance of traction and maneuverability in various agricultural applications. The larger rear tires enhance stability and load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for heavier implements and rough terrain. However, the smaller front tires may limit flotation in muddy conditions, which could be a challenge during wet weather operations.

Ag front 5.50-16
Ag rear 11-28

DIMENSIONS

Operating weight 3,291lbs / 1492kg
Ballasted weight 5,523lbs / 2505kg
Front tread 52 to 80inches / 132 to 203cm
Rear tread 52 to 76inches / 132 to 193cm

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The Ford 641 tractor, weighing 3,291 lbs (1,492 kg), is optimized for both maneuverability and stability, thanks to its tire configurations: 5.50-16 in the front and 11-28 in the rear. This setup provides effective traction for various terrains, but the relatively narrow front tires may limit handling in muddy or loose conditions. Ideal for small to medium-sized farming operations, the 641 offers a good balance of power and weight, making it suitable for tillage, mowing, and other versatile agricultural tasks.

Weight 3,291lbs / 1492kg
Front tire 5.50-16
Rear tire 11-28

FORD 711 LOADER

Loader weight 593lbs / 268kg
Height (to pin) 126inches / 320cm
Clearance, dumped bucket 80inches / 203cm
Dump reach 36.1inches / 91cm
Clearance, level bucket 96inches / 243cm
Breakout force (at pin) 2500lbs / 1134kg
Lift to full height (at pin) 1000lbs / 453kg

641 SERIAL NUMBERS

Location Transmission case, top left, behind the starter.
1957 1001
1958 11977
1959 58312
1960 105943
1961 131427
1962 155531

ELECTRICAL

Ground positive (6V)/negative (12V)
Charging system generator
Charging amps 20
Battery volts 6 (gas/lp)/12 (diesel)
Battery AH 80 (6V)/135 (12V)


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

Comments

No comment yet