| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Price | 56,500(USD) |
| Model | 8730 |
| Equipment Type | Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory | Antwerp, Belgium |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 1516 2
| Description | Diesel 16-speed 2WD April 25 - May 15, 1984 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 1516 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 5L used for power test Gear 2L used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed | 140.68hp / 104.9kW |
| Fuel use | 9.0gal/hour / 34.1l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed | 135.70hp / 101.2kW |
| Max power | 124.84hp / 93.1kW |
| Max pull | 15,614lbs / 7082kg |
FORD 8730 POWER
| PTO (claimed) | 140hp / 104.4kW |
| Drawbar (tested) | 124.84hp / 93.1kW |
| PTO (tested) | 140.68hp / 104.9kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The Ford 8730 tractor features a robust turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel engine with a large displacement of 6.6L, providing substantial torque that is beneficial for heavy-duty agricultural applications. With a compression ratio of 15.6:1 and operating at a rated RPM of 2200, this engine is optimized for efficiency and power, though it requires careful maintenance of valve clearances (0.014-0.016 inches for intake and 0.017-0.019 inches for exhaust) to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the liquid-cooled system (22 quarts capacity) supports effective heat management during prolonged operation, making it suitable for demanding tasks while highlighting the importance of regular coolant checks to prevent overheating.
| Description | Ford turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 401ci / 6.6L |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.40x4.40inches / 112x 112mm |
| Compression | 15.6:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Coolant capacity | 22qts / 20.8L 23.6qts / 22.3L (with heater) |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.014-0.016inches / 0.356mm (cold) |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017-0.019inches / 0.432mm (cold) |
ENGINE OIL
The Ford 8730 tractor has an oil capacity of 19.6 quarts (18.5 liters), which allows for adequate lubrication and cooling of the engine components during operation. Maintaining the proper oil level is crucial for optimal performance and longevity, and using high-quality oil can enhance engine efficiency. Be mindful of regular oil changes to prevent wear and potential engine damage, particularly in demanding agricultural tasks.
| Oil capacity | 19.6qts / 18.5L |
FORD 8730 ENGINE
The Ford 8730 tractor features a robust 6.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, delivering strong torque and fuel efficiency, which is ideal for heavy-duty agricultural applications. Its durability and power output can enhance productivity in demanding tasks, but the engine's complexity may require specialized maintenance expertise. Ensure compatibility with appropriate implements, as the tractor’s horsepower makes it suitable for a wide range of farming operations.
| Description | Ford 6.6L 6-cyl diesel |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Ford 8730 features an 18-speed transmission, providing enhanced torque management and flexibility for various field applications, allowing for smoother operation under varying load conditions. This tractor's 16-speed and 8-speed options may offer simplicity and reduced maintenance, but could limit adaptability to diverse agricultural tasks. Ideal for large-scale farming, the 18-speed transmission presents a significant advantage in efficiency and fuel consumption over longer working hours.
| Description | 18-speed 16-speed 8-speed |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Ford 8730's Funk Ultra Command transmission with 18 forward and 9 reverse gears allows for seamless on-the-move gear shifting and precise control, enhancing operational efficiency. The 100.4 quarts (95.0L) oil capacity is adequate for maintaining smooth transmission function but may necessitate more frequent checks to ensure optimal performance. This design is advantageous for tasks requiring rapid directional changes and environmental adaptability, yet operators may need to familiarize themselves with the unique lever controls for seamless operation.
| Transmission | Funk Ultra Command |
| Gears | 18 forward and 9 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 100.4qts / 95.0L |
| Description | The Ford Ultra Command Powershift allows on-the-move shifting between gears, and shuttle shifting, without a clutch. A single lever controls the transmission; moving it to the left shifts down, to the right shifts up. Pushing forward increases forward throttle while pulling it back moves the tractor in reverse. An inching pedal is used for precise movements |
SPEEDS 1
| Description | 18.4/15-38 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Ford 8730 tractor features a Dual Power transmission that enhances versatility with 16 forward and 4 reverse gears, allowing for optimal performance across various terrains and tasks. With oil capacity of 80 quarts in 2WD and 85.5 quarts in 4WD, maintenance requirements are moderate, but extra attention may be needed for the 4WD system. The ability to engage and disengage the 'Powerdrive' mode while in motion offers increased productivity, though it may pose a challenge in terms of operator skill, especially when working in demanding conditions.
| Transmission | Dual Power - constant mesh |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 80qts / 75.7L (2WD) 85.5qts / 80.9L (4WD) |
| Description | The Dual Power transmission provides a 'Powerdrive' low range to the basic constant mesh transmission. A foot switch next to the clutch is used to engage and disengage the mode, and may be switched while the tractor is in motion. A |
SPEEDS 2
| Description | 18.4/15-38 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 3
The Ford 8730 tractor features a constant mesh transmission with a total of 8 forward and 2 reverse gears, allowing for flexibility in various farming tasks. Its operation via dual levers requires the operator to stop for gear changes, which can limit efficiency on the go but ensures safer engagement in heavy loads. With a significant oil capacity of up to 87.3 quarts for the 4WD variant, it highlights durability but may require more maintenance and fluid checks to prevent overheating during prolonged use.
| Transmission | Constant mesh |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 72.8qts / 68.9L (2WD) 87.3qts / 82.6L (4WD) |
| Description | Tranmission is operated with two levers and the clutch pedal. Left lever selects high, low, or the optional creeper range. Right lever selects one of four forward gears, or reverse. Tractor must be stopped to make gear or range changes |
SPEEDS 3
| Description | 18.4/15-38 rear tires |
MECHANICAL
The Ford 8730 tractor features a robust drivetrain with options for 2WD or 4WD, allowing versatility in various terrain conditions, particularly beneficial for tasks requiring enhanced traction. Its hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic wet disc braking system provide superior maneuverability and stopping power, offering better control during operation. The optional cab with heating and A/C improves operator comfort, making it suitable for extended use in diverse weather conditions, though the choice of transmission (8-speed to 18-speed) may impact ease of operation and efficiency based on application requirements.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD/4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Steering | hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | optional cab with heat and A/C |
| Transmissions | 18-speed 16-speed 8-speed |
CAPACITY
| Fuel | 75gal / 283.9L 24.5gal / 92.7L (auxiliary tank) |
| Steering | 2qts / 1.9L |
HYDRAULICS
| Type | open center gear pump, dual pumps optional |
| Pressure | 2500psi / 172.4bar |
| Valves | 2 to 4 |
| Pump flow | 20gpm / 75.7lpm 28.6gpm / 108.3lpm (dual pumps) |
| SCV flow | 16.9gpm / 64.0lpm 19gpm / 71.9lpm (dual pumps) |
| Steering cap. | 2qts / 1.9L |
| Steering press. | 2025psi / 139.6bar |
TRACTOR HITCH
| Rear Type | 3/2 |
| Control | position and draft control |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO | independent |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 |
FORD 8730 TIRES
The Ford 8730 tractor's tire configuration offers versatility; the 2WD with 11.00-16 front tires provides adequate traction for lighter agricultural tasks, while the 4WD option with 14.9/13-28 front tires enhances stability and traction in challenging terrains. The rear tires, 18.4/15-38, provide a broad footprint, improving flotation and reducing soil compaction, ideal for larger implements. However, the choice between 2WD and 4WD may present a challenge in terms of maintenance costs and complexity, especially in varied field conditions.
| Ag front | 11.00-16 (2WD)/14.9/13-28 (4WD) |
| Ag rear | 18.4/15-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase | 111inches / 281cm |
| Length | 191inches / 485cm |
| Width | 82inches / 208cm |
| Ground clearance | 16.4inches / 41cm |
FORD 8730 WEIGHT
| 12,185lbs / 5527kg (2WD) 12,785lbs / 5799kg (2WD cab) 13,390lbs / 6073kg (4WD) 13,990lbs / 6345kg (4WD cab) 14,710lbs / 6672kg (4WD cab Powershift) |
FORD 8730 HEIGHT
| ROPS | 115inches / 292cm |
| Cab | 113.8inches / 289cm |
| Exhaust | 124.6inches / 316cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Ford 8730 tractor features a 111-inch wheelbase, providing stability and maneuverability for various agricultural tasks. Its weight range of 12,185 to 14,710 pounds enhances traction, particularly when utilizing larger rear tires (18.4/15-38), making it suitable for heavy-duty plowing or towing applications. However, the specific tire sizes may limit mobility in extremely rugged terrain and necessitate careful selection based on field conditions.
| Wheelbase | 111inches / 281cm |
| Weight | 12185 to 14710 pounds |
| Front tire | 11.00-16 |
| Rear tire | 18.4/15-38 |
FORD 7413 LOADER
| Height (to pin) | 156inches / 396cm |
| Clearance, dumped bucket | 122inches / 309cm |
| Dump reach | 33inches / 83cm |
| Breakout force (lift) | 6500lbs / 2948kg |
| Lift to full height (at pin) | 3800lbs / 1723kg |
ELECTRICAL
| Charging system | alternator |
| Charging amps | 90 |
| Battery volts | 12 |