Ford 2600 Overview
Ford produced the 2600 from 1975 through 1981 as a compact, versatile utility tractor.
The powerplant is a 158 ci three-cylinder engine, offered in diesel and gasoline variants and suited for common agricultural tasks.
Trusted context comes from operator manuals and the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab report, so verify the exact configuration by serial range and build before ordering parts or beginning service.
Ford 2600 Quick Answers
- Production yearsProduced from 1975 through 1981.
- PowerEngine power varies with configuration: net around 34.3 hp (25.6 kW) for the Ford 2600 engine; drawbar power around 28.8 hp in tests. Verify the exact setup before treating figures as universal.
- EngineEngine displacement is 158 ci (3-cylinder) in Ford 2600 family.
- PTO and hitchRear PTO is 540 (1.375) and there is a Category I rear hitch.
- Service capacityEngine oil 7 qts (6.6 L); transmission oil 13.8 qts (13.1 L); hydraulic system 6.15 gal (23.3 L).
Engine and Power
Engine options include a 158 ci three-cylinder unit available in diesel or gasoline; diesel configurations show higher power figures than gasoline, and the engine is designed for utility work.
Diesel engine
Ford / diesel / 3-cylinder / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 158 ci 2.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.20x3.80 inches 107 x 97 mm |
| Power Net | 34.3 hp 25.6 kW |
| Power Gross | 36.5 hp 27.2 kW |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Pre Heating | ether injection Opt Optional |
| Compression | 17.3:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft 137.0 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 1400 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-3 |
| Starter | electric |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7 qts 6.6 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 qts 10.4 L |
Gasoline engine
Ford / gasoline / 3-cylinder / liquid-cooled
| Displacement | 158 ci 2.6 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 4.20x3.80 inches 107 x 97 mm |
| Power Net | 33 hp 24.6 kW |
| Power Gross | 35.5 hp 26.5 kW |
| Air Cleaner | dry |
| Compression | 7.75:1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Torque | 100.5 lb-ft 136.3 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 1350 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-3 |
| Starter | electric |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7 qts 6.6 L |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 qts 10.4 L |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
Tested PTO
Tested drawbar
Transmission
Transmission options include 6-speed gear, 8-speed Dual-Range, and 6-speed mechanical shuttle, with varying forward/reverse counts and gearing.
6-speed gear
| Type | gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 279mm dry disc |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 13.8 qts 13.1 L |
Dual-Range
| Name | Dual-Range |
|---|---|
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 279mm dry disc |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 13.8 qts 13.1 L |
6-speed mechanical shuttle
| Type | mechanical shuttle |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 4 reverse |
PTO and Hitch
PTO and hitch basics center on a 540 (1.375) rear PTO and a Category I rear hitch; rear lift is about 1,975 lb.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Rear hitch
Rear lift
Hydraulics
Hydraulics provide about 8.5 gpm flow at 2100 psi with a 6.15 gal capacity.
Capacity
Pressure
Pump flow
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
Maintenance capacities include engine oil (7 qts), coolant (11 qts), hydraulic fluid (6.15 gal), and transmission oil (13.8 qts).
Fuel tank
Hydraulic system
Battery volts
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
Ag rear
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Ground
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial ranges help narrow production and configuration; serial location is on the right side of the tractor behind the starter.
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
location
Manuals and Documents
The documents below add manual, parts, and test context for Ford 2600; they help with controls, service categories, and parts matching.
Match coverage carefully before a service decision, especially when a document covers multiple models, fuels, or variants.
- Ford 2600 | 3600 | 4100 | 4600 Tractor Operators ManualOperator manual for Ford 2600 family (2600/3600/4100/4600); covers controls, operation, lubrication, maintenance, specs; applies to 2600 family.Open source
- Ford 2600 Operators ManualOperator's manual for Ford 2600 (1975-1981); licensed reprint; includes capacities and adjustments.Open source
- Ford Tractor Operator's Manual: 2600, 3600, 4100, 4600Operator's manual for Ford 2600/3600/4100/4600; safety, controls, operation, lubrication, maintenance.Open source
- Ford Tractor 2600-7600 Workshop Service Repair ManualWorkshop service/repair manual covering Ford 2600 through 7600 series; includes gas and diesel variants and subsystems.Open source
- Ford 2600 Tractor Service ManualService manual for Ford 2600 tractor; sections on engine, fuel, lubrication, hydraulics, electrical and troubleshooting.Open source
- Ford New Holland 2600 Tractor PartsAftermarket Ford New Holland 2600 parts catalog; lists categories and parts availability; model applicability includes 2600 family.Open source
- Test 1204: Ford 2600 Diesel 6-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test LabNebraska Tractor Test Report for Ford 2600 Diesel with 6-speed; context on PTO and drawbar performance.Open source
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order Ford 2600 parts by model name alone. Confirm the tractor's exact configuration (model code, serial range, engine, transmission, PTO) before choosing service parts.
Belts, filters, fluids, electrical parts, clutches, and hydraulic components can vary with setup; use a parts catalog or manual to confirm exact numbers before buying.
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.