Ford 2600 Overview

Ford produced the 2600 from 1975 through 1981 as a three-cylinder utility tractor.
The engine table splits the 158 ci Ford three-cylinder into diesel and gasoline rows. Transmission coverage also splits across 6-speed gear, 8-speed Dual-Range, and mechanical shuttle setups.
Nebraska performance coverage is split across two reports: Test 1207 covers a Ford 2600/2610 gasoline 8-speed tractor, while Test 1222 covers a Ford 2600/2310 diesel 8-speed tractor.
Ford 2600 Quick Answers
- Production yearsProduced from 1975 through 1981.
- PowerNebraska results are configuration-specific. Test 1207 covers the Ford 2600/2610 gasoline 8-speed and lists 34.18 PTO hp and 28.76 maximum drawbar hp. Test 1222 covers the Ford 2600/2310 diesel 8-speed and lists 32.47 PTO hp and 27.51 drawbar hp.
- EngineThe 158 ci engine table has diesel and gasoline rows with different compression, air-cleaner, torque, and power details.
- 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
The engine rows split the Ford 158 ci three-cylinder by fuel: diesel and gasoline share displacement but differ in compression, air cleaner, torque, and power rows.
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
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 specs center on a 540 (1.375) rear PTO, transmission PTO, and a Category I rear hitch. Nebraska horsepower belongs with the exact test configuration, not the general PTO-and-hitch specs.
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 cover operator controls, maintenance categories, parts diagrams, and tested performance for the Ford 2600.
The Nebraska reports are configuration-specific. Each test card names the fuel and transmission so the numbers do not read as blanket 2600 data.
Manual
- Ford 2600 | 3600 | 4100 | 4600 Tractor Operators Manualoperation, lubrication, maintenance
Operator manual for Ford 2600 family (2600, 3600, 4100, 4600); covers controls, operation, lubrication, maintenance, specifications; supports model applicability to 2600 family.
Open source - Ford 2600 Operators Manualoperation, maintenance
Operator's manual for the Ford 2600 (1975-1981); licensed re-print; includes capacities and adjustment procedures.
Open source - Ford Tractor Operator's Manual: 2600, 3600, 4100, 4600operation, lubrication, maintenance
Operator's manual for Ford 2600/3600/4100/4600; licensed reprint; includes safety, controls, operation, lubrication, maintenance.
Open source
Parts catalog
- New Holland parts diagram for Ford 2600-family tractorsparts catalog, parts matching
Official New Holland parts diagram page naming 2600 applicability for center housing and related parts.
Open parts diagram
Tractor test report
- Nebraska Test 1207: Ford 2600/2610 gasoline 8-speedtested performance
Official Nebraska Tractor Test report for a Ford 2600/2610 gasoline 8-speed test configuration.
Open test report - Nebraska Test 1222: Ford 2600/2310 diesel 8-speedtested performance
Official Nebraska Tractor Test report for a Ford 2600/2310 diesel 8-speed test configuration.
Open test report
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.