Ford diesel vs gasoline

I am a very new person to this tractor page, I have restored many old cars but am a novice at tractors. I want an older Ford 1960's. What is better diesel or gasoline. Thanks for any and all advice.
Robert Hamilton

Depends on a lot of things.

If your doing snow removal a gas might start better than a diesel.

otherwise the diesels use less fuel, and usually last a bit longer, so if your doing lots of heavy work, the diesel will be better. If you just do occasional chores, the gas could work out fine.

However.. gas will go bad and stop up a carburetor if you dont run it a lot. If you can not do a simple carburetor rebuild, you might consider a diesel.

This is a topic that will get you all kinds of answers. But YOU have to be honest with your self with what you want it to do. If your going to work it plowing,scraping,loading,hogging for a substantial time I would say a diesel is your most economical choice. All the other things listed above on a occasional use I would say gas. Now ask your self what do I know about diesels and can I work on it.

I do wish for a work tractor. THANK YOU

I thank you so much for the insight. I do wish for a strong and long lasting tractor. Your insight and advice is MUCH appreciated.
Robert

Even if you are going to "work it" if I were you, since you say you restored many cars I would guess you can figure out most problems with a 4 cyl gas engine made in the '60,s. Probably not so much with a diesel. The issue isn't whether you will have to work on a 50 yr old tractor , it is when. It will take a lot of fuel savings to pay a mechanic wages to fix a diesel. Do you have winter where you live? Do yourself a favor and get a gas. And IMHO get a Massey instead of a Ford if you are looking at a 1960-70 tractor.

There is more to it than that.
First of all Ford built two different series of tractors in the 60s. The 4 cylinder tractors which were a carryover from the 50s and the 3 cylinder models which were a whole new platform starting in 1965.
You also don't mention your horsepower requirements. Ford made them from about 33 hp through about 90 hp in the late 60s.
The bigger ones never came as gassers. Only the smaller ones up to about 60 hp did.
That said, there are advantages to both.
Diesel is more reliable and longer lasting.
But diesels stink and they are noisy.
Gassers are quieter and don't stink so bad but will use considerably more fuel.
Gassers will need more maintenance - points, plugs, carb tweeks, etc though electronic ignition is a nice way to avoid messing with points.
The top end on a gasser won't last as long on a gasser but if you found one with under 4000 hours you would likely never wear it out.
Gasser will start easier in the winter but if you put a block or tank heater on either of them it will start at low enough temps that you wont want to be riding on it.
I prefer the 65 and newer 3 cylinder models like the 2000, 3000 and 4000. Have had all of them in both gas and diesel and they will all work their hearts out for you.
Folks here will say you Gots to have live pto but I will take power steering over live pto any day.
Any of the 60s Fords (except the 6000 which was kind of a bomb) were very good machines. Parts are readily available which is important. All of them - except for a few industrial models - will have 3 point hitch which is a must have in my opinion.
Where are you located?
If you are serious about finding a Ford you could post questions on the Ford board at the linkl below.
Folks there will help you find a good one and not get snookered by pretty paint or smooth talk.
Ford Board

I would stay with gas as I HATE diesels period, they stink so bad I can hardley stand to drive on the highway at times. The only tractor that I ever considered was a Fordson Major or Dexta as I liked the tractor but a gas engine was not an option that could be found. Figuring all the costs I don't think you will find a diesel any cheaper to operate.

I kinda like the oddball tractors. in a Ford that would be the 900 series. Look at the tractor photos on the left side of the page. I like the blue ones with a wide front as well.

Hi Robert.

Welcome to the site!

You will find a vast amount of knowledge on this site as there are folks from many trades.

Hope you have many enjoyable hours here.

Brad

Even with heavy use. With the price of diesel vs gasoline, the lower purchase of the gasser, ease of starting and low service costs. You would have to be using that tractor WOT for 200+ hrs a year to break even on the diesel.