Buyer’s guide: Things to look for in a classic Ford/New Holland Genesis tractor

An automatic transport feature brought auto-up/down shifts according to speed and throttle position. Programmable shuttle shifting and programmable up/down shifts could also be selected.

On-board diagnostics and calibration can reveal vital transmission information through the electronic dashboard, hinting at the available life remaining in the clutch packs.

“Operator error will shorten clutch pack life,” says Alun Jones. “You need to keep the engine revs above 900rpm to prevent oil starvation on clutch packs. And never use the clutch pedal for anything other than hitching up – it bleeds oil away from the clutch packs. So pay attention to how the tractor is operated.”

The manufacturer’s SuperSteer system was optional on the 70-series, and while it revolutionised in-field maneuverability with its 65-degree turn-angle, it was shunned by many on-road.

“SuperSteer could wander on the road, but you soon got used to it,” says Alun. “Greasing it is important – there is a lot of moving parts. And the easiest way with the weight-pack fitted was to go lock-to-lock to access all the nipples.”

He says early models had a Dana front axle with limited slip differential, where later models gained a heavier-duty CNH axle which brought a mechanical locking differential.

Hubs are visually different, with the outboard planetaries showing indentations for three planet gears in the heavy-duty axle, and four planet gears in the earlier version.

“The bigger planet gears were much tougher,” he says. “And better suited to front dual wheels.”

Front weight pack comprises 16, 110kg wafer weights, which sit on the SuperSteer axle, not on the chassis.

Six-post cab brought space and glass a-plenty. Combined with the sloping bonnet design, shorter sight-lines resulted from this design, improving the view over the front of the tractor. Right-hand side window could be opened for those seeking fresh air.

“Cab condition will tell you a lot about how the tractor has been cared for,” he says. “Look for excessive wear on control surfaces, pedals, seat and head-lining.”

“Check that everything works as it should, as there is a lot of electronic sophistication in here,” he points out. “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning should all be operational too. It is a good place to spend long days – the biggest downside is there is no suspension with the cab or front axle, which reminds you this is an 18 to 26-year-old tractor range.”

With the exception of the 8670, the remainder of the 70-series Genesis range gained its own beefed-up rear-end. It means 1,000rpm pto is standard on the top three models, with 540/1,000 on the 8670.

Electronic remote valves came on later models, with early tractors getting mechanical valves. A check-chain and drop link modification improved durability and strength for the Cat III rear linkage.

Optional Mega-Flow hydraulics brought 210 litres/min flow for the closed centre, load-sensing hydraulic system. Two pumps allow the system to run low flow/high pressure from one spool, and high-flow/low pressure from another, without over-heating the oil.

Bolt-on pto pack affords simple overhaul rather than delving into the rear-end, and a secondary plastic fuel tank sat beneath the cab helped weight distribution and improved range. Though it needed patience when filling through the tall neck, to make the most of its 416 litre capacity.

From Doe Hill Farm, Princes Risborough, Alun Jones (pictured above) farms just a few hundred acres, using a pair of 8970 tractors. His 1994 Ford-badged version is a low-hour, pre-production machine while the later 2002 New Holland-badged 8970A has 7,500 hours under its belt.

“I use the newer tractor for cultivations and drilling, while the older model does just a few hours each year corn-carting,” he says. “They are appreciating assets.”

Both have been equipped with Trimble’s retro-fit auto-steering system to improve functionality, improving what he believes is an already good package, and the newer model has been treated to an LED lighting upgrade.

“There’s nothing out there to touch the 8970 as a 240hp heavy draft tractor,” he says. “Such a strong machine, but one that is agile and adept at top-work too. There’s no emissions paraphernalia to worry about and it’s a mechanically simple tractor to work on. I’ll put it against any modern 240hp CVT, and it’ll wipe the floor with them all.”

• Model: Ford 8970/NH8970A
• Engine: 7.5-litre Genesis, six-cylinder turbo
• Max power: 240hp at 1,900rpm
• Maximum torque: 1,068Nm at 1500rpm
• Transmission: 18 by nine powershift, 40kph
• Rear lift capacity: 8.8 tonnes
• Hydraulic system: 117 litres (std), 210 litres (MegaFlow)

• 2002 NH 8970A, SS axle, 9,200 hours £17,500
• 2000 NH 8970, SS axle, front links, 11,300 hours £16,500
• 1998 NH 8970, SS axle, front links, 14,000 hours £16,750
• 1994 Ford 8970, SS axle, 9,000 hours £29,750