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Ford 8970 vs Ford FW-30
Verdict: Ford 8970 vs Ford FW-30
The Ford 8970 and the Ford FW-30 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Ford FW-30 leads on rated power with 265 hp against 212 hp. Ford FW-30 is the lighter machine (14,202 kg vs 16,950 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Ford 8970 is the newer design (1993 vs 1977). In short: choose the Ford FW-30 for outright pulling power, or the Ford 8970 if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.
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Fit & specs
Ford
85
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Ford
62
Fit score
Clear
Rated power
212 hp
265 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
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—
Overview
Manufacturer
FordReference
SteigerReference
Creeper range added to standard power shift transmission. With tractor in neutral and inching pedal pressed, toggle button is used to enter/exit creeper range.Reference
Optional dual-speed transfer case provides 20 forward gears on the base 10-speed transmission.Reference
Distributor
—
FordReference
Original price
—
$85,166Reference
Final drives
—
outboard planetaryReference
Variants
2210
similar Buhler Versatile modelReference
—
Engine
Engine
179.0 kWReference
—
Drawbar (tested)
141.3 kWReference
153.0 kWReference
Displacement
7.5 LReference
14.8 LReference
Bore/Stroke
112 x 127 mmReference
140 x 121 mmReference
Power
179.0 kWReference
—
Compression
17.5:1Reference
16.5:1Reference
Rated RPM
2100Reference
2600Reference
Firing order
1-5-3-6-2-4Reference
—
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Starter power
4.5 kWReference
—
Coolant capacity
25.0 LReference
64.0 LReference
Intake valve clearance
0.356 mmReference
—
Exhaust valve clearance
0.432 mmReference
—
Oil capacity
20.8 LReference
35.0 LReference
Max power
141.3 kWReference
153.0 kWReference
Power at rated engine speed
158.4 kWReference
—
Engine (gross)
—
197.6 kWReference
Drawbar (claimed)
—
152.9 kWReference
Power (gross)
—
197.6 kWReference
Transmission
Gears
32 forward and 18 reverseReference
20 forward and 4 reverseReference
Transmission
—
Spicer 1010Reference
PTO & Hydraulics
PTO (claimed)
156.6 kWReference
78.3 kWReference
PTO (tested)
167.5 kWReference
—
Hydraulic system
139.7 LReference
94.6 LReference
Type
creeperReference
open centerReference
Capacity
139.7 LReference
94.6 LReference
Pressure
189.6 barReference
155.1 barReference
Valves
3Reference
4 or 5Reference
Pump flow
90.8 lpmReference
113.9 lpmReference
Total flow
208.2 lpmReference
—
Rear Type
IIIReference
IIIReference
Rear lift
6804 kgReference
—
Rear PTO
independentReference
independentReference
Clutch
electro-hydraulic wet discReference
hydraulic dry discReference
Rear PTO Type
1000 (1.375)Reference
540/1000Reference
Engine RPM
1000@1903Reference
—
Power at rated PTO speed
167.4 kWReference
78.5 kWReference
SCV flow
—
75.7 lpmReference
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm)
—
5670 kgReference
Capacities
Fuel
416.4 LReference
851.6 LReference
Front hubs
1.6 LReference
—
Front diff.
12.3 LReference
—
Max capacity
14288 kgReference
—
Dimensions
Wheelbase
311 cmReference
336 cmReference
Weight
16950 to 19350 poundsReference
14202 kgReference
Front tire
14L-16.1Reference
18.4x38Reference
Rear tire
18.4R42Reference
18.4x38Reference
Ag front
16.9R28 (4WD)Reference
23.1x34Reference
Ag rear
18.4R42Reference
23.1x34Reference
Length
499 cmReference
678 cmReference
Width
245 cmReference
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Height (cab)
308 cmReference
341 cmReference
Height (exhaust)
315 cmReference
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Clearance (front axle)
50 cmReference
—
Clearance (drawbar)
47 cmReference
—
Front tread
157 to 220 cmReference
—
Rear tread
153 to 325 cmReference
—
Operating
8777 kgReference
—
Height (hood)
—
239 cmReference
Ground clearance
—
30 cmReference
Ford 8970 attachments
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Charging system
alternatorReference
alternatorReference
Charging amps
130Reference
90Reference
Batteries
2Reference
4Reference
Battery CCA
950Reference
475Reference
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Test results
Fuel use
44.7 l/hourReference
56.8 l/hourReference
Max pull
12705 kgReference
12611 kgReference
Speeds
Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.