Ford 1320 Tractor Operator's Manual
This is the Operator's Manual for the Ford 1320 compact utility tractor, covering both mechanical and hydrostatic transmission configurations in two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Spanning 70 pages, this manual provides the complete operating, maintenance, and service guidance Ford issued to 1320 owners. Available as an instant digital download.
Configurations covered: Mechanical transmission (2WD & 4WD) · Hydrostatic transmission (2WD & 4WD)
About the Ford 1320
The Ford 1320 was produced from 1985 to 1994 as part of Ford's compact utility tractor lineup, built by Shibaura in Japan under Ford's long-running compact tractor sourcing arrangement. Powered by a 3-cylinder Shibaura diesel engine producing approximately 24 PTO horsepower, the 1320 was positioned as a capable small-acreage tractor suited to loader work, finish mowing, tilling, and light three-point implement use. The availability of both a synchronized mechanical transmission and a hydrostatic option — each in two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants — made the 1320 a flexible platform adaptable to buyers with different priorities: the mechanical gearbox for those who wanted direct control and simplicity, the hydrostatic for operators doing frequent directional changes with a loader or belly mower. Following Ford's merger with New Holland in 1986, late-production 1320s were sold under the Ford New Holland badge, though mechanically the tractor remained unchanged. The 1320 remains widely used today on hobby farms and small properties, and parts and service support remain reasonable thanks to its Shibaura mechanical base.
What This Manual Covers
This 70-page manual is organized from initial orientation through field operation and into the full maintenance schedule, with separate coverage for mechanical and hydrostatic transmission controls and procedures throughout. Key sections include:
- International Symbols & Safety Precautions — symbol identification and original Ford safety guidelines
- Controls & Instruments — seat, seat belt and ROPS, lighting, instrument panel, throttle controls, brake controls, differential control, mechanical transmission and PTO controls, hydrostatic transmission controls, and hydraulic lift system controls
- Operation — break-in procedures, engine starting and stopping, operating the transmission (both mechanical and hydrostatic), four-wheel drive engagement, PTO operation, towing, differential lock operation, hydraulic lift system use, wheel tread settings, tractor weighting, and tire pressures
- Lubrication & Maintenance — maintenance chart, separate service procedures for 2WD and 4WD configurations, fuel and lubricant specifications, fuel and lubricant service procedures, general maintenance, tractor storage, and general torque specification table
- Specifications — factory-spec capacities, dimensions, and settings
- Safety & Instruction Decals — decal identification for a tractor that's likely lost some originals after 30+ years
- Predelivery & 50-Hour Service — the factory checklist for initial service, useful when bringing a used 1320 into proper running condition
Why This Manual Matters
- Mechanical and hydrostatic in one manual: Both transmission types are documented throughout — controls, operating procedures, and maintenance intervals are covered for whichever drivetrain your 1320 carries, so you don't need to track down a separate manual based on your configuration
- 2WD and 4WD maintenance coverage: The lubrication and maintenance section breaks out separate service procedures for two-wheel and four-wheel drive, covering the front axle, front differential, and associated service points that 2WD-only resources will miss
- Hydrostatic transmission service: HST fluid type, change intervals, and operational guidelines are documented here — critical information that's frequently mishandled on aging hydrostatic compacts and one of the leading causes of premature HST failure
- 50-Hour service checklist: Particularly valuable when purchasing a used 1320 with unknown service history — the factory predelivery and break-in service list tells you exactly what Ford specified should be done before the tractor went to work
- Decal reference: After 30-plus years, most 1320s are missing at least some safety and instruction decals. The decal section provides the original placement and content reference needed for restoration or compliance
- Original factory content: This is the manual Ford issued to 1320 owners, not a generic or aftermarket substitute, carrying manual code SE 4593
Manual Code: SE 4593
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