Ford 1720 Tractor Operator's Manual
68 pages – digital download
This downloadable Ford 1720 tractor manual is the original factory operator's guide covering controls, operation, and maintenance for the Ford 1720 compact utility tractor. Built in the late 1980s as part of Ford's 1000 series compact lineup, the 1720 was a 3-cylinder diesel tractor in the 27–30 horsepower range, available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. It was designed for small farm, hobby farm, and estate use — well-suited to loader work, finish mowing, box blade grading, and light three-point implement tasks. The 1720 used a Shibaura diesel engine built under license, and was assembled in Japan before being sold under the Ford badge. This manual provides the factory-correct procedures for operating and maintaining one safely and reliably.
What's Inside This Ford 1720 Tractor Manual
This operator's manual is organized to walk you through every major system on the tractor, from first startup through periodic maintenance and storage.
International Symbols
Reference guide to the ISO symbols used throughout the operator station and on safety decals.
Safety Precautions
Factory safety guidelines for operation, maintenance, and handling — essential reading before operating the tractor for the first time.
Controls & Instruments
- Seat, seat belt, and ROPS
- Lighting controls
- Instrument panel overview
- Throttle controls
- Brake controls
- Differential control
- Transmission and PTO controls
- Hydraulic lift system controls
Operation
- Break-in procedures for a new or overhauled tractor
- Starting and stopping the engine
- Operating the transmission, four-wheel drive, and PTO
- Towing the tractor
- Operating the differential lock
- Operating the hydraulic lift system
- Driving the tractor safely
- Wheel tread settings
- Tractor weighting
- Tire pressures
Lubrication & Maintenance
- Lubrication and maintenance chart (scheduled intervals)
- Two-wheel drive service procedures
- Four-wheel drive service procedures
- Fuel and lubricant specifications
- Fuel and lubricant service procedures
- General maintenance
- Tractor storage
- General torque specification table
Additional Sections
- Specifications
- Safety and instruction decals
- Pre-delivery and 50-hour service checklist
About the Ford 1720
The Ford 1720 was part of a compact tractor line Ford sourced from Shibaura Industrial in Japan during the 1980s and early 1990s — a period when Ford was expanding its compact tractor offerings to serve the growing hobby farm and rural property market. The 1720 sat in the middle of the 1000 series lineup, offering more capability than the smaller 1320 while remaining nimble enough for tight spaces and light-duty work. The four-wheel drive version was particularly popular given the terrain challenges that come with small farm and estate use. These tractors have proven durable and are still widely used today, though original documentation can be difficult to find — making this factory manual especially valuable for owners who want accurate service and adjustment procedures.
Why This Manual Is Essential
- Covers both two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants with separate service procedures for each drivetrain configuration
- Includes the pre-delivery and 50-hour service checklist — critical for tractors returning to service after sitting, or recently purchased used examples
- Provides factory torque specifications, tire pressures, and fluid capacities that aren't reliably available elsewhere for this model
- Indispensable for small farm owners, hobby farmers, and estate operators who want accurate factory procedures rather than generic compact tractor guidance
Format
- Type: Operator's Manual
- Pages: 68
- Delivery: Instant digital download (PDF)
- Printable: Yes – print the entire manual or individual sections as needed
Manual Code
SE 4595