Ford FW-30
Built: 1977–1982 · Series: FW-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1977
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Ford FW-series – the articulated FW-20 and FW-30 built by Steiger: eight-cylinder diesel, 154.5 to 197.7 kW, over 13 tonnes unladen
The FW-series marked Ford's entry into the class of large articulated tractors and was built for Ford during the 1970s and 1980s by the US manufacturer Steiger in Fargo, North Dakota. The FW-20 and FW-30 types follow a type logic where the number denotes the approximate power class in metric horsepower times ten; both carry large eight-cylinder diesel engines and the articulated, four-wheel-drive frame characteristic of Steiger-built tractors.
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The register lists here 2 versions with 154.5 to 197.7 kW (210 to 268.8 hp) from eight-cylinder engines of 9,086 to 14,801 cm³ displacement and 891 Nm of torque, with unladen weights from 13,433 to 14,200 kg, a length of 6,782 mm and a height of 3,411 mm.
As articulated tractors with over 200 hp and an unladen weight exceeding 13 tonnes, the FW-series targeted large farming operations and agricultural contractors in North America with high drawbar demands for heavy tillage, competing there with Steiger's own models as well as Big Bud and Versatile tractors.
When buying these large tractors, check the condition of the articulation joint and its hydraulic cylinders, operating hours and service history of the eight-cylinder engine, the condition of the clutch and gearbox under heavy load, and rust on the frame and cab. Spares come through dealers specialising in Steiger tractors and large machinery.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Ford FW-Baureihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 268.8 hp (197.7 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,600 rpmcorrect |
| Torque | 891 Nmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 8correct |
| Displacement | 14,801 cm³correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 6,782 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Height | 3,411 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 3,365 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 305 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 14,200 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | four-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 10 V/2 R or 20 V/4 Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 24.5-32 AScorrect |
| Rear tyres | 24.5-32 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 30 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 851.6 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | articulated framecorrect |
|---|
Other data
| Linkage category | Cat IIIcorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 13.9 kW/t (198 kW / 14.2 t)
Power class: Heavy (> 180 hp)
Stronger than 96% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Ford FW-30 have?
The Ford FW-30 delivers 269 hp.
How much does the Ford FW-30 weigh?
The unladen weight is 14,200 kg.
What engine does the Ford FW-30 have?
8 cylinders, 14,801 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Ford FW-30 go?
Top speed is 30 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Ford FW-30?
6,782 mm × 3,411 mm.
When was the Ford FW-30 built?
Production years: 1977–1982.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 22 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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