Ford/versatile 946

Built: 1989–1993 · Series: 900 er-Baureihe

More machines from model year 1989

Source: https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/003/3/5/3357-versa

The 946 from Ford/versatile is part of the 900er series. Production: 1989–1993. The engine delivers 329 hp (242.3 kW), has 6 cylinders, with a displacement of 14,016 cm³. The engine comes from Cummins. Torque is 1,434 Nm. Rated speed is 2,100 rpm. The machine is 6,604 mm long, 3,150 mm wide and 3,175 mm high. The unladen weight is 14,760 kg. The wheelbase measures 3,302 mm. Ground clearance is 410 mm. Top speed is 25 km/h. Transmission: 12 V/4 R or 12 V/2 R. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 20.8-38 AS, rear 20.8-38 AS. The model was built in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The fuel is diesel. The bore measures 139.7 mm. The stroke is 152.4 mm. The compression ratio is 16:1. Maximum torque is reached at 1,400 rpm. The engine fitted is the NTA-855-A325. Construction: articulated frame. Injection pressure is 200 bar. The linkage is category III/IV N. Its predecessor was the Versatile 946. The PTO runs at 1000 rpm. It was succeeded by the Ford Versatile 9680. Rated output across the Ford/versatile range ranges from 233 to 365 hp; the 946 sits in the upper part of that range with 329 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the 876 below it with 284 hp and the 976 above it with 365 hp. Rated output across the Ford/versatile range ranges from 230 to 360 hp; here the 946 sits in the upper part of that range with 325 hp. 4 Ford/versatile models across 2 series are on record.

Ford/Versatile 900 series: large articulated tractors from Winnipeg with Cummins NTA855 six-cylinder engines, models 946 and 976, 242 to 269 kW / 325 to 360 hp, around 1987

Like the smaller 800 series, the 900 series also comes from Versatile Manufacturing of Winnipeg, Manitoba, which continued its articulated four-wheel-drive tractors as Ford-Versatile after Ford's 1987 takeover, before the 1991 merger of Ford and New Holland turned the brand into Ford New Holland Versatile. The 946 and 976 sat at the top of the Versatile line-up and carry six-cylinder diesel engines from Cummins' large 14-litre NT-855 family: the NTA-855-A325 in the 946 and the more heavily turbocharged NTA-885-A360 in the 976.

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The register lists 2 versions here with 242.3 to 268.5 kW (325 to 360 hp) from six-cylinder engines of 14,016 cm³, torque of 1,434 to 1,588 Nm at a rated speed of 2,100 rpm, and operating weights of 14,760 to 16,350 kg, with a length of 6,604 mm, a width of 3,150 mm and a height of 3,175 mm.

At 325 to 360 hp, the 900 series ranked among the most powerful field tractors offered in North America at the time and served large farms in Canada's prairie provinces and the northern Great Plains of the United States for wide tillage and heavy drills; competitors included the large Steiger and Case-IH articulated tractors and John Deere's 8850.

When buying used, attention should go to the articulation joint with its bearings and steering cylinders, the tightness of the large Cummins engines including turbocharger and charge-air ducting, the condition of the differentials on both drive axles, and the cab, hydraulics and electrics; engine parts are well supported through Cummins' broad service network.

Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Ford/Versatile 900 er-Baureihe, Versatile (Nachfolgemarke, Hersteller)

Technical data

Engine

Engine make	Cumminscorrect
Engine model	NTA-855-A325correct
Fuel	dieselcorrect
Power	329 hp (242.3 kW)correct
Rated speed	2,100 rpmcorrect
Torque	1,434 Nmcorrect
Speed at max. torque	1,400 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	6correct
Displacement	14,016 cm³ (855 cu in)correct
Bore	139.7 mmcorrect
Stroke	152.4 mmcorrect
Compression ratio	16correct
Injection pressure	200 barcorrect
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	6,604 mmcorrect
Width	3,150 mmcorrect
Height	3,175 mmcorrect
Wheelbase	3,302 mm (130 in)correct
Ground clearance	410 mmcorrect
Turning circle	14.2 ftcorrect
Unladen weight	14,760 kg (32,500 lbs)correct

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	four-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	12 V/4 R or 12 V/2 Rcorrect
Forward gears	12; 12 (PowerShift)(opt)correct
Reverse gears	4; 2 (PowerShift)(opt)correct
Front tyres	20.8-38 AScorrect
Rear tyres	20.8-38 AScorrect
Top speed	25 km/hcorrect

Working data

Fuel tank capacity	286 galcorrect

Origin and approval

Plant	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadacorrect
Construction	articulated framecorrect

Other data

Linkage category	Cat III/IV Ncorrect
PTO speed	1,000correct
Predecessor	Versatile 946correct
Successor	Ford Versatile 9680correct

More machines with this engine (Cummins NTA-855-A325, 2)

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 16.4 kW/t (242 kW / 14.8 t)

Power class: Heavy (> 180 hp)

Stronger than 98% 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/versatile 946 have?

The Ford/versatile 946 delivers 329 hp.

How much does the Ford/versatile 946 weigh?

The unladen weight is 14,760 kg.

What engine does the Ford/versatile 946 have?

6 cylinders, 14,016 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the Ford/versatile 946 go?

Top speed is 25 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the Ford/versatile 946?

6,604 mm × 3,150 mm × 3,175 mm.

When was the Ford/versatile 946 built?

Production years: 1989–1993.

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 42 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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