"There were several things that I was in the market for. I travel 3 miles from one farm to the other so wanted a good travel speed. This one goes about 4 mph faster than a lot of the compact tractors. I also wanted an adjustable front axle and adjustable rear wheels so it had to be two wheel drive and again, there were very few models in this HP range that had this. I also wanted a great transmission with nicely stepped gear ranges. I don't think anyone else has a tranny like this. Start in low range and go through the 3 gears, step to 2nd range and go through the 3 gears, all the way to the top gear and there is no overlapping. Love it! I have had to do several repairs and have found parts easily by searching on the net. I have run one of the 1710 models and it has a 3 cylinder engine instead of the 2 cylinder. That is a much smoother engine and starts much easier. Have to use the glow plugs almost all the time unless the engine is warm from running."

"Good tractor strong enough uni problem was the hydraulic 3 PTOS Q I put hydraulic direction and is now slower."

"Great little all around machine for small farm/garden. Added bucket which is more helpful than anything else."

"Machine needs minimal maintenance."

"Ford 1700's, like my FORD 600, are relatively small but sturdy...lil' tractors and I would argue with anyone about the 1700 being a gas guzzler or having lift problems. This compact tractor does some really big work on hardly any diesel and I'd recommend this Japanese built Ford to anyone. It uses all of the equipment that my larger 600 uses and seems to handle it all quite well....superbly on some counts. My only complaint is the size in which the cockpit tightly envelopes the operator and I don't particularly care for the balance when considering how certain grades of ground causes the tractor to be back-heavy. Even with several heavy weights, any type of load at any sharp grade will cause it to do a wheely. Great tractor though....I just wish it had been built by Americans. Sorry that I have yet to take some photos (other than what I put in temporarily of my Ford 600 etc)."

"This model tractor seems to suffer from a weak manual steering gear box. I knew this from other online reviews prior to purchase. As it turns out, the steering shaft has integral bearing races (both upper and lower bearings). When you replace the bearings, all you are replacing is the balls with open cage assembly unless you buy a new steering shaft and or new gearbox, which forms the opposite side of the bearing's race. To me, this is a design flaw in that you can't simply replace a bearing as a sealed unit, gaining new races in the process. Unfortunately, this "design flaw" is directly proportionate to the unit's reliability. the issue seems to be worn race(s) on the steering shaft over time. The best way to check a 1700 before you buy is to watch the steering wheel closely. As you turn from side to side with the wheel, watch for the wheel to raise and lower slightly in relation to the dash. Any up or down movement will indicate wear in the steering at the bearing(s). Aside from this issue. The tractor has plenty of capability!"

"Only problems I have had is: 1. Hydraulics seem to get water in it and freeze up in the winter 2. Pre august 31 1980 machines have weak front 4 wd axles and the are known to break which has happened to me and its a very expensive fix. Other than that great working little tractor."

"First tractor ever. First thing I did was buy the manual from Jensales so there are no mysteries when a maintenance issue arises. I learned that water will leak into the transmission/hydraulic system and freeze up the components. Built a custom backhoe and dug a 5'x 200' trench and it only burned about $10 in fuel. Engine starts all the time, great unit, keeps your arms in shape when working with the loader full. Maintain the fuel system (filter and injector pump) and lots of grease and oil, the cheapest maintenance."

"A good basic tractor. No built-in hydraulics or front end loader. Bought it from a friend. It's a pain when you run out of diesel fuel---you have to take off the fuel injector lines to bleed it."

"Seems to be a good medium duty tractor. I have been been leveling off some of my yard mostly front end loader work, I am a beginner with this being my first tractor, Love the 4 wheel drive, it really adds to the ability to skim the high spots off with the loader bucket."