Production years
1964-1968
County tractor ยท 1964-1968
County 654 Tractor
The County 654 is an equal-wheel, four-wheel-drive tractor built at Fleet, Hampshire, from 1964 to 1968 on Ford components. With a Ford four-cylinder diesel producing about 72 hp and an eight-speed transmission, it became a respected British choice for heavy draught work where dependable traction was more important than refinement.
Engine
Ford four-cylinder diesel
Power
About 72 hp
Drive
Four-wheel drive (equal-size wheels)
County 654 specifications
| Production years | 1964-1968 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Ford four-cylinder diesel |
| Power | About 72 hp |
| Drive | Four-wheel drive (equal-size wheels) |
| Transmission | 8-speed |
| Built at | Fleet, Hampshire |
What the 654 is used for
County developed the 654 for demanding jobs such as heavy cultivation and plough work, where its equal-size wheels and four-wheel drive could make good use of available traction. It suited farms needing a compact-looking tractor with a serious appetite for draught work.
Surviving tractors are now seen as working vintage machines, restoration projects and rally exhibits. A tidy example may also appeal to a smallholder for occasional lighter tasks, provided its age, condition and intended workload are understood.
Why the County 654 stands out
The 654 is admired for combining familiar Ford-based engineering with County's unmistakable equal-wheel four-wheel-drive layout. That connection can help owners seeking knowledge and some service parts, while club networks are valuable for model-specific advice. Its eight-speed transmission is period equipment, and ride, noise and wear standards should be judged as those of a 1960s working tractor.
Buying a used County 654
Assess the Ford four-cylinder diesel for starting behaviour, smoke, oil pressure and signs of neglected servicing. Drive through every ratio of the eight-speed transmission and confirm that the four-wheel-drive system, hydraulics and brakes operate properly. Examine bonnet and wing condition, corrosion, tyres, repairs and the quality of any restoration. Check serial and registration details against the tractor's claimed identity. Have it inspected if unsure. Confirm figures and originality against TractorData.com and club records; values vary by condition, so check current listings rather than a fixed price.
County 654 frequently asked questions
What engine and power does the County 654 use?
The County 654 has a Ford four-cylinder diesel rated at about 72 hp. It is an equal-wheel four-wheel-drive tractor with an eight-speed transmission, a combination intended to provide useful traction for the heavy draught work associated with the model.
What years was the County 654 produced?
The County 654 was built from 1964 to 1968 at Fleet, Hampshire. It used Ford components and formed part of County's established line of equal-wheel four-wheel-drive tractors for British farms requiring strong traction in demanding ground.
Why is an eight-speed County 654 worth checking carefully?
The transmission is central to the tractor's usefulness and should select all eight speeds without worrying noises or poor engagement. Prospective buyers should also test its four-wheel drive, brakes and hydraulics, because condition matters more than a model's reputation alone.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Used tractor values vary by condition and region. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.