| Manufacturer |
Ford |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
541 |
| Equipment Type |
Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
Highland Park, Michigan, USA |
FORD 541 POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) |
30.7hp / 22.9kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
34hp / 25.4kW |
| Belt (claimed) |
35.25hp / 26.3kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Ford 541 tractor is equipped with a choice of three engines: a 2.2L gasoline, a 2.2L LP gas, and a 2.4L diesel variant, providing flexibility in fuel type to suit operational needs. The gasoline models offer efficient performance for lighter tasks, while the diesel engine provides enhanced torque for heavy-duty applications, making it suitable for farming and towing. Consider potential challenges, such as fuel availability for the LP gas model and maintenance differences between fuel types, which may influence operational costs and downtime.
| Description |
Ford 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline Ford 2.2L 4-cyl LP gas Ford 2.4L 4-cyl diesel |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Ford 541 tractor features a 134ci (2.2L) 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a moderate compression ratio of 7.5:1, ideal for lower RPM operation at 2000, balancing power and efficiency for agricultural tasks. Its liquid cooling system with a 15qt capacity ensures optimal engine temperature, while the 6-volt starter system may present challenges in extreme cold conditions but is sufficient for typical operating scenarios. With 5 quarts of oil capacity, regular maintenance is critical to sustain engine longevity and performance.
| Description |
Ford gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
134ci / 2.2L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.4375x3.60inches / 87 x 91mm |
| Compression |
7.5:1 |
| Rated RPM |
2000 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
| Oil capacity |
5qts / 4.7L |
| Coolant capacity |
15qts / 14.2L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Ford 541 tractor features a liquid-cooled, LP gas 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 134ci, which provides efficient power and can be advantageous for agricultural applications, particularly in areas where LP gas is readily available. Its bore and stroke dimensions (3.4375x3.60 inches) allow for a balanced power-to-weight ratio, however, the 6-volt starter system may present challenges in cold weather start conditions. The firing order (1-2-4-3) contributes to smooth engine operation, which is crucial for consistent power delivery during tillage or other demanding tasks.
| Description |
Ford LP gas 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
134ci / 2.2L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.4375x3.60inches / 87 x 91mm |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Ford 541 tractor features a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a liquid cooling system, offering efficient thermal management essential for prolonged operation at a rated RPM of 2200. With a displacement of 144 ci (2.4L) and a bore/stroke ratio conducive to balanced torque output, this tractor is well-suited for tasks requiring consistent power delivery, such as tilling or hauling. Its 12-volt starter system allows for reliable starting in various weather conditions, though users should note the importance of maintaining battery health to ensure optimal performance.
| Description |
Ford diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
144ci / 2.4L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.562x3.60inches / 90 x 91mm |
| Rated RPM |
2200 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
FORD 541 ENGINES
The Ford 541 tractor is equipped with multiple engine options, including a 2.2L 4-cylinder gasoline, 2.2L 4-cylinder LP gas, and a 2.4L 4-cylinder diesel, offering versatility in fuel choice for different operational needs. The gasoline options provide quick starting and maneuverability, ideal for lighter agricultural tasks, while the diesel variant delivers better fuel efficiency and torque for heavier workloads. However, the choice between gasoline and diesel can impact overall operating costs and maintenance frequency, with diesel typically offering lower long-term fuel expenses but potentially higher initial investment.
| Description |
Ford 2.2L 4-cyl gasoline Ford 2.2L 4-cyl LP gas Ford 2.4L 4-cyl diesel |
TRANSMISSION
The Ford 541 tractor utilizes a gear transmission system with 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, providing a total range suitable for various agricultural tasks. This setup allows for straightforward operation and efficient speed adjustments, ideal for loader work and field operations. However, with only one reverse gear, maneuverability may be limited in tight spaces or when executing quick directional changes.
| Type |
gear |
| Gears |
4 forward and 1 reverse |
MECHANICAL
The Ford 541 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which offers simplicity and lower maintenance costs, but may limit traction in muddy or uneven terrain compared to 4WD models. Its manual steering provides direct control but may require more physical effort during operation, particularly when maneuvering in tight spaces. The mechanical expanding shoe brakes are reliable yet may lack the stopping power of modern hydraulic brakes; thus, operators should remain vigilant, especially in hilly conditions.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
4-speed gear |
CAPACITY
| Fuel |
11gal / 41.6L |
| Hydraulic system |
8gal / 30.3L |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
open center |
| Capacity |
8gal / 30.3L |
TRACTOR HITCH
FORD 541 TIRES
The Ford 541 tractor is available with multiple tire configurations, impacting its traction and load capacity. The standard configurations (10-28 and 10-38) are suitable for general farming applications, while the optional tires (11-28 and 12-38) provide enhanced stability and load-bearing capabilities. Challenges may arise with ground compaction; thus, choosing the right tire size based on the soil type and intended use is critical for optimal performance.
| 541 Standard tires (ag) |
Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 10-28 |
| 541-4 Standard tires (ag) |
Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 10-38 |
| 541 Optional tires (ag) |
Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 11-28 |
| 541-4 Optional tires (ag) |
Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 12-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
89inches / 226cm |
| Length |
140.5inches / 356cm |
| Width |
55.6inches / 141cm |
| 541 Shiping weight |
3513lbs / 1593kg |
| 541-4 Shiping weight |
3664lbs / 1661kg |
| 541 Ground clearance |
19.44inches / 49cm |
| 541-4 Ground clearance |
25.06inches / 63cm |
| Front tread |
40 to 78inches / 101 to 198cm |
| Rear tread |
40/44/48/52/56/60/64/68 inches/101/111/121/132/142/152/162/172 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Ford 541 tractor features an 89-inch wheelbase, providing stability and maneuverability for various agricultural tasks. Its weight range of 3513 to 3664 pounds enhances traction, while the front tire size of 5.50-16 and rear tire size of 10-28 indicates a good balance for handling heavier implements and rough terrain. However, this weight may pose challenges in compacted soil, and operators should consider the potential for soil compaction during prolonged use.
| Wheelbase |
89inches / 226cm |
| Weight |
3513 to 3664 pounds |
| Front tire |
5.50-16 |
| 541 Rear tire |
10-28 |
541 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
The serial number on the Ford 541 is on the left side, behind the starter and on top of the transmission case. |
| 1957 |
1001 |
| 1958 |
11977 |
| 1959 |
58312 |
| 1960 |
105943 |
| 1961 |
131427 |
| 1962 |
155531 |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
positive (6V)/negative (12V) |
| Battery volts |
6 (gas/LP)/12 (diesel) |
