| Manufacturer |
Fordson |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
Fordson F |
| Equipment Type |
Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory |
Cork, Ireland |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 18
| Description |
Kerosene 3-speed 2WD/June 2 - 12, 1920/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 18 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 2 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
19.15 hp/14.3 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
3.0 gal/hour/11.4 l/hour |
| Max power |
9.34 hp/7.0 kW |
| Max pull |
2,187 lbs/992 kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 124
| Description |
Kerosene 3-speed 2WD/June 21 - 28, 1926/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 124 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 2 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
22.28 hp/16.6 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
2.5 gal/hour/9.5 l/hour |
| Max power |
12.325 hp/9.2 kW |
| Max pull |
2,142 lbs/971 kg |
FORDSON FORDSON F POWER
| Engine |
20 hp/14.9 kW |
| Drawbar (claimed) |
10 hp/7.5 kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
20 hp/14.9 kW |
| Plows |
2 (14-inch) |
| Drawbar (tested) |
12.325 hp/9.2 kW |
| Belt (tested) |
22.28 hp/16.6 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Fordson F tractor is powered by a robust 4.1L 4-cylinder distillate engine, which offers efficient fuel consumption and reliable torque delivery for various agricultural tasks. Its relatively simple mechanical design ensures ease of maintenance, although potential challenges may include limited parts availability due to the tractor's age. Ideal for smaller farms or vintage machinery enthusiasts, the Fordson F provides a charming blend of historical value and practical performance.
| Description |
Ford 4.1L 4-cyl distillate/Hercules 4.1L 4-cyl distillate |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Fordson F tractor, equipped with a 4-cylinder, 20 hp (14.9 kW) liquid-cooled engine and a 251.3 ci (4.1 L) displacement, offers reliable power delivery at a rated RPM of 1000, ideal for moderate agricultural tasks. Its oil capacity of 9 quarts and coolant capacity of 48 quarts suggest effective thermal management, reducing overheating risks during operation. However, the tractor's limited power output may present challenges for heavy-duty tasks, making it best suited for lighter workloads or smaller farming operations.
| Description |
Ford/distillate/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled/In 1920, a Ford-built engine replaced the Hercules engine, although it was nearly identical |
| Displacement |
251.3 ci/4.1 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.00x5.00 inches/102 x 127 mm |
| Power |
20 hp/14.9 kW |
| Rated RPM |
1000 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Oil capacity |
9 qts/8.5 L |
| Coolant capacity |
48 qts/45.4 L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Fordson F tractor features a Hercules 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 251 ci (4.1 L), producing 20 hp (14.9 kW) at a rated RPM of 1000, making it suitable for light agricultural tasks. The design incorporates a bore and stroke of 4.00x5.00 inches (102 x 127 mm), which aids in generating adequate torque at low RPMs, beneficial for field operations. However, limited horsepower may restrict its capability for larger implements or more demanding terrains, making it most effective in lighter-duty applications.
| Description |
Hercules/distillate/4-cylinder/liquid-cooled/The Hercules engine was used in Fordsons until 1920 |
| Displacement |
251 ci/4.1 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.00x5.00 inches/102 x 127 mm |
| Power |
20 hp/14.9 kW |
| Rated RPM |
1000 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
FORDSON FORDSON F ENGINES
The Fordson F tractor, powered by a Ford or Hercules 4.1L 4-cylinder distillate engine, offers a robust fuel capacity of 21 gallons (79.5 liters), making it efficient for longer operation intervals in agricultural tasks. This tractor's distillate capability allows for the use of cheaper fuel alternatives, which can significantly reduce operational costs. However, the challenge may lie in servicing; sourcing specific parts for older models could present difficulties due to their age.
| Description |
Ford 4.1L 4-cyl distillate/Hercules 4.1L 4-cyl distillate |
| Fuel tank |
21 gal/79.5 L |
TRANSMISSION
The Fordson F tractor features a constant mesh gear transmission, providing improved durability and smoother operation across its 3 forward and 1 reverse gears. With an oil capacity of 15 quarts (14.2 L), it ensures adequate lubrication for extended operational periods, crucial for maintaining engine performance. However, the limited gear range may present challenges in navigating varied terrain, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
| Type |
constant mesh gear |
| Gears |
3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Oil capacity |
15 qts/14.2 L |
MECHANICAL
The Fordson F tractor features a 4x2 two-wheel drive system, offering good traction for light agricultural tasks but may struggle on uneven terrain or wet fields. Its manual steering can provide operators with better feedback but may require more effort during prolonged use compared to power-assisted systems. The 3-speed constant mesh transmission allows for smooth gear engagement, although the limited speed options may restrict adaptability to varying operational conditions.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Transmission |
3-speed constant mesh gear |
FORDSON FORDSON F TIRES
The Fordson F tractor's rear axle configuration supports 42x12 steel agricultural tires, which provide enhanced durability and traction for field operations. The use of steel wheels can be advantageous in terms of lower maintenance and improved weight distribution but may sacrifice some ride comfort and traction on softer soil types compared to rubber tires. This tractor is ideal for heavy-duty agricultural tasks on firm, well-drained land; however, operators should consider the ground conditions to maximize performance.
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
63 inches/160 cm |
| Length |
102 inches/259 cm |
| Width |
63 inches/160 cm |
| Height |
55 inches/139 cm |
| Weight |
2,920 lbs/1324 kg |
| Ground clearance |
11.6 inches/29 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fordson F tractor, with a 63-inch wheelbase and a weight of 2,920 lbs, offers excellent stability for field operations. Its rear tires (42x12) provide substantial traction, enhancing performance in varied terrain but may pose challenges in tight spaces due to the longer wheelbase. Ideal for medium-duty agricultural tasks, it's crucial to ensure proper load distribution to maintain optimal maneuverability and reduce soil compaction.
| Wheelbase |
63 inches/160 cm |
| Weight |
2,920 lbs/1324 kg |
| Rear tire |
42x12 |
FORDSON F SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Below the cylinder head on the right side of the engine. |
| 1917 |
1 (USA) |
| 1918 |
260 (USA) |
| 1919 |
63001 (Ireland) |
| 1920 |
65001 (Ireland) |
| 1921 |
108230 (Ireland) |
| 1922 |
109673 (Ireland) |
| 1923 |
268583 (USA) |
| 1924 |
370351 (USA) |
| 1925 |
455360 (USA) |
| 1926 |
557608 (USA) |
| 1927 |
629830 (USA) |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
9.5 inches/24 cm |
| Width |
6.5 inches/16 cm |
| RPM |
1000 |
| Speed |
2480 ft/min/755.90 meters/min |
