| Manufacturer |
Fordson |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
Major |
| Equipment Type |
- |
| Factory |
Dagenham, England |
FORDSON MAJOR POWER
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Fordson Major tractor features robust engine options, including the 4.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine and the more powerful Perkins 4.7L 6-cylinder diesel variant. The gasoline engine offers higher RPMs for lighter applications, while the diesel engine provides greater torque and fuel efficiency for heavy-duty tasks, making it suitable for agricultural work. A potential challenge is the weight disadvantage with the diesel variant which may affect maneuverability in tighter fields, so proper assessment of intended use is essential.
| Description |
Ford 4.4L 4-cyl gasoline Perkins 4.7L 6-cyl diesel |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Fordson Major, powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 4.4L, offers a modest power output of 27hp at 1200 RPM, ideal for light to medium agricultural tasks. Its adaptable engine design allows for both high-compression petrol and low-compression TVO configurations, enhancing fuel flexibility but necessitating an auxiliary petrol tank for optimal starting performance in TVO models. Key challenges may include sourcing parts for older models and ensuring proper coolant maintenance with a capacity of 48.1 quarts.
| Description |
Ford gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled The E27N Major was available with high-compression heads for running on petrol, or low-compression heads for using TVO. TVO tractors had an auxiliary petrol fuel tank for starting. |
| Displacement |
267ci / 4.4L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.125x5.00inches / 105 x 127mm |
| Power |
27hp / 20.1kW |
| Rated RPM |
1200 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Coolant capacity |
48.1qts / 45.5L |
ENGINE OIL
The Fordson Major tractor has an oil capacity of 12.6 quarts (11.9 liters), which is crucial for ensuring optimal engine lubrication and performance. Regularly maintaining the oil level can prevent excessive wear and enhance engine longevity. However, if not monitored, oil degradation could lead to reduced efficiency and potential mechanical failures.
| Oil capacity |
12.6qts / 11.9L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Fordson Major, equipped with a Perkins 6-cylinder diesel engine, delivers robust performance at 45hp while maintaining a low-rated RPM of 1500, ensuring fuel efficiency during extensive operations. Its 4.7L displacement and 3.50 x 5.00-inch bore/stroke ratio provide a good balance between torque and power output, ideal for agricultural tasks. However, the larger engine may present challenges in weight distribution and maneuverability in smaller fields or uneven terrains.
| Description |
Perkins diesel 6-cylinder liquid-cooled Tractors with the diesel are known as E27N P6(TA). |
| Displacement |
288ci / 4.7L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.50x5.00inches / 89 x 127mm |
| Power |
45hp / 33.6kW |
| Rated RPM |
1500 |
FORDSON MAJOR ENGINES
The Fordson Major is powered by either a Ford 4.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine or a Perkins 4.7L 6-cylinder diesel engine, offering flexibility in fuel choices. The 21-gallon main fuel tank supports extended operational range, while the auxiliary 1.2-gallon tank can provide additional fuel for specialized tasks, improving efficiency. However, the diesel variant may present challenges in cold starting compared to gasoline, necessitating proper maintenance and winterization strategies for optimal performance.
| Description |
Ford 4.4L 4-cyl gasoline Perkins 4.7L 6-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank |
21gal / 79.5L |
| Aux. fuel |
1.2gal / 4.5L |
TRANSMISSION
The Fordson Major tractor features a simple 3-speed forward and 1-speed reverse manual transmission, ideal for basic agricultural tasks but may limit operational speed flexibility. Its oil capacity of 13.2 quarts (12.5 liters) allows for adequate lubrication, reducing the risk of engine wear during extended use. Overall, while the straightforward gearing benefits new operators, it may pose challenges in varied terrain where additional gearing options could enhance efficiency.
| Transmission |
gear |
| Gears |
3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Oil capacity |
13.2qts / 12.5L |
MECHANICAL
The Fordson Major's 4x2 2WD chassis offers simplicity and less weight, making it suitable for smaller farms and light-duty work, but limits traction in wet or uneven terrain. The manual steering provides direct control, yet may lead to fatigue over long operations compared to power steering systems. With mechanical drum foot brakes and a wet disc hand brake, maintenance is relatively straightforward, but braking efficiency may be compromised under heavy load or adverse conditions.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
mechanical drum foot brakes, wet disc hand brake |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
3-speed |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
transmission |
| Rear RPM |
540 (1.375) |
| Engine RPM |
574@1200 |
FORDSON MAJOR TIRES
The Fordson Major features Ag front tires sized 6.00-19 and rear tires at 11.00-36, providing optimal traction and stability for heavy-duty agricultural tasks. The larger rear tires enhance ground engagement and can improve pulling power, while the front tires contribute to maneuverability in tight spaces. However, users may face challenges with tire replacement and compatibility with attachments due to the specific sizing, necessitating careful consideration in operational planning.
| Ag front |
6.00-19 |
| Ag rear |
11.00-36 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
77inches / 195cm |
| Length |
133inches / 337cm |
| Width |
65inches / 165cm |
| Height |
82inches / 208cm |
| Weight |
4,340lbs / 1968kg |
| Clearance (front axle) |
16.4inches / 41cm |
| Rear axle |
2.5inch diameter / 63mm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fordson Major tractor features a compact wheelbase of 77 inches, enhancing maneuverability in tight field conditions. Weighing 4,340 lbs, it provides substantial stability during operation, beneficial for plowing and heavy-duty tasks; however, its weight could lead to soil compaction if used on sensitive terrains. The front and rear tire specifications (6.00-19 and 11.00-36) indicate a well-balanced design, optimizing traction and stability while allowing for efficient power transfer in various agricultural applications.
| Wheelbase |
77inches / 195cm |
| Weight |
4,340lbs / 1968kg |
| Front tire |
6.00-19 |
| Rear tire |
11.00-36 |
MAJOR SERIAL NUMBERS
| 1945 |
980520 |
| 1946 |
993489 |
| 1947 |
1018978 |
| 1948 |
1054094 |
| 1949 |
1104657 |
| 1950 |
1138235 |
| 1951 |
1180610 |
| 1952 |
1216575 |
| Final |
1216990 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
9.75inches / 24cm |
| RPM |
1200 |
| Speed |
2,976ft/min 907.08meters/min |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
positive |
| Charging system |
generator |
| Battery volts |
12 |
| Battery AH |
57 |
