| Manufacturer | Fordson |
| Price | - |
| Model | Power Major |
| Equipment Type | - |
| Factory | Dagenham, England |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 685 2
| Description | Diesel 6-speed 2WD February 27, 1959 - March 16, 1957 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 685 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed | 47.65hp / 35.5kW |
| Fuel use | 3.2gal/hour 12.1l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed | 45.39hp / 33.8kW |
| Max power | 42.63hp / 31.8kW |
| Max pull | 8,038lbs / 3646kg |
FORDSON POWER MAJOR POWER
| Drawbar (tested) | 42.63hp / 31.8kW |
| PTO (tested) | 47.65hp / 35.5kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Fordson Power Major tractor features a robust Ford 3.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine, providing high torque for heavy-duty applications, while the alternative Ford 3.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine offers lower fuel consumption and easier starting in cold conditions. Key advantages of the diesel variant include better fuel efficiency and more power for extended operations, while the gasoline option benefits users seeking lower initial costs and easier maintenance. However, the diesel engine can present challenges such as higher upfront costs and potential emissions regulations compliance, particularly in urban settings.
| Description | Ford 3.6L 4-cyl diesel Ford 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Fordson Power Major features a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 3.6L and a high compression ratio of 16.1:1, which enhances torque and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for demanding agricultural work. Its oil bath air cleaner may reduce maintenance needs but might not perform as efficiently in extremely dusty environments compared to dry alternatives. With a rated RPM of 1600, this tractor offers optimal power delivery for tasks such as plowing or heavy hauling, yet users should be mindful of its relatively small oil (7.2 quarts) and coolant (14.4 quarts) capacities, which necessitate regular monitoring to prevent potential overheating or lubrication issues.
| Description | Ford diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 220ci / 3.6L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.937x4.524inches / 100 x 115mm |
| Air cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 16.1:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter | electric inertia starter optional |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Oil capacity | 7.2qts / 6.8L |
| Coolant capacity | 14.4qts / 13.6L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Fordson Power Major tractor features a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.3L and a low compression ratio of 5.9:1, which enhances its ability to run on lower octane fuels but may limit power output. Operating at a rated RPM of 1600 allows for sufficient torque delivery, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications like plowing and tilling. However, users should be aware of maintenance requirements regarding the sparkplug and point gaps to ensure optimal engine performance.
| Description | Ford gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 199ci / 3.3L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.74x4.524inches / 95 x 115mm |
| Compression | 5.9:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Oil capacity | 7.2qts / 6.8L |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025inches / 0.635mm |
| Point gap | 0.015inches / 0.381mm |
FORDSON POWER MAJOR ENGINES
The Fordson Power Major features a robust Ford 3.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine, delivering enhanced torque for heavy-duty applications, while its 3.3L gasoline variant offers easier starting and lower operational costs in lighter farming tasks. The diesel engine is advantageous for fuel efficiency and durability, particularly in agricultural scenarios requiring prolonged use. However, the gasoline variant, while less fuel-efficient, provides a more immediate power response for lighter implements, making it suitable for smaller farms or diversified operations.
| Description | Ford 3.6L 4-cyl diesel Ford 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline |
TRANSMISSION
The Fordson Power Major's unsynchronized gearbox offers simplicity and ease of maintenance but requires skillful shifting to avoid gear grind. With 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, it provides versatile speed options for various agricultural tasks, enhancing operational efficiency. The dry disc clutch, while reliable, can be challenging in muddy conditions; regular oil capacity of 20.4 quarts ensures optimal lubrication for extended use.
| Type | unsymchronized gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | dry disc |
| Oil capacity | 20.4 qts/19.3 L/21.6 qts/20.4 L (with PTO) |
MECHANICAL
The Fordson Power Major's 4x2 2WD chassis provides adequate traction for general farming tasks but may struggle in challenging terrains or wet conditions. The power-assisted steering enhances maneuverability, while the differential mechanical shoe brakes offer reliable stopping but may require more maintenance than hydraulic systems. The 6-speed unsynchronized transmission allows for versatile speed selection, though operators should be skilled in gear shifting to avoid stalling during operation.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | power assist |
| Brakes | differential mechanical shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station. |
| Transmission | 6-speed unsymchronized gear |
CAPACITY
| Fuel | 17.4gal / 65.9L |
| Rear axle | 43.2qts / 40.9L |
HYDRAULICS
| Type | gear pump |
| Pressure | 2200psi / 151.7bar |
| Pump flow | 5.65gpm / 21.4lpm |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO | transmission/live (optional) |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1600 |
FORDSON POWER MAJOR TIRES
The Fordson Power Major tractor features a wide agricultural rear tire (14-30), providing excellent traction and stability, ideal for heavy-duty tasks like plowing and tilling in varied field conditions. The front tire size (7.50-16) allows for better maneuverability, although the smaller front tire may lead to challenges in steering when fully loaded. Optimal for mid-sized farms, this tractor balances performance and versatility for a range of agricultural applications.
| Ag front | 7.50-16 |
| Ag rear | 14-30 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase | 80inches / 203cm |
| Length | 130.5inches / 331cm |
| Width | 65inches / 165cm |
| Height | 64.6inches / 164cm |
| Front tread | 54 to 78inches / 137 to 198cm |
| Rear tread | 58/62inches / 147/157cm |
FORDSON POWER MAJOR WEIGHT
| Operating | 4,540lbs / 2059kg (basic gas)/ 5,140lbs / 2331kg (gas PTO/hyd) / 4,600lbs / 2086kg (basic diesel) / 5,200lbs / 2358kg (diesel PTO/hyd) |
| Ballasted | 10,370lbs / 4703kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fordson Power Major features a robust 80-inch wheelbase, providing stability and improved handling for various agricultural tasks. Weighing between 4,540 to 5,200 pounds, it offers a favorable weight-to-power ratio, beneficial for traction, especially in plowing and tilling scenarios. However, the specific tire sizes (front: 6.00-19, rear: 11-36) might limit its adaptability to extreme terrains requiring different tread patterns for enhanced grip.
| Wheelbase | 80inches / 203cm |
| Weight | 4540 to 5200 pounds |
| Front tire | 6.00-19 |
| Rear tire | 11-36 |
POWER MAJOR SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location | Engine block, right side |
| 1958 | 1481091 |
| 1959 | 1494448 |
| 1960 | 1538065 |
| 1961 | 1583906 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter | 8.5inches / 21cm |
| Width | 5inches / 12cm |
| RPM | 1700 |
| Speed | 3783ft/min 1153.06meters/min |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground | positive |
| Batteries | 2 (diesel)/1 (gasoline) |
| Battery CCA | 144 |
| Battery volts | 6 (diesel)/12 (gasoline) |