| Manufacturer |
Fordson |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
Super Major |
| Equipment Type |
- |
| Factory |
Dagenham, England |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 845 2
| Description |
Diesel 6-speed 2WD September 3 - 7, 1963 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 845 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed |
47.53hp / 35.4kW |
| Fuel use |
3.0gal/hour / 11.4l/hour |
| Power at rated PTO speed |
42.89hp / 32.0kW |
| Max power |
40.21hp / 30.0kW |
| Max pull |
8,128lbs / 3686kg |
FORDSON SUPER MAJOR POWER
| Engine |
54hp / 40.3kW |
| PTO (claimed) |
47hp / 35.0kW |
| Drawbar (tested) |
40.21hp / 30.0kW |
| PTO (tested) |
47.53hp / 35.4kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Fordson Super Major features a robust 3.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine or an alternative 3.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, providing versatility in fuel options. The diesel variant offers enhanced torque and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for heavy-duty agricultural tasks, while the gasoline engine can be advantageous for lighter operations and easier starting in cold conditions. Key considerations include weight distribution and potential maintenance complexity related to dual fuel systems.
| Description |
Ford 3.6L 4-cyl diesel/Ford 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Fordson Super Major features a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a 3.6L displacement, delivering 54hp at a rated RPM of 1700, suitable for medium-duty agricultural tasks. With a compression ratio of 16.1:1, its fuel efficiency is enhanced, though maintenance of the cooling and oil systems (15.3qt coolant and 7.2qt oil) is critical to prevent overheating and ensure longevity. A potential downside may include challenges in part availability due to its age, necessitating a thorough evaluation for consistent performance in demanding conditions.
| Description |
Ford diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
220ci / 3.6L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.937x4.524inches / 100 x 115mm |
| Power |
54hp / 40.3kW |
| Compression |
16.1:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1700 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Oil capacity |
7.2qts / 6.8L |
| Coolant capacity |
15.3qts / 14.5L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Fordson Super Major features a robust 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.3L, providing substantial torque for agricultural applications. Its lower compression ratio of 5.9:1 may limit peak horsepower but enhances durability and reduces the risk of pre-ignition, ideal for varied field conditions. Regular maintenance, particularly ensuring correct spark plug and point gap settings, will optimize engine efficiency and longevity.
| Description |
Ford gasoline 4-cylinder liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
199ci / 3.3L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.74x4.524inches / 95 x 115mm |
| Compression |
5.9:1 |
| Firing order |
1-2-4-3 |
| Oil capacity |
7.2qts / 6.8L |
| Sparkplug gap |
0.025inches / 0.635mm |
| Point gap |
0.014-0.016inches / 0.356mm |
FORDSON SUPER MAJOR ENGINES
The Fordson Super Major offers a choice between a 3.6L diesel and a 3.3L gasoline engine, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability and operating conditions. The 20-gallon fuel tank capacity supports extended operation, advantageous for larger agricultural tasks without frequent refueling. However, consider the diesel variant's superior torque and fuel efficiency for heavy-duty applications, while the gasoline option may deliver quicker starts and lower initial costs.
| Description |
Ford 3.6L 4-cyl diesel / Ford 3.3L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank |
20gal / 75.7L |
TRANSMISSION
The Fordson Super Major tractor features a sliding gear transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, providing versatile speed options for various field conditions and tasks. The sliding gear design allows for smoother gear engagement but may require careful operation to avoid gear clash, particularly under load. This transmission setup is beneficial for loaders and plowing activities, where varying speeds are essential for efficiency and performance.
| Type |
sliding gear |
| Gears |
6 forward and 2 reverse |
SPEEDS
| Description |
With 11x36 rear tires |
MECHANICAL
The Fordson Super Major features a 4x2 2WD chassis, providing adequate traction for lighter agricultural tasks, but may struggle on uneven terrain or in muddy conditions. Its open operator station allows for excellent visibility and accessibility, which is beneficial for long hours of operation; however, it may expose the operator to weather elements. The 6-speed sliding gear transmission offers versatility in speed selection, enhancing performance for various applications but can require more skill to operate efficiently compared to modern, synchronized gearboxes.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Cab |
Open operator station |
| Transmission |
6-speed sliding gear |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
open center |
| Pump flow |
6gpm / 22.7lpm |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
independent |
| Rear RPM |
540 |
FORDSON SUPER MAJOR TIRES
The Fordson Super Major features a robust tire configuration with 6.00-16 front tires and large 12.4-38 rear tires, providing excellent traction and stability for various agricultural applications. This tire setup enhances performance in field work, ensuring optimal power transfer and reduced soil compaction, but may limit maneuverability in tighter spaces. Ideal for medium to large farms, the tractor excels in tasks such as plowing, tilling, and pulling implements, but careful attention must be paid to load distribution to prevent excessive wear on the rear tires.
| Ag front |
6.00-16 |
| Ag rear |
12.4-38 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
80inches / 203cm |
| Length |
130.5inches / 331cm |
| Width |
65inches / 165cm |
| Height |
64.6inches / 164cm |
| Weight |
5330lbs / 2417kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Fordson Super Major's 80-inch wheelbase provides a balanced stability ideal for field operations and heavy towing. Weighing 5,330 lbs (2,417 kg), it offers substantial ground traction, beneficial for working in rugged terrain but may pose mobility constraints in more confined spaces. The tire specifications, with 6.00-16 in the front and 12.4-38 in the rear, enable effective power transfer and soil penetration, but may require careful weight distribution management to prevent soil compaction.
| Wheelbase |
80inches / 203cm |
| Weight |
5330lbs / 2417kg |
| Front tire |
6.00-16 |
| Rear tire |
12.4-38 |
SUPER MAJOR SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Serial number stamped onto the engine, right side |
| 1960 |
1578886 |
| 1961 |
08A 300001 |
| 1962 |
08B 741001 |
| 1963 |
08C 945000 |
| 1964 |
08D 940000 |
