Introduction
Ford 541 Row-Crop Tractor
The Ford 541 is a row-crop tractor manufactured in Highland Park, Michigan, between 1958 and 1962. It belongs to the 2000 Offset series, characterized by an offset chassis design that shifts the engine and driveline to the operator's left to enhance visibility of the crop rows during cultivation.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 144 cubic-inch (2.4 L) liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder engine. Operating at a rated speed of 2200 RPM, the unit delivers a claimed 30.7 hp at the drawbar, 34 hp at the PTO, and 35.25 hp via the belt pulley. The engine utilizes a 1-2-4-3 firing order and requires 5 quarts of oil, with a cooling system capacity of 15 quarts.
Transmission and Mechanical Systems
The Ford 541 features a two-wheel drive configuration paired with a gear-type transmission providing 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse gear. Steering is managed manually, and braking is achieved through mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The operator occupies an open station.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system utilizes an open-center design with a total fluid capacity of 8 gallons (30.3 L). For implement attachment, the tractor is equipped with a Category I rear hitch, supporting a variety of standard agricultural tools.
Dimensions and Ground Clearance
The tractor is built on an 89-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 140.5 inches. Ground clearance varies by model: the standard 541 offers 19.44 inches, while the 541-4 variant provides 25.06 inches. Shipping weights are approximately 3513 lbs for the base model and 3664 lbs for the 541-4.
Conclusion
The Ford 541 is a specialized cultivating tractor designed for row-crop applications where visibility is critical. Its combination of a Category I hitch, sufficient PTO power, and adjustable tread widths makes it suitable for general farm tasks and precise cultivation work.
Production Information of Ford, 541
- The Ford 541 was a cultivating tractor with an offset chassis to improve visibility of the rows below the tractor. The engine and driveline were offset to the driver's left.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Highland Park, Michigan, USA
| Manufacturer | Ford |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Ford, 541
| 541-4 Ground clearance | 25.06 inches [63 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 89 inches [226 cm] |
| 541-4 Shipping weight | 3664 lbs [1661 kg] |
| 541 Shipping weight | 3513 lbs [1593 kg] |
| Length | 140.5 inches [356 cm] |
| Front tread | 40 to 78 inches [101 to 198 cm] |
| 541 Ground clearance | 19.44 inches [49 cm] |
| Width | 55.6 inches [141 cm] |
| Rear tread | 40/44/48/52/56/60/64/68 inches [101/111/121/132/142/152/162/172 cm] |
Minimum at 40-inch tread.
| 541 Standard tires (ag) | Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 10-28 |
|---|---|
| 541-4 Optional tires (ag) | Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 12-38 |
| 541-4 Standard tires (ag) | Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 10-38 |
| 541 Optional tires (ag) | Front: 5.50-16. Rear: 11-28 |
Engine Specifications of Ford, 541
- Ford
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 144 ci [2.4 L] |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.562x3.60 inches [90 x 91 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 15 qts [14.2 L] |
| Starter volts | 6 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
Transmission Information of Ford, 541
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Ford, 541
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|
Power Information of Ford, 541
| Drawbar (claimed) | 30.7 hp [22.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| PTO (claimed) | 34 hp [25.4 kW] |
| Belt (claimed) | 35.25 hp [26.3 kW] |
Hydraulics Specifications of Ford, 541
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 gal [30.3 L] |
Three-Point Hitch of Ford, 541
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Electrical System of Ford, 541
| Ground | Positive (6V) |
|---|---|
| Ground(optional) | 12 (diesel) |
| Ground(optional) | Negative (12V) |
| Battery volts | 6 (gas/LP) |
Where it sits
With 37 hp[P] HP, the Ford 541 sits between 2600 (36 HP) and 2110 (38 HP) in Ford's range. Its power puts it in the 49th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford 541 have?
The Ford 541 delivers 37 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Ford 541 produced?
The Ford 541 was produced in 1958-1962.
What engine does the Ford 541 have?
The Ford 541 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Ford 541 use?
The Ford 541 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Ford 541 weigh?
The Ford 541 weighs 3664 lbs [1661 kg].
Is the Ford 541 4WD?
The Ford 541 is available in 2WD.