Introduction
Fordson Power Major (1958-1961)
The Fordson Power Major is a two-wheel drive agricultural tractor manufactured in Dagenham, England, between 1958 and 1961. Part of the Fordson product line, this model was designed as a robust utility machine for mid-century farming operations, offering a power output of 52 horsepower.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 199 cubic inches (3.3 liters). It operates at a rated speed of 1600 RPM with a compression ratio of 5.9:1. The engine utilizes a firing order of 1-2-4-3 and requires a 12-volt electrical system for gasoline configurations.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The Power Major features an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. Power is transferred via a dry disc clutch. The mechanical configuration includes two-wheel drive, power-assisted steering for improved operator control, and differential mechanical shoe brakes.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is driven by a gear pump, delivering a flow of 5.65 gallons per minute (21.4 liters per minute) at a pressure of 2200 psi (151.7 bar). The rear Power Take-Off (PTO) operates at 540 RPM when the engine is at 1600 RPM, providing the necessary power for mounted implements.
Dimensions and Capacity
With a wheelbase of 80 inches (203 cm) and an overall length of 130.5 inches (331 cm), the tractor provides a stable platform for field work. The front tread is adjustable from 54 to 78 inches, while the rear tread ranges from 58 to 62 inches. The cooling system has a capacity of 14.4 quarts (13.6 liters), and the transmission oil capacity is 20.4 quarts (19.3 liters).
Conclusion
The Fordson Power Major serves as a capable and durable tractor suited for standard field operations and agricultural tasks of its era. Its combination of a 52-hp engine and versatile transmission makes it a reliable choice for collectors and historical machinery enthusiasts.
Production Information of Fordson, Power Major
- Built in Dagenham, England
| Manufacturer | Fordson (a part of Ford) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Fordson, Power Major
| Wheelbase | 80 inches [203 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 54 to 78 inches [137 to 198 cm] |
| Height | 64.6 inches [164 cm] |
| Length | 130.5 inches [331 cm] |
| Rear tread | 58/62 inches [147/157 cm] |
| Width | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-19 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 14-30 |
| Ag rear | 11-36 |
| Ag front | 7.50-16 |
Engine Specifications of Fordson, Power Major
- Ford
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 14.4 qts [13.6 L] |
|---|---|
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Displacement | 199 ci [3.3 L] |
| Compression | 5.9:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.74x4.524 inches [95 x 115 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Point gap | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
Transmission Information of Fordson, Power Major
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsymchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Type(optional) | 21.6 qts (with PTO) [20.4 L] |
| Oil capacity | 20.4 qts [19.3 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Fordson, Power Major
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical shoe brakes
| Steering | Power assist |
|---|
Power Information of Fordson, Power Major
- FAQ: How to read a serial number table.
| Location: | Engine block, right side |
|---|---|
| 1961 | 1583906 |
| 1960 | 1538065 |
| 1958 | 1481091 |
| 1959 | 1494448 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Fordson, Power Major
| Type | Gear pump |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 2200 psi [151.7 bar] |
| Pump flow | 5.65 gpm [21.4 lpm] |
Electrical System of Fordson, Power Major
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 (diesel) |
| Battery CCA | 144 |
| Batteries | 2 (diesel) |
| Batteries(optional) | 12 (gasoline) |
| Batteries(optional) | 1 (gasoline) |
Where it sits
With 52 hp[P] HP, the Fordson Power Major sits between New Major (38 HP) and Super Major (54 HP) in Fordson's range. Its power puts it in the 77th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Fordson Power Major have?
The Fordson Power Major delivers 52 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Fordson Power Major produced?
The Fordson Power Major was produced in 1958-1961.
What engine does the Fordson Power Major have?
The Fordson Power Major is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Fordson Power Major use?
The Fordson Power Major uses a Unsymchronized gear transmission.
Is the Fordson Power Major 4WD?
The Fordson Power Major is available in 2WD.