Introduction
Fordson Super Major (1961-1964)
The Fordson Super Major is a tractor produced between 1961 and 1964 in Dagenham, England, succeeding the Power Major series. Marketed as the Ford 5000 in the United States, this machine represents a significant phase in mid-century agricultural mechanization, designed for versatility and operational reliability.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is equipped with a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine manufactured by Ford. With a displacement of 199 cubic inches (3.3 liters) and a compression ratio of 5.9:1, the engine delivers 54 horsepower. Maintenance specifications include a spark plug gap of 0.025 inches and a point gap of 0.014-0.016 inches, with a firing order of 1-2-4-3.
Transmission and Hydraulics
The powertrain features a sliding gear transmission providing 6 forward and 2 reverse gears. The hydraulic system is of the open-center type, powered by a pump with a flow rate of 6 gallons per minute (22.7 liters per minute). It utilizes a Category I and II rear hitch system, allowing for the attachment of various implements.
Dimensions and Chassis
Built on a two-wheel drive chassis, the Super Major has an 80-inch wheelbase and a total weight of 5,330 lbs (2,417 kg). It measures 130.5 inches in length, 65 inches in width, and 64.6 inches in height. The machine is configured with 6.00-16 agricultural front tires and 12.4-38 agricultural rear tires, providing stability for field operations.
Conclusion
The Fordson Super Major is a robust, two-wheel drive tractor suited for general agricultural tasks. Its mechanical simplicity, combined with a standard 540 rpm independent PTO, makes it a durable machine that remains relevant for both field utility and historical collection.
Production Information of Fordson, Super Major
- Built in Dagenham, England
- The Fordson Super Major was sold as the Ford 5000 in the United States.
| Manufacturer | Fordson (a part of Ford) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Fordson, Super Major
| Wheelbase | 80 inches [203 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5330 lbs [2417 kg] |
| Height | 64.6 inches [164 cm] |
| Length | 130.5 inches [331 cm] |
| Width | 65 inches [165 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12.4-38 |
Engine Specifications of Fordson, Super Major
- Ford
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Point gap | 0.014-0.016 inches [0.356 mm] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 199 ci [3.3 L] |
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.74x4.524 inches [95 x 115 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 15.3 qts [14.5 L] |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
| Compression | 5.9:1 |
Transmission Information of Fordson, Super Major
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Fordson, Super Major
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
Power Information of Fordson, Super Major
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Fordson, Super Major
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 6 gpm [22.7 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Fordson, Super Major
| Rear Type | I,II |
|---|
Where it sits
With 54 HP, the Fordson Super Major sits just above Power Major (52 HP) in Fordson's range. Its power puts it in the 55th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Fordson Super Major have?
The Fordson Super Major delivers 54 HP.
What years was the Fordson Super Major produced?
The Fordson Super Major was produced in 1961-1964.
What engine does the Fordson Super Major have?
The Fordson Super Major is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Fordson Super Major use?
The Fordson Super Major uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the Fordson Super Major weigh?
The Fordson Super Major weighs 5330 lbs [2417 kg].
Is the Fordson Super Major 4WD?
The Fordson Super Major is available in 2WD.