The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Yes this machine uses its own double acting ram for lifting and lowering. It is quite capable of lifting the tractors back wheels off the ground and taking all the weight on the jack legs which makes for a particularly sturdy digging platform, and is the recommended way according to the manual when ...

This can't happen to a properly installed PA44. In fact it can't really happen to a badly installed one as you don't sit on the machine. Whilst it does use the two lower links, the upper link is not used and is replaced by a rigid bracket that the machine locks on to. It is this that takes most of t...

Thought this might deserve it's own thread. I have often thought that tractors look bare unless attached to something. After all, a tractor on its own is not much more than a slow and cumbersome transport for one person - not what it was made for! As I am hoping to someday build an extension, someth...

Here is the McConnel PA44 mounted on the tractor:



As you can see it can be fully offset to dig parallel to walls, as well as increasing the reach.

I kind of made it into a backhoe loader:

Nah, he was just having a laugh. Had a little bit of a chat. He was surprised at how old it was, but if it works and does the job... :D Anyway, latest development is I got the backhoe on. It's an old McConnel PA44 dating from the early '70's I believe. I got it all hooked up and the hydraulics conne...

I took the major out for its first little job since fitting the new drag link, taking a trailer loaded with scrap to be weighed in. Pleased to report a significant improvement on the steering, It has gone from "terrifying" to "more play than I would like". I might have to have a look at the steering...

Fitted the new drag link yesterday. Big difference. Still some play in the steering as there is slack in the steering box, but it feels like I have at least halved the amount of overall play if not more. Hopefully next time I take it out it will feel a little less scary! It is also starting to snow....

I think it may be the later drag link. Anyhow it is also bent and complete replacement with new is not expensive. This is one of the things I love about the major, and makes me understand why there are so many unrestored examples still running around on farms and elsewhere doing the job they were do...

So a little update. I have been connecting up the lights, not quite as straightforward as it could have been since a PO had just basically cut the wires for the headlamps, so they were soldered up to new ones with the correct bullet connectors for attaching to the replacement loom. The rear lights a...

OK, a little more info: Engine no. 08D949730 https://i.imgur.com/GCxPoWX.jpg Gearbox date code 4 A 17 https://i.imgur.com/h2XhVWt.jpg Hydraulic top date code 4 A 20 https://i.imgur.com/kf7Zu8s.jpg Rear axle date code 4 A 15 https://i.imgur.com/sEvAWmw.jpg I did have the date code somewhere for the f...

First proper cold start today! With frost on the ground she still started quickly on all four cylinders the first go, despite the starter turning a bit slower than usual. Certainly can't complain!

Great news Ian, how is your tractor going? Does it still has the original engine? Would like to know the engine number, so we can date your tractor. Not bad thanks. Not done much on it recently. In fact it seems to be fairing a bit better than my other vehicles - at one point it was the only road l...

Latest update - got it road registered! V5 came earlier in the week and just got the plates yesterday. So hopefully I am all set to participate in road runs. Seems a bit weird being the first registered keeper of a tractor that is older than I am!

Ah thanks, was not sure if the older ones would fit. This looks like it might be a better price though: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386100551220?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20230811123856%26meid%3D1a861982d0424b5bb56305f7c0b81f66%26pid%3D101770%26r...

Anyone got one spare?

I have a damaged pulley that I am looking to remove and as I do not need a pulley I wish to replace with a blanking plate.

I would be looking to have it posted to me.

Cheers!

Hmm. Having recently bought a low hours 1964 New Performance Super Major In good mechanical condition (apart from hydraulics) and reasonable tin work for £1400 I would say it sounds more like a Fordson sellers dream.

Thanks for that. The valve has had quite a soak in penetrating oil, but no joy. I am not in a hurry to fix it at the moment, but if a plate turns up on ebay or wherever at a good price I might take that route.

Sorry yes, I do mean the axle filler cap. I am also powering a backhoe from the pump, so I needed the return anyway. I have included a filter in the return, so it also means that as long as the PTO is engaged and fluid is being circulated, it is all getting properly filtered rather than just relying...

Thanks, I have already upgraded the wheels. the ones it came with were pretty dire! The replacements are a bit on the large side, but as I got them for £50 the pair and they look really good they will stay on it for now!

Hi, yes the badges are a later fitment, it did have the correct Fordson Decal underneath though. It does seem at one stage someone wanted to backdate the look. The layers of paint on the rear wheels is grey/white/orange, on the mudguards it is grey/white/blue as is the grill. Not much wear on the pe...

I have purchased an early Horndraulic loader to add to my Major. It is a trip loader with single acting lift rams. They both leak, one severely. I suspect the internal condition of the latter is not great, and besides replacement seals the cylinder will require attention. Does anyone know where I mi...

Hi all, new member here! I have recently purchased a NPSM off ebay. It has turned out to be a very good purchase as far as I can tell. It was sufficiently close by that I could easily go and see it and test it. Although looking a bit tatty the mechanicals seemed to be very sound. Engine started stra...