newbie - fordson power major

[veloce]

Hello folks.

happened accross this site and thought it would be a useful resource.

I am from Northern Ireland, and have hit on the notion ( over the next couple of years) to perhaps freshen up my fathers dilapidated Power Major.
I say dilapidated, but we started it for the first time in probably six months recently. It sat in a a shed for most of that time, we pulled it out, towed it barely six feet and it started. Meanwhile more modern tractors were struggling every day with the then, subzero temperatures. So they really are an amazing tractor.

Anyway, my main aim with joining the site is to meet some like-minded people, identify the year of manufacture of the "Mad Major", and hopefully start gathering up some parts.

Thanks

D

[River]

Welcome,let's see some pics, cheers River.

[cwayne]

Welcome to the group, glad to see of your intrest in the Fordson.
Yes, it is amazing how well they start in cold weather, until I logged on to this group I had never used the excess fuel button to get started. After becomining more informed I gave it a try and what a difference. We do not have the sub 0 f here but I have no trouble at 18 f, at 28 F it will light off on the first revolution
The information is here just search or ask. I am sure someone has dealt with the same issue before and will be glad to share their/our experience.

[Dandy Dave]

Welcome Aboard Matey. Always room for another Power Major Owner. Dandy Dave!

[veloce]

thanks for the welcome.

The serial number shown is on the block, any ideas?

Sorry for the poor quality shots, taken on my android.

[henk]

Veloce,

Welcome to the world of bleu wonders.

The numbers you have to look for are:
Engine, on the diesel pump side under cylinder one.(at the front) Something like 1452589
Casting codes like H16B. This will give us casting dates.
Search on the main site http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/serial.htm

[Supermanuel]

I was 1956 in Lapland, where they had a New Major. The winter 55/56 there was only one which started allways. The Major. Lowest temperature had been -57 Celsius degrees. Unimog to abt. -27 degrees. Excavator with 6 cyl Perkins at -8 degrees. Old US Army Jeeps at slightly below -20 degrees.

Super Major has also good starting capasity, but hardly starts at -30 C. degrees.

[veloce]

Veloce,

Welcome to the world of bleu wonders.

The numbers you have to look for are:
Engine, on the diesel pump side under cylinder one.(at the front) Something like 1452589
Casting codes like H16B. This will give us casting dates.
Search on the main site http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/serial.htm

Hi Henk,

on the front of the engine under cylinder one, I have the following:

1508348.

Under the seat I have the following:

EIADKN
994787
T1

D 16 C

What does this tell me?

Thanks in advance

[EddieJ]

I think the engine number suggests a 1959 year and the casting April 1960 Major

[henk]

Veloce,

1508348: is April 1959
EIADKN that the type that Ford gave it.
994787: don't know
T1: don't know
D 16 C april 16 1959

Does it has a number plate on the firewall. If so it should give the same number as the engine number.

[veloce]

thanks Eddie J and Henk for that info, much obliged.

I can see a badge on the bulkhead, but it gives no serial numbers, just FoMoCo information.

I vaguely remember the front grille having a "Live Drive" badge on it. Was this standard or a factory option? From what my father tells me, Live Drive gave you the option to dip the clutch partway through its travel and have it kill the PTO, while still driving the roadwheels?

Thanks

D

[Dandy Dave]

Yes, Live Drive was an option. And yes, it has a two stage clutch. Part way down stops the PTO, and all the way stops the tractor. Dandy Dave!

[JC]

With Live Drive, if you push the clutch part way down, it stops the tractor and if you push it all the way down, it stops the PTO. That way you can stop the tractor and the hydraulics and PTO will keep running. Very handy if you're using a PTO baler, for instance.

[Dandy Dave]

Yes, Live Drive was an option. And yes, it has a two stage clutch. Part way down stops the PTO, and all the way stops the tractor. Dandy Dave!

Daahoooo. I got it backward. Jc is right. I should know too better as my tractor has it. ... Dandy Dave