The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

I must say, I've been enjoying using the old "Super!"

Yesterday, I managed to struggle my last bit of greenfeed in. Only bogged the JD and drill once.

When harrowing it in with the super, I couldn't help thinking how they got it right when they made these tractors.
Steering, even with miss-matched tyres and no power, seems as nice as can be. Gear ratio seems about perfect.
Another thing they seem to have got right, is the weight distribution. It is very nice to be able to turn on soft, peaty ground, without using the brakes and without scooting up great piles of soil.
Apart from the odd leak it goes very well and I can't help but be happy that I have an old Major again,.....after 24 years!

Has performed well harrowing, bush-wacking, and augering post-holes.
If I sound pleased, it's 'cos I am!

Richard.

Richard,
They were a great range of tractors from 1952 to 1964. I do not feel they were ever recognised as such on your side of the pond.

When the US management took over in 1963 they could not wait to get rid of that tractor and the Dexta and introduce the one they thought was far superior as it was designed over there. The rest is history, they threw away a world wide market with the "X" range.

If they had modified things a bit at a time they might still be the worlds most popular tractor and the green and yellow menace would not be spreading everywhere

Hi Brian,

I think you are right, about not being recognised for how good they were over here.
That might be why you can buy one rather cheaply still. (I don't mind!)
Here in the west, there are exceptions of course, but largly, three- point -hitch is just something that you fall over, or gets in the way when you are doing what a tractor should do....drag something about in a field!
Although the old Super has had a Very rough life, it still starts better than any of my 3 "green machines"....and doesn't turn over half a turn before she's running.

You may recall I am also from your side of the pond, so might be a tad biased!, but I think like you, that this Dagenham Ford was one of the very best ever made, and a B. shame the way a world-wide market was given away.

While I'm talking to you Brian,
Do you know the best source for the front grills?
Mine didn't come with any.

Funny really, but this old Ford is the one tractor I can go and stand and look at, even if it is beat up, and just Admire it!


Best wishes,

Richard.

Richard,

We have a number of people over here that supply the grills. Might be the transport costs that kill it though. E-mail me your full address on my mail and I will get some details together.

Brian,

I think I found some grills, and they are for the SM and are in nice shape, (so I'm told!)
$40.00 each.

Also found a front end (Cowl) for the other one, but it's $350.00 so will keep looking a bit.

Thanks for the kind offer to do some checking for me Brian.

Best wishes,

Richard.