The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

My tractor was built in September 1953 when, I believe , UK lighting regulations for tractors were changed to include rear lights where lights were fitted to a tractor, instead of just head and side lights.

The rear lights on my tractor look original and there is no sign that they are a more recent addition. I believe they are possibly of a type fitted as a "stop gap" while the factory sourced an approved rear light for FMs. (see attached photo)

I cannot find any evidence for this, but hope there is someone on the forum with a bit more knowledge than me.

Thanks

DSCF0003 by CraigWales, on Flickr

Picture is a bit small to see clearly but they look like after-market lights that have been added much later. The standard tail light was a single lens and plug for the plough light right up to October 1954 when the square tail light on the stalk riveted to the mudguard was introduced. We had a new Major in 1954 which still had the single tail light.

As a matter of interest where did you get the chain for the link arms ? So much nicer than the bit of rope more commonly used to keep the arms from moving too much.
Regards
Laurie

Hey Laurie, I thought the chain looked nice when the pic was first posted, I also wondered if (due to the apparent lack of catenary curve) it was either pulled up tight on the check chains OR if it was a bit of chain that had its links welded while in a straight line - put me out of my misery porteus, which is it ??

oehrick wrote:Hey Laurie, I thought the chain looked nice when the pic was first posted, I also wondered if (due to the apparent lack of catenary curve) it was either pulled up tight on the check chains OR if it was a bit of chain that had its links welded while in a straight line - put me out of my misery porteus, which is it ??

Hi
looks to me from my trip to Flicker and bigger images . It's a purpose built chain with proper linkage pins and clips to hold it in the arm balls, and the chech chains are tight I'm guessing the company that makes the top link carrier brackets for majors produces it, or someone like sparex or who ever for any tractor . If they don't and he custom made it himself ,There is a market for it
Regards Robert

The chain came with the tractor. I bought it from a collector who also had a haulage firm and I suspect they might have fabricated the link arm chain in their workshop. It is simple but effective. If anyone wants more photos I'll post some. Let me know