The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Would any kind person know where I could get original lift arms re manufactured. I would think anybody who has dealt with old tractors knows how the ball ends get all sloppy. It is possible to buy new arms, but when they come they are not the same. So as I am passionate to try and get my Super np's looking as they did when they left the factory I need to find someone who can remake the old ones. Can anyone help please?

Good evening

Worn lower link arm ends is a very common problem, which usually leads to the balls at the implement end being lost because they just fall out. Also, you find someone has beaten the end of the arm and flattened the protusion that takes the special spring clip that holds the keep plate in place. I had the same problem with my NP Super Major. I got someone who is very good with a welder to build up the implement end housing that the ball sits in, followed by some careful work with a power file . I made up new keep plates using patterns from a friend's tractor and the new Cat 2 balls sit in the housing quite well.
The worn ends on the tractor end of the arm were renewed by cutting off the old ends and welding on new Cat 2 ends that were available on flea bay. I must admit that I haven't checked their availability since, but I presume they must still be around. Finding reasonable second hand arms is like trying to find a politician who will give a straight answer. I "gathered" a number of worn Super Major arms at farm sales etc over a few years and selected the best pair out of 7 to repair. The one thing I did find was that you cannot straighten bent arms. They just break at the vertical link arm holes and make a hell of a crack on the hydraulic press when they snap.....(I was glad I was behind the armoured screen). I must admit, I didn't use heat, even if that would make any difference.

Tim E

Hello Tim
I am sorry I haven't replied sooner but many thanks for your observations, it looks as if I have got to keep working on this one. Peter