Some nice ORIGINAL Majors at Cheffins vintage sale at Harrogate on Saturday 19 August, all from Colin Owen at Llangollen. A very early flick catch footbrake 1952 E1ADKN tvo model with old style buff logbook £4600 CHEAP VERY CHEAP, a 1952 flick catch footbrake E1ADDN diesel model no documents to £3500 not sold some things not just right but still a nice tractor, a 1961 Super Major very low hours £11,500, a 1963 New Performance Super been painted at some time £8,500, two mid 1950's Major diesels nice around £4500 each, the creme de la creme a 1959 Power Major can't quite remember the hours but in the teens of hundreds £17,500! All prices plus buyers commission and vat on the buyers commission. He also had a nice original wide wing green Standard £2000 and a nice original E27N with full electrics and hydraulics can't remember the price. A very nice original set of Fordsons , a Fordson buyers dream and nice to see.
UPDATE - the results are on Cheffins website now and it appears that the bid of £11500 for the 1962 Super Major 1900 hours was not enough and it was not sold. If you look at these tractors and the detailed pictures of them you will appreciate exactly what originality means!
Fordson New Major prices
Fordson New Major prices
Last edited by shepp on Sun Aug 27, 2023 12:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
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.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Hi,
Difficult to judge without seeing the tractors. Imho a tractor is only original once and many buyers do value that.
What is a flick catch footbrake? Is it different to the t handle you’ve to lift for parking brake which I’m used to?
Difficult to judge without seeing the tractors. Imho a tractor is only original once and many buyers do value that.
What is a flick catch footbrake? Is it different to the t handle you’ve to lift for parking brake which I’m used to?
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Hi Emiel
The very early tractors prior to about April 1952 had a catch that you had to bend down to reach and flick it over whilst pressing the brake pedals in order to lock them on, these early tractors also had mudguards with the curved seam near the top and two rib pressings in the vertical face. Around April 1952 the flick catch was replaced with the lift and turn T handle, and around the same time or probably just before that change to a T handle the mudguards were changed to the type with a curved seam near the top but plain vertical faces.
As for values, as with everything it all depends on the individual item. Collectors want originality and proven history and provenance. "Reasonable tinwork" falls far short of the grade. "Low hours" means nothing unless the full history of the machine is known and the hours are proven. "Restored" tractors in my view do not make the grade unless they are of a rare model and are done to an exceptional professional standard, and there are not many of those. There are not that many Major tractors that are in clean original condition with proven UK provenance and history, these are what collectors want, these are the tractors that make the money, these tractors all met that grade. There are many more so so tractors that are more suitable for a bit of work or road runs or messing about at ploughing matches or working days, these make much lower prices accordingly. There are many that are really only suitable for spares or weighing in, that includes most of those described as "for restoration". Quite a number of tidy Super Majors came in from France, but with no provenance the best thing for them was to be dismantled for spares and that happened to many. The best way for anyone to know if they have bought a bargain is to put their tractor in such a sale and let people with more knowledge put a value on it!
The very early tractors prior to about April 1952 had a catch that you had to bend down to reach and flick it over whilst pressing the brake pedals in order to lock them on, these early tractors also had mudguards with the curved seam near the top and two rib pressings in the vertical face. Around April 1952 the flick catch was replaced with the lift and turn T handle, and around the same time or probably just before that change to a T handle the mudguards were changed to the type with a curved seam near the top but plain vertical faces.
As for values, as with everything it all depends on the individual item. Collectors want originality and proven history and provenance. "Reasonable tinwork" falls far short of the grade. "Low hours" means nothing unless the full history of the machine is known and the hours are proven. "Restored" tractors in my view do not make the grade unless they are of a rare model and are done to an exceptional professional standard, and there are not many of those. There are not that many Major tractors that are in clean original condition with proven UK provenance and history, these are what collectors want, these are the tractors that make the money, these tractors all met that grade. There are many more so so tractors that are more suitable for a bit of work or road runs or messing about at ploughing matches or working days, these make much lower prices accordingly. There are many that are really only suitable for spares or weighing in, that includes most of those described as "for restoration". Quite a number of tidy Super Majors came in from France, but with no provenance the best thing for them was to be dismantled for spares and that happened to many. The best way for anyone to know if they have bought a bargain is to put their tractor in such a sale and let people with more knowledge put a value on it!
Last edited by shepp on Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Interesting info. Never seen or heard from. Don’t think these very early ones made it to the continent.shepp wrote: ↑Sat Aug 26, 2023 1:16 pmHi Emiel
The very early tractors prior to about April 1952 had a catch that you had to bend down to reach and flick it over whilst pressing the brake pedals in order to lock them on, these early tractors also had mudguards with the curved seam near the top and two pressings in the vertical face. Around April 1952 the flick catch was replaced with the lift and turn T handle, and around the same time the mudguards were changed to the type with a curved seam near the top but plain vertical faces.
My 53 is very original but had been painted with a broom in the past. Are busy tidying up and unfortunately have to spray it. If then, I’ll do it right. But would have loved that the previous owners kept the paint in the can.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
I've looked at them and I'll go through them one by one, but they're all very expensive for me.
First the Major's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0710014093
Only part of an engine but very handy for fixing an January 52 TVO Major.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4775747442
Very nice tractor but not a 51 as claimed in the lot. I suspect it's not as early as that, the early brake locking handle was used till a bit later (edit: used till 1235912) but I can't say for sure right now (can't check the Allan T Condie Major book at the moment, but I would say October sounds more like what I have in mind), the mudguards as I understood started flat with the curved rib, then the two horizontal ones were added soon afterwards (edit: Allan T Condie got a bit mixed up in the Major book. on page 7 there are two early 52 pics clearly showing that the curved rib and two horizontal ribs were used then, but he says the reverse in the text about the mudguards in page 42. I have other things that point to that too, but the pic in page 7 is definitive with E27N's in the background, further confirmed by pics in Stuart Gibbard's Ford Tractor Story, although there are no comments in the text) then the three horizontal ones were used. The ammeter is not the early type, and there are a few parts that are wrong (drawbar, RH lifting rod, hydraulic lever quadrant and the wiring for the side lights and also the rear light, none of them being on). The wiring near the engine is also wrong, as is the dynamo (clearly made in 1960, the original one should have a brush cover and petroleum jelly lubricator). The battery tray prop is missing. Having said all this I still think it's a lovely tractor (if it's alright to have an enormous fuel bill!), with many nice early features (including the early clutch pedal and aluminium steering wheel). It would be nice if the picture people would remember to look for the serial number on the flange behind the starter as well. Pretty low hours, possibly below 10000.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 8875556859
Early October 52 Major diesel, this one does have the early ammeter, it also has side and rear lights, the side lights are correct (without the glare ring) but the rear light is too late (this type came in late 55 maybe early 56), the wiring again seems to be wrong as is the dynamo and the starter rubber boot (before mid 55 it was a simpler shape, as shown in most manuals). This one does have a battery tray prop, but not the right one (later type, Ebro used this setup when they started to make their own bits), the drawbar is lovely, as is the exhaust. The dynamo is again wrong. The front casting is a later type, not sure if it is correct (It came in pretty early on but I don't know the exact moment). Once again a very nice early Major, I think it has the later pump camshaft which is not original, but it will avoid a running backwards incident. Some 25000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0041024271
I think this is actually a 58 Mk2 with live PTO and a non original Mk1 engine. I can't read the serial number on the engine (edit: I now think it's a late March 57, a very rare period, and a valuable view that the badges were changed before the Mk2 appeared, with the ending of the TVO and radiator shutters), but the fact that all other parts look like what you would see on a 58 (except the belt pulley guard) suggest that that's what it is. Shame the tachometer and clutch stop pin are missing! Apart from the engine this one looks really good (can't see the ammeter dial, I suspect it's water in there), the mudguards are spectacularly good. It is before the higher headlight mounting was made visible and plugged with rubber. Some 15000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2806586980
31 August 56 Major Diesel, with a Clydesdale cab and a replacement block (off a possibly December 57 industrial engine). Oddly this one has an early PTO casting and dynamo, but otherwise it looks pretty good. The oil pressure gauge unfortunately looks to be stuck at max pressure. The injector pump has been worked on, and the AC fuel filter still has the instruction on it (but only just). Has a new water pump. This one still has the earlier battery tray (either a stock part or later fitted replacement) and like many it's missing the prop. No rear light either, just the post 54 units on the mudguards. Again a lovely Major, with some 20000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4293355002
Late March 59 Power Major, in spectacular original condition. Unfortunately I can't agree with the seller on the hours, as the brake pedal is clearly more worn than 1880.2 hours (I would add 20000), but I will give him good marks for his care of this tractor (it could have been cleaner but other than that everything looks very good). The starter and switch are new, and the seat cushions look to be off an NP (but I would say they are genuine). It's even still got the safety chains and the original exhaust! No wonder this one made the most pricey sale of all.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9867475527
Mid February 62 Super Major, another spectacular tractor. The paint might not be as good as the Power Major, but it's otherwise comparable in many ways, complete with the full regulation belt pulley guard as fitted from mid 61 (can't check the service letter just now). Once again I can't agree with the hours, the pedals again look too worn, I would add 10000 to the 1932.4 hours. The hydraulics show signs of external valves being used, and an odd thing on the check valve. The spanner as a drawbar pin seems a bit risky, but curious too. A lovely Super Major, especially if you really want one of the last before the minimec was fitted.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0367904886
Early to mid May 64 NP Super Major, I would say this one is another one to add 10000 to its 6320.7 hours, but here low hours weren't claimed. Another spectacular tractor, the front wheels and weights, the backrest and some bolts in the area are wrong but apart from that I can see little to complain about, this one has also suffered odd things with the hydraulics. NP's in such good condition are rare, and with the others for comparison I would say the difference between Empire blue and NP blue would have been clear.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 6086948815
Late December 56 Major Diesel, restored. 77.3 hours since restoration, I would say a total of around 25000 but as it's restored you never know if those pedals are original (but they probably are as pedals are very rarely replaced). Several of the typical issues with restorations the only painting issue being the grilles and exhaust. Wrong temp gauge, ignition switch and cushion among other details. Still probably one of the nicer restorations as it seems few important parts have been replaced.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9127346907
Unusual restored NP Triple-D, I think the gear selecting system for the front tractor has been modified to make the usual pattern for the gear lever, which is a modified original early type. Several odd parts including a waterproof M50G starter on the front tractor. I would say some 26000 hours. Many bad repro parts (tinwork I would say very clearly) but some nice touches like an original top link. The weights on the front seem a bit unnecessary. Nice to see a Triple-D here. I don't know how the Doe serial numbers date but I can't see any Ford codes or numbers.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 7222848020
Late January 64 NP Super Major with export bonnet, apparently French but not too sure. Probably 10000 hours but not too sure as the tachometer although genuine is wrong, as are other parts. I am sure this one is much lower hours than many of the others are. Although there are things that are wrong I still think it's a very nice Major and pretty good for being original (but not perfect).
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2854692831
Very unusual early Major, I would say early 53 but not too sure as I can't see any code or number. The block has an odd number in the later location, but I doubt Ford put that there. Has many early bits (including the early ammeter) and many wrong much later ones (also a Lucas ACR alternator).
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9193182782
Early May 63 Super Major (judging by the gearbox casting code), unusually devoid of a serial number. This one seems to be at around 30000 hours (like Billy), quite good with only a few parts wrong (lifting rods). Missing the odd thing here and there too.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0201704555
NP Super Major with December 73 industrial block (can't see any codes) and front end loader, restored. Looks like a fairly typical restoration, with many repro parts. I would say some 15000 hours plus the 6.5 since the restoration. Pleased to see the original power steering still fitted. Nice loader too, with far less stress problems than many.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9580010467
Mid April 63 Super Major with wrong colour wheels and wrong mudguards, and the drawbar has been cut back to look like an early one (but it's not). Apart from that it looks like a very nice Major, some 10000 hours to add to the 208.8 on the counter.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9055976430
Mk2 Major with replacement block, can't read any codes or numbers. Has a Horndraulic loader, looks like several parts are missing or damaged. Not an industrial. This one probably has more than 40000 hours, and I would say apart from missing things and the block it's pretty original. It was a no lights tractor, unlike most.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0169403722
Mid May 58 Major Mk2, a bit battered but looks pretty good, fairly poor tinwork, but all looks original. I would say some 25000 hours, has preset linkage control. The clutch doesn't look great, but probably just lack of adjustment and the pedal spring.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2618764597
Super Major, can't really read the serial number but could be a 63. Solid front end loader, appears to have Major hydraulics, otherwise missing a few bits. Has power steering. Probably 30000 hours.
Now the Dexta's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 5390366724
64 NP Super Dexta probably January but difficult to tell. Missing lots of stuff, also seems to have a Power Major temp gauge in place of the tachometer. Mudguards look terrible. Some 30000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4003892845
Early April 63 Super Dexta, several parts missing or badly damaged. Has pickup hitch. Wrong radiator. Some 25000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0397966000
63 Dexta (can't see the whole number), has a front end loader frame and a very strong looking cab (but I'm not sure it is that strong). Some 10000 hours to add to the 5130.55 shown. Looks like it's had a hard time.
Now the E27N's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 5238944066
Probably early 48 fully equipped E27N, can't really tell as there's no numbers or codes I can see well enough (possibly a 7.7 red spot). Once again I wish the pics included a valid serial number. Seems to be fairly low hours and a good original tractor, only missing the odd bit.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 3264013408
Fully equipped P6 E27N, can't really tell as there's no numbers or codes I can see well enough (possibly a 7.7 green spot), restored. Has a few later Major parts on and a very odd battery arrangement. Not a late tractor but not totally sure. This one has more hours but I can't say much more as I'm not that familiar with the pedals.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2489914311
Late 49 fully equipped E27N, 4.3 green spot, restored. Apart from the orange belt pulley and dipsticks looks good. Has Varley hydraulics and looks to be lowish hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 6311661203
Late mid 49 fully equipped E27N, 7.7 green spot, restored a while ago. Has more hours and is missing more bits. Has a Major front wheel and possibly a factory reconditioned engine.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4480645506
Late 47 E27N, 7.7 green spot (I think), restored. Has no hydraulics. This one has more hours. Looks good apart from the orange belt pulley.
Finally the N:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 1628318997
Early wartime N, can't really tell the date as I can't read the serial number and it has an E27N block. Nice looking but not totally sure if it's as original as I like to think it is.
These are just my comments, anything you want to add is welcome.
Sandy
First the Major's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0710014093
Only part of an engine but very handy for fixing an January 52 TVO Major.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4775747442
Very nice tractor but not a 51 as claimed in the lot. I suspect it's not as early as that, the early brake locking handle was used till a bit later (edit: used till 1235912) but I can't say for sure right now (can't check the Allan T Condie Major book at the moment, but I would say October sounds more like what I have in mind), the mudguards as I understood started flat with the curved rib, then the two horizontal ones were added soon afterwards (edit: Allan T Condie got a bit mixed up in the Major book. on page 7 there are two early 52 pics clearly showing that the curved rib and two horizontal ribs were used then, but he says the reverse in the text about the mudguards in page 42. I have other things that point to that too, but the pic in page 7 is definitive with E27N's in the background, further confirmed by pics in Stuart Gibbard's Ford Tractor Story, although there are no comments in the text) then the three horizontal ones were used. The ammeter is not the early type, and there are a few parts that are wrong (drawbar, RH lifting rod, hydraulic lever quadrant and the wiring for the side lights and also the rear light, none of them being on). The wiring near the engine is also wrong, as is the dynamo (clearly made in 1960, the original one should have a brush cover and petroleum jelly lubricator). The battery tray prop is missing. Having said all this I still think it's a lovely tractor (if it's alright to have an enormous fuel bill!), with many nice early features (including the early clutch pedal and aluminium steering wheel). It would be nice if the picture people would remember to look for the serial number on the flange behind the starter as well. Pretty low hours, possibly below 10000.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 8875556859
Early October 52 Major diesel, this one does have the early ammeter, it also has side and rear lights, the side lights are correct (without the glare ring) but the rear light is too late (this type came in late 55 maybe early 56), the wiring again seems to be wrong as is the dynamo and the starter rubber boot (before mid 55 it was a simpler shape, as shown in most manuals). This one does have a battery tray prop, but not the right one (later type, Ebro used this setup when they started to make their own bits), the drawbar is lovely, as is the exhaust. The dynamo is again wrong. The front casting is a later type, not sure if it is correct (It came in pretty early on but I don't know the exact moment). Once again a very nice early Major, I think it has the later pump camshaft which is not original, but it will avoid a running backwards incident. Some 25000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0041024271
I think this is actually a 58 Mk2 with live PTO and a non original Mk1 engine. I can't read the serial number on the engine (edit: I now think it's a late March 57, a very rare period, and a valuable view that the badges were changed before the Mk2 appeared, with the ending of the TVO and radiator shutters), but the fact that all other parts look like what you would see on a 58 (except the belt pulley guard) suggest that that's what it is. Shame the tachometer and clutch stop pin are missing! Apart from the engine this one looks really good (can't see the ammeter dial, I suspect it's water in there), the mudguards are spectacularly good. It is before the higher headlight mounting was made visible and plugged with rubber. Some 15000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2806586980
31 August 56 Major Diesel, with a Clydesdale cab and a replacement block (off a possibly December 57 industrial engine). Oddly this one has an early PTO casting and dynamo, but otherwise it looks pretty good. The oil pressure gauge unfortunately looks to be stuck at max pressure. The injector pump has been worked on, and the AC fuel filter still has the instruction on it (but only just). Has a new water pump. This one still has the earlier battery tray (either a stock part or later fitted replacement) and like many it's missing the prop. No rear light either, just the post 54 units on the mudguards. Again a lovely Major, with some 20000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4293355002
Late March 59 Power Major, in spectacular original condition. Unfortunately I can't agree with the seller on the hours, as the brake pedal is clearly more worn than 1880.2 hours (I would add 20000), but I will give him good marks for his care of this tractor (it could have been cleaner but other than that everything looks very good). The starter and switch are new, and the seat cushions look to be off an NP (but I would say they are genuine). It's even still got the safety chains and the original exhaust! No wonder this one made the most pricey sale of all.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9867475527
Mid February 62 Super Major, another spectacular tractor. The paint might not be as good as the Power Major, but it's otherwise comparable in many ways, complete with the full regulation belt pulley guard as fitted from mid 61 (can't check the service letter just now). Once again I can't agree with the hours, the pedals again look too worn, I would add 10000 to the 1932.4 hours. The hydraulics show signs of external valves being used, and an odd thing on the check valve. The spanner as a drawbar pin seems a bit risky, but curious too. A lovely Super Major, especially if you really want one of the last before the minimec was fitted.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0367904886
Early to mid May 64 NP Super Major, I would say this one is another one to add 10000 to its 6320.7 hours, but here low hours weren't claimed. Another spectacular tractor, the front wheels and weights, the backrest and some bolts in the area are wrong but apart from that I can see little to complain about, this one has also suffered odd things with the hydraulics. NP's in such good condition are rare, and with the others for comparison I would say the difference between Empire blue and NP blue would have been clear.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 6086948815
Late December 56 Major Diesel, restored. 77.3 hours since restoration, I would say a total of around 25000 but as it's restored you never know if those pedals are original (but they probably are as pedals are very rarely replaced). Several of the typical issues with restorations the only painting issue being the grilles and exhaust. Wrong temp gauge, ignition switch and cushion among other details. Still probably one of the nicer restorations as it seems few important parts have been replaced.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9127346907
Unusual restored NP Triple-D, I think the gear selecting system for the front tractor has been modified to make the usual pattern for the gear lever, which is a modified original early type. Several odd parts including a waterproof M50G starter on the front tractor. I would say some 26000 hours. Many bad repro parts (tinwork I would say very clearly) but some nice touches like an original top link. The weights on the front seem a bit unnecessary. Nice to see a Triple-D here. I don't know how the Doe serial numbers date but I can't see any Ford codes or numbers.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 7222848020
Late January 64 NP Super Major with export bonnet, apparently French but not too sure. Probably 10000 hours but not too sure as the tachometer although genuine is wrong, as are other parts. I am sure this one is much lower hours than many of the others are. Although there are things that are wrong I still think it's a very nice Major and pretty good for being original (but not perfect).
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2854692831
Very unusual early Major, I would say early 53 but not too sure as I can't see any code or number. The block has an odd number in the later location, but I doubt Ford put that there. Has many early bits (including the early ammeter) and many wrong much later ones (also a Lucas ACR alternator).
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9193182782
Early May 63 Super Major (judging by the gearbox casting code), unusually devoid of a serial number. This one seems to be at around 30000 hours (like Billy), quite good with only a few parts wrong (lifting rods). Missing the odd thing here and there too.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0201704555
NP Super Major with December 73 industrial block (can't see any codes) and front end loader, restored. Looks like a fairly typical restoration, with many repro parts. I would say some 15000 hours plus the 6.5 since the restoration. Pleased to see the original power steering still fitted. Nice loader too, with far less stress problems than many.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9580010467
Mid April 63 Super Major with wrong colour wheels and wrong mudguards, and the drawbar has been cut back to look like an early one (but it's not). Apart from that it looks like a very nice Major, some 10000 hours to add to the 208.8 on the counter.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 9055976430
Mk2 Major with replacement block, can't read any codes or numbers. Has a Horndraulic loader, looks like several parts are missing or damaged. Not an industrial. This one probably has more than 40000 hours, and I would say apart from missing things and the block it's pretty original. It was a no lights tractor, unlike most.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0169403722
Mid May 58 Major Mk2, a bit battered but looks pretty good, fairly poor tinwork, but all looks original. I would say some 25000 hours, has preset linkage control. The clutch doesn't look great, but probably just lack of adjustment and the pedal spring.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2618764597
Super Major, can't really read the serial number but could be a 63. Solid front end loader, appears to have Major hydraulics, otherwise missing a few bits. Has power steering. Probably 30000 hours.
Now the Dexta's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 5390366724
64 NP Super Dexta probably January but difficult to tell. Missing lots of stuff, also seems to have a Power Major temp gauge in place of the tachometer. Mudguards look terrible. Some 30000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4003892845
Early April 63 Super Dexta, several parts missing or badly damaged. Has pickup hitch. Wrong radiator. Some 25000 hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 0397966000
63 Dexta (can't see the whole number), has a front end loader frame and a very strong looking cab (but I'm not sure it is that strong). Some 10000 hours to add to the 5130.55 shown. Looks like it's had a hard time.
Now the E27N's:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 5238944066
Probably early 48 fully equipped E27N, can't really tell as there's no numbers or codes I can see well enough (possibly a 7.7 red spot). Once again I wish the pics included a valid serial number. Seems to be fairly low hours and a good original tractor, only missing the odd bit.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 3264013408
Fully equipped P6 E27N, can't really tell as there's no numbers or codes I can see well enough (possibly a 7.7 green spot), restored. Has a few later Major parts on and a very odd battery arrangement. Not a late tractor but not totally sure. This one has more hours but I can't say much more as I'm not that familiar with the pedals.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 2489914311
Late 49 fully equipped E27N, 4.3 green spot, restored. Apart from the orange belt pulley and dipsticks looks good. Has Varley hydraulics and looks to be lowish hours.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 6311661203
Late mid 49 fully equipped E27N, 7.7 green spot, restored a while ago. Has more hours and is missing more bits. Has a Major front wheel and possibly a factory reconditioned engine.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 4480645506
Late 47 E27N, 7.7 green spot (I think), restored. Has no hydraulics. This one has more hours. Looks good apart from the orange belt pulley.
Finally the N:
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/l ... 1628318997
Early wartime N, can't really tell the date as I can't read the serial number and it has an E27N block. Nice looking but not totally sure if it's as original as I like to think it is.
These are just my comments, anything you want to add is welcome.
Sandy
Last edited by Billy26F5 on Mon Sep 11, 2023 3:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Well having seen these tractors in the flesh here are my observations!
On the subject of mudguards and brake latches and drawbars, the first production tractors had mudguards with a curved seam near the top and two ribs pressed into the vertical face. I have the original November 1951 sales brochure and this shows this feature. Stuart Gibbard's "Fordson Farming" DVD shows an extremely ( I would say exactly) original E1ADKN TVO Major with no hydraulics pulling a Ransomes trailed plough, this he states is a March 1952 tractor, it has mudguards with the curved seam and two ribs, it has a flat drawbar with no clevis, it has the flick over brake latch, it looks exactly as it would have done when it left the factory.
The next tractor shown in this DVD is an E1ADDN diesel Major with a Ransomes TS59 mounted plough. Again an extremely original tractor, he states this is a 1952 tractor but no month given, it has mudguards with the curved seam near the top and plain vertical faces, it has the lift and turn T handle brake latch, it has a drawbar with a clevis. My 1952 diesel Major is a November 1952 build, it is an extremely original tractor, it had one owner until 2014, it had been largely unused for nearly 40 years following the death of the father of the family in the 1970's, it has done a genuine 4,400 hours, it still had its original India rear tyres when I bought it, apart from the battery and a replacement genuine Enfo fan belt and genuine Burgess exhaust at some point it is as it left the factory, it has mudguards with the curved seam near the top and plain vertical faces, it has a T handle brake latch, it has a drawbar with a clevis. The January 1952 instruction book shows a flick over brake latch, the October 1952 instruction book says either the flick over latch may be fitted or the T handle type. Neighbours had a new diesel Major in July 1952, that had mudguards with the curved seam and plain vertical faces, a T handle brake latch and a clevis drawbar, I have one or two photos of it.
With regard to these tractors of Colin Owen, he is a well known Fordson man in Great Britain and would have up to 60 Fordsons about him sometimes and large amounts of parts over the last decades.
The 1951 E1ADKN Major, although I did not check the serial number and few were made in 1951, I did not see any reason to doubt that it was not a 1951 tractor. It had all the right features including the mudguards with a curved seam and two ribs and the flick on hand brake catch. The drawbar looked a Nuffield type and the right hand lift rod was obscure. The side lights, rear light and trailer socket were missing but the conduits were there. I did not see anything wrong with the hydraulic quadrant or the wiring near the engine?
The 1952 diesel Major had issues. The "diesel" on the bonnet badges was missing and there was no room for this under "Major". On TVO tractors the "Fordson Major" is fixed lower down on the bonnet, and also on diesel tractors from 1957 when the "Diesel" part was dropped. This suggests 2 possibilities, either the bonnet is from a TVO tractor OR the tractor has been converted from TVO to diesel at some point, and many were upgraded early in their working lives. The serial number on the bulkhead suggests October 1952, the flat drawbar is wrong for October 1952. The number plate lamp and trailer socket is also wrong, however this tractor has been fitted with the mounting brackets for the individual rear lights involving cutting into the mudguards. When the lighting regulations were changed requiring 2 rear lights Ford produced a kit containing the necessary parts, but I would have to check if it included a revised number plate lamp and trailer socket.
The 1956 Major livedrive is I suspect a 1958 Major livedrive, probably just a catalogue error. It has the inline exhaust manifold and push button excess fuel device that confirms the Mark 2 engine.
The Power Major is a well known tractor on the British show scene, it has been exhibited at Tractor World Malvern, at Newark, and at county shows. It was owned for several years by Alan Davies who produced the DVD on tractor restoration. Several extremely knowledgeable people have tried to buy this tractor over the years, Colin Owen succeeded at some point. The seat cushions are original, not off a NP, the orange piping has faded. To suggest that this tractor has done 20,000 hours without seeing it or knowing it and on the basis of photographs that cannot even be seen clearly, well...................
It needs to be borne in mind that tractors as original as these will have been taken out of work 35 or 40 years or more ago, they would not have been in this condition otherwise, so the likelihood of them having worked large hours is remote.
On the subject of mudguards and brake latches and drawbars, the first production tractors had mudguards with a curved seam near the top and two ribs pressed into the vertical face. I have the original November 1951 sales brochure and this shows this feature. Stuart Gibbard's "Fordson Farming" DVD shows an extremely ( I would say exactly) original E1ADKN TVO Major with no hydraulics pulling a Ransomes trailed plough, this he states is a March 1952 tractor, it has mudguards with the curved seam and two ribs, it has a flat drawbar with no clevis, it has the flick over brake latch, it looks exactly as it would have done when it left the factory.
The next tractor shown in this DVD is an E1ADDN diesel Major with a Ransomes TS59 mounted plough. Again an extremely original tractor, he states this is a 1952 tractor but no month given, it has mudguards with the curved seam near the top and plain vertical faces, it has the lift and turn T handle brake latch, it has a drawbar with a clevis. My 1952 diesel Major is a November 1952 build, it is an extremely original tractor, it had one owner until 2014, it had been largely unused for nearly 40 years following the death of the father of the family in the 1970's, it has done a genuine 4,400 hours, it still had its original India rear tyres when I bought it, apart from the battery and a replacement genuine Enfo fan belt and genuine Burgess exhaust at some point it is as it left the factory, it has mudguards with the curved seam near the top and plain vertical faces, it has a T handle brake latch, it has a drawbar with a clevis. The January 1952 instruction book shows a flick over brake latch, the October 1952 instruction book says either the flick over latch may be fitted or the T handle type. Neighbours had a new diesel Major in July 1952, that had mudguards with the curved seam and plain vertical faces, a T handle brake latch and a clevis drawbar, I have one or two photos of it.
With regard to these tractors of Colin Owen, he is a well known Fordson man in Great Britain and would have up to 60 Fordsons about him sometimes and large amounts of parts over the last decades.
The 1951 E1ADKN Major, although I did not check the serial number and few were made in 1951, I did not see any reason to doubt that it was not a 1951 tractor. It had all the right features including the mudguards with a curved seam and two ribs and the flick on hand brake catch. The drawbar looked a Nuffield type and the right hand lift rod was obscure. The side lights, rear light and trailer socket were missing but the conduits were there. I did not see anything wrong with the hydraulic quadrant or the wiring near the engine?
The 1952 diesel Major had issues. The "diesel" on the bonnet badges was missing and there was no room for this under "Major". On TVO tractors the "Fordson Major" is fixed lower down on the bonnet, and also on diesel tractors from 1957 when the "Diesel" part was dropped. This suggests 2 possibilities, either the bonnet is from a TVO tractor OR the tractor has been converted from TVO to diesel at some point, and many were upgraded early in their working lives. The serial number on the bulkhead suggests October 1952, the flat drawbar is wrong for October 1952. The number plate lamp and trailer socket is also wrong, however this tractor has been fitted with the mounting brackets for the individual rear lights involving cutting into the mudguards. When the lighting regulations were changed requiring 2 rear lights Ford produced a kit containing the necessary parts, but I would have to check if it included a revised number plate lamp and trailer socket.
The 1956 Major livedrive is I suspect a 1958 Major livedrive, probably just a catalogue error. It has the inline exhaust manifold and push button excess fuel device that confirms the Mark 2 engine.
The Power Major is a well known tractor on the British show scene, it has been exhibited at Tractor World Malvern, at Newark, and at county shows. It was owned for several years by Alan Davies who produced the DVD on tractor restoration. Several extremely knowledgeable people have tried to buy this tractor over the years, Colin Owen succeeded at some point. The seat cushions are original, not off a NP, the orange piping has faded. To suggest that this tractor has done 20,000 hours without seeing it or knowing it and on the basis of photographs that cannot even be seen clearly, well...................
It needs to be borne in mind that tractors as original as these will have been taken out of work 35 or 40 years or more ago, they would not have been in this condition otherwise, so the likelihood of them having worked large hours is remote.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Hi,
How did ford organise production? I can imagine that they did produce sheet metal themselves and also outsourced to contract manufacturers. Then slight details in “identical” parts can occur.
How did ford organise production? I can imagine that they did produce sheet metal themselves and also outsourced to contract manufacturers. Then slight details in “identical” parts can occur.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Hi Emiel
They would have had outside suppliers for pressed steel items like body panels. However having studied many Major tractors over the years, decades, I am convinced that the differences in body panels such as wings are not down to particular manufacturers and suppliers, but are due to intentional design changes at particular points in the production run, so for a particular time there would not have been some tractors fitted with one mudguard design and others fitted with a different design. The designs are specific to particular production times. The same applies to brake catches and drawbars.
They would have had outside suppliers for pressed steel items like body panels. However having studied many Major tractors over the years, decades, I am convinced that the differences in body panels such as wings are not down to particular manufacturers and suppliers, but are due to intentional design changes at particular points in the production run, so for a particular time there would not have been some tractors fitted with one mudguard design and others fitted with a different design. The designs are specific to particular production times. The same applies to brake catches and drawbars.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Thanks for your answer. Im about 20 years younger then the last built majors, so I can’t go by experience on original tractors and are happy with the experience from those who have seen them when they were reasonably new.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Btw, there is a topic on brakes, lights and mudguards on yt forums as well at the moment.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Just edited my previous post (edits are highlighted)
The only information I have regarding the drawbar suggests the change was a bit later, but we'll never be totally sure without numbers. It's also likely that many in the immediate period after a change had the stock parts used up (most well known being the gearbox housing, the live clutch type coming in with 1417988 and the previous type being used up by 1418861). That is as far as I can see a good reason for thinking that the 52 Major Diesel is original both for the brake latch (it certainly is a stock part though) and the drawbar. The mudguards I have some doubts with, but having seen our books now I can confirm the two rib type comes first. Wheather we have any way of proving the TVO Major is a 51 is very difficult without the serial no. and only three were made anyway (excluding the distinctive earlier pre-production units, I don't know if any of those are around now). The lifting rod on the TVO is from an E27N, a mistake that repro parts have made quite a lot. The quadrant on both of these early tractors is the later one with the slot for the pre-set linkage control, and therefore wrong (Billy has the earlier type without that slot, showing that in May 1955 it was still being fitted). The light wiring round the top cover is what I'm not sure about, as there are no references that I can find referring to any change in the arrangement until the Super Major, but both tractors have a different setup to that used a bit later (as used by Billy). I could be very wrong with this. The same goes for the engine wiring, all I know is that it crosses left to right just ahead of the battery tray, then crosses over again for the dynamo but not the headlights. This is up to the Power Major (after which the temp gauge tube was also moved), but both these tractors have the engine wiring all on the LH side including the headlights, not unlike the Power Major system. Again, could be very wrong with this. The bonnet and badges on both tractors are correct as far as I know, as the earliest Major Diesel's (as shown in the lower pic in page 7 of the Allan T Condie Major book) had no distinguishing feature.
There are other details for showing that the live clutch Major is not a 56, the serial number looks later, and so do many parts, the live clutch in particular. A very rare and valuable tractor from the brief period between the end of the TVO and the introduction of the Mk2 (If I'm reading the serial number correctly). The button type excess fuel was introduced long before 56 on 1299000.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/i ... 1692960021
The reason I give for the various hours is the wear on the pedal foot pads, Super Billy shows none at all and his hour counter shows 3746 hours. This tractor has a fair bit on the RH brake, the clutch is generally more reliable but I can't see it here. Billy's clutch is beyond the groves, and the brakes are not far off that, I reckon he's done 30057 hours. This tractor's RH brake looks a bit odd, with the area near the locking bar rivet looking very worn and otherwise pretty new. To add 20000 might be a bit much but it can't be what it says as there's too much wear for it. It is possible that pedals have been replaced, but that is very rare. I struggle to belive that the cushion piping can become that white, Davie's piping is still very orange.
Sandy
The only information I have regarding the drawbar suggests the change was a bit later, but we'll never be totally sure without numbers. It's also likely that many in the immediate period after a change had the stock parts used up (most well known being the gearbox housing, the live clutch type coming in with 1417988 and the previous type being used up by 1418861). That is as far as I can see a good reason for thinking that the 52 Major Diesel is original both for the brake latch (it certainly is a stock part though) and the drawbar. The mudguards I have some doubts with, but having seen our books now I can confirm the two rib type comes first. Wheather we have any way of proving the TVO Major is a 51 is very difficult without the serial no. and only three were made anyway (excluding the distinctive earlier pre-production units, I don't know if any of those are around now). The lifting rod on the TVO is from an E27N, a mistake that repro parts have made quite a lot. The quadrant on both of these early tractors is the later one with the slot for the pre-set linkage control, and therefore wrong (Billy has the earlier type without that slot, showing that in May 1955 it was still being fitted). The light wiring round the top cover is what I'm not sure about, as there are no references that I can find referring to any change in the arrangement until the Super Major, but both tractors have a different setup to that used a bit later (as used by Billy). I could be very wrong with this. The same goes for the engine wiring, all I know is that it crosses left to right just ahead of the battery tray, then crosses over again for the dynamo but not the headlights. This is up to the Power Major (after which the temp gauge tube was also moved), but both these tractors have the engine wiring all on the LH side including the headlights, not unlike the Power Major system. Again, could be very wrong with this. The bonnet and badges on both tractors are correct as far as I know, as the earliest Major Diesel's (as shown in the lower pic in page 7 of the Allan T Condie Major book) had no distinguishing feature.
There are other details for showing that the live clutch Major is not a 56, the serial number looks later, and so do many parts, the live clutch in particular. A very rare and valuable tractor from the brief period between the end of the TVO and the introduction of the Mk2 (If I'm reading the serial number correctly). The button type excess fuel was introduced long before 56 on 1299000.
https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/i ... 1692960021
The reason I give for the various hours is the wear on the pedal foot pads, Super Billy shows none at all and his hour counter shows 3746 hours. This tractor has a fair bit on the RH brake, the clutch is generally more reliable but I can't see it here. Billy's clutch is beyond the groves, and the brakes are not far off that, I reckon he's done 30057 hours. This tractor's RH brake looks a bit odd, with the area near the locking bar rivet looking very worn and otherwise pretty new. To add 20000 might be a bit much but it can't be what it says as there's too much wear for it. It is possible that pedals have been replaced, but that is very rare. I struggle to belive that the cushion piping can become that white, Davie's piping is still very orange.
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
While I probably know more about the Major than any other tractor I'm certainly no expert on them, but I have noticed a change in prices over the last few years. 25 years ago a useable Major could be bought ( around west midlands) for £5-600, prices then seemed to rise to over £2000 for something fit for work. They have dropped alot in the last few years unless it is for something rare or in very good original condition, I have seen Super Majors sold for £1500 at auction ( not perfect by any means) where few years ago they would have easily made £3000. I wonder if the days of Majors being seen as a useable tractor are coming to an end and they are now mainly being seen as classics and show machines? I grew up being fascinated with the Majors on the farm next door and will always have a soft spot for them, but having owned and used several and spent many hours driving all makes I have to say if I were looking for something for a smallholding now I would choose something a bit more modern. The classic car market is now seeing a drop in prices for pre 1950s cars as buyers seem to be going for cars from their youth and those wanting the older cars are getting fewer, apart from early original well preserved examples which will always fetch a premium. The younger generation (my son and his friends) now see the Ford 1000 series as classics, anything older is vintage and something that belongs in grandad's shed! Those with the knowledge of correct parts and originality will always be willing to pay top money for a good example but the not so well looked after tractors and bitsas seem to be losing their appeal. Sorry for rambling on, blame it on a couple of bottles of cider!
My biggest fear is that when i die my wife will sell my tractors for what i told her they cost
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Don't apologise for that John, it's this kind of post that actually helps understand the reasons for various things. I'm probably a very rare specimen in having grown up with Billy, when he reached 50, and as far as I'm concerned the Major's superior versatility makes it a winner even today. Never been a great fan of the worldwide Fords, probably because of the fact that that was the end of the Fordson line, but more likely because of Billy too. I think I see what you mean about the less well kept tractors being less desired, but there are strange exceptions. We got Davie very cheap (I don't know exactly but less than you're saying for 25 years ago for a Major) and that included three implements, not to mention Davie's condition! Having said that I think Super Billy was not as good a price for fairly poor condition (it took quite a while to realise just how badly Super Billy had been treated). The earlier Fordson's have a part to play too, but they're not very practical in many ways, the only real exception being the P6 E27N. TVO is probably the biggest problem, but the direct wearing surfaces don't help when overhauling an engine, not to mention the very frequent oil changes that these engines need with TVO thinning the oil and the splash lubrication. Having said that, I think it's probably good fun to do a bit of work with one to see how it compares, the pedal arrangement would certainly confuse me (even though I've known about it for so many years). All rare tractors will be pricey, assuning people know about it (as wasn't the case with the live clutch Major). I suspect many of the slightly younger people haven't had a real chance to try a Major (I don't just mean do a bit of work, but also a bit of servicing), particularly in the cold, where the starting is certainly difficult to beat, as is the easy access for anything.
These are my thoughts.
Sandy
These are my thoughts.
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
It's certainly true to say that there is a shift in the collectors market and currently it is the 1970's 1980's and early 1990's machines that are leading the pack. People who were in their teens when these tractors were the new kids on the block are now in their late 40's or 50's or 60's and early 70's, they have made a success of their lives and businesses and finances and they want to re-live and enjoy again the things they loved in their youth, including the tractors they drove and worked with. Hence some of the County's making towards £200k, the Silver Jubilee 7810's, the Case IH 1255 and 1455 models etc. However there will always be a strong demand for ORIGINAL clean examples of models from the 40's 50's and 60's as was evidenced by this sale. There are a huge number of Majors and other models that are just so so tractors and few genuine clean unmolested examples, so when such an example comes up for sale it will always make the money. For example as well as the Fordsons a clean original MF 135 multi power from 1967 made £12500 at this Harrogate sale. They keep going up, in 2013 I sold a mint as new 2001 MF 230 with 200 hours and one of the last Coventry tractors for £13,000 at the Harrogate sale, the same telephone buyer from Devon also bought on the day a mint MF 550 with 1300 hours for £13,500. He put both tractors in Cheffins Cambridge sale last year, they were both as they were in 2013 and had been carefully stored, my previous MF 230 made £28,000 and the MF 550 made £30,500. The RIGHT tractors will certainly NOT go down in value!
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
You're very right about that Shepp, I would say the only exception is when neither the seller nor the buyer know that it is something rare, though it's becoming much rarer with today's easy to find basic information.
On a slightly different note I'm quite interested to see what you think about the live clutch Major, as if it is what I think it is, it's a clear case of seller and buyer not knowing that it's something rare, in this case very rare indeed as this period only had 4741 tractors made, and of those I suspect very few had a live clutch.
Sandy
On a slightly different note I'm quite interested to see what you think about the live clutch Major, as if it is what I think it is, it's a clear case of seller and buyer not knowing that it's something rare, in this case very rare indeed as this period only had 4741 tractors made, and of those I suspect very few had a live clutch.
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Hi Sandy, not quite sure what is the point you are making here? The live drive clutch was announced at the 1956 Smithfield show, I have the edition of Farm Mechanisation somewhere that covered the new things to look out for at the show, although I do not think that an actual live drive tractor was exhibited. According to the Ford shop manual, the first live drive model came in at serial number 1417988 which is February 1957. For a short while live drive and non live drive models had different gearbox housings with the clutch cross shaft in different places for each model, but at serial number 1418861 again in February 1957 the livedrive type housing was used for both types of clutch.
The tractor at Harrogate had serial number 1424283 as far as I can make out by enhancing the photo, this is March 1957, so a Mark 1 engine. According to Stuart Gibbard "Dearborn to Dagenham" the Mark 2 engine came in at 1425097 and according to the Ford shop manual it came in at 1425097 , which is April 1957. However Stuart Gibbard says in this book that live drive came in at 1435545 which is apparently clearly wrong.
Could you clarify your point a bit more please?
The tractor at Harrogate had serial number 1424283 as far as I can make out by enhancing the photo, this is March 1957, so a Mark 1 engine. According to Stuart Gibbard "Dearborn to Dagenham" the Mark 2 engine came in at 1425097 and according to the Ford shop manual it came in at 1425097 , which is April 1957. However Stuart Gibbard says in this book that live drive came in at 1435545 which is apparently clearly wrong.
Could you clarify your point a bit more please?
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
The key to this tractor being special is the one date you missed: 1420356 and the end of the TVO and radiator shutters (and the 5 fins per inch radiator being introduced). From this moment till 1425097 all 4741 tractors made would have had the new radiator and the last of the mk1 engines, and as this tractor proves the Mk2 style badges (orange wheatsheaf and simple Fordson Major badge fitting in the upper holes as used by the Major Diesel badge used till 1420356) were fitted from 1420356 and not actually only on Mk2 Major's (1425097 to 1481090) as some literature makes you think. I had long wanted to see a tractor from this period to confirm this, and this one is a lovely one to get, for it's in very good condition. I don't know what 1435545 is relevant for, but Stuart Gibbard got that wrong for the live clutch introduction, that was 1417988 for there are a few live clutch tractors with the Major Diesel badge on the forum.
Sandy
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Having commented on the earlier starter rubber boot I found this Major that still has one, along with other nice early bits.
https://www.bartlettsofwinchester.com/p ... -e1a-major
I really quite like this Major in many ways for it's pretty original state.
Sandy
https://www.bartlettsofwinchester.com/p ... -e1a-major
I really quite like this Major in many ways for it's pretty original state.
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Looks to be a very level tractor. With it's T handle brake catch and mudguards with a plain vertical face it is a later in 1952 model, so again I cannot understand the badging on the bonnet with the very low down placed "Fordson Major" and no room for the small "Diesel" badge which is missing. I have never come across a later diesel tractor that is an original diesel with this badge set up, which is as used on petrol and TVO tractors, although there may have been a few pre-production tractors, but not when full production had commenced. It would be interesting to know the serial number on the bell housing and on the bulkhead serial plate and if they match up.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
I checked on the badges. Our mid may 53 has its badges a bit higher on the bonnet.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Re: Fordson New Major prices
Yes that's how they should be and how every genuine unmolested example I have ever seen is. It always puts me on guard when I see on an early tractor a low placed badge without the small "diesel" part when the tractor is actually a diesel engine tractor. My immediate suspicion is it's either an early bonnet without the air cleaner pre-cleaner hole off a TVO or petrol model, or it's the original bonnet for the tractor but the tractor was originally a TVO model which has been upgraded early in it's life to diesel with a new engine and fuel tank, and many were.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
I remember you posted some pics of your 53 before, I really like that Major as it looks really original (I'm not totally sure about the exhaust but that's about it).
I can't be sure when the diesel badge was added, but it wasn't very early on, there are Major's without it that look clearly original (the one in Allan T Condie's Major book. on page 7 below there's an early 52 diesel without the diesel badge, and there are some in ford and fordson on film 2 at a time when I suspect few would have been converted). I would also suspect that some tractors after the badge was introduced probably still got a plain bonnet because the new bonnet wasn't being produced enough due to the new machines required for the badge holes. I would suspect it came in about the same time as the later brake locking arrangement, but I cant find anything to confirm that. It would be great to find a film or pics that are from a clear date in 52 to confirm this or Ford information if there ever was any on badges.
By the way, just looked on YT forums and Brian is still posting there! I'm not on there but if anyone is let him know that I wish him all the best.
Sandy
I can't be sure when the diesel badge was added, but it wasn't very early on, there are Major's without it that look clearly original (the one in Allan T Condie's Major book. on page 7 below there's an early 52 diesel without the diesel badge, and there are some in ford and fordson on film 2 at a time when I suspect few would have been converted). I would also suspect that some tractors after the badge was introduced probably still got a plain bonnet because the new bonnet wasn't being produced enough due to the new machines required for the badge holes. I would suspect it came in about the same time as the later brake locking arrangement, but I cant find anything to confirm that. It would be great to find a film or pics that are from a clear date in 52 to confirm this or Ford information if there ever was any on badges.
By the way, just looked on YT forums and Brian is still posting there! I'm not on there but if anyone is let him know that I wish him all the best.
Sandy
Re: Fordson New Major prices
One other point Emiel, your baler looks like a version of the New Holland 68 but different to the one's that were UK built? I like my balers, I have a NH Super 68, a NH 268, a NH 940, an MF 703 PTO baler and an MF 701 with Armstrong Siddeley engine.
1946 E27N, 1952 Major Diesel, 1959 Power Major, 1962 Dexta, 1962 Super Dexta, 1963 Super Dexta NP, 1964 Super Major NP, 1965 Super Dexta 3000, 1966 Major 4000, 1967 3000 PF, 1994 5640,plus Basildon built NH.
Re: Fordson New Major prices
The baler is a Köla, which is a German make and an abbreviation of Ködel & Böhm. The factory was taken over by Fahr and later on it became Deutz-Fahr. The baler resembles a nh baler indeed in design. It uses comparable Rasspe knotters and the same needles.
I never bale with the major. I once had the pto shaft coming apart and parts coming against the cab window of the 5610. Since then I prefer cabbed tractors with this baler, even with good maintained parts.
I never bale with the major. I once had the pto shaft coming apart and parts coming against the cab window of the 5610. Since then I prefer cabbed tractors with this baler, even with good maintained parts.
Best regards
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964
Emiel
N 1937, E27N 1948, 8N 1949, E27N 1950, E1A Diesel 1953, E1ADKN PP 1956, Dexta 1959, NH Clayson M103 1964