Fordson Power Major-Live Drive?

This forum is for discussions about County, Roadless, MuirHill, Northrop, Matbro, ETA and other Ford/Fordson-based conversions.
Post Reply
James K
Not Quite Blue Yet
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Mar 28, 2019 10:58 am

Fordson Power Major-Live Drive?

Post by James K »

Hi,

I've talked to someone who said they've got a non live drive Fordson Power major and the high/low range lever is down in high range and low in high position, but it still has the U shape bracket under the clutch, is the high/low range lever the best way to tell whether a Fordson power major is definitely a live drive or non live drive? Any help would be appreciated! :D

Regards, James

E1ACharlie
Not Quite Blue Yet
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2018 9:37 pm

Re: Fordson Power Major-Live Drive?

Post by E1ACharlie »

Hi James, your Power Major sounds like a standard drive version. With a Live Drive version the Hi/Low lever is Up for High & Down for Low - easy to remember! Live Drive was an optional extra though when these tractors were built so never assume because it's a Power or Super Major then it'll be Live Drive. The clutch bracket may be original and used because it was to hand or may have been swooped later in the tractors life so is not a reliable indicator. Industrial Majors are often standard drive but have large brake assemblies fitted to the end of the axle shafts (inside rear wheels) so are quite distinctive. I'd imagine yours is standard drive because the farmer wanted more of a pulling tractor for land driven implements when it was new. I hope that helps! Charlie

fenhayman
True Blue
Posts: 140
Joined: Tue May 19, 2009 11:18 am
Location: United Kingdom
Contact:

Re: Fordson Power Major-Live Drive?

Post by fenhayman »

James I believe that all "new type" majors had the U bracket under the clutch pedal. Live drive models had a hole through both sides of the U bracket. When using hydraulics, but not PTO, a pin was inserted through the hole so that the 2nd. stage of the clutch was not freed. The hydraulics were then working constantly. Saved a lot of clutch wear when on loader work.

Post Reply