Fordson KFD orchard Major in Holland

[David in Wales]

For those who dont know, I have one of the rarest variations of a DDN, the KFD68 orchard Major converted by Stormont Engineering in Kent England.
I have been researching the history of these tractors for a couple of years, and someone in Holland sent me this photo of one in Holland at a show a few years ago.
This one has the Howard reduction gearbox which is rare. A sandwich box giving 12F & 4R gears, 6 lower speeds than normal.

Can anyone in Holland let me have more details of this tractor and its owner. Or any one else who has one of these tractors.



This is my 1954 KFD68 serial number 198 restored in 2006.

David

[Oscar]

That's a fantastic Major you have there, David . I don't think I have ever seen one of those before.

[henk]

Would love to see one David, or better own one

[Kiwi Kev]

David
What is different to a "normal" Major. Is it just the different front axle and smaller rear wheels, therefore giving a narrower and lower profile?
Nice tractor.
Kiwi Kev

[David in Wales]

Stormont Engineering in Kent (southeast England) was one of the 4 Ford/Fordson dealers in that area. The 4 dealers formed a company KFD = Kent Ford Dealers who needed lower & narrower tractors for the hop fields & orchards. Stormont carried out the conversions in their workshops. All 4 dealers retailed these tractors in their area, and Stormont also sold them to other Fordson dealers around England.
1 - KFD68 - smaller wheels & fixed swept-back front axle (mine)
2 - KFD64 - as above but based on industrial spec Major
3 - KFD53 - as 68 but with cut down width rear axles, and special front axle narrowed down to 52" width overall. Steering brakes operated by hand levers next to seat, single brake pedal for stopping.
Around 300 converted 1952 to 1956, around 20 survive today. There are no surviving company records, but I have photos taken by their manager of production & field trials taken in 1952. I also have their sales brochures. A small number were exported to France & Holland.
Mine is April 1954 serial no. 189. Serial no. 190 built October 54.

Rear tyres 12x28 Stormonts own make heavy steel centres (double thickness of normal Major centres), front 600x16 pressed steel centres. Stormont modified the mudguard to lower them.

The tractors are about 6 inches lower than a normal Major, and have a reduced turning circle. Road speeds are lower because of the 28 inch wheels.


From 1956 Stormont built the narrow Dexta & Super Dexta but these were sold by Ford direct to the Fordson dealers.
David

[Kiwi Kev]

David
Thanks for your reply. It makes interesting reading.
Kiwi Kev

[JC]

David,
Thanks for posting those pictures and all the information. I never knew there was such a tractor. Very interesting.

[henk]

David,

I have used your info for our site on www.ford-fordson.nl
Would you have a picture for us to go with it?

[Frans]

Henk,,

I do have the pics I think David sold the major

[henk]

Frans,

If I can I use them, would you send them to me.

[Dandy Dave]

Looks like I missed it. The videos are no longer valid. Dandy Dave!

[JC]

For some reason, David always deletes his pics shortly after he posts them. Here's a link to a KFD on YT.
http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a121422.jpg

[Frans]

Henk,

must be with you by now didnt work yesterday

[henk]

Frans,

I recieved your mail.

[janus]

hello her a picture from a folder/book

[henk]

To bad Janus,

It did not work. Would you please try again.

[janus]

hello second try, i hope it works

[henk]

Janus,

Put it between the img tags. The front one starts with [ than type img and close with ]. The rear one starts with [ than type /img and close with ] Than your picture will come on the post.

[JC]

Welcome to the forum, Janus.
Thanks for the pictures. They really show the difference between a KFD and a normal Major.

[henk]

You've got the hang of it now Janus.
Thanks for the picture.

[frode]

Greetings from Norway,

Anyone have some information about this "Howard reduction gearbox" ? I think I have one on my super. Will get a picture tomorrow.