Fordson MAJOR 5.00 star(s) (5)

Old Major Keeps on Going
Model Year: 1954

We had a 58 Deutz two cylinder that really did not have the muscle for the job. A Fergie TED petroleum/petrol tractor proved not practical. So when I ran into the 54 Major I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very solid design with cast/iron wheels that keep the nose down. Solid engine that gives 42 horsepower but seems a lot more. With good compression, it starts almost immediately---hot or freezing cold. The implement's lift is incredible strong. My retired neighbor had a wage company. He used three Majors in the 50s and 60s and is still impressed by their power and endurance. Take care of oil changes and she will survive you.

Pros: Strong, reliable and simple to maintain.
Cons: No live PTO and lift does not work with clutch pressed.

Photo Uploads:

Built to Last
Model Year: 1955

I bought the major when I was 15 years old for GBP 130.00. It had been stored in a shed for 7 years. We towed her out with a Land Rover for about 3 yards and she started. It had been well looked after. The farmer said that it wouldn't start on the battery one day so he used another tractor and the major was forgotten. Mainly used for pulling trailers, pulling trucks to my buddies scrap yard and had a spell logging. An amazing machine. Often out-working younger machines. Very easy to work on. Incredibly reliable. Live drive would have been nice but not really missed with most jobs that we took on. I eventually sold her 7 years ago when we moved to Thailand. Sadly missed.

Pros: Reliability, heavy front end, strong.
Cons: If anything, no live drive.

Fordson Major Diesel
Model Year: 1954

Bigger than a 9N, lots of power, has an automatic clutch release, (ACR) which releases the clutch if your plow hooks onto an underground root or boulder. Made in Dagenham England. 4 cylinder Diesel Engine. Parts available through Ford tractor dealers and other parts houses. I use it for light grading, bucket lifting of heavy objects, and hauling large fir trees out of the forest for firewood. Without power steering, it does steer a little hard. Other than that, I am pleased with it and would recommend it to others.

Pros: Lots of torque and power.
Cons: Steering arm comes back over your clutch foot when making a sharp right hand turn.

Fordson Major in New Zealand (not Australia)
Model Year: 1958

This old dear tractor has been used originally on a diary farm loading feed (has FEL) and driving large silage harvesters. More recently has been on light duties, but NEVER fails to start, and without doubt is the most reliable and trusted tractor in our fleet. Engine has never been stripped down, only 1 valve grind over the last 56 years. Unbelievable! Wish they made tractors like this today.

Pros: 56 years of hard and light use, only 1 valve grind, engine bottom end never apart. unbelievably reliable.
Cons: All those 56 yr. old issues, limited gears, driver comfort etc.

1956 Fordson Major Diesel
Model Year: 0

The tractor is very dependable. It took some time to find a shop to purchase a starter for the tractor. The exhaust is modified from the picture, as it is used in an orchard. I kept knocking the exhaust stack off with branches. Easy to service, but some parts are difficult to obtain.

Pros: Great for mowing, disc work, and spraying.
Cons: No bucket / loader.