Fordson Major
Production years: 1945–1952 • Assembly plant: Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Sources and field evidence
Catalog Archive: Baseline specifications compiled from historical manufacturer archives and equipment registries. Laboratory test report verification in progress.
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Engineering & Capability Benchmark
Specific output, tractive ratio, and segment percentile
Engine and power specifications
- Engine model
- Ford
- Fuel type
- Diesel
- Rated horsepower
- 45 hp
- Rated PTO Power
- N/A (Fordson specification)
- Cylinders
- 6
- Displacement
- 4.7 L (288 ci)
- Bore / stroke
- 3.50x5.00 inches 89 x 127 mm
- Rated RPM
- 1500 RPM
- Crankcase oil capacity
- 12.6 qts (~11.9 L)
- Coolant capacity
- 48.1 qts (~45.5 L)
Maintenance picks for the Major
Oil capacity 12.6 qts — match the filter before you drain.
Transmission and chassis specifications
- Transmission type
- N/A
- Gears (forward / reverse)
- 3 forward / 1 reverse
- Drive system
- 2WD
- Wheelbase
- 77 in
- Front tire
- 6.00-19
- Rear tire
- 11.00-36
- Hydraulic flow
- N/A
- Rear hitch
- N/A
Implement Draft & Ballast Matcher
Simulate draft resistance, drawbar power transfer, and optimal axle weight distribution for Fordson Major.
Engine demand (83.4 HP) exceeds rated power (45 HP). Reduce working speed by 1.0-1.5 mph or reduce working width.
Catalog archival serial-number ranges
| Production year | Starting serial # | Ending serial # | Assembly plant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | #980,520 | #993,488 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1946 | #993,489 | #1,018,977 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1947 | #1,018,978 | #1,054,093 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1948 | #1,054,094 | #1,104,656 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1949 | #1,104,657 | #1,138,234 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1950 | #1,138,235 | #1,180,609 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1951 | #1,180,610 | #1,216,574 | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| 1952 | #1,216,575 | End of run | Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
Instant Used Market Valuation Projector
Algorithmic resale estimate for Fordson Major (1945)
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Fordson
USA • 10 Models
Fordson is a historic tractor brand that played a pivotal role in the mechanization of agriculture during the early 20th century. Founded by Henry Ford in 1917, the Fordson tractor was one of the first mass-produced tractors, revolutionizing farming practices with its affordability and reliability. The brand's initial breakthrough came with the introduction of the Fordson Model F in 1917, which was manufactured in the United States. This model quickly gained popularity due to its low production costs and ease of use, making it accessible to small and medium-sized farms. By 1921, Fordson had captured a significant share of the U.S. tractor market. In 1928, production shifted to the United Kingdom to better serve European markets, and the Fordson name became synonymous with agricultural innovation across the Atlantic. The brand continued to evolve, and in 1964, Ford merged its North American and European tractor lines under the unified Ford brand, signaling the end of the distinct Fordson identity. Despite this change, the Fordson legacy lived on through the robust design principles and engineering excellence that defined its tractors. The brand's impact on agriculture was profound, as it introduced mechanization to countless farms worldwide, transforming the industry and setting new standards for tractor design and production.
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