TractorDex
TractorDexIndex
FordsonUSACatalog archive

Fordson New Major

Production years: 1952–1958 • Assembly plant: Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA

Compare with other modelsValue machine
Engine horsepower
38 HP
PTO: 35 HP
Displacement
3.6 L
4-cylinder engine
Drive and chassis
2WD
Gear (6F/2R)
Operating weight
2,407 kg
5,308 lbs

Sources and field evidence

Catalog Archive: Baseline specifications compiled from historical manufacturer archives and equipment registries. Laboratory test report verification in progress.

Fordson New Major
VLM Verified Authentic
Fordson New Major

Ask TractorDex AI Copilot About New Major

Instant technical consultation powered by heavy machinery knowledge

Engineering & Capability Benchmark

Specific output, tractive ratio, and segment percentile

Compact / Sub-Compact Yard
Global Tractor Fleet Power SpectrumTop 85% of all indexed machinery
Compact (20 HP)Utility (100 HP)Row-Crop (250 HP)Titans (600+ HP)
Specific Output
10.6 HP/L
Aspiration: Unknown
Traction Ratio
63.3 kg/HP
Heavy ballast for draft pull
PTO Efficiency
92%
35 PTO HP rated
Hydraulic Flow
Standard
Auxiliary implement ports

Engine and power specifications

Engine model
Ford
Fuel type
Diesel
Rated horsepower
38 hp
Rated PTO Power
35 hp (Fordson specification)
Drawbar Power @ Rated Engine Speed
34.2 hp (Nebraska OECD Test 2218)
Cylinders
4
Displacement
3.6 L (220 ci)
Bore / stroke
3.937x4.52 inches 100 x 115 mm
Rated RPM
1600 RPM
Crankcase oil capacity
7.2 qts (~6.8 L)
Coolant capacity
12.4 qts (~11.7 L)

Maintenance picks for the New Major

Oil capacity 7.2 qts — match the filter before you drain.

Transmission and chassis specifications

Transmission type
Gear (6F/2R)
Gears (forward / reverse)
6 forward / 2 reverse
Drive system
2WD
Wheelbase
80 in
Front tire
7.50-16
Rear tire
14-30
Hydraulic flow
N/A
Rear hitch
II
Transmission details: Three speeds, plus reverse, in two ranges.
ASABE EP496 Engineering Matcher

Implement Draft & Ballast Matcher

Simulate draft resistance, drawbar power transfer, and optimal axle weight distribution for Fordson New Major.

Overloaded / Wheel Slip Alert(219%)
CAD DRAFT SCHEMATIC • Wide-Span Field Cultivator
SOIL: Medium Tilled LoamDEPTH: 4"SPEED: 7 MPH219% LOAD
SOIL SURFACE (0.0")SUB-SURFACE PLOW PAN (~14")38 HP◄ 3,129 LBS DRAFT4" DEPTH
DRAWBAR DEMAND: 58.4 HPWIDTH / SIZE: 18 ft Width
ASABE D497.7 Tillage Specific Resistance Formula
Implement Size (ft Width)18 ft Width
18 ft WidthDefault: 4270 ft Width
Tillage / Seeding Depth4 inches (10 cm)
2"Target: 4"6"
Target Operating Field Speed7.0 mph (11.3 km/h)
5 mphRated: 7 mph9 mph
Engine Power Demand vs Rated Output83.4 HP / 38 HP Rated
0%55% (Min Load)60-85% (Sweet Spot)100% (Cap)
Draft Force
3,129 lbs
Drawbar Power
58.4 HP
Target Slip
8% - 12%
Axle Ballast Balance (2WD Standard Utility )Calibrated for Wide-Span Field Cultivator (100 lbs/HP standard)
Target: 3,800 lbs
Front Axle: 28%Rear Axle: 72%
483 kg (1,064 lbs)1,241 kg (2,736 lbs)
Ballast Adjustment vs Base:-1,508 lbs (-684 kg)
Hourly Diesel Burn
1.8 gal/h
6.8 L/hr (est. $7/h)
Hydraulic Fan Status
Standard Draw
No fan req

Engine demand (83.4 HP) exceeds rated power (38 HP). Reduce working speed by 1.0-1.5 mph or reduce working width.

Catalog archival serial-number ranges

8 production years
Production yearStarting serial #Ending serial #Assembly plant
1951#1,217,101#1,217,103Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1952#1,217,104#1,247,380Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1953#1,247,381#1,276,856Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1954#1,276,857#1,322,524Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1955#1,322,525#1,371,417Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1956#1,371,418#1,412,408Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1957#1,412,409#1,458,380Dagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA
1958#1,458,381End of runDagenham, Essex, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA

Instant Used Market Valuation Projector

Algorithmic resale estimate for Fordson New Major (1952)

Full Appraisal Tool
Operating Meter Hours3,200 hrs
Mechanical & Physical Condition
Empirical model calibrated against dealer & auction lots
Estimated Fair Market Value
$1,714
Basis: 38 HP • 74 yrs old
Auction / Wholesale
$1,405 – $1,577
Dealer Retail Asking
$1,800 – $2,023
3-Year Projected Resale Curve~5% annual retention decay
Year 2027
$1,628
Year 2028
$1,547
Year 2029
$1,470

Direct Segment Rivals & Showdowns

Head-to-head match-ups calibrated by horsepower and era

Looking for a used Fordson New Major?

Browse live listings and auction results near you.

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.

View Full Fordson Lineup