Fordson Major tractors, and classic tractors in general
Discussion
I have a mild whim to buy an old tractor, mainly as a toy, but also for some chores in a large garden and orchard. A bloke near me has a Fordson Major for sale. I'd be interested to hear from old tractor afficionados about owning such machines. I assume that they usually have fairly simple diesel engines, crash bang wallop gears, brakes made of cheese, and so forth. I add that I am familiar with old Land Rovers, but not with other types of farm machinery.
A friend who has a 1957 Ferguson FE35 says that I might expect to pay £5000 for a spiffy tractor, £3000 for an average one, and £1500 for a grotty one. Does that sound about right?
PS: thanks for any insights, and "Top Tip: RUN AWAY!" is also acceptable.
A friend who has a 1957 Ferguson FE35 says that I might expect to pay £5000 for a spiffy tractor, £3000 for an average one, and £1500 for a grotty one. Does that sound about right?
PS: thanks for any insights, and "Top Tip: RUN AWAY!" is also acceptable.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 15th April 12:05
I have much want for this, I have nowhere to keep it and nothing to use it for, but I still want it.
Little Grey Fergie
Little Grey Fergie
A bit like stationary engines, these always seem to be a 'good idea' at the time simply due to the amount of metal and boyish kicks you can get for your buck.
A pal has and International and a Massey but he's an inveterate buyer of anything cheap and mechanical. What did surprise me is a) how cheap those big tyres are, and b) how you can actually change one on your own without specialist tools.
A pal has and International and a Massey but he's an inveterate buyer of anything cheap and mechanical. What did surprise me is a) how cheap those big tyres are, and b) how you can actually change one on your own without specialist tools.
I made the mistake of buying a Massey Ferguson MF35 to start with. All I wanted to do really was to top small fields with it. It was too under powered, light and it was petrol when it should have been diesel for reliability. I sold it and bought an MF65 diesel which is bigger, heavier, more powerful and reliable. I had a detachable roll over bar fitted to both, which I would recommend doing. They are great fun.
The MF65 was restored about 5 years ago and hasn't had much use since. I picked it up for £5K which I think was a good deal. However they don't come up for sale very often as people tend to keep them and be prepared to travel.
Its also road registered which can be handy.
MF35
[url]
MF65
|https://thumbsnap.com/kCn55bTc[/url]
The MF65 was restored about 5 years ago and hasn't had much use since. I picked it up for £5K which I think was a good deal. However they don't come up for sale very often as people tend to keep them and be prepared to travel.
Its also road registered which can be handy.
MF35
[url]MF65
|https://thumbsnap.com/kCn55bTc[/url]Edited by Jonny TVR on Wednesday 15th April 13:59
I'm not an expert, but we have had a few 35s, plenty of Majors and 65s, 165s etc over the years.
There is more than one Fordson Major - from Diesel Major to Power Major (live drive) and Super Major. Look to see what you get vs what you need. The Major is quite a heavy thing for what it is and isn't particularly powerful. Nice enough to use, but the 35 and 135 are that much smaller and IME nicer to use as a 'hobby' tractor.
The later 35s, 35X and 135 as well as the Dexta and others used 3 cylinder Perkins engines, derivatives of which are still in use today in some applications. You can get parts still too, but these are an excellent engine - usually start easily, cheap to run and more powerful than the earlier four cylinder.
£1500 will get you a project Major (as we have here) that hopefully will just need cosmetics. 35s, Dextas etc are more than that now. Depending on what you intend to do to it, it usually makes sense to get one that has already had the work done to it - owners rarely cover the costs of restoration when seeling.
There is more than one Fordson Major - from Diesel Major to Power Major (live drive) and Super Major. Look to see what you get vs what you need. The Major is quite a heavy thing for what it is and isn't particularly powerful. Nice enough to use, but the 35 and 135 are that much smaller and IME nicer to use as a 'hobby' tractor.
The later 35s, 35X and 135 as well as the Dexta and others used 3 cylinder Perkins engines, derivatives of which are still in use today in some applications. You can get parts still too, but these are an excellent engine - usually start easily, cheap to run and more powerful than the earlier four cylinder.
£1500 will get you a project Major (as we have here) that hopefully will just need cosmetics. 35s, Dextas etc are more than that now. Depending on what you intend to do to it, it usually makes sense to get one that has already had the work done to it - owners rarely cover the costs of restoration when seeling.
Edited by bangerhoarder on Wednesday 15th April 14:39
That is helpful, thanks. The one I have seen is badged Fordson Major Diesel. It seems to have had a recent and colourful paint job, which might of course be concealing grungy grot beneath. A local scrappy guy has it and a couple of other old tractors for sale (also a 2009 Defender SWB, van sides, dark green, if anyone is interested). I will give him a ring.
You cant buy a tractor here , but it is tractor porn
http://www.musee-agricole-salviac.com/galeries-pho...
And a great place to visit
http://www.musee-agricole-salviac.com/galeries-pho...
And a great place to visit
Huge soft spot for any classic tractor. A close friend owns a farm and has a classic Ransomes crawler tractor among other things ( not working sadly), but also an operational 60's Massey.
Love this type of thread, always good excuse to open a pack of digestives, a large mug of tea and read about the history. Love the Lamborghini Tractor as well, good spot
Love this type of thread, always good excuse to open a pack of digestives, a large mug of tea and read about the history. Love the Lamborghini Tractor as well, good spot
Surely the air-cooled diesel and hydraulically coupled gearbox of a Porsche appeal to Breadvan's eccentricities?
My dad has spent the last two years having a 1956 model restored (with the help of an agricultural engineer - he much prefers sourcing parts than gettign his hands dirty these days).
What's amazing is that most parts are available from German companies, and the odd part is shared with the 356.
My dad has spent the last two years having a 1956 model restored (with the help of an agricultural engineer - he much prefers sourcing parts than gettign his hands dirty these days).
What's amazing is that most parts are available from German companies, and the odd part is shared with the 356.
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