New Member - New Major

[Mgolden29]

Good Morning from Northern Idaho. I just picked up a New Major form my neighbor for free. I am excited about using this tractor on my property. I have one hurdle to resolve after i replace the radiator. I noticed that the 3 point hitch actuator (not sure what it is actually called) is missing. My neighbor said that his father in-law never had the part when he purchased it. I have been looking online for one but am coming up with nothing. my thought was to build a system myself or I did find a complete rear axle with the 3 point hitch from a Ford 4000. Would it be possible to install the 4000 rear end onto the New Major? I am thinking it is probably to dissimilar. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

 

[SkipperII]

Sorry; the two units are not compatible. You're only hope is to find a donor, and get the complete lift cover assembly. Someone really mistreated that poor old thing. I don't know if a Power Major assembly would work. Majorman could give you more advise, if he's onboard.

 

[Mgolden29]

Thanks I appreciate the info.

 

[560Dennis]

Did some checkn on eBay for ya, this some of it ? See link attachment

Fordson Major Diesel Tractor Three Point Lift Cover Housing Part | eBay

Fordson Major Diesel Tractor Three Point Lift Cover Housing Part good shape see all pictures thanx for looking

www.ebay.com

 

[Mgolden29]

Thanks very much i saw a 1955 one on there to for 185. I contacted the seller to see about shipping.

 

[560Dennis]

Thanks very much i saw a 1955 one on there to for 185. I contacted the seller to see about shipping.

Good one ,keep us post how you do with it once in awhile

 

[Mgolden29]

I will definitely keep updating the progress of my tractor journey. Shipping from Wisconsin for the 3 point hitch case I need is 450 or more. So that's is not an option at this time.

 

[SkipperII]

I will definitely keep updating the progress of my tractor journey. Shipping from Wisconsin for the 3 point hitch case I need is 450 or more. So that's is not an option at this time.

Try through Parts ASAP (part of our host network). They have numerous locations. Sometimes a phone call works better than just online ordering. They have some sharp parts men.

 

[Mgolden29]

Great idea thanks.

 

[DanielW]

There are lots of new majors in tractor wrecking yards around here. But what interests me is that left fender: Is that a tank fender? I don't think that was an option from the factory; it's probably a home-brewed contraption. Whatever it is, I like it! But I wonder if that's part of why the hitch was removed. It looks like a fairly hefty set of remotes leading out from the back of that thing, which certainly weren't factory.

I'm thinking someone's done away with much of the original hydraulic/three-point system and rigged something else up for running more intense/continuous hydraulic loads. In which case, it might be better to take a close look at what you have on there for pumps, linkages, etc. There's a good chance there's more missing than just the arm linkages and cover. There's definitely been some home-brewing going on, judging by the Macgyvered fixed arms that are on there now. I suspect someone had a backhoe or forklift attachment on it at one point.

I'm sure you can find all the parts you need (including pumps & valves if needed) at a wreckers somewhere. But New Majors are so common and cheap, you may find it easier to find another Major for three-point use and keep that one for pulling use. The intense hydraulic system may even come in handy: It would be great to run a hydraulic tedder or rake setup.

 

[Mgolden29]

When i get it home (hopefully tonight) I will take some more pics. I had another post about that tank and there was a reply about it being part of the sherman backhoe package. It's pretty cool for sure I will be looking for some tractor wrecking yards.

 

[560Dennis]

Check this Craigslist ad , might be just the ticket

https://stcloud.craigslist.org/grd/d/miltona-fordson-major-parts-tractor/7839413355.html

 

[Mgolden29]

Yes i did see that. I just can't make the drive to Minnesota. I wish I could because I would definitely buy that.

 

[Mgolden29]

Well I found the data plate and it turns out the Tractor is 1953 New Major. I am curious as to how I determine if it has a live PTO I do not have it at my house yet. I also can't start it up quite yet

 

[Mgolden29]

Ok so I found out unless it was added it did not come with live pto.

 

[DanielW]

Nope, that's definitely not a live PTO unit on there, nor would the '53's have had the dual-stage clutch. Nothing too wrong with that - not really critical for anything you're going to be using a major for. We even bale with ours occasionally and get along fine. Not sure if that underslung exhaust was factory, but if it was it must be one of the earlier units. Looks like the one-piece fenders, however, so not uber-early.

What kind of brake latch does it have? The T-handle pull up style, or the flick bar beside the brake pedal? The really early ones had the flick style.

 

[SkipperII]

The underslung exhaust was an option, we had a few come through the shop, and put the elbow on for the upright exhaust.

 

[Mgolden29]

The brake latch is a t handle. I finally was able to get this beast home. Pulled it on with a 10K winch. Due to the bucket it was very back end heavy. Fortunately my neighbor lives about a mile from me on the same dirt road. It's just pretty steep in some sections. I had no issues and now I can actually start putting some live back into her.