The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hello.
This is a bit of a stab in the dark, but I would like to trace a certain Fordson Major that I have a photo of, taken in 1972. I am not completely sure of the model, but I believe it is a Power Major or maybe a Mk11 E1A? - the photo is not too clear, however it is a diesel. The Reg is OTK 337 which I have checked on the DVLA website, but is not recognised. The tractor has no vertical exhaust in view, nor air intake, so I guess it had a downswept exhaust (or it fell off!!) The front badge is oval and the lights are on the side of the cowling, which has a 'Live Drive' badge. One unusual point is the tractor has 3 spoke cast front wheels, I have only ever come across 4 spoke casts before. I believe also , the tractor was sold/ traded in during 1975, possibly to Dorset Tractors in Dorchester. I have no info after this time, as it left the family.
If any one has thoughts on how I might find any more clues to it's more recent history (or demise!) I would be grateful. Thanks

Welcome Burlboy.

The 3 spoke cast front wheels are power and super wheels. The new major has a 4 spoke. So your guess could be right. However no air intake means a very early engine model, so a new major. The exhaust could be an under swept model.
You need casting codes and a serial number to be sure.

Thanks. would there be a record of serial no.s etc cross referenced with reg no.s I could check? I tried to find the original reg of a TW25 I had once from casting stamps, but never did find it, despite being told a fair bit of the history of the tractor! I guess records weren't so important then. Does anybody know what happened to Dorset Tractors in Dorchester?

We have it.
Now you need to get the numbers. I gues that wil take some time.

Thanks Henk, I guess you mean you have the records not the tractor itself!! I need to find the tractor first , then I will need to check the reg and serial no's tally. I am aware it may have undergone some transplants, if it still exists. Still, if I don't look, I won't find!

Good Day

Your Major is certainly a Dorset registered tractor, TK being a Dorset Reg No. Live PTO puts it around the 1958 onwards area, although the 3 spoke wheels (as previously stated) are Power or Super Major type. Headlamps on the side of the front cowl indicate Major, or Power Major, as Super Majors were generally in the radiator grilles. Sounds to me like the exhaust and air intake were probably taken off to lift up the LHS bonnet lid. Obviously wheels got changed over, when it was easier to get a pair of wheels with good tyres off another tractor when tyres were required, rather than remove and fit tyres onto a rim. I also understand that the fishermen in Weymouth found Fordson cast wheels provided solid mooring for their boats, when dropped onto the harbour bed (before the harbour was developed into the yacht marina it now is!)
You might try West Dorset Vintage and Stationary Engine Club for information on what happened to Dorset Tractors, Dorchester (and possibly your Major!) Contact is david@wdvtsec.co.uk, there is a contact tel no of 01305 265309. One of their latest posts has a picture of a Fordson Major (4 spoke front wheels), reg no NTK 294 (Photo is a bit fuzzy), which could have come from Dorset Tractors as well. Hope this is of some help.

Tim E

Hello Tim. thanks for info it all helps! its a pity the photo I have is too grainy to see the badge on the side of the bonnet , but it does appear to have the shape of the power badge. I can't remember as I was only 17 months old at the time, but can just remember it being still on the farm when it was replaced with a new 4100. It would be nice to find the old bus, if it is still in one piece!