Fordson Major Ploughing Field in 1966

A clip of my father driving his Fordson Major, ploughing (plowing for my American friends) on his farm in East Yorkshire UK. This was filmed in 1966 by a family friend, Doctor Lowe. Music "A Day on The Farm" written and performed by me, Stuart James Wright, available on all streaming platforms.

Here's bit of history of the Fordson Major:

The Fordson Major tractor was an iconic machine that played a significant role in the agricultural industry of the United Kingdom and other countries around the world. This robust and reliable tractor was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1951 and continued in production until 1964. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Fordson Major tractor, with a particular focus on its impact on the United Kingdom in the 1960s.

The Fordson Major tractor was the successor to the Fordson E27N, which had been in production since 1945. The new tractor was designed to meet the changing needs of farmers in the post-war era, and it quickly became a popular choice among agricultural workers. The tractor was powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine, which was capable of producing 47 horsepower. This was a significant improvement over the previous model, which had a much less powerful petrol engine.

One of the most important factors contributing to the success of the Fordson Major tractor was its durability. The tractor was built to withstand the harsh conditions of agricultural work, with a robust chassis, strong engine, and sturdy transmission system. The tractor was also relatively easy to maintain, with many of its parts interchangeable with other Ford models, making it a popular choice for farmers who were looking for a reliable and cost-effective machine.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Fordson Major tractor was widely used in the United Kingdom, and it played a crucial role in the mechanization of agriculture. With the post-war era seeing a shift towards industrialized agriculture, the Fordson Major tractor became an essential tool for farmers looking to increase their efficiency and productivity. The tractor was used for a wide range of tasks, including ploughing, planting, and harvesting, and it was particularly well-suited to the heavy clay soils found in many parts of the UK.

In the 1960s, the Fordson Major tractor underwent a number of changes and updates. In 1960, the tractor was fitted with a new power steering system, which made it easier to handle and increased its efficiency. This was followed by the introduction of a live PTO (power take-off) system in 1961, which made it easier to connect and disconnect the tractor from implements such as mowers and balers. These updates made the Fordson Major tractor even more popular with farmers, and it remained one of the most widely used tractors in the UK throughout the 1960s.

During this time, the Ford Motor Company also began to export the Fordson Major tractor to other countries around the world. The tractor was particularly popular in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where it was used extensively in the agricultural sector. In many of these countries, the tractor was modified and adapted to meet the specific needs of local farmers, and it played a significant role in the development of agriculture.

In the UK, the Fordson Major tractor remained a familiar sight on farms and fields throughout the 1960s. However, by the end of the decade, the tractor was beginning to face competition from newer models, such as the Massey Ferguson 135 and the David Brown 990. These tractors offered more advanced features, such as power shift gears and hydraulic systems, which made them more efficient and easier to operate.

Despite this competition, the Fordson Major tractor continued to be used by many farmers in the UK well into the 1970s. The tractor's durability and reliability meant that it remained a popular choice for those who were looking for a machine that could stand up to the rigours of agricultural work. In many ways, the Fordson Major tractor was a symbol of the post-war era, when agriculture was undergoing a period of rapid change and mechanization

Видео Fordson Major Ploughing Field in 1966 канала Stuart James Wright