1956 Fordson Major Lubrication Needs

Larry Saint Cyr · Aug 6, 2009

I know that the manual / Instruction book indicates the following for lubrication needs.

Gearbox Oil = 4.5 gallons SAE 90
Rear Axle Oil / Hydraulic Power Lift Oil = 10.8 gallons SAE 90

I question is can I use today hydraulic oil in both the gearbox, rear axle and Hydraulics and if so what type of oil is every one using.

Thanks,

Larry

Anonymous-0 · Aug 6, 2009

The SAE 90 that is called for is considered a GL3 fluid, because of the amount of yellow metals that these older tractors contain it is not advised to use a GL4 or GL5 fluid. The SAE 90 is still available at some certain locations. You would not be happy with the performance if using a typical transdraulic fluid which typically range from a 10W to 30W. for futher info you can email me at [email protected]

Larry Saint Cyr · Aug 6, 2009

Well after posting this question I should have taken the time to look at all the other post on the same subject. Sorry guys!!

After reviewing all or most of the post I think that tiresntracks has said it all..

"I would use 15W-40 in the engine, transmission and differential/hydraulics"

Any other thoughts on this?

Larry

Anonymous-0 · Aug 7, 2009

Hi, i also have a 1956 Fordson Major. I would use EP90 gear oil in the gearbox and rear end. If you use any thinner oil your oil seals could start to leak. MJ

tiresntracks · Aug 8, 2009

This is a pretty popular subject, and everyone has a different opinion. I would use the oil that Fordson specifies, since they built the tractor. The very early New Majors used 90W in the transmission and differential, but shortly after that they changed the spec. to the same oil as the engine. Don't take my word for it, though. Read the Fordson owners manual.

Larry Saint Cyr · Aug 8, 2009

I do have the instruction book for the Fordson Major and what is saying for lubrication is a S.A.E. 90 oil and that is all and that is why I had question on what every one else is using in these old tractor.

Larry Saint Cyr · Aug 12, 2009

U P D A T E !!

The Instruction Book for the Fordson Major Diesel Dated August 1954 Copy Right in Great Britain indicates the following information..

Engine - 12 Pints of HD SAE 40 for above 90, 30 for Moderate summer, 20 for moderate Winter and 10 for below 20

Gearbox - 4.5 Gallons of 140 for above 90, 90 for Summer and Winter and 80 for below +10

Rear Axle - 9 Gallons of the same oil above

Now that all changed back in August of 1959 when the Supplement repair manual came out for the Major and Power Major. Notes - Extensive testing has proved that a lighter grade oil than previously specified may be used on all Fordson Major and Power Major Tractors produced since 1952.

Engine - SAE 10 hd OR SAE 10W HD from 0 to 20 F
From 20 to 90 F use SAE 20 HD or SAE 20W HD
From 90 and above use SAE 30 HD

Transmission and Power Take Off - Use 20W / 30W HD

Differential - Use 20W / 30W HD

Bruce Hopf · Aug 12, 2009

I have a 1961 Super Major, and a 1962 Dexta, and I use Trans Hydraulic oil in both my tractors. I have never had any troubles with them leaking, at the seals, or any abnormal wear in them either, from useing this oil. Before i used this oil, I checked with my local New Holland dealer, and that is what they recommended for me to use. Bruce.

1956 Fordson Major Lubrication Needs

Larry Saint Cyr

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Anonymous-0

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Larry Saint Cyr

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tiresntracks

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Larry Saint Cyr

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Larry Saint Cyr

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