57 fordson major

zano06 · Dec 23, 2009

I just purchased a 1957 forson major and I got it home and the tractor got stuck in forward. It wont let me go to any reverse gears. Can anyone shed some info on what to do? Does this sound like a major issue?

I am looking to do a restore to the tractor and would like to know how easy is it to get parts like the hood bonnet, control panel and gauges? Are engine, trans and other parts easy to get?

Also I would like to know if there is a way convert the hand shift ignition to a key switch ignition start. Is it as simple as a implement and rewire?

Grabatire · Dec 23, 2009

On the Fordson Majors there is a shift rail that runs from the shift lever forward into the transmission. The shift lever engages what I will call a 'pocket' that is held to the rear end of shift rail by a set screw. It could be the 'pocket' has come loose allowing the shift lever to slip out of the pocket. On the front end of the shift rail the shift fork dog is held to the rail by another set screw. It may be the culprit if the pocket is secure. They are both quite easy to access and check. Simply take the four cap screws (bolts) out that hold the shift lever to the differential housing and lift the shift lever free. You can then see the 'pocket'.

To check the shift fork dog you need to remove the transmission cover from the left side of the transmission. It too is held by four cap screws. You can then see the shift fork dog.

I may not be using terms that you might use, but the process will allow you to check two of the most likely problems.

In my opinion, to change the starter action from a mechanical lever engagement to one controlled by a switch, you may need an entirely different starter, unless you can find a selenoid that can be fastened to the starter to engage the starter drive.

zano06 · Dec 24, 2009

Thanks for the insight. I called the guy who sold it to me and he came over and did something simular to what you are saying. He took off the 4 top screws and the shifter has about a 2 to 3 in drop hanging down that fits into a socket type hole. Apparently the shifter must have jerked out of the socket. All said he put it back and it works fine.

As far as the key switch starter I will be willing to try whatever works just for security reasons the tractor will be unattended I would feel more comfortable knowing it was more than a start and go situation. What type of starter would you recomend? Any other recomendations are welcomed.

(quoted from post at 21:27:05 12/23/09) On the Fordson Majors there is a shift rail that runs from the shift lever forward into the transmission. The shift lever engages what I will call a 'pocket' that is held to the rear end of shift rail by a set screw. It could be the 'pocket' has come loose allowing the shift lever to slip out of the pocket. On the front end of the shift rail the shift fork dog is held to the rail by another set screw. It may be the culprit if the pocket is secure. They are both quite easy to access and check. Simply take the four cap screws (bolts) out that hold the shift lever to the differential housing and lift the shift lever free. You can then see the 'pocket'.

To check the shift fork dog you need to remove the transmission cover from the left side of the transmission. It too is held by four cap screws. You can then see the shift fork dog.

I may not be using terms that you might use, but the process will allow you to check two of the most likely problems.

In my opinion, to change the starter action from a mechanical lever engagement to one controlled by a switch, you may need an entirely different starter, unless you can find a selenoid that can be fastened to the starter to engage the starter drive.

Grabatire · Dec 24, 2009

I really don't have a recommendation regarding a starter replacement. Never crossed that bridge.

You might consider removing the battery to add some security. It will force'em to tow it to start it then. Of course if somebody wants it bad enough, they'll get it. A friend of mine had his Oliver sitting out in the field with one rear tire removed for repair. He came back from a camping trip and the tractor was gone.

ford-s · Dec 24, 2009

zane,you can use the starter from a ford 4000,it bolts right in.then wire the starter with a key switch.I know it work,I did it with my "61 super major,and no problems.Merry Christmas to all,cw

zano06 · Dec 24, 2009

Thanks Guys you all have been a great help. I felt there had to be away to go to a switch start. Thanks a bunch.

vt joe · Dec 26, 2009

nice to know about the 4000 starter as my original Lucas is ok but........ and as far as the shift rail and socket, it seems to me that the bushing or what ever is support mechanism is the culprit. but since I now know to remove the tranny cover on the side I will investigate this spring mine has always been trouble-some can you get the shift rod out if you take off both ends with dropping anything inside of course??

Grabatire · Dec 27, 2009

I'm not sure if the shift rail can be removed without splitting the tractor between the differential and the transmission. However it might be worth a try, which means the gear shift lever and the side cover will need to be removed. This will allow access to remove the pocket into which the shift lever sits, and the dog at the front end that engages the shift fork in the transmision. The shaft might then be removable by slipping it out towards the rear. I think it is too long to allow it to be slid into the transmission and removed through the side cover. Going to the rear will be tricky though and may result in the shaft dropping into the differential. If it does, the diff. cover may need to be removed to recover the shaft unless a magnet can fish it out. More of a challenge might be replacing the bushing that supports the shaft, without separating the diff and trans.

maxpower · Dec 29, 2009

the shifter coming out of the socket is common and will do it again unless you fix it, pull off shifter build up a ball with a welder and file into shape.
as for the starter i had mine rebuilt as i am restoring my 56 and love the mechanical lucas starter especially trying to keep the machine all original

57 fordson major

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