WhichTractor
  • WhichTractor size: High-power
  • No lab test on file
  • 1958–1960

It sits on the standard-size/high-power boundary, so either size is a fair description. It was ranked on an engine power figure whose source does not say gross or net. WhichTractor size, not the maker’s category

Derived by WhichTractor from a sourced three-point linkage. How we decide what a machine is

Fordson Power Major specs: hp, weight, years

FORD Mk-3 four-cylinder diesel. The manufacturer claimed 51.8 horsepower. No laboratory has tested one, so there is no measured figure at the shaft.

Engine power, claimed · gross or net not stated

51.8 hp

38.6 kW as stated by the source

No lab test on file

Claimed · standard not stated by the source

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”, claimed

This is the maker’s own figure, measured at the engine. Power at the PTO is lower — by how much, for this machine, nobody has measured.

Weight
5,205 lb
3-point lift
2,315 lb
Top speed
13.7 mph

Fordson Power Major specs: key facts

  • The Fordson Power Major was built from 1958 to 1960.

  • The Fordson Power Major has a claimed engine power (gross or net not stated) of 38.6 kW (51.8 hp); it has no measured PTO figure.

  • The Fordson Power Major was offered in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.

  • The Fordson Power Major has a FORD Mk-3 engine, a 4-cylinder 3.61 L diesel unit.

  • The Fordson Power Major weighs 2,361 kg (5,205 lb) unladen.

  • The Fordson Power Major has a rear PTO running at 542 rpm.

  • The three-point hitch of the Fordson Power Major lifts 1,050 kg (2,315 lb) at the lower-link ends.

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

How does the Power Major compare with its class?

  • Limitation:

    A three-point lift at the lower links of 1,050 kg is low for its class — 43% below the median of 1,850 kg across the 201 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.

  • Strength:

    A maximum engine torque of 241 N·m is high for its class — 35% above the median of 178 N·m across the 222 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.

  • Limitation:

    Six forward gears is low for its class — 25% below the median of 8 across the 288 machines within 10% of its power that hold this figure.

Derived by WhichTractor from 293 comparable records. How we work this out

How much horsepower does a Power Major have?

The only figure for the Power Major is 51.8 hp (38.6 kW) of claimed engine power, gross or net not stated, no test standard stated — not power at the shaft.

Engine, claimed (gross/net not stated)
51.8 hp

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

What engine is in a Power Major?

A Power Major has an FORD Mk-3, a 4-cylinder 3.61 L diesel engine.

Engine — Power Major engine specifications
Make & modelFORD Mk-3
Cylinders4, liquid-cooled
Displacement220.5 ci · 3.61 L
Max torque178 lb·ft · 241 N·m @ 1,200 rpm
Injectiondirect injection

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

How much will a Power Major lift?

A Power Major lifts 2,315 lb (1,050 kg) at the lower-link ends of its Category 2 three-point hitch.

Hydraulics & PTO — Power Major hydraulics and PTO specifications
Hitch categoryCategory 2
Lift at ends2,315 lb · 1,050 kg
Rear PTO542 rpm
PTO shaft1 3/8"- 6 splines

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

What transmission does a Power Major have?

Transmission specifications for the Power Major are below.

Transmission — Power Major transmission specifications
Clutchpedal-operated dry single-disc clutch
Brakespedal-operated internal expanding shoe brake with servo action
Steeringmechanical recirculating ball steering system SAGINAW
Top speed13.7 mph · 22 km/h

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

How much does a Power Major weigh?

A Power Major weighs 5,205 lb (2,361 kg) unladen.

Weights & dimensions — Power Major weights and dimensions
Unladen weight5,205 lb · 2,361 kg
Maximum permissible mass8,818 lb · 4,000 kg
Wheelbase80.0 in · 2,032 mm
Length130.5 in · 3,315 mm
Width65.0–85.0 in · 1,651–2,159 mm
Height63.4 in · 1,610 mm
Ground clearance19.5 in · 495 mm
Front track53.0–77.0 in · 1,346–1,956 mmtwo-wheel-drive version
Rear track52.0–72.0 in · 1,320–1,830 mmtwo-wheel-drive version
Turning radius, braked11.6 ft · 3.55 mtwo-wheel-drive version

Source · Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”

What oil does a Power Major take, and how much?

A Power Major engine takes 8.4 qt (7.95 L). Single source, not independently verified — always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine.

Power Major fluid capacities, grades and service intervals
SystemCapacity
Engine oil8.4 qt · 7.95 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major” · single source, not independently verified
Transmission20.4 qt · 19.3 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major” · single source, not independently verified
Cooling system14.4 qt · 13.6 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major” · single source, not independently verified

Always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine before service.

Which tractors compare with a Power Major?

Within 10% of its 51.8 hp of claimed engine power, the same type, and first built within 15 years of it.

Common questions about the Fordson Power Major

Is a Power Major two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive?

The Fordson Power Major was offered in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.

What PTO does a Power Major have?

A Power Major has a 542 rpm rear PTO on a 1 3/8"- 6 splines shaft.

Sources and how this page was built

Compiled from Traktorenlexikon, “Fordson Power Major”.

Sources checked

14 SEP 2026

Spotted an error?

Sources

Facts taken from these documents, units converted. Numbers beside a figure refer to this list. Licences and attribution

  1. Traktorenlexikon: Fordson Power Major — CC BY-SA 4.0, WIKIBOOKS-TL-79615 · revision 911562. Wikibooks contributors (Traktorenlexikon). Original document