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The Super Major was the last in the of E1A series of tractors produced from 1951 to 1964 at Dagenham, England. I do not know the actual figures but I would guess that 99% of Super Majors were Diesel. There were no TVO or Kerosene versions, There was a Petrol version but they are rare. They were produced in such quantities that towards the end of production, over 300 were being made each day. There are three variants of the Super Major. Released in 1960, the tractor had the following changes when the Power Major was superceded: Disc Brakes
Diff Lock
Position Control/Qualitrol hydraulics
Strenthend differential
Changed styling on front cross member.
Fenders/wings modified for disc brakes.
Head lights moved into grill on UK market.
Horazontal bars on grill for export market.
Changed badging In 1962, the Simms injector pump was replaced by a Minimec unit (this still has simms on the casting). This injector pump has a mechanical govenor instead of the pneumatic type of the previous model. This change gave a slight horse power increase from 52 to 54. In 1963 the "New Performance" Super Major was introduced. This model was the last E1A Major's and the most visible change was the colour, instead of light blue with orange wheels, it was light blue with grey fenders, wheels and seat. Also the chrome "Fordson SUPER MAJOR" badge was replaced by a blue and silver "FORDSON" decal and the badge on the front had grey letters. The front wheels were changed to steel from cast on the UK market in line with some export tractors. Some of these tractors were badged as "FORD 5000 Super Major" with a grey bonnet/hood in the USA. The major mechanical improvements with this model are: Changed gearbox and diff ratios.
Drop control for the three point linkage.
New hydraulic pump with increased flow.
Improved swirl on the intake ports, the cylinder head being identified with the leters "FL" cast near number one injector. All of these tracors are first class. They are built like an Iowa class battleship. There are a number of options that are highly desireable. Live PTO is top of my list, then the Raised PTO. The raised PTO allows you to disengage a mower but still use the hydraulics. lastly, power steering. The steering on the majors is not to heavy but if you have a front end loader, this is a must have. These tractors are reliable, easy to start, stong pullers, easy to work on, economical, parts are readely available, and, all in all, one of the best tractors in the world. I have a late 62 Super Major, and I love it. steven_barker@westsig.com.au
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