5000

The story

The 5000 was the largest tractor in Ford's worldwide 6X range, launched at the end of 1964 to replace the Fordson Super Major. In Europe it was first badged Super Major 5000, and in North America it was sold as the Ford Major at first.

Its short-stroke four-cylinder diesel drove an eight-speed gearbox, or the clutchless Select-O-Speed powershift, which was clever but earned a poor reliability record. Planetary final drives, oil-immersed brakes and an independent PTO were standard.

In 1968 the Force restyle brought a 4.2 litre engine and about 75 hp, and a safety cab became an option in 1971. The 5000 sold strongly in Britain and Ireland, and it stayed in production until 1975.