Saved NPSM from scrap yard. What to do now.

Recently saved what looks like a new performance super major from the scrap yard and oddly enough it was only 2 blocks from my house. Its been sitting for 10years so its got its rust but still most of the grey/blue paint and square decals on the hood that are no longer readable. Also has FoMoCo raised letters on all the castings so im pretty sure its a NPSM. Picked it up for 750 with two pretty decent rear tires. The bad is that is has had the starter/alt picked off it and it has a cracked block. <br>I had originally wanted it for the rear half. I have a 63SM with a Ford 713 front loader and 723 backhoe that runs great. Front loader hydraulics are weak and due to the valve being leaky and the backhoe is pretty stout but the front mounted pump is getting weaker(1500psi max)so it still has good power but not sure how long. Backhoe is easily detachable so would like to have a 3pt lift cause i dont have alot of need for a backhoe. Was either going to swap over the lift parts to my rearend or split both tractors and put together the parts i want then selling the rest.
Parts are scarce for the majors especially the big castings etc. Debating whether i should use this NPSM as a parts tractor or find a new block for it and try to get it running. Any thoughts? I have pics of my SM but as a guest can't post/link to them.

Hi
Does the parts tractor have the two stage clutch fitted. I think your backhoe will only be single stage and it will be a pain to use the 3 point if you fit it,
with single the pto and hyds stop every time you hit the clutch to stop moving. with the 2 stage you have a position that stops the wheels and the bottom one does pto and hyds.
It is not a true live pto/hyds though you need pto running to get hyd as they share the same drive shaft.
as for parts most guys want the tin 3 point parts and the rarer options. The castings are not needed that often. that rear end is pretty tough, the odd one chipped the pinion teeth if abused.
some of them went porous on the sealing rings in the block and guys want blocks but yours is already done. I would join the forum post pictures of it and I can tell you what rarer options it has if any.
Im kinda thinking right now find an engine and get it running, but I don't know what it is like in the rear end or gearbox a guy has to look at the bigger picture than just the motor.
Regards Robert

I joined the site but looks like i need some posts before i can post pics. I believe my backhoe has a 2 stage clutch. I haven't had an implement behind it since it doesn't have lift arms but i did engage the PTO to make sure it worked and with the tractor in gear i eased off the clutch and the PTO started turning without the tractor moving. We used to own a NPSM and thats what i grew up on as a kid so i knew about the 2stage clutch. We ended up selling that tractor many years ago when we moved to from Georgia to Illinois. In hind sight we should have kept it or sold it for more $, but at the time we didnt have good access to parts/info and didn't want to let it sit around and never get used.

The nose cone and hood are in pretty good shape but the rear fenders are pretty rusted and one is about to fall off but i could probably weld it up and make it useful. And at some point it looks like the rear rims were modified or repaired. It has 18.9x30 size rear tires. Previous owner said tractor ran and operated good except for the cracked block. Don't believe it has any desireable options and looks to be fairly standard.

Are there any other engines that can be fitted into this tractor or has the same bolt pattern for the bellhousing. Its nice to stay original but wouldn't be opposed to putting in another engine if its easier to source. Also do you know if a Ford 3000/4000 power steering setup can be modified to work on majors. They look very similar, and my backhoe has some hard spots, and wondering if i could use that cylinder or even pump if needed.

Here is a link to my photobucket album with some pics of both my majors.
http://s78.beta.photobucket.com/user/TurboPGT/library/Fordson%20Super%20Major

congratulations on your score
you may want to also visit

fordsontractorpages.nl

folks from all over the world have Fordson's

hope ya find a engine to save a marvelious machine

pwb

Fordson major industrials had factory installed power assisted steering. Your best bet would be to find one and fit it to your tractor.

It has become fairly common that Ford New Holland combine engines are installed in stretched Fordson Majors.

I cant say that i wouldn't like to have a stretch 6cyl major but would be nice to try and find a 4cyl for now as i have alot of other projects going on.
Out curiousity though what model/year combines have compatible engines?

The eingines you'd need for that are the Dorset series industrial Fords. The 380 c.i. (model 2715E) was used in NH 1400 and Ford 642 combines. There was also a 363 c.i. (model 2713E) and a 363 Turbo (model 2713ET). The turbo model was used in NH TR70's and maybe TR75's. There was also a 254 c.i., 4-cylinder Dorset engine (model 2711E). It was used in NH and maybe other brands of swathers/windrowers, but I don't know what models.

Depending on where the block is cracked, it may be repairable at a good welding shop.Where is the crack in the block?I have seen many engines saved from the junk yard with a good brazing or welding job.