Name/Title
Tractor - Fordson, Model N Industrial, Year 1932Entry/Object ID
1979.005.1Description
The Fordson Model N replace the Fordson Model F which had been built in the Ford Dearborn, Michigan, USA plant for the Henry Ford and Son Company by the Ford Motor Company. The Cork, Ireland factory was opened in 1919 by Henry Ford to assemble kits from America and provide work in the Irish state (that was under British rule at that time). All Production of the Model N moved in Cork in 1929, when the production was stopped at Dearborn (to allow increased car production) as competition in the US market and the depression had reduced home sales of tractors. The 1930s decline in the economy and the cost of shipping in parts and most of the tractors out from Cork by sea forced the plants closure. Production of the Fordson Model N was then transferred from Cork to Dagenham, UK in 1933.
The Model N featured a 27 hp (20 kW) engine, standard rear fenders (mudguards), a higher voltage ignition system, and optional pneumatic tires. In 1935 a Power Take Off (PTO) was available as an option on the Model N.
The Model N varied from the earlier Model F in several details; Larger cylinder bore raised the power to 27 hp. Improved Air cleaner assembly, as early models suffered from wear from dusty conditions. Improved / restyled Mud guards.
In 1935 Land Utility model was introduced with a revised cylinder head devised by Harry Ricardo and an Oil bath air cleaner. The tractor was also fitted with 20" rims with pneumatic tyres, which latter became 28" rims in 1939.[1]
The tractors were shipped back to the USA from Dagenham for the US market, and exported to other countries. The Dagenham factory built 200,000 between 1933 and 1945.
This model is thought to have been used as an airfield tractor. The RAF bought many such tractors for use in towing aircraft, bombs, afuel bowsers etc during WWII. The photo shows such a towing tractor in RAF colors.
