FORDSON MODEL E27N HALF TRACK – c. 1948

This Fordson Major arrived at the Museum door as a 4-wheel tractor and was transformed into a half-track by the application of a standard conversion available at that time. 

WA Distributors (1947): State Branch of the Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Ltd, Stirling Highway, North Fremantle. 

Technical Specifications:   4-cylinder, 4-stroke, side-valve petrol/kerosene engine. Bore 4⅛” and stroke 5”. Output was 29hp at the drawbar and 32.5hp at the belt, operating at 1200rpm. Gears: 3 forward and 1 reverse permitted a speed range of 2.5 to 5.29mph with pneumatic tyres. It had a Lucas High Tension magneto and electric starting was an optional extra. Weight was around 5000lbs.

History: Mr Allen Perkins of Rapids Road, Serpentine, donated this machine to the Museum. The engine required an overhaul, including replacement of the valve collets.

Originally this tractor was fitted with rubber tyres on the rear wheels. However, Hugh Manning, who was doing the restoration, decided to replace the rear wheels with the British type DG4 half-track conversion manufactured by ROADLESS TRACTION LTD.

On completion of the mechanical work the tractor was transported to De Rosa’s Motors, Waroona, who carried out the sand blasting and painting at no cost to the Museum and in return, De Rosa’s were invited to place their plaque on the tractor.

The Half-Track assembly came from Wally and Mal Cork in exchange for gravel.