FENA

Question: Is there a reference that identifies what piece of equipment a certain part number applies to?

Answer: The reference you are describing is called the “Unit Used On” index. The version I have is on micro-fische. The index was originally printed in booklet form like the “Master Price List”. Updated versions were issued periodically as new part numbers were issued. I suspect this document is now an online document dealers have access to.

The index was originally printed in booklet form like the “Master Price List”. Updated versions were issued periodically as new part numbers were issued. I suspect this document is now an online document dealers have access to.

The third booklet dealers had was the “Parts Substitution List”. It listed new part numbers for parts as they were upgraded, or in the case of assemblies, converted to individual part numbers. Dealers usually had these three books under the counter.

The problem with the Parts Substitution list was MF would often change the number of a part in a new edition of a parts book with no reference to the old part number, and no cross-reference in the Parts Substitution List.

This is why old editions of parts books are so valuable. As a result MF dealers have parts under the old part number on their shelves, and when they look up the part in a parts book they only find the new part number. Those obsolete parts were scrapped or sold to an NOS Parts dealer like The Depot. Some of these parts languish in dealer’s parts bins collecting dust. There they wait until guys like me with old parts books do a dealer search for the old part number through the MF dealer locater system, or The Depot’s stocks to locate those hard to find no longer available MF parts.

Question: I have a Ferguson S-KO-20 cultivator and I would like to use it to grow potatoes. Can you help me find some information on how to use it? January 20, 2016.

Answer: The S-KO-20 with its double leaf spring design was better suited for potatoes because it was easier to adjust the spacing of the tine assemblies. On the SKO you can adjust the tine spacing by loosening the U bolt to swing the stem (crank) in or out and then loosen the bolt holding the springs and move them so they are parallel to the row. That trick and a lot more information can only be found in the earlier editions of the cultivator operator’s manual. That no doubt is the result of Harry’s Fergusons involvement and attention to detail. The later Massey Ferguson manuals contain only minimal information.

For potatoes the first cultivation was done with the M-KO-21 weeder. The next cultivation(s) were done with the S-KO-20 equipped with either 2″ or 2 1/2″ reversible points with the tine assemblies set fairly close to the plants. As the plants grow and the roots begin to spread the and form tubers the reversible points are removed and exchanged for sweep shovels. The sweeps throw dirt to begin hilling the plants. As the tubers grow the tine assemblies are moved away from the plants and the cultivation speed is increased, this causes more dirt to be thrown around the plants to cover the tubers as they grow. The process is called hilling. Failure to do this last hilling cultivation risks the tubers popping through the soil which causes them to turn green. When potatoes turn green they become toxic.

Question: Did all MF 35 in 1961 have the two stage clutches?

Answer: Yes, in 1961, when the 35 was re-designated the MF-35, all the “Deluxe” ag models were equipped with dual clutches. It is possible that some 35 “Special” models were still produced and sold in 1961.

These Special models had only two gauges, no “tractormeter” (tachometer), single stage clutches, no live PTO, no live hydraulics, smaller 10″ x 28″ (11.2″ x 28″) rear tires, steel pan seats and steering wheels with exposed metal spokes and no chrome acorn nut.

I believe the industrial versions, the MF-35 Utility and MF-35 Turf tractors were also available with a single stage clutch and no Live PTO or Live Hydraulics. These industrial versions were equipped with foot throttles and available with optional manual shuttle transmissions.

Q: I noted your discussion of the transition of Ferguson to Massey Ferguson. Was the TEF 20 manufactured both as Ferguson and MHF? I saw “Coventry” on parts of mine but did not see MHF. April 6, 2015

Q: I am not a member of the Ferguson Enthusiasts of North American. I do have a Massey Ferguson 135 for sale and wanted to place an add with you and wanted to find out the deadline to be submitted and how many words I can submit and when it would be listed in the classified ad. September 4, 2014.

A: If this is a brand new MF 135 that has been preserved and never run it could be worth a lot of money and perhaps placed in one of the antique tractor auctions run by firms such as Mecum which specializes in auctioning restored and rare original tractors.

If this is a tractor that has been used and the hour meter has been replaced can you send me some pictures and tell me if the condition of the tires, the condition of the sheet metal, straight and undented is worth more, the condition of the paint, and the general mechanical condition and how it runs?

I also would like to know if it is a 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder gas or diesel engine. The 3 cylinder diesel engines and 4 cylinder gas engines seem to sell better but the 3 cylinder gas engines also sell well. The price will vary by the geographical area you are in but these tractors are always in demand and sell sell.

You might consider contacting Wengers and talking to them about buying this TO-35. I think it would probably bring the most money if it was either placed in one of the large auctions Mecum’s or one of the other auction houses do or extensively adverstised and sold on offers received. I believe Mecum’s would do the advertising necessary to get you a good price on this tractor.

There are collectors world wide who would be interested in this tractor. I suspect some of the big one in the UK might be will willing to make a good offer on this. I would think someone like Michael Thorne in the UK would be worth contacting.

Q: I am considering the purchase of a 1960 TO 35 Diesel. It has the 23c motor. The serial # is 182111. If I read correctly it is an early 1958 model, apparently #363 off the line. The owner indicated that the tachometer has FE35 written on it. Is this an original part or is it a replacement? Did this model have two batteries/is it 6V or 12V? I think I found another battery mount. September 10, 2014.

A: It probably is an an original part. Some if not all of the instrumentation on the TO-35 Diesel came from the UK, along with the engine and some of the electricals. I know the tachometer came from the UK and would be the same one used on the FE-35. I believe replacement tachometers, from the OEM supplier, Simms I think, are also available as replacement parts. There is a TO-35 diesel in Mel Koeling’s collection which is just a few miles from me if you want any other details checked.

I believe they used two 6-volt batteries connected in series and the parts book wiring seems to indicate this is the case. This was quite common back than and provided the necessary cold-cranking amp’s. needed to start a diesel engine. I’ve attached the pages from the parts book showing the battery boxes though, they don’t do a good job of showing where the axle mounted one goes. It mounts on those 4 projections on the left axle housing. The cover is plastic as I recall and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a working tractor with the cover still on. I’ve only seen them on restored tractors. I believe the covers are being reproduced. I’ve seen ads for them in Tractor and Machinery magazine which is published in the UK.

Q: I have just bought an old Fergie tractor and am trying to find out what it is and when it was made. The plate on the dash has the following number on it TE F375332. It is a 4 cylinder diesel and has an external oil filter. The starter is by way of the right, forward gear shift position. Does any of that make sense to you? I’m sure some of it would! Apart from that it is just pretty ugly and in need of lots of TLC. However the motor does tick over very nicely when it starts. September 10, 2014.

A: It appears you have a Ferguson TEF-20, which is the direct injection diesel version of the TEA-20. Your pictures came through very nicely by the way. These are very nice tractors and from what I have heard are really good pulling tractors.

From the serial number you provided, TEF 375332, your tractor was produced in 1954. 1954 production began with serial number 367999 and ended with 428092. 1955 production began with serial number 428093.

Having the starter on the gear shift lever was common to all the TE and TO-20 models as well as the TO-30 model. You should be able to find all the parts you need to service and repair your tractor as the parts are being produced by a number of after-market suppliers. Operator’s, Service and Parts books are also available.

Q: I am not a member of the Ferguson Enthusiasts of North American. I do have a Massey Ferguson 135 for sale and wanted to place an adv. with you and wanted to find out the deadline to be submitted, how many words I can submit, and when it would be listed in the classified adv’s. September 4, 2014.

A: If this is a brand new MF 135 that has been preserved and never run it could be worth a lot of money and perhaps placed in one of the antique tractor auctions run by firms such as Mecum which specializes in auctioning restored and rare original tractors.

If this is a tractor that has been used and the hour meter has been replaced can you send me some pictures and tell me if the condition of the tires, the condition of the sheet metal, straight and undented is worth more, the condition of the paint, and the general mechanical condition and how it runs?

I also would like to know if it is a 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder gas or diesel engine. The 3 cylinder diesel engines and 4 cylinder gas engines seem to sell better but the 3 cylinder gas engines also sell well. The price will vary by the geographical area you are in but these tractors are always in demand and sell sell.

You might consider contacting Wengers and talking to them about buying this TO-35. I think it would probably bring the most money if it was either placed in one of the large auctions Mecum’s or one of the other auction houses do or extensively adverstised and sold on offers received. I believe Mecum’s would do the advertising necessary to get you a good price on this tractor.

There are collectors world wide who would be interested in this tractor. I suspect some of the big one in the UK might be will willing to make a good offer on this. I would think someone like Michael Thorne in the UK would be worth contacting.

Q: I just bought a 1955 Ferguson TO35 #66004 from an auction company. The lift cover looks like it was broken in half, the brace you see appears to help keep the front broken half in place. Maybe some of the experts at Ferguson Furrows could tell me what would cause such damage. September 4, 2014.

A: The top cover looks like it was split and the center housing looks like it was broken. You are going to need a new top cover and a new center housing. This usually happens when the height adjustment for the lift arms is set incorrectly and the lift piston travels farther than it is supposed to which means it pushes the link connected to the internal rockshaft arm into the bottom of the top cover and breaks the top cover. This can happen when the height adjustment stop is not set correctly, when the relief valve sticks or when the wrong relief valve is installed. It can also happen when an extremely heavy load is placed on the lift arms and the relief valve does not open. The hydraulic system tears itself apart.

Your best bet is to find a good used top cover and a good used center housing. Top covers and center housing from later production tractors can be used to replaced the original but the relief valve used should always be the one with an operating pressure that is correct for the original hydraulic system.

Over the years the thickness of the top cover was increased and the strength of the center housing was increased by beefing it up. If a newer thicker top cover or a later center housing is used you may need to change the tube that goes from the top of the pump to the bottom of the top cover.

Q: I bought a Massey Ferguson 35 a couple of years ago to do some mowing on my place. The bill of sale shows it as a 1964 TO35 but if I read your listing correctly, it is a 1960 FE35. The serial number on the dash plate is SGM210485 MF35. It has the Continental Z134 gas engine & dual clutch; I’m just trying to verify the correct year. Are there any other locations that might have the serial numbers? The tag on the engine is missing but the casting numbers show it to be a Z134. August 16, 2014.

A: To the best of my knowledge the Z134 Continental engine was never used in the FE35. The FE35 came with a Standard Motors Diesel engine though there may have been a few produced with Standard Motors Gas engines.

A Z134 Continental would be the engine used in either a TO-35 or and MF-35. The TO-35 designation was used from 1954 until 1960. In 1960 they began calling these tractors MF35s. According to the serial number lists I have, SGM210485 is a late 1960 MF35.

The SGM prefix indicates your tractor is: S-Standard utility chassis G-Gas engine M-Dual stage clutch (Live PTO and hydraulics) The lists on our FENA website only go up to 1960, the last year the TO-35 was produced but the serial number information I have from Massey Ferguson indicates you have a late 1960 MF-35. 1961 production began with serial numb 211072. We do not have the MF-35 serial numbers listed on our FENA website.

As for the bill of sale indicating the tractor is a 1964 model, it would have to be an MF-35 to be a 1964 model. 1964 production began with serial number 247605. Is this bill of sale one issued by the seller or a copy of the original bill of sale for the tractor from a Massey Ferguson dealer? The error in the year and model designation is obvious.

Q: I’m sure you’ve heard this many times. I’m having trouble finding parts. do you have any resources for reliable parts? MF 180, A4 236 Perkins, Serial #9A15160. August 12, 2014.

A: I would suggest a local AGCO/Massey Ferguson dealer. Some of the aftermarket parts for this tractor are available from Stevens Ag Parts, Ford Tractor Parts - Ford 8N Tractor Parts - Tractor Parts. Be careful ordering parts for this tractor, there were a number of changes made over its production run. You will need your serial number to make sure you get the right parts. We also have a number of dealers who sell parts that regularly advertize in our Ferguson Furrows magazine.

Q: I recently saw a Craigslist Adv. for a TO 30 with a John Deere 1010 motor. It is a 2.4 L gas engine that looks similar to the Continental engine. I have seen 30’s with inline 6’s, V6’s, and V8’s. I’ve seen many interesting modifications at shows. I wonder, did any of the Fergusons come with authorized alternate engines, or we’re there experimental combinations that were demonstrated? I’ve never read about any but, it is common that manufacturers prepare interesting variations for shows and dealer presentations.

A: I’m not aware of any that were shown publicly but I do know that Continental made a Z129 diesel engine and a fuel-oil fueled carburetor engine, similar to the TEA-20 version. They didn’t make many of the true diesel engines but shortly after Continental was phasing out a lot of their production there was a liquidation of all sorts of parts including a bunch of engine blocks for the Z129 diesel engines. I believe this is when the Montes people first got involved.There was a predecessor to Montes that was first involved and then the present owner(S) who were part of that original group took over. Anyway, in that listing, there were several Z129D blocks.

Of course Harry Ferguson Limited in the UK was developing diesel versions of the TEA-20 and produced some. Diesel engines did not become as popular here in the states until several years later. But, if there was a diesel version of the Z129 it seems logical that Continental would have tried to get Ferguson to try it out.

Sadly, Del Gentner would have been the guy who knew about those things. Paul Nelson and Del became good friends and Del turned a lot of the paper he salvaged from the old Ferguson Park Engineering facility over to Paul. Paul was also in contact with Del’s son. I’m not sure if any material is available today or not.

Paul did do an article on the TO-D20 which is the fuel-oil version of the TO-20. The engine parts that are different from the TO-20 gas tractor are listed in the TE/TEA/TO parts book. The TO-D20 was built in Detroit and used a Continental Z120 engine, set up to operate on fuel oil, using a carburetor with a heat shield, started on gasoline and then switched over to fuel oil after the engine reached operating temperature. However, I have never seen one of these tractors nor do I know if there are any records of how many of these were produced.

This engine has a special cylinder head, pistons, valves, distributor, sediment bowl with switch over valve, dual fuel tank, thermostat, carburetor, with heat shield, fan, additional fuel lines and air cleaner tube. I’ve never seen one of these engines. The Ford Ferguson 9N and 2N were also available with a similar engine.

The Z129D engine Continental developed was a diesel version of the Z129 engine used on the TO-30 but, I believe the Z129D had a fuel injection system like conventional diesel engines. I have nothing to indicate this engine was ever installed in a Ferguson tractor but the fact that Continental built it makes me wonder if it was being considered for the TO-30 and wonder if any prototypes were ever built? The people that I know that might have had knowledge of whether that ever occurred are now deceased.

Harry Ferguson did not like these engines because there is a tendency for unburned fuel to get past the rings and into the crankcase which dilutes the engine oil and shortens engine life. He resisted efforts to develop these engines as indicated in various biographies. I also know that Perkins, in the UK, built complete diesel engine conversion kits for the TEA-20 and there are a number of pictures of those in various books and in restored condition. The conversion was quite popular. I don’t believe it would have been that difficult to install the same Perkins diesel in a TO-20 or TO-30.

Q: Enclosed you will find a picture of a Ferguson Tilrovator. Is this a product from the mind of Harry Ferguson? Or, is this an unrelated development? June 13, 2014

A: These are made by Ferguson, but not our Harry Ferguson. I First saw them at Michigan State University maybe 45 years ago. I did some checking at the time and found the university used them for flower and vegetable plots. They were painted green as I recall. The company is located in Virginia, you can find them on the internet.

Q: Hi, I found a Ferguson Tractor double-sided sign approximately 12 feet tall, do you know its value? April 28, 2014.

A: I’m not sure how much the sign is worth. Can you provide some additional information? Is the sign itself 12′ tall? Is this a painted sign, or porcelain. Is it neon or does it have any sort of lighting attached to it. Lighted versions of these signs usually include a power supply or transformer. What is the condition of the sign? I’ve seen new old stock Ford Ferguson neon signs sell for as much as a new one and sometimes more.

Q; I have a Ferguson 35, Serial # 143657. I am interested in joining FENA. I have a strong mechanical background, I am not afraid to learn more and, I am interested in parts and repair advice. How can I join and what are the dues?

A: I’m sending you a link to our website which contains some information about our organization and an application for membership. Annual dues are $25 here in the US. If you haven’t done so, take a look at our website and some of the articles from our magazine in the RESOURCES section. I’m sure you’ll find lots of good information in our magazine and lots of good people you’ll enjoy talking Fergusons with. http://fergusontractors.org/fena/wpcontent/uploads/applicaion-form-2014.pdf.

Q: I am considering buying a Craigslist offered TO 35 with a Standard diesel. The engine is problematic and needs service. While reading the various internet posts I see many negative comments about the Standard diesel, and some enthusiastic owners. Could you give some idea what to look for when evaluating the engine/tractor?

A: If you’re looking for a working tractor there is no question those models with the Perkins engine are superior. If you’re looking for a collectable tractor, the TO-35 Standard Diesel is much rarer and much more collectable.

The biggest complaint about the Standard Motors diesel is that it is a hard starter and parts are a little hard to come by. Later versions have glo-plugs, which are a big improvement and can be retrofitted to the older engines. The engine still starts hard. When the tractor is fixed up it will no doubt be one that people will want to look at because they are not that common.

As for parts to repair the engine, you may have to get them from either Canada or the UK where they are much easier to find. It’s entirely possible these parts are becoming more readily available here in the US as a result of European suppliers making an effort to get them to the North American market and, aftermarket parts companies becoming more international. Companies including AGCO/MF have made significant efforts to meet demand for parts for older tractors and equipment overseas as there was a greater demand.

As with any diesel tractor, fuel leaks are a problem and every effort should be made to stop them before any paint is placed on the engine area. I’ve seen some beautiful paint jobs ruined by diesel fuel. I’ve heard that a lot of these tractors have relatively few hours on them so you may be able to find one that is not in need of an overhaul though the injectors should be tested and rebuilt as needed and the pump checked out.

The electrical systems can be a challenge as most of the TO-35 diesels had English gauges and components. These are available but may have to come from the UK. Sparex does have a number of the repair parts for the engine and electricals. Many farmers did away with the second battery box on the left rear axle but having the original two battery system will give you more cranking power and you need it for the Standard engine .

Q: I have what I believe to be a 1960 Massey ferguson TO 35. I see that it has a diesel motor I am sending a picture of it to you. Can you you tell me more about it?

A: Your TO-35 has a 4 cylinder Standard Motors Diesel engine. The engine was manufactured by Standard Motors in England. Standard Motors was the company that built Ferguson tractors in the UK. Ferguson purchased the tractor plant from Standard and it became the Massey Ferguson tractor plant.

There were not a lot of TO-35 diesels sold in the US so this would be a desirable tractor to collect. These diesel engines had a reputation for being hard to start, particularly in colder weather. Early models had a manifold preheater which helped but later models added glo-plugs which significantly improved starting in both warm and cold weather.

Glo-plugs can be installed on older models. These engines are much more common in the UK and parts are more readily available there. Sparex, an after-market parts supplier, can supply many of the more common parts you may need. Service manuals for the tractor and engine are still available from AGCO/MF.

It looks like you have some fuel leaks which is pretty common with an older diesel engine. Some of the fuel lines look like they were replaced. Replacing some gaskets and tightening fittings should help and, if you are interested in fully restoring the tractor, you will probably have to either purchase new fuel lines or have them fabricated. Fuel leaks are always a challenge in diesel engines.

These tractors originally had two batteries, one under the hood and a second one over the left axle, next to the fender. Other than the engine parts, this tractor is the same as any other TO-35.

Q: My mother has an old harry ferguson tractor. She asked me to try and find out what i can. She said the serial # is t0100696. Can you help?

A: The serial number should be TO100696. The tractor is probably a 1952 model TO-30. The link below will take you to our Ferguson Enthusiasts website and an article with pictures that should help you identify your mothers’ tractor. http://fergusontractors.org/fena/wp-content/uploads/Tractor-Identification1.pdf.

The air cleaner inlet at the upper right corner of the dash and the ignition switch on the raised part at the upper left part of the dash are on the TO-30. The oil filter for the TO-30 is on the right side of the engine block. I invite you to look over the rest of the website and see what we are all about.