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This photo of a tow hitch on a TE20 has been sent in by Jay. Jay asks if this is a ferguson part or has someone fabricated it? There is a large spring inside to absorb any jolts. It looks home/workshop fabricated, but somebody may know differently. There’s also an issue with a seized pin.
As far as Vintage Tractor Engineer knows this continental type of drawbar is illegal in the UK (hitch point above centre of rear axle), as there is an increased chance of the tractor rearing up or flipping.
The transmission casing is a casting and therefore very brittle and likely to snap the lug off if it receives any heavy impacts. I would have thought that the best way would be to destroy the pin from the centre. The pin will be very hard and nearly impossible to drill, so VTE would suggest a gas torch would be needed.
Hello and regarding the Tow Hitch as per photo.
Reading the input from some of the readers and VT I think everyone is missing the big European picture and or question.
In the UK and Ireland it is rare if neigh non existent for any farm to be towing a trailer with a hitch that high up or above the axle line. Thats because we tow nearly 100% at the point of lowest connection and sometimes the tractor can share nearly 50% of that weight distribution and much heavier when on the bounce.
In the EU many trailers are of the 4 wheel variety as in one at each corner and the front two on a dolly/turntable with no discernible weight (distribution) at that point and as the hitch point of the trailer to the tractor should be level that is why in Europe they adopt that towing position.
Yes Harry Ferguson as great an engineer and pioneer at the time and would turn in his grave at the thought but he wasn’t correct all the time! But hey that’s why he probably invented the weight distribution system later on to counteract this?
Hi there,
Well I have an update about the tow hitch. Having got the hydraulics working great I have had a problem with the distributor center HT connection burning out and the interior sprung terminal dropping out as it has by the looks of things got too hot and melted / ovalated the plastic. Anyway while looking for a ditributor cap replacement I came across a tractor for sale with an identicle tow hitch as mine. Which kind of throws the idea of it being a homemade job out of the window.
Dear Sirs;
Suggestions for removal of the pin. Remove the fender (right or left), brace a bottle jack against the exposed wheel with wood or metal, place a 3/4″ drive pin between the jack and the pin in the casting through the hole of the casting and apply pressure. A bit of penetrating oil, and some pinging on the back of the casting will allow it to break free. Apply pressure slowly, ping modestly, and be patient. Add heat if the pin won’t move. Let it sit overnight if necessary. The pin will move.
P H.
the ferguson operators manual specifically warns against towing anything from the top link connection
Hi, would be great to see your proper MF hitch Robert when you get time for a few pics.
Got a few questions I was wondering if you guys could help with. Having got the seized broken pin and rocker bush out now is time to reinstall a new bush and top rocker bracket. What’s the best way to get the new bush installed. The manual shows some kind of special tool, which i don’t have, any suggestions or pics of improvised tools?
Also the top rocker bracket I bought has a problem with the holes being misaligned so the bush won’t pass through 🙁 Waiting on a reply from supplier so hoping on a replacement without too much fuss. I take it that this is not a normal thing to have misaligned holes.
Jay
Hi Robert,
That is interesting, if you get time to send in the photo that would be great.
Steve.
I will get a photo of my own hitch which is a genuine Mf35 and it is also above the axle line, so I am a bit well unsure that this may constitute a danger. Because the type of farm trailer that uses this type of hitch has indeed the coupling above any axle. If it was at axle height I am not sure that a hitch exist that could be fitted to a MF tractor. I of course would be happy to be corrected. I could understand that they flip over easy. Have looked around and can see some that have been cut and converted for the exact purpose of lowering the height, but that should be done by a very good welder, which most farmers are well! least said in that case he he.
A couple of people have emailed in some comments so here they are…
“Hi, i have been round TE20 all my life and i never seen anything like this, I would say it is a home / workshop saturday afternoon job. As VTE says the hitch point is very high so for safty sake sling it. Hope this helps.All the best.”
“You are right , you never tow anything above the rear axle , it act as a fulcrum & the tractor when towing from this high point flips straight over in a blinking of an eyelid . I have seen too many accidents from this.”
Thanks Robert,
Having looked at what other Te20’s have I am too in the thought it is a homemade one. Though it does work really well, but with the new knowledge of it being a potential danger as it is above axle height I will be watching the weight of what I tow about.
I would say without doubt this is home made and is nothing like the one I have from Massey ferguson.