steve

/Vintage Tractor Engineer

About Vintage Tractor Engineer

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far has created 302 blog entries.

Red Diesel

Want to check out our tractor maintenance videos? Click here to see what we've got!

In the UK it is possible to use a rebated fuel in agricultural tractors and non-road vehicles and engines.  The fuel is commonly known as ‘red diesel’ as it contains a dye for easy identification by the authorities.  The fuel may also be known as gas oil, marked rebated gas oil, cherry diesel, 35 second […]

By |May 28th, 2014|Articles/News|Comments Off on Red Diesel

Replacing TE-20 Top Cover

There were several hydraulic top covers made for these tractors. We look at how to make sure you get the correct one if you are replacing with a second hand part.
By |May 12th, 2014|Hydraulics|2 Comments

Broken Hydraulic Cylinder

This photo has been sent in by Steven.  He has a French built MF835, which is basically very similar to the MF35 tractor (there is a modified version of the Standard 23C engine in these tractors).

When he was lifting a heavy load on the 3 point linkage there was a loud crack and the load […]

By |May 8th, 2014|Ferguson / MF, Hydraulics|2 Comments

Massey Ferguson Standard Torque Data

The torque requirements are only published for some of the tractor fixings.  Where there is no published figures, then Massey Ferguson issue standard torque data.

 The first figure listed in the rows below (bold type) is the nominal size in inches.
The second figure is the torque in lb-ft  of non-rigid joints, limited strength nuts and standard […]

By |April 8th, 2014|Ferguson / MF, Miscellaneous|Comments Off on Massey Ferguson Standard Torque Data

Ferguson FE35 Restoration

Philip has kindly sent in some photos and video of his Ferguson FE35 Goldbelly restoration.

The tractor was originally purchased new by his father in 1957 and like many dissused tractors was abandoned under a hedgerow for about 20 years.  Philip rescued it and has recently been undertaking a full strip-down and restoration.

The first photo shows […]

By |March 28th, 2014|MF35 FE35 TO35|Comments Off on Ferguson FE35 Restoration

Improved Bracket – Hydraulic Top Cover Removal

Here at VTE we already have a simple bracket design for helping to remove the hydraulic top cover for the MF35 (the same principle would apply for many other models as well).

The top cover is a heavy component and the bracket is designed so that the cover can be removed and inverted for servicing by […]

By |March 24th, 2014|Hydraulics, MF35 FE35 TO35|Comments Off on Improved Bracket – Hydraulic Top Cover Removal

Can You Recommend An Engineer Or Mechanic?

We get lots of people asking if we can recommend an engineer in various parts of the country (or indeed the world)  who is good with tractor engines.

If you use a good engineer (or mechanic) and you have been pleased with their work, then please click over to the website and leave details of the […]

By |February 24th, 2014|Articles/News|3 Comments

Poor Engine Overhauls

We regularly get emails coming in from people saying the’ve overhauled their engine but it still doesn’t start or run very well.

When we dig a little deeper we begin to find out why.

It always amazes us how many people go to all the time and effort of of dismantling an engine and then only do […]

By |February 14th, 2014|Engines|Comments Off on Poor Engine Overhauls