Vintage Tractor Engineer

Patrick has picked up a copy of the TE 20 Hydraulics Tutorial and used the DVD to take a look inside his tractor and examine the system.

The TE20 in question will only lift a small weight on the rear linkage, and then only when the engine is running at high revs.  Patrick has inspected the pump components and (with the help of the DVD) concluded that everything is in reasonable condition.  However, he did notice that there were neither o’rings or gaskets fitted between the pump body and the valve blocks (as shown in the film).

This is likely to be the cause of the lack of pressure in the system.  Also Patrick should take a look at where the lift cylinder joins the top cover, as there should also be gaskets at this point.

Here is what Patrick says…

Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the T20 Hydraulics Video – Very well put together. I bought it because my T20 hydraulics are under-performing. I wonder if you might be able to give me a bit of advice?

It was restored and rebuilt by the students at Bicton Agricultural College as part of their engineering course. It is pretty much in excellent condition, but the links will not lift anything much above the weight of a man (not my cutter bar mover for example), and even then only if the engine is at full revs. As soon as the revs drop or the engine is switched off, the links start to fall. I have had a good look through, pulled the pump out and most things seem to be in good nick. No movement on the bushes etc. The one thing that I did notice is that, although the pump has an oscillator fork, there is no oscillator drive strip…. I think it is otherwise an old style pump – it has the old style combined relief valve and does not have spaces for o rings on the valve chambers suggesting it is the gasket type. Would the lack of an oscillator drive strip cause any real problems apart from making it more likely that the control valve will stick? The relief valve looks like it is in good shape, and so I am not sure that is the cause of the links dropping…. The only thing I can see that might be causing it is the fact that they didn’t put any gaskets between the valve chambers and the body of the pump. As it doesn’t have o rings (or space for them) either, would this be enough to let the linkage drop?

Cheers

Patrick

Patrick got back to us the next week to say…

Steve, you’re right. it is missing the gaskets between the top cover and lift cylinder too…. I’ll get a new set.

Want to repair the hydraulics on your TE20?

- but need a confidence boost!

Wouldn’t it be great if…

• You had a DVD to show you how?
• Close-up camera shots showed the repair in step-by-step detail?
• You could pause, rewind and play the video again?
• You saved money on hiring a mechanic?
• You knew the job was done correctly?

Well you can have this!

…with the Ferguson TE 20 Hydraulics DVD.

£19.99

“This hydraulics tutorial shows how to remove the hydraulic pump, strip the pump and then rebuild, to get your system back to performing how it should.”

What’s included?

• Remove top cover
• Withdraw p.t.o. shaft and remove pump
• Strip pump and valves
• Assess pump and valves
• Reassemble pump
• Inspect lift cylinder and piston
• Setting of quadrant lever

You can read about the making of the DVD here.

What’s the DVD for?

• Any of the TE 20 tractors (including TEA, TED, TEF)
• Information relevant to TO 20 tractors

£19.99

What people have said

Although the DVD is newly relased, we have already had a couple of customer comments (and a question from Patrick).

These comments are from our customers, but if you would like to read more independent views then please take a look at what people have said on our eBay feedback.

1 Hi, Just viewed my copy of the hydraulics DVD and I’m really impressed with it. I’m no expert when it comes to mechanical things but the DVD is clear and simple enough to even keep me right – can’t wait to get started on my TEF!
Thanks and hopefully the engine DVD is not too far away!
Andy

2 Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the T20 Hydraulics Video – Very well put together.  I bought it because my T20 hydraulics are under-performing.  Patrick.

Money back guarantee

We’re so confindent this DVD will show you how to remove and rebuild your hydraulic pump that we offer a money back gaurantee.

If you’re not happy that this DVD  shows you the step-by-step process of how to remove, strip and then rebuild your hydraulic pump then just let us know, return the DVD within 30 days of purchase and then we’ll return your money – simple!

———————————————————–

Vintage Tractor Engineer just has one more thing to add…

Q. Is this DVD a Hollywood blockbuster with specail effects, highly paid film stars and a multi-million dollar budget?

A. No it isn’t

Q. Does this DVD show you how to undertake the repair in clear step-by-step detail?

A. YES, WE BELIEVE IT DOES !!!

We have looked before at Alf’s County1124 tractor that he converted to six wheel drive and mounted a trencher on the back and loader on the front to make a superb draining machine.   The 6WD works well for traction, low ground pressure and to reduce the movement of the machine over undulating ground (important for accurate drainage pipe laying).

Alf has sent in some more pictures of his tractor, this time with dual wheels fitted to the two rear axles so that he could work in a particularly wet field.

Vintage Tractor Engineer can just see the laser receiver projecting up from above the rear of the machine.

Here’s what Alf had to say…

Hello again ! Alf Werner Sweden here – again.

As You seems to be County-fans I have top send you these pictures.

The story: A custumer wanted me to drain a WET field two years ago, I managed to drain parts of it, but after getting REALLY stuck more than once I gave up, for time being.  Last summer we attacked the field again with some more weels attached, and with ten weels on my County we were able to finish the job.

It cost me two weel-discs, but it was worth it.

Alf.

As you can see this conversion makes a useful machine, with the front loader holding 2 spare coils of pipe.

If you have a story about your tractor then let us know and we’ll upload your story to the website.

A few days ago we wrote about ‘hedgerow’ tractors and included a few photos of Grey Fergies (oh, and also it was pointed out by Hauker from Iceland, a Ford 8N).

The response from everyone was quite overwhelming and we received lots of emails about tractors you’d rescued and restored.  Including this photo from Mike, up in the very North of Scotland.

Mike now has this 3 cylinder MF 35 in his shed where it is undergoing restoration.  And if you think this photo is a bit better than the normal snaps that Vintage Tractor Engineer subjects you readers to, well that’s because Mike is also a professional photographer (link to Mike’s photography site).

We’ve all seen old tractors left behind a farm yard, in the corner of a field or under a hedge row (hence the title).  But of all the hedgerow tractors, there can be none more common to see than the Grey Ferguson (English or American built variants).

Thankfully these sights are becoming less common today, as enthusiasts buy them up to restore.  I just thought I’d show you a few of my favourite photos of Fergies that have been left to deteriorate.