Ferguson TO30

ChadFerguson · Jan 7, 2014

Hello! I have the opportunity to buy a TO30 that"s been sitting for 10 years. Supposedly, it last ran 10 years ago, but a steering issue parked it. What should I do before I try to fire it up?

ErnieD · Jan 7, 2014

We had one. Long time ago.

Rear differential seals are prone to leak and take out the brakes.
Continental engine will run a long time with low oil pressure. Head will warp easily. Hydraulic is pto driven, pto will stop with the transmission clutch.
Engine thrust washer will break easily (fiber) allowing crank to shift with clutch.

I am sure there are people who like the model.

nybadlybent · Jan 7, 2014

First I would check out the price. Those old Fergusons are not highly sought after. Make sure the engine is free and turns over with good compression. Check the tires to see if they are holding air and are not showing dry rot.
I would check the fuel tank and be sure it is empty or has only new gas in it. Check the oil and the radiator coolent.

Put in a good battery and check the points to see if you have spark. Put he tractor in neutral, turn on the switch , pull the choke and try the starter. If it runs ok, if not, then you have a new can of worms
God luck

JCinKY · Jan 7, 2014

Bout a 63% chance the engine isn't locked and it will turn over. 14% chance it has "good" compression. 7% chance the tire have no dry rot and about 21% chance they hold air. And a 2% chance any gas in the tank hasn't turned to sludge.

Come on, it sat for 10 YEARS.

Make sure it is complete as your willing do deal with. Nothing obviously broken; ie cracked block, broken front axle, busted trans. And get ready for a project.

This is assuming you buy things that I do, or "junk" as my wife calls it.

...Or you may get REAL lucky and a little old man just drove it to get the mail on Sunday and stored it in a time capsule.

RandyB(MI) · Jan 7, 2014

better get it for less than scrap price. No one lets a tractor set for 10 yrs just because of a "steering issue" especially since there isn't much to the steering on one of those.Beware!

Dave from Texas · Jan 7, 2014

I have a TO35. Sat for several years and the owner gave it to a friend. He put gas in it and used it for several years and gave it to me when he moved into a small house. I mow about 8 acreas per month. Good tractor. Only problem I have with it is that the hydraulic are week. Which was a surprise since Harry invented it. Mine has the live PTO (dual stage clutch).

Dick W. · Jan 7, 2014

I had one a long time ago. I fixed it up and added a 3 speed sherman trans, was fun to drive. Sold it when I bought a super 55 Oliver diesel. That Oliver was the one my Dad bought new in 1955. Still have the Oliver and do some antique tractor pulling with it. Would love to have the Fergie again and pull it also.

ChadFerguson · Jan 7, 2014

Thanks, Gents and BadlyBent!

rdandersom · Jan 8, 2014

Nieghbour is a retired mechanic who turns wrenches a bit for fun. He told me last spring he had a TE20 and a TO35 in his shop the same month.The parts prices were night and day different.Pre 35 parts are way more money.

Ferguson TO30

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