Ferguson System

[Anonymous-0]

I'm relatively a new owner of a TO-20 and only use it to "bush hog" a few acres I have during the summer months. I just read about the Ferguson system and the draft control design. Sounds like Harry Ferguson was a head of his time for such a design.
Question: How can I test my TO-20 to see if the draft control is working....I don't have any farm implements except my of bush hog. I will say sometines when I run over a low spot the bush hog tends to raise on it's own.
Anyway.....sounds like I may have an automatic feature on my ol' TO that I didn't even understand. Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[gshadel]

Install your hog, but drop the PTO drive shaft off the tractor PTO. Run the tractor with the PTO engaged. Lower your hog to the ground so the rear wheel is sitting on the ground. Now start to crank the center link to extend it (make it longer), that will apply force to your draft control. If your draft control is working, you will reach a point where cranking the center link will make your Fergy start to raise the 3PT hitch. That's when you can be sure your draft control is working. You can raise your hog to the desired height that way, then just bush hog with the quadrant control lever all the way in the down position. Your hog will float at the same level over high/low spots and you will not need chains to maintain the hog at a set level.

 

[Jeff-oh]

Roy,

Yes it was very ahead of it's time. Your TO-20 does have draft control, they all did.

How it worked (short answer) as draft or drag on an implement increased due to hard ground etc. then the top link would compress the big spring behind the seat. This would move the control valve and raise the implement. As the draft decreased it would return to it's orginal position.

FYI do you have an over-riding-clutch "ORC" on you PTO? (see picture) This devise does not allow the momentum of the bush hog to drive the tractor. If not you should learn about them and get one (~$50.00-$70.00)

If you like Ferguson History Check out the Ferguson Enthusiasts of N. America.

FENA

 

[Jeff-oh]

This assumes the top link attach point on the mower is fixed. Alot of mowers have a swivle attach point, that allows the attachment to rotate backwards. Thus, no compressive force can be generated in the top link.

If this is the case you will need to eliminate the ability of the top link attach point to rotate.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Jeff,
Yes sir, I did intstall the ORC...I read too many posts on this forum about the danger of not having one and will say it's saved my some headaces when I was in some tight spots.
Thanks for your answer and advice...do appreciate it!!
Since you brought it up...looking at your picture...I better apply some grease to those fittings...cu//

 

[phil(va)]

Good point. A short flat rod with two C clamps should work.

 

[Jeff-oh]

Good, Glad to hear it. You always run the risk of being to preachy at times when someone says they are "new" to these tractors.

Ferguson history is fun, interesting and intertaining. If you can get access to a larger library or university library you may want to check out a book called "A Global Corporation" by Neufeld. It is the book on Ferguson-Massey Harris history through the 40's and 50's.

Jeff

 

[Crem]

Speaking of Harry Ferguson's draft control, I came across the patent for his Tractor for Agricultural Implements filed January 27, 1937. It was patented May 24, 1938. I believe it must be for the Ferguson Brown tractor and has two pages of pictures and five pages explaining how the hydraulic system works. The patent number is 2,118,180 and if you are interested click on the link below to look at it. The site is free patents online and you have to set up a free account to view it. I printed it out as it was quite interesting.
Free patents online

 

[Al Tanner]

For: Jeff-oh, I recently got an TO30. It came with ORC attached.I'll not be using the PTO in the near future and wish to remove it.(safety sake).
Question: How do ya remove the sucker? I removed an "plug/dust cap" oppsite the zerk,and also the zerk fitting, but didn't find an 'set screw'.

TIA for advise. Al