Starter not engaging.

[Cattle Ranch]

Hello fellow Ferguson owners.

I am new to Ferguson ownership and have been trying to put my 1950 TO20 back together.

I pushed the shift lever to start and got nothing. When I touch the two post, the engine will turn over. Brand new battery has been installed, and yes the battery is charged.

Any ideas what is wrong?

 

[Hdonly]

The switch that the shifter activates is probably bad.

 

[Waudby]

I've had this issue in the past, and I've always been able to fix it by cleaning up the contacts on the starter switch. The cover of the switch where the two posts come out of can be removed. Remove the three screws holding it down. There is a spring inside that may push the cover up as you undo the screws so hold on to it so you don't lose anything. Try not to damage the gasket. That said if it hasn't been off in a while it may be stuck and need persuasion. If memory serves the posts come out of the cover - clean up the bottoms with a file, sandpaper, whatever you've got. Same goes for the little copper cup that sits underneath them. This little cup is pushed up when you put the gear selector into the S position, completing the circuit with the posts. Put it all back together and give it a try. Check the seals while you're in there to see if any moisture or grease is getting in.

If that doesn't work there may be some springs that need replacing. Very unlikely the switch needs to be replaced entirely.

There are more complete switch rebuild video tutorials available online that give you a step by step how to for this issue - just search Ferguson TE20 starter switch repair and you should end up in the right place.

 

[rustred]

Its obvious you have it diagnosed by doing that you
need that switch. Or clean up the contacts if possible.

 

[Tom H.]

Loosen the four bolts and slide the plate till you feel it engage. Pushing the shifter means the rod will travel aft. You are probably just out of
adjustment.



Tom