Detroit built TO 80472 issues (starting low gear missing?)

I bought my tractor without an operator's or service manual and would like to ascertain first, if this is indeed a Ferguson TO 20, and secondly, is there a high/low lever which will allow me to travel at a slower speed?
Lately, the starter does not appear to energize when I shift the gear selector and I wonder if the starter itself could have gone bad?

That serial number would be for a TO30, 1952 model year.
Use a voltmeter or test light to see if you're getting power to the post on the starter that the cable attaches to. If you have power there, then the problem may be the starter. If there is no power at that post, it may be the switch.
All the manuals you need are available from this site and other places online, and are a necessity if you're working on the tractor yourself.
BillL

Thanks, Bill! I will look into obtaining manuals next. You
seem fairly confident it"s a TO30. Would it be a difficult task to
replace the part if its the switch? (accessibility)

Besides the serial number, a TO30 has Z129 cast into the lower left side of the block and a TO20 would have Z120. TO30 oil filter is an external canister on the lower right side of the block and TO20s oil filter is inside the oil pan. The TO30 has an air intake opening in the upper right corner of the dash and the TO20 does not.

For starting, the shift lever activates a switch under the battery tray in the top of the bell housing. You can loosen the switch mounting plate bolts and slide it forward and back a bit to see if that helps as it may be out of adjustment. Also make sure all your wiring connections are clean and tight. The switch can be replaced if it is bad. You can test the starter by running a jumper cable from the battery and briefly touching the wire stud on the starter BUT be VERY careful doing this. The tractor must be out of gear and turn off the key so it doesn't start and run you over! If the starter spins when you jumper directly to it, you know its either your wiring or a bad switch causing the problem.

The TO20 and TO30 came standard with only the four speed transmission but there where aftermarket step up/step down gearboxes that could be added to get more ranges like the Sherman. Most likely you don't have one installed but look for a lever coming out the left side of the transmission down by the clutch pedal. Starting with the Ferguson TO35, a three speed with high/low range transmission became standard with a much greater range of speeds.

Dan

Difficult? no. Irritating, maybe. Could turn into a major job if you let part of the linkage fall into the bellhousing. so be careful, don't let anything come apart and fall in the hole. It 'maybe' just be out of adjustment as Dan mentioned. Got to get a manual first....

Tony, I appreciate the advice! Got a manual ordered and will have a magnet in hand should an opportunity present itself to guard against accidental droppage. : )

Exactly what I was looking for! I so very much appreciate your knowledgeable post. Thanks, Dan and God bless!!

Tony, thanks for your post! I"ve been to NAPA to order the starter switch and just received my Owner"s Guide and Shop Manual in the mail. Can"t wait to change the oil, shine up all the connections and change out the plugs, wires, points and condenser.
I DID try a jumper to the starter and that turns just fine... next I"ll need my test light handy and will begin troubleshooting individual parts for conductivity as time allows.
My carburator was steadily dripping fuel when I opened the line at the glass sediment bowl so I assume I"ll need some new gaskets there. Hey, thanks so much everybody for your input! This is gonna be fun.

I purchased my first starter switch from Rural King and was amazed how weak the spring was on the engaging button. Advice was taken about buying a replacement from NAPA (ST26- switch/commutateur interrupter) and although it cost more than double the original one I bought, I was satisfied it had the heavier duty spring. Starts first time, every time!
Thanks a million!