Tempted to build a Franken-Ferguson

Jason S.

Well-known Member
Maybe it"s Tony rubbing off on me but when I was getting those front rims the other day, I was talking to the 75 year old Massey mechanic that works at the dealer the other day and he was showing me some parts he had set back. Right there on a pallet he had a nice Z145 MF135 engine. He offered me an insane deal on it and said yes it will bolt up and work but the rear end on a TO-20 would never stand it. He said but if you got a rear end from a TO-30 it would be fine. I"ve been searching for a good TO-30 engine, but I can get this engine for less than what a crank and head would cost for a TO-30. I am tempted to do it. Am I the only one that wishes the old Z120 engines had a little bit more lugging power?
 
I don't know where you live but I would have a TO30 rear end for sale if you decide to do this. I am near South Bend, Indiana. Sounds like an interesting idea.
 
Before you go too far, check that the bell housing will fit. Fergusons had a different gearbox for every engine...That was until Hermann Klemm's team designed the 35/40/50. From then until now the bellhousing on the tractors have all been the same ( one size fits all! ) The z145 engine will have been designed to fit this Massey gearbox and will fit anything right up to a 4270, but maybe not your Ferguson designed TO30 gearbox.
By all means build yourself a frankenferguson, and use that engine, but for a few dollars more you may be able to pick up a 35 rear end and gearbox.....more gears, improved hydraulics with position control etc....Tony may even have a colour scheme that suits you!
Sam
mvphoto18273.jpg
 
I am about 9 hours away from you in TN. I have just been thinking of ways to get a little more power from my TO-20. Growing up we had a TO-30 that had the Z134 kit in it and it had quite a bit more lugging power than my TO-20. My 20 has the 3.25" sleeve and piston kit in it but needs the 1/8" longer stroke that the 30 or 35 has to up the pulling power. I have to farm a lot of hills here and that's where I notice the difference between the two. I love my little 20 and I have spent a lot of time redoing it and wouldn't trade it for nothing.
 
Well I have seen the overpriced toys on fleabay and yes, for a few bucks more could probably get an entire machine. West coast tractor yards are gold plated prices. Thusly I am still looking...
So, if you have one that is reasonable then possibly I am interested. However, I was just handed a $600 bill that was not in my plans on a single income.
One step forward, two steps...
 
I found one that I could probably get cheap but I haven't looked at it up close. They thought it was a Z129 head but wasn't for sure. I need to flip it over and look at the valves and look at the casting number. I found another tractor that was being parted out a few hours from me. I think they were asking $250.00 for the head. There is a salvage yard about an hour from me that I haven't checked out yet but I was told they had several Ferguson tractors I am going to try and make it down there in the next day or two.
 
Don't make any special trip for me. I thank you for your time but like I said, the budget is near bust and this project just might put off until next year the way things are not going around here.
Catch you later!
Bruce
 
I"ve got a good 30 in Arkansas that needs a good home that I have listed in the classifieds. Maybe I priced it too high, but it was obo and haven"t gotten any interest to even be talked down. Radiator leaks, alternator does not charge but other than that runs great and nothing else on the tractor leaks and tires do not leak. Could pretty much fix radiator and alternator and paint.
 
You guys remember this? I miss labeled the left corner, should be 23C starter hole, and I didn't tape on an additional cardboard to show the buldge there. Seems the biggest concern is the Z134/129 swap ups will not use half the bolt holes on either bellhousing... so talk about the weakest link...
it seems there are more extra cont engines around on pallets than extra 2 stage 'arsend's waiting for engines... that's what I would like.
To me Jason, that would be the waste of a good motor- unless you are intending to make a show puller. Have you checked into the kits to beef up the 120's they have in the UK? the 85mm sleeves? reworking the head and valve train? Sam can fit an extra kit or 3 in his suitcase... I'm sure you could get that all together running perfect in a weekend.
But do bring home that 134 if at all possible...
a118789.jpg
 
Tony, out back behind the building where the motor is, there is a 135 rear end sitting there. Can you use it? It did have the two stage clutch, actually I think the transmission and all is there.
 
Ooooooohhhhh.... Jason... how come you and all this cool stuff ain't just two towns over from me or something... that settles it.... I will have to move.
Well then, the z134 came off that 'arsend'... dollars to donuts on that bet. You better go check all that stuff out tomorrow morning...
btw, you going to Ohio show? Or you gunna make me drive down to your place???? My rig hates hills more than I do....
 
I"m pretty sure that motor came from that rear end. I would like to come to the Ohio show. If I can work things out and get stuff to quit tearing up I will try to.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top