Lost Key

Ulysses Hammen · Sep 18, 2009

There is no key for the tractor, so I bought a new key switch with keys. It has three terminals on the back, what are they for because there were no instructions. Also, the key switch is not like a car; when you turn, all the way to the end, it will flip back one level. The one I have does not flip back. It stays at the very end, is it because there is no power? Or the tractor does not start the way I think it does? Does it start by pushing another button or something on the floorboards?

As a backup, I need to start it this weekend to come up with a plan for restoration, is there a way to hot wire for now, if the new key switch fails.

blackbeartractor · Sep 18, 2009

What model?

Ulysses Hammen · Sep 18, 2009

ops... TO-20

John (UK) · Sep 18, 2009

The switch you have has a position for operating the Starter, but you don't need that part, just wire up the first part which works when you turn it to the first position. Forget the second part, it will work just fine....John

Tony in Mass. · Sep 18, 2009

whoa. Have you ever started this tractor before? I don't believe a key was original equipment anyway, rather a later child proofing ad on. The key switch you bought shouldn't need to spring back to the center posiion, because I believe you 'start' the engine with the gear lever to the right and forward, just getting the ignition wire live could be done hot wiring it, or a wall switch. The keyed switch you bought might be the sort that has off, ignition on (starter churning some other way) and the third position for accessories- headlights, flashers etc. I hope some else can clarify this if I am wrong here- good luck.

Bob (Aust) · Sep 18, 2009

[b:84f5f4ad1f]Ulysses.[/b:84f5f4ad1f]

The gear lever/shifter is used for starting the engine. Turn on the ignition and move the gear shifter into the "S" position (right, then forward), marked on the top of the transmission case:

That engages a starter motor switch in the top of the bell housing, just behind your engine.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20

Ulysses Hammen · Sep 18, 2009

Wow.. Interesting way of starting it. My tractor came with a key switch, but no key, that’s why I bought a new one. It has not been started for over ten years, so I am going to try to start it this weekend.

Bob (Aust) · Sep 18, 2009

Yes, I don't know of any other tractor that starts on the gear lever, but there may be?

It was a safety feature to ensure the tractor could not be started in gear.

Jeff Z. · Sep 19, 2009

I have the same problem losing keys so I went to the craft store and bought some stuff and made this.

<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii205/zebra123_1/?action=view&current=cid__0919091211.jpg" target="_blank">

cid__0919091211.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket

</a>

Bruce(OR) · Sep 19, 2009

The TO-20 uses a 4 position key switch.
"Off" to the far left. Followed by "Ignition",
"Ignition" and "Lights" and the last position is "Lights" only.
Your tractor will get power to the points in both the "Ignition" and "Ignition and lights" center positions. The gear shift acts as the starter engagement in the "S" position.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 19, 2009

I bought a 1955 TO-35 in July. It came with only one key. I tried a number of MF/Agco dealers, to no avail. My key looks like a "normal" key with a section cut out of the middle, making two slots for the key to fit in. It is a Cole # 8394. I don'k know if this is an original keyswitch or not.
I finally found the key at (of all places) a John Deere dealer! It is number A4700R.

Ulysses Hammen · Sep 19, 2009

LOL. I should make one of those too, so we dont lose keys.

Lost Key

Ulysses Hammen

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blackbeartractor

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John (UK)

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Tony in Mass.

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Bob (Aust)

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