zmichael84
New User
Hello everybody! Well, I'm completely new to this world of old tractors; never grew up around them, never worked on them, nothing. But, I loved the idea of owning an old Ford or Ferguson, and I enjoy working on cars and have owned my fair share of automotive projects over the years. So, when I was looking for my next project, my wife suggested an old tractor to fix up. We recently purchased 16 acres in CA, and having a tractor will be necessary for smoothing the gravel driveway, moving firewood and dirt around, brush hogging, and possibly some snow removal.
I found this old 50's Ferguson TO30 locally in town that seemed solid. It runs, drives, operates OK, so I hope to use it a little bit while I work on some of the immediate things, and then eventually overhaul and mild restoration next year.
I got the owner operator manual and started a list of things to fix. But, before I get too far into it, I thought it might be good to get some insights from others.
My concerns and questions:
The FEL is a Massey Ferguson, but I'm unable to read the model number. It looks like it was originally painted yellow, but I've been unable to match it up to anything. It's in need of new hydraulic hoses, the pump is leaking, and I don't like the bend in the red hose. So, I'd like to order replacements, but don't know where to start.
Also, how do I remove the FEL easily, and is it even possible with this model? There are two bolts under the front frame, two pins in the rear, and the coupler for the hydraulic pump, but the frame of the FEL won't clear the front tires for me to be able to back the tractor out of it. Is there something I'm missing, or is this loader not meant to come off very often?
I have a bad oil leak from the bellhousing, and other leaks from different areas. I was going to order a gasket and seal kit for whenever I have to split this thing. Will a kit like that give me everything I need, or is it possible I could have other internal damage (cracks, something broken, etc.)? I know tough to diagnose at this stage, but maybe there's something known for being problematic that I should be planning for.
On the topic of splitting this thing...where can I find proper stands or dolleys? Do I need specialized tools or equipment for this? I have a pretty heavy duty 3 Ton floor jack, and floor stands... will that be enough?
It's obviously been converted to 12V alternator system. The belt alignment looks terrible; the mount look like I should be able to replace it with something better. The belt is also pretty chewed up, but does not look to be easy to replace especially with the front hydraulic pump.
The 3 point lift drops slowly when I push in the clutch? And, this may just be how the 3 point works, but is it either all the way up, or all the way down? I can't seem to position it anywhere in the middle.
Super newbie question, but how does one replace rear tractor tires? My fronts are good, but the rears are dry rotted, cracked, and mismatched sizes. I'm hoping I can find a local mobile tire changer to help me out, but I imagine farmers have been replacing tractor tires for many years without modern equipment. Is this something I can do myself?
How do you add storage to this thing? Are there bolt on tool box options, or other things others have?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm trying to learn and I only have about 30 minutes of seat time on this thing.
Looking forward to learning a lot from you all and to bringing this thing back to life. Any help or suggestions, or things that you see in the photos would be awesome!
-Zach
I found this old 50's Ferguson TO30 locally in town that seemed solid. It runs, drives, operates OK, so I hope to use it a little bit while I work on some of the immediate things, and then eventually overhaul and mild restoration next year.
I got the owner operator manual and started a list of things to fix. But, before I get too far into it, I thought it might be good to get some insights from others.
My concerns and questions:
The FEL is a Massey Ferguson, but I'm unable to read the model number. It looks like it was originally painted yellow, but I've been unable to match it up to anything. It's in need of new hydraulic hoses, the pump is leaking, and I don't like the bend in the red hose. So, I'd like to order replacements, but don't know where to start.
Also, how do I remove the FEL easily, and is it even possible with this model? There are two bolts under the front frame, two pins in the rear, and the coupler for the hydraulic pump, but the frame of the FEL won't clear the front tires for me to be able to back the tractor out of it. Is there something I'm missing, or is this loader not meant to come off very often?
I have a bad oil leak from the bellhousing, and other leaks from different areas. I was going to order a gasket and seal kit for whenever I have to split this thing. Will a kit like that give me everything I need, or is it possible I could have other internal damage (cracks, something broken, etc.)? I know tough to diagnose at this stage, but maybe there's something known for being problematic that I should be planning for.
On the topic of splitting this thing...where can I find proper stands or dolleys? Do I need specialized tools or equipment for this? I have a pretty heavy duty 3 Ton floor jack, and floor stands... will that be enough?
It's obviously been converted to 12V alternator system. The belt alignment looks terrible; the mount look like I should be able to replace it with something better. The belt is also pretty chewed up, but does not look to be easy to replace especially with the front hydraulic pump.
The 3 point lift drops slowly when I push in the clutch? And, this may just be how the 3 point works, but is it either all the way up, or all the way down? I can't seem to position it anywhere in the middle.
Super newbie question, but how does one replace rear tractor tires? My fronts are good, but the rears are dry rotted, cracked, and mismatched sizes. I'm hoping I can find a local mobile tire changer to help me out, but I imagine farmers have been replacing tractor tires for many years without modern equipment. Is this something I can do myself?
How do you add storage to this thing? Are there bolt on tool box options, or other things others have?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm trying to learn and I only have about 30 minutes of seat time on this thing.
Looking forward to learning a lot from you all and to bringing this thing back to life. Any help or suggestions, or things that you see in the photos would be awesome!
-Zach