TO 30

I have what I believe to be a TO 30 Ferguson manufactured in 1953 according to the serial number. The tractor has a red hood an a decal on both sides "Massey Ferguson 35" I was given this tractor by a relative. Due to the fact it was painted red and silver and the decals are wrong I assume that this tractor went through a previous rebuild at some point, I would like to restore it to the original. It also has been converted to a 12 volt system. For starters I have removed the gas tank to have it reconditioned and also the radiator. It is missing the radiator cowling and needs a new battery box. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to proceed from this point forward.








Serial Number List for Ferguson: Model TO 30

Also what would cause the oil to smell oh gas? I haven’t drained the oil yet but the oil on the dipstick smells like gasoline

Welcome Brad!

Yes, it looks like a TO30 with the wrong color and decals.

You can buy an aftermarket gas tank and radiator from this site.

If the factory radiator is salvageable, try to save it. It is a better radiator and will fit better. You will have to find a used fan shroud or fab one up, it won't come on the radiator.

The battery tray, I don't know of a source for a new one, and at that age finding a good used one will be a challenge. If there is enough left of the old one, use it for a pattern and fab one.

Gas in the oil is common. It can get in from a flooding carb left with the fuel valve open. It can also get in from a rich running engine, or misfiring cylinder, a cold running engine, lots of cold starts without an up to temp run. There is a wire mesh inside the air cleaner. Good bet it is seriously clogged.

Be a good idea to crack the trans/mid/rear gear case plugs, see if water is in the cases. easier to get it out before it gets emulsified into the oil. Don't try to remove the big square cover, it's not a cover, that's the bottom of the hydraulic pump.

If you can easily get it running again, put it back together and give it a shake down run, put it through the motions, put an attachment on if you have one, make a list of everything you find wrong.

What you don't want is to go in for a major repair, put it all back together, paint it up real pretty... Then have to take it back apart.

A shop manual will be a good investment, you can get them on this site or Ebay. It will more than pay for itself in mistakes not made!

Let us know how it goes. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you want!

Hello Steve: I have a TO30 with a small leak from the radiator. It would be better to find someone to repair it then? Thanks.

Thanks for your reply. I did take off the air cleaner and it was extremely dirty. The Tractor had set it a field for several years. My relative got dismayed with it because it would run hot and the gas tank was corroded and gas would not flow correctly. I was able to turn the front crankshaft to make sure the motor was not froze up and open the drain on the block and antifreeze flowed out. I removed the radiator and will get it reconditioned. Also the radiator shop will recondition the gas tank and install a lining. Do you think I would be better off purchasing a new gas tank or have the old one reconditioned? There was no thermostat in the upper radiator hose. Would the tractor tend to run hot if the cowling on the radiator is missing? I have had lots of experience working on Farmall and John Deere tractors as that was what I grew up with farming but have never owned or had any experience with a Ferguson or Massey Ferguson. This is a fun project and I look forward to learning from everyone prior experiences.