Prior to the introduction of this revolutionary little machine with its top-link hydraulic sensing system and three-point linkage, a relatively limited range of implements was available for tractors. Such implements were usually trailed behind the tractor and were often adapted from horse-drawn machinery.

Harry Ferguson’s philosophy was that the TE20 could and should be used for a multitude of tasks, from spreading manure to drilling holes, and an extensive range of implements were designed, tested and sold with the tractor, a sample of which are as follows:

PICTURE ONE: Post Hole Digger

The Ferguson post hole digger was an extremely useful implement, and could dig holes up to three-feet in depth.

The unit was pto driven via a long pto shaft, while the depth of the hole being drilled was controlled using the tractor’s rear hydraulics. Different-sized augers were available to drill holes of different depths.

PICTURE TWO: Hammer Mill

The portable Ferguson hammer mill consisted of a chute through which roughage was fed, and a hopper for feeding the machine with grain. The unit was mounted on the tractor’s three-point linkage and was powered using a pto driven belt pulley.

The machine was operated with the Ferguson TE20’s throttle fully open, and a stationary version was also available.

PICTURE THREE: Hydrovane Compressor

Two hydrovane compressors were available for the Ferguson TE20, designed to power pneumatic tools and powered by the tractor’s pto.

The smaller of the two compressors maintained 100 psi at 1,200 rpm and was often used in conjunction with the Ferguson hedge-cutter.

The larger Ferguson hydrovane compressor (pictured) had a higher output and was run with the tractor at maximum revs.

Unlike the smaller unit, this compressor was not mounted in a portable frame but on a stand that could be attached to tractor’s three-point linkage and moved when required.

PICTURE FOUR:30 cwt Trailer

This was a lighter alternative to the popular Ferguson three-tonne trailer.

The 30 cwt trailer had curved metal sides, a wooden floor, and a hinged, removable tailboard for tipping. The trailer was tipped using the tractor’s hydraulic system.

Reproduction parts and indeed a complete replica 30 cwt Ferguson trailer can be purchased from www.fergietrailershop.co.uk, with prices ranging from £225 (approximately €265) for the trailer floorboards to £3,895 (approximately €4,582) for the complete trailer.

Reproduction parts for the more common Ferguson three-tonne trailer can also be purchased from this website.

PICTURE FIVE: Rear Crane:

The Ferguson crane was mounted on the tractor’s rear hydraulics which controlled its lift. The crane’s jib could be adjusted from 50” to 83”, resulting in a maximum lift height of 88”.

With its jib adjusted to the shortest point, the crane could lift almost 300kg.

PICTURE SIX: Subsoiler

The Ferguson subsoiler consisted of a curved tine and depth wheel, which cut a clean line in the soil before the tine ploughed through the ground.

In theory, the subsoiler could work at a maximum depth of 18”, although I would like to see a little TE20 perform such a task in anything but the sandiest soil!

Sometimes, Ferguson TE20 implements were on the ambitious side given the relatively limited power output of the tractor!

*robertkierans@hotmail.com