ENGINES COVERED: Petrol engine, 80mm bore (TE-A20) Petrol engine, 85mm bore (TE-A20) Vaporising oil engine, 85mm bore (TE-D20) Lamp oil engine 85mm bore (TE-H20) Diesel engine (TE-F20)
Specifications - Engine - Cooling System - Fuel System - Governor - Electrical - Lighting - Clutch - Transmission - Axle - Hydraulics - Power Take Off - Steering - Brakes - Wheels and Tires - Body - Narrow and Industrial Variants - Special Tools - and much more.
TE-20 parts manual also available separately click here
About the Massey Ferguson TE20
The model name came from Tractor, England 20 horsepower . The TE range of Ferguson tractors was introduced in England in 1946,following 30 years of continuous development of 'The Ferguson System' from 1916. The first work was to design a plough and linkage to integrate the tractor with its work in a manner that was an engineering whole. The automatic control system is now employed by almost all tractor manufacturers worldwide. A British patent was applied for by Harry Ferguson in 1925 and granted the following year. By the early 1930s the linkage design was finalised and is now adopted as international standard category I. Just one prototype Ferguson System tractor, known as the Ferguson Black, was built to further technical development and for demonstrating to potential manufacturers. During 1936 the first production Ferguson tractors were built in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, by the David Brown Company.
Henry George "Harry" Ferguson (4 November 1884 -- 25 October 1960) was an Irish engineer and inventor that is mentioned for his role inside development of the current farming tractor, for becoming 1st Irishman to construct and fly his own aeroplane, as well as developing the initial four-wheel drive Formula One vehicle, the Ferguson P99. Today their title life on inside title of Massey Ferguson providers.
When you look at the 1900s the young Harry Ferguson became captivated by the recently rising tech of powered personal trip and specifically using exploits associated with the Wright brothers, the United states aviation pioneers which made initial airplane trip in 1903 in new york, United States Of America. In britain, the very first ever suffered powered flight ended up being built in October 1908 by the United states aviator Samuel Franklin Cody, while the very first Briton to complete powered journey in the united kingdom ended up being John Moore-Brabazon in-may 1909, but this had not yet become realized in Ireland. Ferguson started to create an interest in the mechanics of flying and travelled to several atmosphere programs, like exhibitions in 1909 at Blackpool and Rheims where he took records associated with build of very early aircraft. Harry convinced his sibling they should try to establish an aircraft at their Belfast workshop and working from Harry's notes, they labored on the style of airplane, the Ferguson monoplane.
After making many adjustment and progress, they transported their brand new plane by towing they behind a car or truck through roads of Belfast as much as Hillsborough Park to help make their first attempt at journey. These were to start with thwarted by propeller dilemma but continued to help make technical alterations into airplane. After a delay of nearly a week brought on by inclement weather, the Ferguson monoplane finally shot to popularity from Hillsborough on 31 December 1909. Harry Ferguson became 1st Irishman to travel as well as the very first citizen regarding the United Kingdom to create and fly his or her own aeroplane
The Ferguson TE20 try an agricultural tractor designed by Harry Ferguson. By far his most successful design, it was manufactured from 1946 until 1956, and ended up being popularly known as the small Grey Fergie. It really is light-weight but efficient, and a favorite collector's items for lovers today.
The model title originated in Tractor, The united kingdomt 20 horse power (not the actual energy delivered but from a formula based on system size).
The TE array of Ferguson tractors ended up being launched in England in 1946, following 30 years of continuous development of 'The Ferguson program' from 1916. The initial services would be to layout a plough and linkage to incorporate the tractor having its work with a way which was an engineering full. The automated controls system is currently employed by the majority of tractor makers global. A British patent had been sent applications for by Harry Ferguson in 1925 and issued here seasons.
By the very early 1930s the linkage design is finalised and it is now followed as worldwide traditional group I. only one prototype Ferguson program tractor, referred to as Ferguson Black, was developed to further technical developing and for demonstrating to prospective makers. During 1936 1st manufacturing Ferguson tractors had been built-in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, because of the David Brown Company. This tractor, the Ferguson design 'A', incorporated Harry Ferguson's 'suction part' hydraulic controls program, the key to resolving delicate automated control of three-point attached executes and patented on 5 February 1936 (patent no 470069). The combination of Ferguson's converging three point hitch, patented on 3 July 1928 (patent no 320084) along with his 'suction side control' valve is key into success of all subsequent Ferguson and soon after Massey Ferguson 'Ferguson program' tractors, the main which will be the TE and TO 20 versions. (it absolutely was the production of the Model 'the' that led in 1939 into David Brown distinct tractors).
In order to get amount production with lower outlay, after a demonstration of his tractor before Henry Ford Senior in October 1938, Ferguson made a men's agreement or also called the handshake arrangement with Ford to produce the Ferguson tractor in Detroit starting in mid-1939. About 300,000 among these tractors, referred to as 'Ford Fergusons', had been produced to 30 June 1947.
After falling out in clumps along with his sibling over the protection and upcoming of aviation Ferguson went they alone, plus in 1911 launched an organization selling Maxwell, celebrity and Vauxhall vehicles and Overtime Tractors.
Ferguson saw in the beginning give the weakness of experiencing tractor and plough as separate articulated units, and in 1917 he created a plough that may be rigidly mounted on a Model T Ford car---the Eros, which became a small success, contending with the design F Fordson.
In 1917 Ferguson satisfied with Charles E. Sorensen while Sorensen was at England scouting production internet sites the Fordson tractor. They discussed types of hitching the implement toward tractor in order to cause them to a unit (rather than towing the implement like a trailer). In 1920 and 1921 Ferguson demonstrated very early variations of their three-point linkage on Fordsons at Cork at Dearborn. Ferguson and Henry Ford talked about placing the Ferguson system of hitch and executes onto Fordson tractors in the factory, but no bargain was hit. The hitch was mechanical at that time. Ferguson and his group of longtime colleagues, including Willie Sands and Archie Greer, quickly created a hydraulic version, that has been patented in 1926. After 1 or 2 false starts, Ferguson ultimately launched the Ferguson-Sherman Inc., with Eber and George Sherman. The brand new enterprise manufactured the Ferguson plough integrating the complex "Duplex" hitch program mainly designed for the Fordson "F" tractor. After a few most many years of developing, Ferguson's new hydraulic type of the three-point linkage was first seen on their model Ferguson "Black", now inside technology Museum, Kensington, London. A production version of the "Ebony" was launched in May 1936, made at among David Brown industrial facilities in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and designated Ferguson Model A tractor. In 1938, Ferguson's passion were combined with those of David Brown junior to developed the Ferguson-Brown Company.
In October 1938, Ferguson demonstrated his most recent tractor to Henry Ford at Dearborn, and made the greatest "handshake agreement". Ferguson took with him their most recent patents cover future improvements into the Ferguson tractor and it is these that generated the Ford-Ferguson 9N introduced into world on 29 June 1939. The 1938 arrangement meant that the Ferguson tractor should also be made in britain at the Ford Ltd factory at Dagenham, Essex but Ford didn't have complete controls at Dagenham and, while Ford Ltd performed import US-made 9N/2Ns, Dagenham failed to render any.
Henry Ford II, Ford's grandson, concluded the handshake deal on 30 Summer 1947, following unsuccessful negotiations with Ferguson, but proceeded to produce a tractor, the 8N, including Ferguson's inventions, the patents on almost all of which had not however expired, and Ferguson ended up being kept without a tractor to market in North America. Ferguson's effect is case demanding compensation for injury to their company and for Ford's unlawful using his styles. The actual situation had been satisfied from courtroom in April 1952 for over million. The legal situation price your approximately half of that and many tension and ill-health.
By 1952, the majority of the crucial Ferguson patents had expired, and also this allowed Henry Ford II to claim that the case hadn't limited Ford's strategies in excess. It uses that all society's more tractor manufacturers may also make use of Ferguson's inventions, that they duly performed.
A year later Ferguson combined with Massey Harris to become Massey-Harris-Ferguson Co, later Massey Ferguson.
Through the war years the Ferguson design staff created many improvements to both tractor and implements and started initially to arrange for the money to manufacture in the United Kingdom. The agreement with Ford in 1938 would be to incorporate production at Ford plant at Dagenham, Essex, nevertheless British Ford company wouldn't get it done. By 1945 Ferguson have made a manufacturing contract utilizing the Standard Motor Company of Coventry to create a Ferguson tractor incorporating all their current improvements and to become referred to as TE20. Including allowing Ferguson getting their tractor into full manufacturing, the deal was of good advantage to Standard while the tractor would-be built in their big 'shadow factory' which had been an aero system plant during globe War II but was now standing vacant and had been not good as to what ended up being a comparatively little vehicle providers. Standard developed a unique wet-liner system the tractor, which will subsequently be applied in Traditional's path vehicles, such as the Vanguard.
Production were only available in the late summer of 1946, almost per year prior to the final Ford Ferguson came from the line in Detroit in June 1947. The break with Ford remaining Harry Ferguson and his US business with implements to market but no tractors. To produce within the space through to the newer Ferguson factory in Detroit were only available in October 1948, significantly more than 25,000 Coventry-built TE20s were delivered to your United States Of America and Canada. The TO (Tractor Overseas) 20 ended up being virtually exactly like the TE20 with a Continental system Z-126 engine fitted as opposed to the standard system.
Coventry manufacturing to 1956 is 517,651 products, with about 66percent becoming exported, mainly to Continental European countries as well as the British kingdom but to a lot of more countries besides. Toward earlier figure should be put into manufacturing at Ferguson Park, Detroit. Including all 'Ferguson System' tractors from May 1936 to July 1956 brings the figure to more or less 1 million.
Harry Ferguson joined their global businesses with Massey-Harris of Toronto in July 1953, 36 months before TE and TO20 production ended, thus the change of title regarding the serial dish to 'Massey-Harris-Ferguson'. The Ferguson 35 replaced the old-line in the US in 1955 while the TE20 in britain in 1956; production in the UK starting in September of that 12 months following re-tooling associated with factory. Harry Ferguson remained Chairman of Massey Harris Ferguson until 1957, as he left-over a quarrel throughout the Ferguson TE60 or LTX task as it is known well. He continuing their pastime of rushing and arranged Harry Ferguson Studies, which produced the P99 Race vehicles, which won the Uk Grand Prix in 1961. Harry Ferguson later aided the introduction of the 4-wheel-drive program that was utilized in the Land Rover, while he made cars with much earlier just after globe War I.
He died at their homes (Abbotswood, Stow in the Wold) on 25 October 1960 because a barbiturate overdose; it had been never understood if it had been deliberate or not.
Because of Dagenham's failure to make the tractors, Harry Ferguson made a deal with Sir John Black associated with traditional Motor providers to refit their armaments factory at Banner Lane, Coventry. Creation of modern Ferguson tractor, the TE20, started in the autumn of 1946, over 20,800 TEs being built because of the end of 1947.
To fill the gap in Ferguson's selling in the US, a huge number of TEs are sent over from England.
Harry Ferguson Inc
the Ferguson P99 racing automobile
Creation of a people variation, the TE20, begun at an innovative new plant, possessed by Harry Ferguson Inc, in October 1948, leaving the UK plant to produce the remainder world.
Ferguson's study division went on to produce numerous cars and tractors, including the very first Formula One four-wheel-drive vehicles the very first TE20s went on petrol until 1949 whenever TVO tractor was released including the standard system as very early TE20s utilized a continental Z-120. There have been later versions that ran on tractor vapourising oils (TVO), sometimes labeled as petrol-paraffin or power kerosene. Some are converted in britain to utilize a 3-cylinder Perkins diesel system.
TE endured for Tractor England.
TO endured for Tractor Overseas.
Between 1948 and 1951, the TO20 with a Continental motor is built-in Detroit, Michigan. We were holding constructed with the Z120 motors. TO30s had been additionally built in Michigan with Z-129 engines. Production stopped in 1954.
Products and production ages:
TE-20 Continental Z-120 petrol system 1946--48
TEA-20 traditional Motor team petrol engine 1947--56
TEB-20 Continental Z-120 petrol engine -- slim wheelbase 1946--48
TEC-20 Standard 20S petrol -- Narrow 1948--56
TED-20 TVO Standard 20S TVO motor 1949--56
TEE-20 TVO -- Slim 1949--56
TEF-20 diesel 1951--56
TEH-20 lamp-oil system 1950--56
TEJ-20 lamp oil system -- Narrow 1950--56
TEK-20 petrol -- Vineyard 1952--56
TEL-20 TVO -- Vineyard 1952--56
TEM-20 lamp oil -- Vineyard 1952--56
TEP-20 petrol -- Industrial 1952--56
TER-20 TVO -- Industrial 1952--56
TES-20 lamp-oil -- Industrial 1952--56
TET-20 Diesel -- Industrial 1952--56
Massey Ferguson, Advertising Lane, Coventry. One of the car areas at the front associated with the website is (2005) however used as a demonstration region for gear carrying the Massey Ferguson brand name, although it is no longer made on this website
517,651 TE20 tractors of most products were built at advertising Lane, Coventry. In mid-1953 Ferguson combined with Massey-Harris to be Massey-Harris-Ferguson. The brand new company carried on both Massey Harris and Ferguson companies until December 1957, when it became Massey-Ferguson. The latest FE35 ended up being launched in October 1956 in grey and gold livery and became the purple and grey MF35 on Smithfield tv show in December 1957.
The colloquial term "Ferguson 28" might be found in Australia and brand new Zealand for later different types of the TE-20 including the petrol TEA-20 and diesel TEF-20. "Ferguson 28" never become the official tractor design designation. Initially the TE20 had the 'Continental' Z120 23HP system, as performed the Detroit-built TO20 introduced annually later on. The 80 mm bore 'Standard' petrol motor had been phased in in mid-1947 whilst the TEA-20, about 3,000 associated with the 20,500 tractors created to 31 December 1947 being TEA-20s. After the development of the 85 mm bore TED-20 in April 1949, the petrol motor has also been fashioned with an 85 mm bore, which enhanced their power to only over 28 hp. The definition of "Fergie 28" refers to the moderate horsepower associated with the subsequent range of tractors. To benefit from standing of the later systems inside used tractor marketplace, the 23HP TE-20 can be advertised simply as TE-20; only really hardly ever can it be referred to in Australian Continent as a "Ferguson 23". In North America the 'Standard' petrol-engined TEA-20s with all the 85 mm bore are recognized and promoted as TE-2085s.
A blue plaque commemorating Ferguson is mounted on the Ulster Bank building in Donegall Square, Belfast, the previous web site of his showroom. A granite memorial was erected to Ferguson's pioneering trip on the North Promenade, Newcastle, and a full-scale replica associated with the Ferguson monoplane and an earlier Ferguson tractor and plough is visible in the Ulster people and Transport Museum at Cultra.
Ferguson was commemorated in 1981 when he showed up on stamps issued by the Irish post-office in Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, Danske lender (formerly Northern Bank) issues its 20 sterling notes which keep a portrait of Ferguson alongside a Ferguson tractor.
In 2008 the Harry Ferguson Memorial gardens were officially launched, opposite your house he lived-in, just outside Dromara, Co. Down. A life-size bronze sculpture of Ferguson by John Sherlock was erected in the outdoors depicting Ferguson leaning on a fence surveying the scene. The home gardens is available to the general public.
The University of Ulster opened the Harry Ferguson manufacturing town (18 February 2004) in the Jordanstown university in recognition of the contribution created by him to engineering and innovation in Ireland.
The technology Museum in London has on display one of Harry Ferguson's prototype tractors completed in 1935 as part of its history of agriculture exhibition, like ideas panels detailing his role in revolutionising the use of the farm tractor and its affect the introduction of modern agriculture.
There was a monument in Wentworth at junction of this Darling and Murray streams in Australia commemorating the full time in 1956 when both canals overloaded and a fleet of little grey Fergies was familiar with create levee financial institutions to truly save the city.
Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Journey
A fleet of seven Ferguson TE-20s were used on the 1955--58 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic journey which was led by Edmund Hillary. Four petrol-engined and three diesel designs were utilized. Some were supplied as half-tracks, with steerable front side skis, whilst others of this brand new Zealand group had been fitted with an extra wheel for each part and full caterpillar tracks, produced by the journey in Antarctic. Both in instances, the track kits had been easily detachable as well as in light problems the tractors were used on standard wheels and tyres. A canvas cabin had been added for windproofing. Apart from this, the tractors are completely standard -- two had been even installed with a standard farmyard hydraulic front-loader for loading and unloading equipment. States are made at regular intervals to your Ferguson company that reveal the tractors to possess become dependable and effective -- being effective at climbing a 1-in-7 pitch of "hard polished ice in which a man cannot walk without crampons", including operating in circumstances of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Under Hillary these tractors are driven to the South Pole, getting the very first motors to be driven towards pole, and the very first overland trip on pole since Captain Scott. The tractors were kept at pole for the using US researchers. The tractors used by Hillary's party had been later on repatriated to New Zealand and it is on screen as well as other British Trans-Antarctic Expedition automobiles when you look at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, unique Zealand.
One diesel (TEF-20) instance, TEF320709 generally Betsy, attained a spot inside Guinness guide of Records in-may 2003 whenever Terry Williams drove it 3,176 miles (5,111 kilometer) round the coast of Britain, getting the record when it comes to longest journey undertaken by tractor. Betsy had been contributed into company of Ferguson traditions group in 2004, and may be observed on show at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming in York.
A TEA-20 is seen from the brand new Zealand five-dollar note. The note, featuring Sir Edmund Hillary in the obverse (front side), has actually the tractors from the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic journey in history at bottom-left corner of the note, next to the clear fern. You're in addition portrayed on a unique Zealand .50 postage stamp as part of some five commemorating the life span of Sir Edmund Hillary, released in 2008.
A TE20 may be the star of a TV show for preschool children, "the tiny gray Fergie", premiered in britain on 17 October 2013. The show is based on the Norwegian youngsters' facts and television show Den lille traktoren Grtass.
The Norwegian garments brand name Moods of Norway utilizes a TE20 silhouette in its logo design.
Harry Ferguson's model tractor with 3-point linkage, weight transference and hydraulic control over implements, like automated level controls, completed in 1935 in Belfast, and referred to as 'Ferguson Ebony'. A lot more than any kind of single developing, this creation revolutionised the employment of the farm tarctor, and nearly all subsequent designs posses included their design principles. The plough shown along with it is believed becoming one of the first two furrow ploughs made after globe War II to check the release regarding the TE20 and all sorts of their variations. It had been the TE20, descendant regarding the 'Ebony Tractor', which became a common sight on farms throughout Britain into the 1940s and early 1950s, while the executes designed for it, represented the total flowering regarding the Ferguson System.
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Up for sale is my little te 20 great little trtactor runs excellent for a petrol engine. it has been done up with a new starter, wiring, generator and a fresh paint ...
Ferguson TE-20 tractor overview ... In 1947 the Standard engine replaced the Continental engine in the TE20, this modified version was named the TEA20.
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The Ferguson TE20 is an agricultural tractor designed by Harry Ferguson. By far his most successful design, it was manufactured from 1946 until 1956, and was commonly ...
### Engine Mount Replacement on a Massey Ferguson TE-20 Tractor
#### Theory Behind Engine Mounts
**Purpose of Engine Mounts**:
Engine mounts are designed to secure the engine to the tractor frame while absorbing vibrations and allowing for some movement. Think of them as shock absorbers for your engine. They prevent excessive vibrations from reaching the chassis, which can lead to fatigue and failure of components, and they help maintain proper alignment of the drivetrain.
**Why Replacement is Necessary**:
Over time, engine mounts can deteriorate due to wear, fatigue, and exposure to engine heat and fluids. A failed mount can lead to excessive engine vibration, misalignment, or even damage to the engine or drivetrain components. Imagine driving a car with a loose engine; it would shake and might cause damage to other parts.
### Tools and Components Needed
#### Tools:
1. **Wrenches**: Various sizes (preferably metric & imperial)
2. **Socket Set**: Including ratchet and extensions
3. **Pry Bar**: To help with alignment if necessary
4. **Jack and Jack Stands**: To raise the tractor safely
5. **Torque Wrench**: For proper reassembly
6. **Screwdrivers**: Flathead and Phillips
7. **Pliers**: For clips or fasteners
8. **Shop Manual**: For torque specifications and diagrams
#### Components:
1. **New Engine Mounts**: Specific to the Massey Ferguson TE-20
2. **Rubber Grommets**: If not included with new mounts
3. **Washers and Bolts**: If existing ones are worn or damaged
4. **Engine Oil**: For the engine if any leaks occur
### Steps for Engine Mount Replacement
#### 1. Preparation
- **Safety First**: Ensure the tractor is OFF, and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical issues.
- **Workspace**: Work on a flat, stable surface to prevent the tractor from rolling.
#### 2. Lifting the Tractor
- Use the jack to lift the front of the tractor safely. Place jack stands under the frame to secure it. Ensure it is stable before proceeding.
#### 3. Locate the Engine Mounts
- The TE-20 has mounts located at the front and rear of the engine. They are typically rubber blocks that connect the engine to the chassis.
#### 4. Remove the Old Engine Mounts
- **Inspect the Mounts**: Check for cracks or signs of wear.
- **Unbolt the Mounts**: Using the appropriate socket or wrench, remove the bolts securing the mount to the engine and chassis. Keep these bolts as you may reuse them.
- **Remove the Mounts**: Gently pry the old mounts off if they are stuck.
#### 5. Install the New Engine Mounts
- **Position the New Mounts**: Place the new mounts into position. Ensure they are oriented correctly (check for any markings).
- **Secure the Mounts**: Hand-tighten the bolts first to ensure proper alignment.
- **Torque Specifications**: Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque (refer to the shop manual for exact specifications).
#### 6. Reassemble and Test
- **Check Alignment**: Make sure the engine is aligned properly with the drivetrain.
- **Reconnect Battery**: Once everything is tightened and secure, reconnect the battery.
- **Start the Engine**: Check for vibrations and ensure everything is running smoothly. Listen for any unusual noises.
#### 7. Final Inspection
- After a short test drive, inspect the engine mounts again for any signs of movement or misalignment. Tighten any loose bolts if necessary.
### Potential Issues
- **Vibrations**: If you still feel vibrations after replacing the mounts, there may be other underlying issues, such as misalignment in the drivetrain.
- **Improper Installation**: Ensure mounts are installed in the correct orientation and torqued to specifications to avoid premature failure.
- **Subsequent Damage**: If mounts were worn for a long time, other components may have suffered damage, requiring further inspection.
### Conclusion
Replacing engine mounts on a Massey Ferguson TE-20 is a straightforward task that can significantly improve the tractor’s performance and longevity. By understanding the components and following these steps carefully, even a beginner mechanic can successfully complete this repair. rteeqp73
Short, direct, practical guide — beginner-friendly but detailed. Read all steps before starting. Safety first.
What this repair is and why it’s needed
- What a “ball joint” is: a ball-in-socket mechanical joint that allows rotation in multiple directions — like your hip joint. On the TE-20 it’s used where the steering link attaches to the spindle/steering arm so the wheel can steer and move up/down over bumps while staying attached.
- Why replace it: boots tear, grease is lost, dirt/abrasion wear the spherical stud or socket -> looseness (“play”) in steering, wandering, uneven tire wear, clunking, loss of steering control. Worn joints are a safety hazard.
- How the system works (simple flow): Steering wheel → steering box → pitman/drag link → tie rod/steering arm → ball joint at the spindle (allows steering angle + up/down movement) → wheel hub/axle. The ball joint transfers side loads and allows relative movement.
- What can go wrong: torn dust boot -> contamination -> accelerated wear; fractured stud; worn socket or ovalized housing; stripped threads or broken castellated nut/cotter pin; incorrect reassembly causing either binding (too tight) or play (too loose); damaged spindle/kingpin or worn bushings if ignored.
Parts and components you will encounter (every component described)
- Front wheel/tire: removes for access.
- Wheel studs/nuts: hold the wheel on.
- Brake drum (if fitted): may need removal to access hub.
- Wheel hub / bearings / races / grease seal: support the wheel on the spindle; bearings must be inspected any time hub removed.
- Spindle / steering knuckle: the fixed structure that accepts the ball joint and hub assembly; it pivots on kingpins or contains the ball joint.
- Ball joint (replacement unit): consists of a threaded stud (tapered or straight), a spherical bearing/ball, socket, dust boot, grease fitting (on serviceable types), and housing. It can be pressed or bolted in depending on design.
- Castellated nut + cotter pin: secures the ball joint stud to the spindle; cotter pin prevents the nut from backing off.
- Tie rod / drag link / steering arm: link between steering gear and ball joint; transmits steering force.
- Grease fitting (zerk): allows greasing.
- Snap rings / retaining washer / circlip: hold pressed-in components in place on some designs.
- Kingpin and bushings (if your TE-20 uses kingpins rather than modern ball joints): carry vertical load and provide steering pivot; bushings can wear and must be replaced or reamed and fitted.
- Fasteners (bolts, lockwashers): various sizes; use correct grade and torque where specified.
- Cotter pins, dust caps, seals: small but critical items.
Tools and supplies you’ll need
- Jack (farm jack or hydraulic floor jack) and heavy-duty jack stands — rated for tractor weight.
- Wheel chocks.
- Basic hand tools: sockets, wrenches (including large ones for spindle nuts), breaker bar.
- Ball joint separator (pickle fork) or a threaded ball joint press tool (prefer press where possible).
- Hammer, punch.
- Bench vise or C-clamp and drift for pressing/pulling (if ball joint is pressed).
- Torque wrench (important for critical fasteners).
- Punch/drift for cotter pin removal, pliers to bend new cotter pin.
- New ball joint assembly(s) and new cotter pins, possibly new castle nut(s).
- Clean rags, degreaser, wire brush.
- Bearing grease, anti-seize, light oil.
- Replacement wheel bearings/seals if hub removed.
- Safety gear: eye protection, gloves, steel-toe boots recommended.
Safety warnings (must follow)
- Chock rear wheels and use rated jack stands — do not rely on the jack alone.
- Keep hands clear when separating joints with a pickle fork; the fork can pop free.
- Support the spindle/knuckle before removing ball joint to prevent it from dropping and bending brake lines or crushing fingers.
- Dispose of grease and solvents properly.
- Wear eye protection when pounding or pressing.
Step-by-step procedure (general for TE-20 style front end). Read fully, then follow in order.
Preparation
1. Park on a level, hard surface. Chock the rear wheels. Engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel nuts slightly with tractor on the ground.
3. Jack the front end (use recommended lift point) and place jack stands under axle/frame. Lower so tractor rests on stands.
4. Remove the wheel.
Inspect before disassembly
5. Note and photograph original orientation and any shims/marks; this helps alignment on reassembly.
6. Check whether your ball joint is a serviceable greasable tie-rod end (threaded stud into the steering arm) or a pressed-in joint/kingpin. The TE-20 often uses kingpin bushes and tie rod ends — if what you have is a replaceable tie-rod end, the steps are simpler. If it’s a pressed-in ball joint or kingpin, you’ll be pressing out bushings/kingpin.
Removing tie-rod end (if threaded/replaceable)
7. Remove the cotter pin from the castellated nut on the ball joint stud. Use pliers and punch if corroded.
8. Remove the castellated nut. Keep it for reference; replace if damaged.
9. Put a support under the steering knuckle so it doesn’t drop.
10. Use a ball joint separator (threaded press type recommended) to push the stud out of the tapered hole. If using a pickle fork, strike carefully; you may damage the rubber boot and mating surfaces. For tapered stud: a final sharp tap on the stud end can free it after separating.
11. Remove the tie rod end/ball joint assembly. If threaded into the tie rod, remove the tie-rods with a wrench while holding the tie rod hex or jam-nut.
Removing pressed-in ball joint or kingpin (if fitted)
12. Remove retainers (snap rings, bolts) that hold the ball joint housing or steering arm.
13. Use a ball joint press or bench vise + suitable adapters to press the ball joint out of the knuckle or press the kingpin out. Do not hammer the housing out unless that is the only option and you use protection — hammering can damage the knuckle.
14. If a kingpin is removed, inspect bushings. Replace worn bushings or ream and fit new ones as required. TE-20 kingpin bushings may require reaming to fit new bushings to spec.
Cleaning and inspection (critical)
15. Clean all mating surfaces with solvent/wire brush. Remove old grease and rust.
16. Inspect spindle/knuckle and stud taper. Replace or repair if the taper is damaged or oval. Inspect hub bearings and races — replace if pitted.
17. Check the boot seat on the knuckle. If damaged, the new joint may not seal.
Installing new ball joint/tie-rod end
18. If new joint is pressed in: align the housing square to the knuckle. Use the proper press adapter and slowly press the new joint into place until fully seated and retaining ring groove (if any) aligns. Avoid deforming the socket.
19. If the ball stud is tapered: insert stud into the tapered hole and hand-tighten nut until seated; final torque procedure below.
20. If tie-rod end threads into a rod, screw it in to the same length/position you documented earlier to maintain alignment.
21. Replace any snap rings/retainers.
Fastening and torqueing (how tight is right)
22. For tapered studs with castellated nut: tighten the nut until the taper is fully seated and the steering movement is smooth but without play. Then tighten until the castle slots align with the hole in the stud — do not over-tighten past the slot alignment. If you cannot align the slot, back off to the nearest slot position. Then insert new cotter pin and bend ends. If you have a torque spec from a TE-20 manual, use it. If you don’t, typical small-tractor link nuts are tightened firmly — the key is proper castle alignment and cotter pin use, not brute torque.
23. For pressed-in joints with retaining collars, torque any retaining bolts to OEM specs (or use medium strength where unknown and tighten until secure with no play). Replace any self-locking nuts.
Greasing and sealing
24. If the new joint has a grease fitting, fill with compatible chassis grease using a grease gun until you see the boot swell slightly or old grease is purged. If dust boot is new/serviceable, ensure it’s seated and sealed.
25. Replace any wheel bearings/seals and Hub if removed — pack bearings with grease.
Reassembly
26. Reinstall wheel and lug nuts hand tight.
27. Lower tractor off stands carefully.
28. Torque wheel nuts to proper spec; if unknown, tighten progressively in a star pattern until firm (see wheel nut safety note below).
29. Test the steering by moving the wheel lock-to-lock by hand. Feel for smoothness and no clunks. Check vertical movement of wheel (no play). Make sure the cotter pin is secure and the castle nut is not loose.
Testing and final checks
30. Start with a low-speed test in a clear area. Check for steering play, clunks, or abnormal noises.
31. Recheck cotter pin, castle nut, and grease after first few hours of use. Re-torque wheel nuts after first run.
32. Road test and check tracking; an alignment may be needed if tie-rod lengths changed.
Common problems and troubleshooting
- Boot torn on new joint after install: check for interference with knuckle housing; replace boot and re-seat.
- Excess play after reassembly: nut not seated on taper, worn taper/spindle, or wrong part. Inspect taper and replace spindle or joint as needed.
- Binding after install: joint installed rotated wrong way, or over-tightened; check orientation, re-install.
- Grease fitting leaks: ensure fitting threads sealed and boot not pinched.
- Hub bearings noisy after reassembly: bearings installed wrong, race damaged, or insufficient grease. Reinstall correctly.
- Cotter pin won’t align with castle slots: back off to nearest slot without creating play; never remove the cotter pin requirement.
- If you see metal-on-metal scoring on taper or ball, replace the damaged parts — reused damaged parts will fail.
Maintenance tips to avoid repeat failures
- Keep dust boots intact and greased; periodically pump grease.
- Inspect boots and joints during regular maintenance (every few months for heavy use).
- Replace both sides at once if one side is failed; it avoids uneven handling.
- Keep steering linkage free of bent rods and secure all lock nuts/jam nuts.
Notes specific to older tractors (TE-20 era)
- Many TE-20s use kingpins and replaceable tie rod ends rather than modern sealed ball joints. If you find bushings and kingpins rather than a boxed ball joint, you’ll be doing a kingpin bushing replacement: press out kingpin, fit new bushings, install new kingpin, set end float with shims as required. If you are uncertain which system you have, visually identify tapered stud vs. plain cylindrical kingpin before ordering parts.
- Parts availability: buy quality replacements sized for TE-20. If unsure, get the part number or the old part to match.
Final checklist (before you drive)
- Wheel torqued and hub bearings greased/installed properly.
- New cotter pin in place, boot seated, grease fitting present.
- No visible leaks, no excessive play in steering, tested at low speed.
- Tools and loose parts removed from vicinity.
If you need printed torque specs or a parts diagram for the exact TE-20 front end, consult the factory service manual for your serial range. That manual will give exact torque values, bushing reaming sizes, and kingpin end-float tolerances.
Done. Follow the safety rules and use the correct parts for your TE-20. rteeqp73
Tools & consumables
- Basic hand tools: metric & imperial socket set, open/box wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, punch.
- Torque wrench (suitable range for flywheel/pressure‑plate bolts).
- Gearbox/transmission jack or sturdy floor jack + blocks to support transmission.
- Engine support or second jack to support engine if transmission removed.
- Clutch alignment tool (matching TE‑20 friction disc splines).
- Bearing puller / slide hammer or snap‑ring pliers (if bearing retained by circlip).
- Bearing driver or socket set to press in new bearing.
- Pry bar, drift.
- Gasket scraper, wire brush, solvent, shop rags.
- New sealing gasket(s), oil seals if disturbed, recommended grease.
- Replacement parts: clutch release (throw‑out) bearing (TE‑20 specified part), pilot bushing/pilot bearing or bush if fitted, optionally new clutch disc and pressure plate if worn, new bolts if service manual calls for them.
- Drain pan, gear oil, thread locker (if specified), anti‑seize (if specified).
- PPE: gloves, eye protection, steel‑toe boots.
Safety precautions (must do)
- Work on level ground; chock wheels; set parking brake.
- Disconnect battery (negative) and remove key.
- Drain gearbox/transmission oil before unbolting mating surfaces to avoid spills.
- Securely support transmission with a jack; never let it hang from linkages.
- Use jack stands/blocks under tractor if lifting — never rely on a jack alone.
- Wear eye protection; keep hands clear of pinch points when separating engine/transmission.
- Keep solvents and oily rags away from heat sources; dispose used oil/rags properly.
Step‑by‑step procedure (typical TE‑20 single‑plate clutch)
1. Preparation
- Park tractor on level ground, chock wheels, set brake, disconnect battery negative.
- Drain transmission/gearbox oil into a pan (catch fluid from housing separation).
- Clean area around clutch housing to avoid contaminating clutch parts.
2. Remove ancillary items blocking access
- Remove PTO shaft/shaft cover, propshaft, any linkage or covers over bellhousing.
- Remove gearshift lever if required for access (note linkages for reassembly).
- Remove starter motor if it interferes with bellhousing removal.
3. Support and separate
- Support transmission on a gearbox jack or sturdy floor jack with wood block.
- Place a second jack under engine or use an engine support to prevent engine sag when you separate gearbox.
- Remove bellhousing/gearbox to engine bolts evenly. Keep bolts grouped/marked by location.
4. Lower transmission
- Slowly lower the transmission straight back to clear the clutch assembly. Guide it—do not let it rotate off splines forcibly.
- Once clear, slide transmission back to expose clutch assembly (pressure plate and disc) on the flywheel.
5. Remove pressure plate & clutch disc
- Loosen pressure plate bolts incrementally in a crisscross pattern to relieve spring tension evenly.
- Remove pressure plate and clutch disc. Inspect friction disc for wear, glazing, oil contamination — replace if worn/damaged.
- Clean flywheel contact surface. If badly scored or heat‑spotted, consider resurfacing.
6. Access release bearing
- With clutch disc removed you’ll see the release mechanism on the input shaft/sliding collar or the bearing held on a fork.
- Inspect release fork and pivot for wear. Remove retaining clip or circlip if bearing retained by one.
- Use snap‑ring pliers to remove circlip, or bearing puller/slide hammer if bearing is pressed on.
7. Remove old release bearing
- Pull bearing off the input shaft or slide off the collar. If stuck, use a bearing puller or gentle drift with a backing piece on the shaft—not against bearing race faces.
- Inspect input shaft splines, pilot bore/bushing, and thrust surface for wear or scoring.
8. Inspect & replace associated parts
- Replace pilot bushing/bearing if worn or damaged — use proper driver to seat new part squarely.
- Replace clutch release bearing with the TE‑20 specified part. If the release fork, pivot ball/bushing, or thrust sleeve shows wear, replace them now.
- Clean and lightly grease the bearing’s sliding surfaces only where manufacturer allows — do not grease the friction faces.
9. Install new release bearing
- If bearing uses a circlip, fit it correctly into groove before pressing bearing onto shaft/collar.
- Use bearing driver/socket matching the outer race to press the new bearing on squarely. Do not apply force to the inner race.
- Ensure bearing orientation is correct (face toward pressure plate/thrust surface).
10. Reassemble clutch
- Refit clutch disc using a clutch alignment tool to center the splines in the pilot bearing/pilot bore.
- Position pressure plate and hand‑start bolts, then tighten in a crisscross pattern to the correct torque (refer to service manual torque specs).
- Remove alignment tool once pressure plate torqued.
11. Refit transmission
- Carefully align transmission input shaft with clutch disc splines; use jack to bring transmission straight to engine face.
- Guide transmission until bellhousing mates; install and finger‑tighten bellhousing bolts, then torque to spec.
- Reinstall starter, linkages, gearshift lever, PTO/propshaft, and any covers removed.
12. Final steps
- Refill transmission/gearbox with correct oil to specified level.
- Reconnect battery.
- Check and adjust clutch release linkage free play/clearance per TE‑20 specs (mechanical linkage: check pedal free play; hydraulic: bleed system if fitted).
- Run tractor in neutral, depress clutch several times to check smoothness and bearing noise before load.
- Road/test under light load, recheck fasteners and fluid levels.
How the main tools are used (quick)
- Transmission jack: supports and aligns transmission; lower/raise evenly to prevent misalignment and damage to input shaft splines.
- Clutch alignment tool: centers friction disc on pilot bearing so input shaft slides in easily when mating transmission.
- Bearing puller / slide hammer: removes a seized bearing from the input shaft without damaging splines.
- Bearing driver/socket: presses new bearing squarely onto shaft by applying force to outer race only.
- Torque wrench: ensures pressure plate and bellhousing bolts are tightened to specified torque to avoid warpage or loosening.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Not supporting transmission/engine properly — leads to dropped/heavy components causing injury or damage.
- Forcing transmission on by misaligned splines — use alignment tool and ensure straight approach.
- Applying force to bearing inner race when installing — ruins new bearing; always press on outer race.
- Reusing worn pilot bushing, release fork, or pivot — these will cause premature bearing/clutch failure.
- Getting grease/oil on clutch friction surfaces — never lubricate clutch faces; clean or replace contaminated parts.
- Not replacing or checking seals — oil leaks contaminate new clutch discs.
- Forgetting to torque bolts to spec — either under‑torque (loose) or over‑torque (warps components).
- Not checking clutch pedal free play/adjustment — wrong adjustment causes slipping or incomplete disengagement.
- Reusing old circlips or damaged retaining rings — always replace if deformed.
Replacement parts recommended
- TE‑20 specific release (throw‑out) bearing.
- Pilot bushing/pilot bearing.
- New clutch disc & pressure plate if worn or contaminated.
- Pivot ball/bushing and release fork if grooved or worn.
- Bellhousing gasket(s), input shaft oil seals if disturbed.
- Appropriate gearbox oil.
Final note
Follow the TE‑20 service manual for exact torque values, part numbers, and any model‑specific details. Proper support and alignment are the keys to a safe, reliable replacement. rteeqp73