Ferguson TE20 Aircraft Tug arrives at its new home in Hangar 2 Duxford Airfield Cambridgeshire and will now become the tow tug for Harvard G-BJST Wacky Wabbit living with Spitfires Hurricanes and many other warbirds on this WWII Battle of Britain Airfield
By Down at the barns. The Ferguson TE20, also known as the "Little Grey Fergie," was a popular and iconic tractor produced from 1946 to 1956. Here's a review of its key features and performance:
Design and Engine
The TE20 was designed by Harry Ferguson and featured a distinctive grey body color.
It was powered by a 2.1-liter (2,088cc) 4-cylinder petrol engine manufactured by the Standard Motor Company, producing around 25 horsepower.
The engine was known for its smooth and quiet operation, with easy starting and reliable performance.
Usability and Versatility
The TE20 was a compact and lightweight tractor, making it highly maneuverable and suitable for small farms and estates.
It had a simple and robust design, with easy maintenance and access to parts, contributing to its longevity and popularity among owners.
The tractor could be equipped with various implements and attachments, such as front loaders, cultivators, and plows, enhancing its versatility.
Transmission and Controls
The TE20 featured a 4-speed manual transmission without synchromesh, requiring skilled operation to change gears smoothly.
It had a unique safety feature called the "S" position, which prevented the tractor from starting in gear, reducing the risk of accidents.
The tractor had heel pedals for locking the brakes on each side and an easy-to-use parking brake.
Drawbacks and Limitations
The hydraulic system lacked live hydraulics, making it more challenging to operate implements like front loaders efficiently.
The lack of synchromesh in the transmission made gear changes more difficult, especially when starting in first gear.
Fuel efficiency was relatively low compared to modern diesel tractors, as the TE20 ran on petrol or a petrol/paraffin mixture.
Overall, the Ferguson TE20 was a reliable, versatile, and iconic tractor that played a significant role in the mechanization of agriculture during its production years. Its simple design, ease of maintenance, and compact size made it a popular choice for small farms and estates, despite some limitations in its hydraulic system and transmission.