Ransome Plough

So i've finally taken the plunge and brought myself a plough! I know very little about it as it has no plate. But I believe its a Ransomes Robin and seems to be in very good condition. I've got a lot to learn but this seems a good place to start!

First hitch up to the Fergie. My top link draught control is giving problems making heaving item bounce as the top link gets pushed a little. But the plough fits well and isn't too heavy which is a relief! 

Petrol TVO or Jet A1!

Fuel Mixes?

I've never really had any paraffin to mix and create my own mix of fuel for the TVO. What I do have available though is some Jet-A1 aviation fuel. 

Jet A1 is similar to kerosene and therefore diesel and I had heard a few stories about people mixing diesel with petrol for their TVO ferries.

So I've been mixing 50% petrol and 50% Jet A1 and its been running very well. No smoke of rough running, its even happy to switch over when the engine isn't warm. 

Ridger update

I've almost got the ridger restored... Just a little paint left to do! I even had a quick go with it just to see how she pulls!

Ridger

I've been generously given parts for a potato ridger and a flat drawbar with stays. 

The drawbar seems almost essential at the moment as the arms on the rear of the tractor drop and will not stay up in position. These will hold the arms up and also offer another position to tow from.

The ridger is a surprise acquisition. We have never grown potatoes on the farm and so i'm a little unfamiliar with how it all works. It appears that not all parts are present though. Some hunting on the internet is required...

Top link

In order to get the fergie ready for some proper work Ive been on the lookout for a top link as the tractor did not come with one. The category 1 sized balls are quite small I needed something that would look right but be up to the job... 

THEN... a fantastic find...

After a quick search on the farm (amongst many parts that seemed destined to have no future) I found an original Fergie top link! Not as quick to adjust as the modern screw types but it will look great to have the original part on the 3 point hitch!

Ive given it a quick coat of paint and it looks perfect!

Now to start looking for a plough....

Foot Plates

My first upgrade to the new tractor has been some footplates.  It was quickly obvious that the original foot pegs are a little bit of a foot trap. Im not usually one for "health and safety gone mad!" but this needed sorting...
The new plates will make it safe to jump on and off and hopefully make for a more comfortable ride...

They came coated or galvanised so I gave them a quick undercoat and then some good old ferguson grey. Notice the colours are hard to match!

I've finally found a Fergie!

After searching for months I have finally taken the plunge and bought my own Grey Fergie tractor! 

Its a 1951 TED-20 Petrol/TVO. It runs well and is in good condition although a few parts could be restored and replaced. I hope one day to have a go at ploughing with it and Im sure it will find many uses on the farm.