TO-20 Clutch / Brakes

refelo · Feb 4, 2013

I have a 1949 Ferguson TO-20. Runs great, and I use it for snowplowing with a rear-mount blade; also some wood splitting with a 3pt mount splitter, slaved off the hydraulics.

I recently replaced both rear wheels with new steel wheels and tires. Since then, my brakes have ceased to work. All I did was take the wheels off and put new ones on. Any ideas?

Also, my clutch adjustment is almost gone. The tractor either slips at anything above idle, or won't come out of gear. I suspect I need a new clutch. Is this a job for a do-it-yourselfer?

Thanks for the help.

carmedic310 · Feb 4, 2013

Replacing the clutch isn't a hard job just time consuming.I suggest you get a repair manuel look it over first then determin if you think its something you can handle.Your the only one who knows what you can do.You will need a clutch alighnment tool to center the clutch disk

refelo · Feb 4, 2013

Thanks carmedic310. I did buy the service manual shortly after getting the tractor. I see that I have to split the tractor. I have never done that. So, you think it is time for a new clutch disc? My area does not have any agriculture, so we don't have equipment dealers. I'd need to get the disc and an alignment tool. I wonder if an auto mechanic would take a swing at this? :tractor:

carmedic310 · Feb 4, 2013

I would replace the clutch pressure plate and release bearing at the same time also the pilot bearing too.If you can the flywheel should be resurfaced but its not critical on a tractor as much as a car or truck"stops chatter"any mechanic should be able to do this for you.biggest problem would be having the jacks to support both ends of the tractor while split.Wasnt sure if you had a frame or frameless style unit.

DJ54 · Feb 5, 2013

There are many online dealers that have complete clutch kits. I went to AGCO PARTSBOOK, and found the part number for the pressure plate assy., then Googled it, and this is the first link I checked. Massey Ferguson Clutch Kit OEM Number 180263M91, 181114M91 There are many more if you care to online shop. This particular kit includes the alignment tool, which I've seen @ $30.00 alone.

You don't say how long you have owned the Fergie, but they are notorious for axle seals leaking, and getting the brake shoes oily. Kinda' like stepping on a plum, when you push the brake pedal down, and eventually stop you. The axle assy. will need to be removed, and a new seal unit pressed on. Unless they have come up with a better one in the last 20 some years, don't be surprised that if in 6 months it is the same way again if you use the tractor much. If the brake shoes still look decent, a good cleaning with carb., or brake cleaner should clean them up. Not saying that is the problem, but looking at the bottom inside of the brake drum should tell you if it is, with a trace of oil.

As mentioned, replacing the clutch isn't a bad job, but time consuming. If you have a good shop manual, decent sized floor jack, and some cribbing, wedges, and a nice concrete floor makes it a lot easier. And no special tools needed if you have a standard combination wrench set, up through like 1-1/4" and socket set with breaker bar/flex handle to match. I would suggest a torque wrench to tighten bolts though. The most important part of it all, is NOT forcing the tractor back together, when the input shaft contacts the clutch disc splines. You'll probably need to turn the input shaft a bit to get it to align. It's pretty easy to do, by engaging the PTO, and using a proper sized wrench to turn the PTO shaft. I have a 15" adjustable/Crescent wrench that's real handy for that. By turning the PTO shaft, you can feel the splines match up.

An truck/auto repair shop may take on the job, but I'm guessing for not less than $500.00, less parts. But, that's just a guess... Heck, put an ad on Craigslist, saying your looking for an experienced mechanic to do it, if nothing else. But if you're mechanically inlined, and have a few tools, I'd give it a crack. It's a good thing to know your tractor inside, and out.

Here is a link that may come in handy now, and in the future. AGCO Parts Books Enter as a guest user. On the next page, enter TO 20 (with space like this). On the next page that appears, scroll clear to the bottom to find TO30 / TO 20 / etc. Select TO 20, and on the next page that appears select from the menu any component on your tractor. On the next page that appears, it will show a picture of that component in an exploded view (you may need to download Microsoft Silverlight to see it), and a parts listing, with part description and part numbers to the left.

You can then copy and paste that part number to a search engine, I prefer Google..., and go online parts shopping.

Jerry/MT · Feb 5, 2013

refelo said:
I have a 1949 Ferguson TO-20. Runs great, and I use it for snowplowing with a rear-mount blade; also some wood splitting with a 3pt mount splitter, slaved off the hydraulics.

I recently replaced both rear wheels with new steel wheels and tires. Since then, my brakes have ceased to work. All I did was take the wheels off and put new ones on. Any ideas?

Also, my clutch adjustment is almost gone. The tractor either slips at anything above idle, or won't come out of gear. I suspect I need a new clutch. Is this a job for a do-it-yourselfer?

Thanks for the help.

Have you tried adjusting the brakes?

Do yourself a favor and invest in a Ferguson Shop Manual, the factory one not an IT manual. You can find them on ebay for ~$20 plus shpg.

Replacing the clutch requires a split but it's not that difficult and again the manual has good instructions and the parts are readily available. Some folks also recommend repacing the tranny input shaft seal at the same time but \that's your call.