For close to 50 years I had my heart set on owning a Grey Fergie. In Australia, as much as anywhere else in the world, the venerable Ferguson tractor, designed by Harry Ferguson, played a huge part in opening up farmland, and making it possible for the individual farmer to economically do the myriad tasks associated with farming on an efficient scale.
Plus, let's face it, the Grey Fergie was an icon. A design icon, a mechanical icon, a rural icon. A true classic in every sense of the word.
It was while looking for implements for our 1963 Massey Ferguson MF65 when moving Kelly St Classics to Avoca that I came across this gem, just 40km away.The elderly owner had moved into a nursing home, and their charming rural property was being sold, along with many mechanical treasures. This tractor hadn't run for many years, and it took quite some time for me to assess the tractor's condition. It had been kept undercover, which was a huge bonus.
I was unable to get the tractor to start, but eventually winched it onto the trusty Isuzu beavertail truck and brought it home. I eventually got the old girl to start, and ran it briefly before it became hot, so I drove it into the workshop, where it languished for almost a year as more urgent work took place. There was water in the engine oil, so everything was fully drained, radiator removed, and the Fergie was mothballed until I could attend to it.
↑ The Grey Fergie arrives at its new home on the back of the Isuzu...
↑ ...and meets his younger (by 13 years!) but bigger brother.
One year later, I fitted many new parts. Wiring loom, starting switch, ignition switch, guages, water pump, fan belt, radiator hoses, ignition leads, and tank and radiator fully flushed and checked, and various mechanical aspects checked and adjusted. I rigged up a thorough test to see if water was leaking into the sump, but nothing showed up. So, after much checking, the big 'start' was attempted. It ran perfectly! Even after many starts and test drives, the engine oil remains clean, with good pressure. No leaks. No dramas. Just a sweet-running little Grey Fergie! Hydraulics work beautifully too.
Now at age 70, this delightful 'Little Grey Fergie' is back in action!
↑ Getting a washdown after a year in the workshop,
before joining the Kelly St Classics family.
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Back in action at 70 years of age.