PLANE AND SIMPLE

One of the outstanding features of the TE 20 was its adaptability which, combined with Harry Ferguson’s marketing and promotional skills, ensured that the TE 20 would be a major success. While it was primarily designed to revolutionise agriculture, it was soon to be found in municipal and industrial surroundings and it was even put to good use in military applications. Alan Hopkins from Co. Down in Northern Ireland owns two examples of Ferguson’s versatile masterpiece, with very different specifications and backgrounds.

Alan’s Uncle David farmed a modest acreage outside the village of Claudy in Co. Tyrone and in April 1966 purchased a second hand TEF 20 (registration NZ 3953), powered by the Standard Motor Company’s 20C four-cylinder diesel engine. A receipt from James Cochrane & Son & Daughter in nearby Donemana shows that an initial payment of £50 was made, with the remaining