Back in the Forties, Fifties and Sixties, the engine in a tractor played a big part in its success. Right the way through the Ferguson TE-20’s production, reliable starting had been a key to the success of the brand.
Easy start
Petrol and TVO engines before the diesel version all had key start systems and, provided the fuel was good, they would start up in pretty much all conditions. When the TE-20 came on the scene in 1946, a lot of farmers still had wartime Fordsons where you had to swing a handle and hope it started and didn’t kick back. To have a tractor that was “easy” to start was perfect for farmers as it meant no wasted time, effort
