Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A delightful Massey Ferguson 20B Tractor with 629 hours and traceable history.
MODEL HISTORY
Founded in 1847 in Ontario, Canada by Daniel Massey, it was not until 1953 that the then named Massey-Harris merged with The Ferguson Company, founded by Harry Ferguson to become Massey-Harris Ferguson. The name was simplified in 1958 to Massey Ferguson to which it remains known today. Widely regarded to have revolutionised agriculture in the western world in the 20th century, it was the collaboration with and subsequent buy-out of Frank Perkins Ltd that later produced the Massey Ferguson 20B Model. This model, first introduced in 1973, was powered by the Perkins AD3.152 three-cylinder diesel unit, an engineering legend in its own right and used around the world in many different applications.
EQUIPMENT
Quick-detaching noise level reducing cab, detachable roof panel, streamlined fenders, forward hinged lockable fully glazed stay-open doors, detachable nose weights, hydraulic system with MF quadrant, 3.66gal/min pump, swinging drawbar option, auto hitch, 3-point linkage with chain stabilisers, interchangeable ball-ends, foot and hand throttle, quick-detach radiator grille, windscreen wiper, opening front and rear windows, twin roof beacons, full lighting set, twin rear view mirrors, sliding spring suspension seat, 12V power socket, hazard warning lamps, twin side lockers.
EXTERIOR
This wonderful 1980 Model 20B is finished in the factory colour of Massey Ferguson Industrial Yellow, (Code P-46), exactly as it was supplied when new to a Leicester based house building firm. Having enjoyed only light duties and very low 629 hours recorded usage, the structure, body panels and fittings are undamaged. The second owner would attend local Fetes and village shows and enjoyed cosmetic upkeep to keep the tractor bright and draw the crowds but close scrutiny reveals a less than professional finish with hand painted areas. The badges and decals are still fitted and all lights and beacons are intact and fully operational. This is the tractor everybody drew as a child, and now the life size version is available to the child at heart!
INTERIOR
Simplistic and functional, the interior is in good order with exposed mechanical components and floor sections bright and clean. The original black vinyl seat proudly wears the MF emblem and has two small seam slits. All functions, lights and controls operate perfectly including the hand throttle and hydraulic equipment. All dials and gauges provide healthy readings and the foot operated pedals have no wear due to the low usage. The factory Massey-Ferguson of Coventry England data plate confirms the model and serial numbers. A clean, unspoilt and utilitarian cab, a far cry from a hard life on the farm!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Needing little introduction is the world-famous Perkins diesel engine from Frank Perkins Ltd of Peterborough, just a stones throw away from KGF Classic Cars headquarters. The three-cylinder AD3.152 unit fitted to this model produces 45hp at 2250rpm and 123lb ft of torque at 1300rpm. The easily accessible engine is clean and displays factory castings and Perkins Engines plate. The 8 forward and 2 reverse gears in high/low range operate perfectly. An instantly recognisable drum from the Perkins unit sounds characteristically bulletproof and is simply delightful.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The cast steel wheels are painted to match the body and the 6.00-16 front and 13.6-28 rear tyres have plenty of life left, the front tyres even still have the maker’s chalk markings! The outboard drum brakes operate to the large rear wheels only and via a dual brake pedal which can operate independently or locked together.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 1st January 1980, the V5 registration document reveals the first owner as WM Davis & Co (Leicester) Ltd who are house builders still in business today and still at the same address. The tractor remained in the firms ownership for 22 years and used only for light duties on site having logged a mere 629 hours! In 2002 it was purchased by Mr Harry Cook, who was a lifelong firm employee and who upon retirement, was offered the chance to buy the tractor! Being a hands-on practical type with a fondness of classic tractors, Mr Cook owned this delightful example personally for 17 years. Tinkering, driving, exhibiting and maintaining during his memorable ownership until his passing in 2019 at which point ownership transferred to his son, Gary Cook.
A service has been carried out in June 2022 and the tractor is UK registered, road legal and eligible for tax and MOT exemption. This tractor can even be driven on a standard driving licence! The history file contains the current and previous V5 registration documents listing all owners along with Massey Ferguson publications and sales literature. Guaranteed to delight the nostalgic agricultural worker, or simply the classic car enthusiast appreciative of all things drivable!
HPI Clear.