The Little Grey Fergie Locationless, Locationless, Locationless
By
Team Ladava on 04-Nov-07. Waypoint GA0920
Cache Details
| Difficulty: | |
| Terrain: | |
| Type: | Locationless |
| Container: | Other |
| Proximity: | 161m |
Description
The Little Grey Fergie - The World's Most Influential Tractor
The Little Grey Fergie tractor played a huge part in my early years growing up on the family farm. Finding the attached old photograph prompted the better half of Team Ladava to suggest a cache based on The Little Grey Fergie. It is a photo circa 1978 of Team Ladava’s and baby&Mrs gopher’s children (now adults) with their late Grandfather.
Born in Ireland, Harry Ferguson (1884-1960) has rightly been given the title of the 'father' of the systems universally adopted by all modern post War tractor makers. That Henry Ford senior placed Mr Ferguson alongside other ground breaking inventors - the Wright Bros, Edison and Bell - is testimony enough.
The revolutionary principles contained and perfected in the Ferguson System remain unmatched the world over. So profound has their influence been on tractor design over the last sixty years, that at least 85% of all farm tractors now produced in the world by all manufacturers are based on his unique ideas and specifically the ‘3 point linkage’.
Harry Ferguson’s UK operation become "Tractor Makers to the World" with 2/3 of production destined for export. So eagerly were TE20 tractors sought after that in one country, Denmark, Ferguson took over 70% of the tractor market.
A large number of Fergies are scattered around Australia and overseas
To log this cache, include the location, the coordinates and a photo of the Grey Ferguson Tractor including you or your GPS and the story of the tractor if possible.
We are in debt to WanderingAus for some additional information included in their log from Wentworth.
’In 1956, Australia's two mightiest rivers - the Murray and Darling - were in flood and low lying Wentworth was in grave danger of being washed away. Residents, aided by an army of volunteers from nearby towns, battled night and day to erect earthen levee banks and walls
’In 1956, Australia's two mightiest rivers - the Murray and Darling - were in flood and low lying Wentworth was in grave danger of being washed away. Residents, aided by an army of volunteers from nearby towns, battled night and day to erect earthen levee banks and walls
made of hessian bags filled with sand against floodwaters running 4 metres (more than 13 feet) above normal levels.
Throughout this epic struggle their greatest ally was the humble GREY FERGUSON TE20 TRACTOR. Used as a workhorse on the district's vine and citrus properties, the 'FIGHTING FERGIE' proved to be the difference in the effort to save the town, writing itself into the annals of local history.
The Little Grey Fergie on top of the pole was donated by Barry Mills and the scoop by Trevor McKeeman, in lasting tribute to the great little workhorse.
Nearby, at the park where the rivers meet, the gardens are also planted as a tribute to The Little Grey Fergie.’
Throughout this epic struggle their greatest ally was the humble GREY FERGUSON TE20 TRACTOR. Used as a workhorse on the district's vine and citrus properties, the 'FIGHTING FERGIE' proved to be the difference in the effort to save the town, writing itself into the annals of local history.
The Little Grey Fergie on top of the pole was donated by Barry Mills and the scoop by Trevor McKeeman, in lasting tribute to the great little workhorse.
Nearby, at the park where the rivers meet, the gardens are also planted as a tribute to The Little Grey Fergie.’
Enjoy.
I found this online article from the Weekly Times and thought it may be of interest -
See also attached image
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
Logs
I pass this little fergie everyday on my way to work, looks like they left it where it died slashing their paddock.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Yesterday we were at Lockyer Farm Machinery in Gatton and saw this little Fergie looking good amongst all the ‘big toys’. 
Thank you for this cache.
Thank you for this cache.
Rated: for Overall Experience
BEECHFORD
TASMANIA
I was in the area to get a photo for another cache when I saw this little grey Fergie for sale.
TASMANIA
I was in the area to get a photo for another cache when I saw this little grey Fergie for sale.
Rated: for Overall Experience
DAYLESFORD
VICTORIA
I just happened to be passing through Daylesford on a Sunday when the Farmers Market was in operation as well as an old equipment show and tell display. This interesting modified Fergy was on display. Modifications included:
The roof was from an FC Holden SDedan
It was fitted with a 12v battery, alternator and coil
Ferguson FE 35 Brake Pedals
85 mm Pistons and Sleeves
3.5cm PTO & Shaft
Homemade footplates & PTO cover
Bar-Co Rops Bar & Seat
Someone obviously loves this Fergy.
VICTORIA
I just happened to be passing through Daylesford on a Sunday when the Farmers Market was in operation as well as an old equipment show and tell display. This interesting modified Fergy was on display. Modifications included:
The roof was from an FC Holden SDedan
It was fitted with a 12v battery, alternator and coil
Ferguson FE 35 Brake Pedals
85 mm Pistons and Sleeves
3.5cm PTO & Shaft
Homemade footplates & PTO cover
Bar-Co Rops Bar & Seat
Someone obviously loves this Fergy.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S42 47.153 E147 07.105 MALBINA TASMANIA
I was in the area after another cache when I noticed this display in a farmer's paddock.
I was in the area after another cache when I noticed this display in a farmer's paddock.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S41 21.831 E146 24.401 RAILTON TASMANIA
I spotted this Little Grey Fergie whilst after caches in the area.
I spotted this Little Grey Fergie whilst after caches in the area.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S41 19.000 E147 11.000 UNDERWOOD TASMANIA
The co-ordinates are not exact as this tractor belongs to my brother. He bought it and restired it to working order in order to mow and slash the ferns and grass on his rural property. even though it is old he found parts still readily available.
The co-ordinates are not exact as this tractor belongs to my brother. He bought it and restired it to working order in order to mow and slash the ferns and grass on his rural property. even though it is old he found parts still readily available.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S43 01.792 E147 15.864 WOODBRIDGE TASMANIA
After spending a couple of months looking for a Little Grey Fergie I see my second on the same day while caching south of Hobart. This one was sighted parked beside the road as I was heading to locate a history cache GA6117.
After spending a couple of months looking for a Little Grey Fergie I see my second on the same day while caching south of Hobart. This one was sighted parked beside the road as I was heading to locate a history cache GA6117.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S43 01.792 E147 15.864 MARGATE TASMANIA
I found this cache some time ago and have been keeping my eye out for a Little Grey Fergie. I have found one quite close to home in a farm shed but only a part of the back end can be seen and it is quite a distance in on private property so I am not logging this one. Today when visiting the museum at Margate I spotted this in their outdoor shed display. It is behind a wire mesh so I had to put my camera lens close to an opening hence no GPS in the photo.
I found this cache some time ago and have been keeping my eye out for a Little Grey Fergie. I have found one quite close to home in a farm shed but only a part of the back end can be seen and it is quite a distance in on private property so I am not logging this one. Today when visiting the museum at Margate I spotted this in their outdoor shed display. It is behind a wire mesh so I had to put my camera lens close to an opening hence no GPS in the photo.
Rated: for Overall Experience
This little beauty we spotted near the junction of two big rivers in Wentworth.
We have our two little mascots with us trying for a work out on the little grey Fergie.
Thanks for sharing the Locationless Cache
S34 6.420 E141 55.394
We have our two little mascots with us trying for a work out on the little grey Fergie.
Thanks for sharing the Locationless Cache
S34 6.420 E141 55.394
Rated: for Overall Experience
This little beauty we spotted near the junction of two big rivers in Wentworth.
We have our two little mascots with us trying for a work out on the little grey Fergie.
Thanks for sharing the Locationless Cache
S34 6.420 E141 55.394
We have our two little mascots with us trying for a work out on the little grey Fergie.
Thanks for sharing the Locationless Cache
S34 6.420 E141 55.394
Rated: for Overall Experience
Wow! Aren't we slack? This one was published in November 2007 and I took a photo to make a claim on it in December 2013. It's now 2020 and I'm finally getting around to logging this one.
It is at our neXt door neighbour's place but I don't think it goes anymore!
S41 15.803 E146 14.845
Thanks.
It is at our neXt door neighbour's place but I don't think it goes anymore!
S41 15.803 E146 14.845
Thanks.
Another Little Grey Fergie. Found this one at the Tourist information centre in Merrwa NSW This is a 1952 model. The second model is a 1957 side by side. Tnx for the cache Team Ladava.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Almost forgot this photo until I was looking through the folder of pictures I took on the day looking for another image.
This 1956 Fergie was in the Tamborine Historical Village. I don't know if its a permanent display item or just visiting as it was a special open day for Qld Heritage Month. While it didn't drive around they started it up and lift the sides so those who understand such things can look "under the bonnet".
Thanks for the Locationless.
This 1956 Fergie was in the Tamborine Historical Village. I don't know if its a permanent display item or just visiting as it was a special open day for Qld Heritage Month. While it didn't drive around they started it up and lift the sides so those who understand such things can look "under the bonnet".
Thanks for the Locationless.
Found this little Fergie going nowhere fast, on a trip home recently.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Managed to grab a photo of this one while doing a few caches around the Ebenezer area.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Spotted this little grey fergie at a farmer's down the road. Using this log in the Summer Scavenger Series games. TFTL
Rated: for Overall Experience
My family owned a Grey Fergie that had been converted to a 4WD tractor. It was a one of a kind that I remember buying with my father. I believe my cousin now has it. The photo's that I am posting are when my father took this to the Macksville Machinery show a number of years ago before he had a stroke which has since left him paralised.
This model Fergie had a ground speed PTO option. basically it means that the PTO would rotate at a rate proportional to the speed of the tractor, regardless of the selected gear. I have not seen this on any other make of tractor. Knowing this, a previous owner had fitted a couple of universal joints and driveshafts to take the PTO at the rear of the tractor, through a 180, back along past the gearbox and engine under your feet and to a Diff on the front axle. The result was that all four wheels were driven.
This tractor was a mungrel to steer but it could just about walk on water, I remember using it to pull a drain plough through a paddock which was under water and impssoble to walk across on foot.
This model Fergie had a ground speed PTO option. basically it means that the PTO would rotate at a rate proportional to the speed of the tractor, regardless of the selected gear. I have not seen this on any other make of tractor. Knowing this, a previous owner had fitted a couple of universal joints and driveshafts to take the PTO at the rear of the tractor, through a 180, back along past the gearbox and engine under your feet and to a Diff on the front axle. The result was that all four wheels were driven.
This tractor was a mungrel to steer but it could just about walk on water, I remember using it to pull a drain plough through a paddock which was under water and impssoble to walk across on foot.
Today, whilst on our way to Launceston, we saw a "Little Grey Fergie" in a paddock next to a house. The photo has been added to the Gallery. This example had been repainted a lighter grey and was fitted with a roll-bar but it is still the genuine article. Thanks Team Ladava for the cache.
Out and about for the 
Summer Scavenger Series 2016/17 and managed to snap this Fergie in our travels.
Summer Scavenger Series 2016/17 and managed to snap this Fergie in our travels.Rated: for Overall Experience
This was a lucky break as I met the owners of this Little Grey Fergie today and they were happy for me to take a photo. Just as well because we'd been driving around for a week peering into passing paddocks and yards in case we spotted one. Now we can watch the road and the traffic instead!
Spotted this Little Grey Fergie at the Whiteman Park Tractor Museum.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Visiting family in Bridgetown and they have a little grey Fergie in there Alpaca yard.
TFTC
TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
On the family property of Tizzana Winery we have always grown up with the grey fergy. Originally we had the TEA-20 which was started by crank shaft, a bit temperamental at times it was known to kick back...even breaking the old mans arm on one occassion. At this time it was our main vineyard tractor and eventually ran out of gusto, so we sold the little grey beast and replaced it with another TEA-20 which had been retro fitted with a key start. By this time tractor laws had been introduced and we retrofitted a roll bar onto it. Although no longer our main tractor, it still holds a special spot in the shed.
Rated: for Overall Experience
We popped into "Robinsons of Bookham" on our way back to Canberra hoping we might spot a fergie. Sure enough, a very sad example sat there in the open behind a fence. Not sure if this one is for sale or not.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I was driving along Mornington-Flinders Road in Main Ridge today and running late for lunch when I spotted a 'Little Grey Fergie' outside a winery named 'Ten Minutes by Tractor'. I had to stop and take a photo but there was a car parked beside the tractor so I took a quick snap and continued on my way.
Rated: for Overall Experience
We found a Fergie tractor in Goulburn today - a nice red one - hope this is ok. I think we had a Fergie on our farm in PNG when I was a kid. TFTC
Rated: for Overall Experience
Nice easy find for this locationless cache as we own a little Grey Fergie
Our original Grey Fergie model was a TE10 which was a crank start.
Featured here is the TE20 it is our second as it had a modern feature of a key start with a bigger engine.
We had to also installed a roll cage to it to continue using it.
Now only our back tractor.
The Ferguson TE20 is an agricultural tractor designed by Harry Ferguson. By far his most successful design, it was manufactured from 1946 until 1956, and was commonly known as the Little Grey Fergie. It is light-weight but effective, and a popular collector's item for enthusiasts today.
Our original Grey Fergie model was a TE10 which was a crank start.
Featured here is the TE20 it is our second as it had a modern feature of a key start with a bigger engine.
We had to also installed a roll cage to it to continue using it.
Now only our back tractor.
The Ferguson TE20 is an agricultural tractor designed by Harry Ferguson. By far his most successful design, it was manufactured from 1946 until 1956, and was commonly known as the Little Grey Fergie. It is light-weight but effective, and a popular collector's item for enthusiasts today.
Rated: for Overall Experience
This "Little Grey Fergie" is currently painted red. It is owned and used by the Rosebud Yacht Club to launch and retrieve their rescue boats and members yachts each Sunday during the summer sailing season. It was built/restored from parts of two fergies; one which was used by a hockey club to cut the grass on their hockey fields until about 20 years ago, and the second one which was discovered in a member's paddock when they purchase a new property. It is a much loved tractor and many children love to 'drive' it when it is not in use.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Looking round for one of these little fellas for awhile.
Finally found one headind to the coast.
New cafe opened up and there he was quietly sleeping.
TFTL
Finally found one headind to the coast.
New cafe opened up and there he was quietly sleeping.
TFTL
Rated: for Overall Experience
#GA468 - 12:25; Spotted this little Fergie parked outside the Lilydale Village Markets as I was driving through the town on the way to Launceston. Stopped and grabbed a snap before jumping back into the temporary geomobile and continuing on my way. TFTC Team Ladava
Rated: for Overall Experience
Spotted this Fergie in a street parade in Patrick Street, Laidley, Qld.
We see the odd one of these old tractors still being productively used here on the farms in the Lockyer Valley. They just keep going.
Thanks for the cache Team Ladava.
We see the odd one of these old tractors still being productively used here on the farms in the Lockyer Valley. They just keep going.
Thanks for the cache Team Ladava.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Seen at the Canterbury A and P show recently.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I would normally resist the temptation to log a locationless twice, but I couldn't resist the urge to log this pink Fergie that I spotted at Agfest in Tasmania (along with various other Fergusson tractors in more normal colours).
Whilst on a visit to Melaleuca in the south west of Tasmania I snapped a photo of this Fergusson tractor that was used for many years by the late Deny King who spent a good deal of his life living in this very remote and weather-beaten part of Tasmania.
Found by baby&Mrs gopher in the town of Walanda. As we drove into the town we saw a tractor outside the Dairy Museum. Yep there is our favourite tractor ,only this is so much like the original.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Our first find in Tassie - Little Grey Fergie (GC1JE0W)
We found this by chance heading down a side road in Bega (for another cache of course) and there was this beauty up high on a pole. Don't know the story to this one, but it's outside what used to be a MF dealer, judging by the shopfront imagery. Thanks Team Ladava.
Same time spotted with GA2612 and GA1095. Worth to visit this place. Thanks.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I figure this ex-farm worker is on holidays, down by the beach wearing the tractor equivalent of a Hawaiian shirt!... Spotted whilst tackling a couple of puzzle caches in the Sandringham area - it was such a sight to behold that I couldn't resist logging this locationless cache a second time. (Personally, I prefer them in traditional grey! 
)
)This little grey "Fergie" is on display outside the Tractor Museum at Whiteman Park northeast of Perth
Found while staying in Manaia, obviously still used as local transport for maintenance business as trailer behind had gas welding equipment etc
Rated: for Overall Experience
My uncle bought a Grey Fergie many many years ago, and when my parents came to needing one for their bush property I was keen for a LGF too. We came across one on they way back from their property, sitting on the side of the road near Lang Lang. For a little while our TEA20 was "mine" (I leant them the money for it) and since then it's cost them a lot in repairs/refurbishment since then (both from old age, wear and tear, and replacing some parts that were @#$#@ nicked off it) but I still have a soft spot for the good old grey Fergie
The photo show me driving it some 7-8 years ago (before the many repairs) which I managed to locate for this cache
The photo show me driving it some 7-8 years ago (before the many repairs) which I managed to locate for this cache
I found this online article from the Weekly Times and thought it may be of interest -
See also attached image
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
See also attached image
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
I found this online article from the Weekly Times and thought it may be of interest -
See also attached image
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
See also attached image
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
I found this online article from the Weekly Times and thought it may be of interest -
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
WHEN Noel Gawne stumbled upon one of the first TEA 20 Ferguson tractors he first worked on in a scrap yard, he figured it would be a nice restoration project.
An engine rebuild, a new clutch and a few seals here and there, a lick of Fergy grey and he's off to join the merry gang of restorers and enthusiasts across the country.
Then the Shepparton resident decided on something completely different - madness, some might diagnose.
Why not give it a power boost?
Barely budging the dynamometer at just 17hp (12kW) , the little grey Fergy now monsters the 660hp (492kW) mark - enough to terrorise any Ferguson Farming System.
"I was going to rebuild the original engine, but I thought it needed just that little bit more," Noel told the Weekly Times.
"I wanted to be able to plough about 10 acres in two minutes," he laughed.
Calling in the assistance of a friend at engine supplier Detroit Diesel, Noel was pointed in the direction of a suitable (or unsuitable, depending on which way your paddock is ploughed) engine evacuated from a charter boat.
His search query was only that it be "big". And big is what he got - a Detroit Diesel 8V92.
"I said to Detroit that I was looking for a big engine and they found one," he said in a moment of understatement.
And now with the project wrapped up, and regardless of the behemoth under the bonnet, Noel reckons the little grey Fergy still pays homage to Harry Ferguson, a leading developer of modern tractors.
While Noel has managed to marry much of the original machine to the giant motor - "I just sat down over a few nights with a few beers and figured it out" - perhaps Harry has had the last laugh.
It's crammed with horsepower in every possible way, but Noel reckons the beast is probably capable only of doing the work of a standard grey TEA.
"The linkage and that all works but it would probably only be able to do as much as a Fergy," he says.
"It would either spin the wheels or slip the clutch. It still runs all the Fergy clutch parts and everything else but you wouldn't want to ride the clutch for too long, it might get a bit hot.
"The motor itself probably weighs about a tonne on its own and the rest of the tractor about 300 kilos."
For a tractor built with no limits, it has major limiting factors.
"The limiting factor is really that the wheels will just dig holes and that's only good for doing channels," Noel reckons.
Noel is first to admit the project is the result of a bloke with too much time on his hands.
And like many shed projects, perhaps also the result of a very understanding wife.
"I actually lost my licence so this was a project for six months every weekend," he says.
"My wife approved but did question why.
"My shed's not much bigger than the tractor and the kids would get down there with me and watch me work on it.
"It's been a lot of work, but it's been fun."
When it was unveiled at the Elmore Field Days earlier this year, some wags suggested he was probably set to lose his tractor licence as well.
"Its a good thing the tractor I chose wasn't bigger, I don't know what I would have come up with then."
"It was always just going to be a bit of a toy."
But it had been a big drawcard, Noel said.
"When we were unloading it (at Elmore), 50 people were watching it come off the trailer.
"It's unbelievable."
"I think it actually cost me more in beer than what it cost to build the tractor.
"Some of the old blokes have looked at it and just asked 'why?'."
For local stories visit the Weekly Times.
You can copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tractor-restorer-uses-charter-boat-engine-to-cram-his-little-fergy-with-horsepower/story-e6frf7jx-1226205609545
MrsY's T learnt to drive on the little grey fergie her father had on the farm so has always had a soft spot for these little tractors. Pearns Steaworld Musuem exhibits a wide range of traction engines and old tractors. Included in the tractor display are two Ferguson tractors. The stitched photo added to the Gallery shows both “Little Grey Fergies”.
Found this Fergie tractor while driving past a house (loose term) and it's front yard which is full of tractors, cars and other machinery.
There is a photo of which has seen better days.
There is a photo of which has seen better days.
Rated: for Overall Experience
489. Can't believe somebody stuffed up a perfectly good Fergie (and my chance of a find) by painting it Yellow and Pink. For details see GC1Y23C Pole Dancing Fergie.
GCA 203 - 4122. A great Sunday run through the Tumut region with Sol...
Heading down to Batlow we made a few stops for finds. Found this little tractor sitting in a field while driving to a nearby GC cache.
TFTC !!
Heading down to Batlow we made a few stops for finds. Found this little tractor sitting in a field while driving to a nearby GC cache.
TFTC !!
Rated: for Overall Experience
No just one, but lots of old tractors.
Spotted the area as I drove along the Great Western Highway towards the Blue Mts. As a guess I would ay at least 6 in the 'graveyard'.
Interesting spot....and thanks for the reason to stop.
Spotted the area as I drove along the Great Western Highway towards the Blue Mts. As a guess I would ay at least 6 in the 'graveyard'.
Interesting spot....and thanks for the reason to stop.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw this old grey fergie whislt caching in the area
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw these two old grey fergies whislt caching in the area
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw this old grey fergie whislt caching in the area
Rated: for Overall Experience
Came across this little grey fergie whils caching around Maitland
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw this Grey Fergie when we visited the Stanthorpe Show.
Rated: for Overall Experience
This Fergie, even though it is red not grey, belongs to friends of ours who live at Koonya, Tasmania. The fergie was originally purchased by his Dad to work the family farm. Allan uses it for the same purpose. He also uses it to cut hay on his property and that of his friends in the neighbourhood. The slasher in the accompanying photographs was purchased at the same time. Note the name on the slasher - both are Massey Fergusons. TFTC and cheers; OldSaint.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw this grey fergy on thge way to Tenderfield
Rated: for Overall Experience
This little grey machine is dwarfed against the bigger machinery lined up behind it...
It is in a paddock at the back near where I live...
I used to love driving my Dad's fergie when I was a kid on the farm and had races with my brothers who would always get the big tractor.. But we had heaps of fun on the Fergie...
It is in a paddock at the back near where I live...
I used to love driving my Dad's fergie when I was a kid on the farm and had races with my brothers who would always get the big tractor.. But we had heaps of fun on the Fergie...
Took the attached pictures of the Fergie I found at Wentworth and now see that this one has been logged before. Oh well, it's a great example and a fantastic story of how they helped to save the town.
Found it.
Was really looking for another cache, then, theres a fergie as well.
T4TC
troobloo
Was really looking for another cache, then, theres a fergie as well.
T4TC
troobloo
Rated: for Overall Experience
Was walking around the Melbourne show on the last day and saw these as part of a display. We were walking down to the animal nursery when 3 year old grandson saw them. There were several tractors, engines and an old bus.
Rated: for Overall Experience
This little grey Fergie has a great view along North Beach, near Wallaroo, South Australia. It's for sale, so I guess we are providing a little free advertising for the owner. I have a feeling this may be sitting here for a while though, as it's tucked away on the end of a no-through road, so people would rarely ever get to see it. It's finding gems like this that make locationless caches fun!
Thanks Team Ladava.
Thanks Team Ladava.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found a little grey Fergie just out of Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills.
Even tho madchilli from Tasmainia has already logged this find here is a little clearer photo.This is a GC1JE0W cache and is called LITTLE GRAY FERGY.This machine still looks to gbe in good working order even tho the wheels haven't touched ground in a long time. Tnx Team Ladava
Rated: for Overall Experience
Discovered this Little Grey Fergie at the Swap Meet Show in Charters Towers!! Great little beast and beautifully restored!
Found these when I dropped into Beenliegh Heritage Truck Show near home
Unfortunately only had i-phone, no GPS so co-ords & pics care of same but no GPS in picture only geo-daughter who was with me....
Unfortunately only had i-phone, no GPS so co-ords & pics care of same but no GPS in picture only geo-daughter who was with me....
Rated: for Overall Experience
[359]
Although this isnt really a find per se, but we will claim it, and we think it should be mentioned as these could be some of the more famous Fergies. Edmund Hillary, conquorer used these beauties in his "dash to the pole" in Antarctica when he raced from Scott base to South Pole station to meet Dr (later Sir) Vivian Fuchs in his trans-antarctic expedition 1957-1958. They towed sleds with fuel and insulated sleeping quarters.
They were slightly modified with Kiwi ingenuity to make them tracked and fortunately one is preserved in the Antarctic Museum in Christchurch, NZ.
Although this isnt really a find per se, but we will claim it, and we think it should be mentioned as these could be some of the more famous Fergies. Edmund Hillary, conquorer used these beauties in his "dash to the pole" in Antarctica when he raced from Scott base to South Pole station to meet Dr (later Sir) Vivian Fuchs in his trans-antarctic expedition 1957-1958. They towed sleds with fuel and insulated sleeping quarters.
They were slightly modified with Kiwi ingenuity to make them tracked and fortunately one is preserved in the Antarctic Museum in Christchurch, NZ.
Rated: for Overall Experience
[358]
Found in two places . First at S36.23.509 E145 26.816, still working at one of our favourite fruit vending places. Lovely rust red colour.
The second find was at another place of gourmet fruit close to Shepparton that for those with a sweet tooth, we can vouch their products are absolutely YUM! They have 6 still working Fergies, 5 original grey and one in green. This one at S36.23.477 E145 28.728.
Found in two places . First at S36.23.509 E145 26.816, still working at one of our favourite fruit vending places. Lovely rust red colour.
The second find was at another place of gourmet fruit close to Shepparton that for those with a sweet tooth, we can vouch their products are absolutely YUM! They have 6 still working Fergies, 5 original grey and one in green. This one at S36.23.477 E145 28.728.
Rated: for Overall Experience
At the side of the road, not far from home. For sale $2100. Needs a little TLC. I thought that the TE20's were 4 cylinder petrol, but this is diesel.
As a child growing up in the Upper Murray of South Australia I saw many of these, and their competitors, the Fordson. They were the ideal tractor in the fruit blocks, small and easy to control.
As a child growing up in the Upper Murray of South Australia I saw many of these, and their competitors, the Fordson. They were the ideal tractor in the fruit blocks, small and easy to control.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Spotted this fergie in the front garden of a house in suburban Gisborne.
Saw this little Fergy in a village near Jervis Bay. The present paint job is the rust proofing undercoat, with the true colours to follow. It has been fully restored, has conditional registration & as can be seen, is used to tow it's owner's boat. I have seen at least 8 Fergys in this village which would have to be some kind of record.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found this little Fergy resplendent (well almost) in it's original colour at a country fair in Neville NSW. In perfect working order & still put to use by a local farmer who had several tractors on display.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found this little fellow sitting on the sit of the road, out cast by a bigger brother (you can just see big brothers wheel behind him)and awaiting some kind sole to come along and take him to a new home. He is sitting on Rosedale Road about 20kms out of Bundaberg.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Found a Fergie....
Found while caching around Forest Lake today...
Sitting all alone waiting for a new owner.....
You can ofter see these longwearing machines standing around in all sorts of locations including suburban fringes like this one....
Found while caching around Forest Lake today...
Sitting all alone waiting for a new owner.....
You can ofter see these longwearing machines standing around in all sorts of locations including suburban fringes like this one....
Rated: for Overall Experience
Located on an afternoon outing in Perth.
It is a 1954 Ferguson TE20.
It is a 1954 Ferguson TE20.
Found by baby&Mrs gopher at 0850 on the 03/09/09.This Fergie was purchassed early 1950's and converted with wide tyres and a home made farm post hole digger attached to the 3 point linkage on the back.The tractor is still in good working condition although it may not look like it.The conditions on this property can sometimes be very harsh.Tnx Team Ladava
Rated: for Overall Experience
Katherine Museum
Spotted this ferguson after locating another nearby cache.
Spotted this ferguson after locating another nearby cache.
S35 05.191 E147 24.343 Found by baby&Mrs gopher at 1500.While driving home from work saw this little beauty parked in Burns Road with the FOR SALE sign.This Little Grey Fergie is in rather good condition ready to do a days work on the farm.Tnx Team Ladava
Rated: for Overall Experience
S23 29.334 E144 30.370 This little Grey Fergie is in the Magic Mile of Machinery along the roadside in the town of Ilfracombe about 27km east of Longreach. There are many examples of the types of tractors, dozers, ploughs, trucks, drays etc in the Mile of Machinery that is very interesting to stop and have a look at.
Found by baby&Mrs gopher at the camping Park we stopped at for 2 nights.This Fergie was used on most days to make life easier for the staff.
Rated: for Overall Experience
S36 53.481 E174 43.215. Found by baby&Mrs gopher on our recent holiday to the North Island of New Zealand.The Little Grey Fergie is still in use here.Tnx Team Ladava
Rated: for Overall Experience
FlyingPigSqaudron has landed! Visited Foster Show this weekend - what a 'feast of fergies'
WanderingAus wandered by on day 162 of a 6 month trip Wandering Australia and spotted a Little Grey Fergie on the top of a pole at Wentworth NSW, where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet.
In 1956, Australia's two mightiest rivers - the Murray and Darling - were in flood and low lying Wentworth was in grave danger of being washed away. Residents, aided by an army of volunteers from nearby towns, battled night and day to erecdt earthen levee banks and walls maded of hessian bags filled with sand against floodwaters running 4 metres (more than 13 feet) above normal levels.
Throughout this epic struggle their greatest ally was the humble GREY FERGUSON TE20 TRACTOR. Used as a workhorse on the district's vine and citrus properties, the 'FIGHTING FERGIE' proved to be the difference in the effort to save the town, writing itself into the annals of local history.
The Little Grey Fergie on top of the pole was donated by Barry Mills and the scoop by Trevor McKeeman, in lasting tribute to the great little workhorse.
Nearby, at the park where the rivers meet, the gardens are also planted as a tribute to The Little Grey Fergie. In the second photo you can see the outline of a tractor and the word 'Fergie', the third photo includes the planting of 'Wentworth' with that of the tractor and 'Fergie', but it's not as easy to see.
My find No 1008, T photos, L footprints. I had thought of claiming two 'Fergie' finds, but the garden won't allways be grey.
T4TH Team Ladava
Keith
In 1956, Australia's two mightiest rivers - the Murray and Darling - were in flood and low lying Wentworth was in grave danger of being washed away. Residents, aided by an army of volunteers from nearby towns, battled night and day to erecdt earthen levee banks and walls maded of hessian bags filled with sand against floodwaters running 4 metres (more than 13 feet) above normal levels.
Throughout this epic struggle their greatest ally was the humble GREY FERGUSON TE20 TRACTOR. Used as a workhorse on the district's vine and citrus properties, the 'FIGHTING FERGIE' proved to be the difference in the effort to save the town, writing itself into the annals of local history.
The Little Grey Fergie on top of the pole was donated by Barry Mills and the scoop by Trevor McKeeman, in lasting tribute to the great little workhorse.
Nearby, at the park where the rivers meet, the gardens are also planted as a tribute to The Little Grey Fergie. In the second photo you can see the outline of a tractor and the word 'Fergie', the third photo includes the planting of 'Wentworth' with that of the tractor and 'Fergie', but it's not as easy to see.
My find No 1008, T photos, L footprints. I had thought of claiming two 'Fergie' finds, but the garden won't allways be grey.
T4TH Team Ladava
Keith
Rated: for Overall Experience
My son and I were down here tracing family history in Deni and then Captains Flat where She who must be obeyeds' father was born then grew up. we decided to cam in Urana and on the way thru found a little grey Fergy 'Dolled Up' for a museum.
Thanks Ackoand A.D.
Thanks Ackoand A.D.
This Little Grey Fergie (I know that as it says it on the pole it sits on top of) is atop a pole at Sassafras, Northern Tassie. It looks a bit lonely in the paddock at the moment but every year there is a large machinery show on this property.
Found this little Tractor at Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand.Its working days are over but it still is in use as a static display in the local playground.
It has been painted in a rather bright orange. However it was nice to see.
It has been painted in a rather bright orange. However it was nice to see.
Rated: for Overall Experience
Saw this one sitting up the top of a pole at Dungog NSW. A sad end for it. It's outside a dealer that still has the Massey Ferguson sign on it although somewhat faded. Unfortately all my AA batteries for the camera had died (have to buy some new rechargables) so photos taken on the mobile phone. Will try to get some better ones next visit which might be this weekend.
Dont know anything about this tractor except that I drive past it every day on my way to work
I grew up with this little 'grey' fergie. Well it's supposed to be grey not bloody rusty Dad! My parents have had this tractor since about 1983. I even learned hoe to drive on it. Dad still uses it for ploughing up the back paddock to grow a range of crops to sell at the local markets all around Bundaberg.
Rated: for Overall Experience
I was going to cheat because I happen to own a little grey Fergie. It is sitting in the garage surrounded by stuff.
However, I did find one out in the wild during my trip back from Adelaide.
Not much a of a story with this find - I found it on the way to a nearby cache that I wasn't expecting to find, but did.
Thanks. Swampy
However, I did find one out in the wild during my trip back from Adelaide.
Not much a of a story with this find - I found it on the way to a nearby cache that I wasn't expecting to find, but did.
Thanks. Swampy
Little grey Fergies in every direction at the Heritage Machinery show in Sassafras NW Tassie.
Passed this Fergie perched high up in the sky near Sassafras on the Bass Highway in Tassie.
Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, and thought it must have been what instigated this locationless cache. It appears to be just a coincidence, but for my sake a very lucky one.
Thanks Team Ladava for a fun cache.
Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, and thought it must have been what instigated this locationless cache. It appears to be just a coincidence, but for my sake a very lucky one.
Thanks Team Ladava for a fun cache.
I found this little grey tractor near my home a couple of weeks ago but wasn't sure what it was.I had a chat with the owner today,turns out it is a TE20 although the grill area has been modified at some time and the rear tyres are larger than normal.It has a 3 cylinder petrol engine which runs like new.The owner just purchased it and a slasher for $2000 and he uses it to mow his yard.Thanks for the cache Team Ladava.
This grey fergie sits proudly outside the Malanda Dairy Centre on the Atherton Tableland in North Queensland. The plaque shows how it replaced the horse team and helped open up the dairy industry in the area. The carryall fitted to the three point linkage was used to carry the containers of milk and also prepare the soil for feed for the herds.
We found this one sitting just down the road from 2 other locationless caches. We don't know who owns it but it looks in pretty good condition. See also You've Got Mail and Australiana. Thanks.
RomanSwamp
RomanSwamp
Team Ladava were very generous in letting me log this cache, because the old tractor in question really only qualifies on one account - it's little. It's a 1945 Massey - so one of the forerunners to the Fergies, and an example of the primitive style of tractor available prior to Harry Ferguson revolutionising the way
tractors were designed and used! The tractor is still used occasionally to operate some equipment in an old sawmill on my dad's property.
tractors were designed and used! The tractor is still used occasionally to operate some equipment in an old sawmill on my dad's property.
