Ford 1920 Issue number 1 of 2

[stevewatr]

I agree with the neutral safety switch most likely being a problem with your starting issue. On my 1920 with the shuttle shift it was the shuttle NSS that went bad. It isn't a big issue to replace them.

Your second issue sounds like a nightmare. I would definitely contact a New Holland mechanic and get his advice and start trying to locate the parts you may need before splitting the tractor. It may be a smarter choice to get rid of it if its going to be a huge hassle.

I know I could not bring myself to bail out on this tractor without knowing exactly what is wrong, so selling before splitting is not in the cards. I might try isolating the bad switch(s) this weekend.

Thanks,
Steve W.

 

[stevewatr]

The 1920 is fully supported by NH still, however parts are not cheap. There is little in the way of aftermarket support for this tractor. The aftermarket companies seem to focus on larger or older tractors. It sounds like you do have a clutch problem. Sometimes the "obsolete" for the state means that they just wanted a new tractor and found an excuse when it broke. The transmission problem is worrisome hopefully you just need a new clutch. The sellers listing of the flywheel being obsolete possibly suggests that it might also have been damaged. Parts are not cheap so I wish you luck. Please post back with what you find.

I'm excited to get to the bottom of the issue, but will have to wait untill I have space in the garage. Sounds like I'm destined to split the tractor to get the answers, and I know I'll need a good workspace for that. I'll keep the forum updated.

Thanks,
Steve W.

 

[stevewatr]

1920 has a shuttle NSS and PTO NSS. The shuttle NSS is a common replacement item.

I would put little to no faith in a message written on a tractor at a gov't surplus auction. Anything can and has been done to get equipment placed on a surplus list and sold. Do your own investigating, or pay someone reputable to do it for you.

I have heard about guys getting lucky at these auctions, but I know it could go the other way in a hurry. I'll get around to checking those switches soon, but the tranny/clutch issue will have to wait untill I get some floorspace in the garage.

Thanks,
Steve W.

 

[stevewatr]

if it's the straight gear model, have you checked the range selector?

Not sure what is meant by straight gear. I know it is not hydrostatic, but it has a shifter to the left of the steering wheel that goes done through the dash. The dash has a hunk of plastic missing around that area, and the linkage feels sloppy. I'm thinking they broke the plastic by banging the lever around?? There is a lever I see when I look down to the left when sitting on the seat, It appears to have no effect. It is not the one for the PTO, so I was thinking it might be a high low range control?? Please enlighten me if you can.

Thanks,
Steve W.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Not sure what is meant by straight gear. I know it is not hydrostatic, but it has a shifter to the left of the steering wheel that goes done through the dash. The dash has a hunk of plastic missing around that area, and the linkage feels sloppy. I'm thinking they broke the plastic by banging the lever around?? There is a lever I see when I look down to the left when sitting on the seat, It appears to have no effect. It is not the one for the PTO, so I was thinking it might be a high low range control?? Please enlighten me if you can.

Thanks,
Steve W.

The lever to the left of the column is the shuttle shift, the lever to the left of the seat is the range selector. That tractor has 3 ranges for a total of 12 forward and 12 reverse gears. The standard tranny was a 9x3 if I recall. Their both good systems so I would definitely ask someone with more knowledge of these tractors for their thoughts before investing too much more in it.

 

[whodat526]

The lever to the left of the column is the shuttle shift, the lever to the left of the seat is the range selector. That tractor has 3 ranges for a total of 12 forward and 12 reverse gears. The standard tranny was a 9x3 if I recall. Their both good systems so I would definitely ask someone with more knowledge of these tractors for their thoughts before investing too much more in it.

the trans gear shifter was also on the dash on a standard trans on them

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I'm excited to get to the bottom of the issue, but will have to wait untill I have space in the garage. Sounds like I'm destined to split the tractor to get the answers, and I know I'll need a good workspace for that. I'll keep the forum updated.

Thanks,
Steve W.

You should be able to check out the trans by taking the top cover off . If every thing looks good in the trans then split the tractor and check the clutch.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

the trans gear shifter was also on the dash on a standard trans on them

Your right, and I just read again where he has not mentioned a shifter on the right of the column which leads me to believe he has the standard tranny and not the SSS. I don't remember the last time I saw a 1920 in person with a standard transmission though, I wonder how many SSS 1920's were made compared to standards? If the numbers are as high in the SSS favor I wonder if parts may be harder to locate for a standard tranny then?

I have not used a 1920 with standard transmission in around 18 years back when I worked for my neighbor as a kid. I remember being the only one allowed to operate that tractor other then my neighbor (who owned it). My brother and everyone else who worked with us at different times was not allowed to touch it. They were and still are a great tractor. I have had a 1920 with SSS for around 8 years now and other then a NSS it has been very reliable. I don't remember ever having problems with transmissions on either 1920's I had experience with.

 

[Don87]

Not sure what is meant by straight gear. I know it is not hydrostatic, but it has a shifter to the left of the steering wheel that goes done through the dash. The dash has a hunk of plastic missing around that area, and the linkage feels sloppy. I'm thinking they broke the plastic by banging the lever around?? There is a lever I see when I look down to the left when sitting on the seat, It appears to have no effect. It is not the one for the PTO, so I was thinking it might be a high low range control?? Please enlighten me if you can.

Thanks,
Steve W.

Hooked on HP had a good idea. Take the top cover off the tranny, and see what you find first.

The broken dash could indicate broken shifting forks. That will allow the shifter to move more than designed and possibly break the dash.

Best of luck with the tractor.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

And can you post some pics of your tractor? Including the dash since I am feeling nostalgic now.