A few years ago, my son, Steven, and I, restored a 1954 Ferguson TEA 20 and, since then, we have been collecting various implements to go with it.  We now have quite a large number of accessories.

My cousin knew Steven and I were collecting ‘all things tractor,’ and asked if we would like his sawbench, which has been in my family since new. I have memories of helping my late Dad cut firewood on it when I was a boy, though he never let me operate the bench. My job was to clear the wood away from the side of the bench to stop it falling against, and fouling, the blade, as he sawed the logs into fire-sized pieces.

It had been stored in the open for many years, at my cousin’s place. When we brought it home, it was in pretty sad condition, and very rusty. The bench had rotted away, but almost everything else was there.

I live, and work, in Adelaide, which is a long way from my property and my tractors, but I have quite a good workshop there, so I took the rusty old sawbench with me, as it would give me something to do.

In the first three months of this year, I stripped it down completely and wire brushed, sanded, and polished all the parts until it was back in good condition, then undercoated and reassembled everything. It turned out that most parts were still in good condition, including the bearings.

A new bench was made up and fitted, and the whole lot was painted in Ferguson Grey. A new belt was sourced and the tractor belt pulley was stripped, and new seals were fitted.

During my holidays, Steven and I fitted it to our 1954 Ferguson TEA 20 and cut up some firewood, just to make sure it all operated. It worked like a charm, and reminded me of those days, many years ago, when I helped my Dad cut the wood to keep us all warm for the winter. 

*Graeme and Steven Harley