Anyone had a snapped ram arm on TEA20 ?

Sorry its confirmed - I would change the whole of the top - from a scrap tractor, and also the pressure relief valve, which is probably stuck shut, and caused the problem in the first place.

Relief valves are available new from a number of Ferguson suppliers - maybe even MF itself, but certainly The Old 20 Parts Co in UK, email battelleNOSPAM@btinternet.com (less the NOSPAM bit) or Holland-Brand (see link below), or a number of others. I have no connection with any of them, other than having bought parts from them.

Replacing the top cover complete is not too bad a job, but is easier with two people - heavy - or borrow a cherry picker/fore end loader. Remember to disconnect the control arms from the control valve on the pump - spread them to disconnect.

Finding a replacement top cover is a "search for your Fergie scrapyard" job, before of course renewing all seals (piston etc.) before re-assembly.

Good luck.

• Holland-Brand

You may find it easier and simpler to acquire a complete replacement 'lid' including all the internals - as I don't think anyone makes replacement parts for any of it - unbolt the old one, and replace with the 'new' one after checking seals etc. on the replacement lid.

I'm sure you know how the inside operates - but I include a link to the Friends of Ferguson Heritage website's excellent hydraulics demo page for interest, because it's a good page for reference.

What I was wondering was maybe if it was the pin at the end of the lift piston that had gone - if this is the case, welding it back on will not help - too much stress on the weld I would think.

Sorry it happened, I'd be sick as a dog if it was mine but take comfort from the fact that no-one was hurt - good luck.

• Fergie hydraulics operation