The Ferguson Tractor and its history is unique because the 3pt. hitch setup was designed by Harry Ferguson. At that time it was known as the Ferguson System.

First, some history...

Originally, Harry, from Belfast, put his 3-point system on David Brown tractors. DB went their own way, so Harry needed a partner. He hooked up with Henry Ford, through the famous "handshake agreement." Henry got old and Henry II took over, the war caused shortages, few official business documents existed, and who knows what else caused Harry and Ford to split up. A lawsuit followed -- Ford's use of the Ferguson System on their 8N tractors was considered a violation of Harry's patent. Now on his own, Harry Ferguson set about making his own line of tractors. The first was the TE-20 (TO-20 in USA). Over 500,000 TE20s were built from 1946-56 in the UK, while some 60,000 TO20s were built in the US during 1948-51. In August, 1951 Harry released the TO-30 series, and the TO-35 came out in 1954. (There is a lot of conflicting information out there on the Fergie colors, and no one seems to have the entire story. The TO-35 apparently was two different color schemes (grey/green and then cream/green) before it changed to red and grey of Massey Ferguson in 1958. Originally, the wheels and sheet metal including fenders and hood were Ferguson grey while the chassis and motor were a deep, rich metallic green. Then, the TO-35 became beige early in 1957. Also the F-40 was apparently two different color schemes (cream/green and cream/grey) during its lifetime.) Around 1952, Harry merged with the Massey Harris company. As the deal was being finalized, there arose a question as to exchange rates to be used, etc. Harry suggested a coin toss to settle the matter (typically Irish). He lost the toss, and about a million dollars, but appeared to not care, no doubt realizing that his patents and equipment were in capable hands. For a while this newly formed Massey - Harris - Ferguson company produced two separate lines of tractors. They continued with the Massey-Harris line and the Ferguson line (as both had loyal followers). The middle name was eventually dropped, and the Massey Ferguson Company (1958), produced its first " Red and Grey" (the old Red of Massey Harris with the favored Grey of Ferguson) MF35 in November, 1957.