MF 135 - Priced right or money pit?

[dobiedisco]

I wondered about the streak on the back wheel, too...didn't notice it until I looked at the pics. Looks like it came from where one of the bolts are. How would I check for a leak?

Haggling with the seller over implements at the moment. I think he's wanting a bit much, maybe to make up for the price of the tractor. He doesn't need to sell it, it's just taking up space. Making an offer tomorrow on just the tractor and the John Deere brush hog. If he accepts, then I'll need to worry about getting it to my property, since the tractor's an hour away.

 

[flusher]

I wondered about the streak on the back wheel, too...didn't notice it until I looked at the pics. Looks like it came from where one of the bolts are. How would I check for a leak?

Haggling with the seller over implements at the moment. I think he's wanting a bit much, maybe to make up for the price of the tractor. He doesn't need to sell it, it's just taking up space. Making an offer tomorrow on just the tractor and the John Deere brush hog. If he accepts, then I'll need to worry about getting it to my property, since the tractor's an hour away.

Could be a leaking axle seal. Check on the inside of the wheel for hydraulic oil on the wheel and/or tire.

Axle seals are not expensive and are not difficult to replace.

 

[Texas Blues]

Go give the man the money right now! Thats a really good price. You cant be too far from me, Ike went right over my house to, what a mess. Like the other posters have said, I wouldnt worry about the "gunk". 30 plus years, your going to have some oil leaks, as long as its not pouring out somewhere. I wish mine was in that good of shape when I bought it. If you decide to pass on it, let me know! lol Good Luck, TB

 

[dobiedisco]

Well, the deal is near done...just need the guy to get back from Dallas, give him the money, and have it delivered. Tractor, 5' John Deere brush hog, 5' box blade w/teeth (new), and boom pole for $3,000. A fellow came along and wanted to buy it tomorrow (probably one of the re-sellers around here), but I believe the seller is honest and will stand by his word. Some of these buyers will also offer more money and I hope that is not the case here. Fingers crossed.

 

[dobiedisco]

Texas Blues, my property is in Montgomery and it was surprising the strength of the winds that far north. I live in the Champions area of Houston and had some large limbs that came down around my house, but no damage in my subdivision. The bad part is that the bungalow I bought had to be cut in half to be moved and they didn't have it back together when Ike came through, so all of the rain came inside and ruined the interior.

 

[Texas Blues]

Sorry to hear that dob. I live in Manvel, near 288 and hwy 6, not very far from Pearland. It blew pretty good here, we lost alot of trees and quite a few shingles. Some of the roof decking came up, but didnt let go (thank god) but water still got in the attic. Good luck on scoring the tractor, it really is a good price. Heres a picture of how gunky mine was when I bought it (this was after I power washed alot of the gunk off, but there was still plenty there afterwards. Have since rebuilt the motor, so at least the motor is clean looking now. Its the gas perkins, but the same blockm as the perkins diesel. Anyhow, it ran good and held good oil pressure despite the years of oil leaks. Thanks, TB

 

[dobiedisco]

Tractor and implements were delivered yesterday!!! After waiting out the storm that followed, there was only time to drive it around for a little bit and figure out how everything works (seller showed me the basics). The one thing that bothers me is the fuel leak, it is a more steady drip when the tractor is being driven. Did check the bolts the seller said may need to be tightened, but they were already tight. I will clean it up when I'm out at the property again to take a closer look, but wanted to find out from the TBN guru's what my next step(s) should be. I do plan on ordering the (Big Dean?) CD and manuals...although I'd like to get this taken care of beforehand.

One more question...are the brakes supposed to stop the tractor??? Mine are quite tight and I'm not sure if I just didn't press down hard enough or if they need to be adjusted.

The draft control lever doesn't move and there is a level under the seat on the right-hand side that the seller didn't know what it is. More things to figure out! Thanks for your patience with my questions!!!

 

[Texas Blues]

The lever on the right under the seat, should be the lift "response" or "speed" adjustment. Do you mean the lever by the dipstick? My lever doesnt seem to do much no matter what position it is in, maybe it doesnt work right, but I think thats what the function should be. Good luck, TB

 

[flusher]

Tractor and implements were delivered yesterday!!! After waiting out the storm that followed, there was only time to drive it around for a little bit and figure out how everything works (seller showed me the basics). The one thing that bothers me is the fuel leak, it is a more steady drip when the tractor is being driven. Did check the bolts the seller said may need to be tightened, but they were already tight. I will clean it up when I'm out at the property again to take a closer look, but wanted to find out from the TBN guru's what my next step(s) should be. I do plan on ordering the (Big Dean?) CD and manuals...although I'd like to get this taken care of beforehand.

One more question...are the brakes supposed to stop the tractor??? Mine are quite tight and I'm not sure if I just didn't press down hard enough or if they need to be adjusted.



The draft control lever doesn't move and there is a level under the seat on the right-hand side that the seller didn't know what it is. More things to figure out! Thanks for your patience with my questions!!!

That little lever under the seat on the RHS is the draft response lever. It controls the rate at which the 3pt hitch lowers and also controls the rate at which the draft system responds. Most modern tractors have a control valve below the seat between your legs that handles similar functions.

135 brakes are nothing to write home about. The brakes on my 1964 MF-135 diesel are pretty worn and will need to be replaced soon.

 

[dobiedisco]

Thanks, guys! Do you know why the draft control lever next to the 3 pt lift doesn't move? Guess it really doesn't matter, since I'll only be brush hogging and using the box blade and boom pole. The brakes gave me a start when they didn't stop the tractor as I was parking it under the canopy next to the house...thought I was going to drive into the kitchen. That would have finalized my decision on whether or not to expand that wall!

Can the fuel lines be purchased at any parts store? Do I need to disconnect anything before dinking with the lines/hoses so I don't get a diesel bath?