Help Identifying Industrial Tractor - MF40?

[dmp2275]

Hello,
Can anyone provide assistance with identifying/confirming this tractor?

I bought this thing for pretty cheap.. Always wanted an old Massey and this fit what i wanted (3pth and pto, 3speed hi/lo, shuttle shift, loader, diesel). it needs A LOT of work but i have the experience and tools to restore it to its original condition so thats what i plan to do.

First order is trying to confirm that its actually a model 40, as was advertised. Serial plate shows 9A 96509. I wasnt able to find any serial-specific information for the model 40 tractor online but i did see some number ranges on yesterdaystractors for 135 tractors that fall in line with this and would put it at model year 1970. The serial plate has patent dates up to 1966 which makes me wonder if its a little earlier than 70'.. but there is a 70' stamped on the bottom of the oil pan so that piece lines up..

Loader model appears to be the mf34a, i think, but its hard for me to confirm. There is no identifier plate as the driver side mounting arm is all butchered up. I will completely remove all of the half-assed reinforcements and redo myself or look for a parts loader to grab the mount from but ultimately, its all there and working fine for the moment (it sits crooked on the tractor which bugs the crap outta me). It has the following info on the control valve if it helps identify: Built by Parker Hannifin Cleveland, Part number 708 600 M91, Serial 00290083.


Ill get some pictures up shortly.

 

[dmp2275]

 

[dmp2275]

Forgot the engine serial..

 

[mogwild]

Looks like this guy no?

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 4 industrial tractor information

(Tractor data is an awesome resource)

 

[fried1765]

The trailer is built with mobile home axles,..... and different size 3rd set of wheels/tires?

 

[murphy1244]

My guess as year would be a 1968

 

[dmp2275]

I did check tractordata and while it appears to be a 40, so many of these things used the same or similar parts, i figured I'd ask for a general consensus from a group of folks that probably know more about the tractor than I do. I do like tractordata a lot though ��

Regarding the trailer, it's not mine but yes, mobile home wheels. I believe the tires are all the same size but it does look a little goofy in the picture due to the way it's sitting.

Murph, thanks for the guess on the year! That's one of the things I was hoping to figure out.

 

[murphy1244]

I did check tractordata and while it appears to be a 40, so many of these things used the same or similar parts, i figured I'd ask for a general consensus from a group of folks that probably know more about the tractor than I do. I do like tractordata a lot though ��

Regarding the trailer, it's not mine but yes, mobile home wheels. I believe the tires are all the same size but it does look a little goofy in the picture due to the way it's sitting.

Murph, thanks for the guess on the year! That's one of the things I was hoping to figure out.

I went by the serial # on the 135 as these two models are about the same. I was quite surprised on the specs on the loader. Is your pump ran off the front of the engine?

 

[dmp2275]

I went by the serial # on the 135 as these two models are about the same. I was quite surprised on the specs on the loader. Is your pump ran off the front of the engine?

Yes, front mounted pump. Not sure what the flow is but I've seen different feedback suggesting 10-14gpm+. Haven't found a solid source to confirm the actual flow but the loader moves pretty fast. If this is the model 34a, it would be rated for 3,000lbs to full height, per tractordata.

 

[dmp2275]

Well, I guess I'll use this as an update thread as I go along with getting this tractor back into work mode. I have all kinds of problems to fix, with the first being steering and general maintenance (fluids/etc).

I don't like the looked of the oem shift boots for the early shuttle trans tractors so I took a $20 chance and purchased one of the newer boots from the 300 series tractors that use the 12 speed. Part number 1694126M3. Overall, it actually fits well! I have to pull the top shift cover as she's giving me trouble shifting into high so the boot will come back off but the only other thing I recommend would be use small black zip ties, sinch tight around the upper and lower orifaces, and trim flush to completely weatherseal. The boots came with some ugly clamps that are going in the trash.

 

[dmp2275]

One thing I missed on the review of the tractor is this:



This is the front axle carrier. I did look at this area when I purchased but the assembly is broken at the very front under the nose cone and I didn't see it.. I already found and purchased a used axle carrier for $350+shipping so at the end of the day, it's not the end of the world.

 

[dmp2275]

Some goodies came in; spin on filter conversion, new small items like filler caps and dipsticks, rad hoses, gauges, tach cable, 15 gallons UTF, two new rear R1 style rear tires, steering wheel, a new seat, etc.

I'm used to dealing with car restorations so the parts for this tractor are fairly cheap and I got a little carried away. I will be rebuilding the motor soon (she smokes pretty bad) but for now it runs fine. The main objective for this tractor is to move some Dana axles and a cummins 6bt around while I finish up the restoration on my Dodge Ram, then it'll get a full makeover and go to field work.

 

[dmp2275]

More goodies came in the mail..
Hoping the mph registers are close on the tach. The speed ranges appear similar to what's called out in tractordata for the 40.. the gears seem to be a little longer than the AG 6 speed but similar to the tractor with multi power. As long as they're within a few percent of correct, it'll give me a constant to compare to when using this in the field (which I do plan to do).

Also picked up labeled shift knobs (I believe the oem were just round balls), newer style shift boot to match the dual stick boot, fuel sediment bowel, parts books and service manuals for the tractor and loader, a service manual for the perkins AD3.152 diesel.

 

[dmp2275]

New axle carrier was delivered. Also picked up a new pivot pin and bushings, tie rod ends for the drag link, and injector nozzles.

 

[dmp2275]

If anyone has a lead on a hood or any of the front end sheetmetal for this tractor, please let me know. I've already hit a few of the major dismantlers in the US without much luck. I may end up converting over to mf135 style bodywork if needed.. The front of the hood has too much damage to fix, I'm afraid.

 

[PatrickS2222]

Hi, I'm not sure but your tractor may be a 30B - based on nothing more than its appearance compared to pic, specified equipment and loader fitted in tractorData:
TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 3B industrial tractor information
Also in comparison to my MF40 - which is around 1966 as well - yours has the exhaust rising through the bonnet whereas mine is between the bonnet and loader frame, yours has a different loader fitted (looks a bit stronger than mine). Nevertheless, I'm envious of yours having F-R shuttle ... what a bonus to have basically the same reverse gear ratio at the pull of one lever! I have only two to choose from, and spend a lot of time in low range - that 3cyl diesel is a true champion, but sometimes it seems to bite off more than it can chew! Not to worry, with a little patience ti does just fine!

You've picked up a great model machine. I'm enjoying rejuvenating mine .... you will also get the same satisfaction from returning yours to its former condition.

 

[Maximuswashere12]

I've just stumbled upon this because I am currently in a similar situation as you were. I just bought a MF 40 with a loader, but cannot find anything on the year of manufacture based on the serial number. I was also wondering how you went about ordering parts without knowing what year you have? My tractor is in good working order, but does need all new gauges and I would like to replace the instrument panel that has rusted out, and finding one, even if from a different model, seems tough without knowing the year. Wondering if you found any info on tracking down a serial number. Just for reference, my serial is 9AT39700. Thanks