Looking for opinions or options for MF100 loader upgrade

keepthemgoing · Monday at 12:23 PM

Hi all,

I'm restoring and upgrading an original MF100 loader mounted on a Massey Ferguson 135. The loader currently has a factory-installed spool valve integrated into the loader subframe — one single-acting circuit for lift and one double-acting circuit for the bucket.

I'm hoping to find a direct bolt-on replacement valve that provides dual-acting lift capability (i.e., down pressure). I’ve learned from other users that the correct part number might be 704 647 M92, which was used on some MF100 loaders with factory dual-action lift.

If anyone has a 704 647 M92 valve for sale, or can confirm compatibility (dimensions, fitting positions, port locations, etc.), I’d greatly appreciate it.

Also, if someone has experience with modifying the existing MF100 valve casting to add a second port (704 647 M91, mine appears to have an undrilled boss), I’d be very interested in hearing about your experience or recommendations. Photos, machining tips, or part cross-references are all welcome.

Thanks in advance for your help — this community has been a great resource for keeping these old machines working.

rScotty · Monday at 3:20 PM

Those are nice old tractors. Are you getting the hydraulic flow from a diverter valve or from a separate pump?

Sounds like you are saying your old loader didn't have power down on the lift arms. Our old JD had power up and down on the arms, but the bucket wasn't hydraulic at all - t was originally a trip type which I later modified by adding hydraulic cylinders.

I'm wondering if the MF100 loaders that came with dual-action lift were mounted and supported to the tractor the same as your old single action lift? Without having to resist the forces for power down, the loader mounting to the tractor may have been different.
Photos might show any differences if you have some of both type loaders.

Other than a possible difference in loader mounts a workable conversion would be easy.
I suspect that any problem will be in finding original Massey parts. Machining ports into an existing single port valve is an interesting idea, though.

keepthemgoing · 2025-05-07T08:54:58-0400

Hi rScotty, I appreciate the reply.

Yeah the MF100 loader came in two variations from the factory. One was the 'farm' version, with a single dual action cylinder for the bucket, and for the lift its only a single action with no down pressure. The other variant was found more commonly on industrial Masseys and were similar to the MF32 or MF34 loaders that had two dual action cylinders for the bucket and dual action for the lift. The two different versions of the control valve just bolt on the manifold of the same loader frame. Otherwise frame mounts are the same between the two variations. And for this setup the hydraulic pump is a separate unit that's driven off the engine crankshaft front mounted with the hydraulic fluid reservoir, filter etc. built into the loader frame.

Example of the 'farm' version I have:

VS the one with dual action lift of the same years:

Yeah finding original parts of this vintage is an exercise in patients and persistence. I've been keeping my eyes open on craig lists etc. but to no success yet.

So my options to modify the loader from what I have to what I need broke down into the following options:
1. Find that elusive control valve that can bolt right on (or a purchase a MF32 or MF34 loader, con: cost and availability)
2. Possibly drill and tap out that casting for the down pressure port on the existing control valve body (rebuilding it in the process)
3. Consider an external control valve setup. (more complexity and modifications but doable, and could include an additional circuit for a grapple)
4. Find a whole new tractor for the purpose with a loader already with the features, throw in 4 wheel drive, 20 - 40 extra HP (Ok I can dream anyway.)

rScotty · 2025-05-07T11:19:24-0400

keepthemgoing said:
Hi rScotty, I appreciate the reply.

Yeah the MF100 loader came in two variations from the factory. One was the 'farm' version, with a single dual action cylinder for the bucket, and for the lift its only a single action with no down pressure. The other variant was found more commonly on industrial Masseys and were similar to the MF32 or MF34 loaders that had two dual action cylinders for the bucket and dual action for the lift. The two different versions of the control valve just bolt on the manifold of the same loader frame. Otherwise frame mounts are the same between the two variations. And for this setup the hydraulic pump is a separate unit that's driven off the engine crankshaft front mounted with the hydraulic fluid reservoir, filter etc. built into the loader frame.

Example of the 'farm' version I have:
View attachment 3432550

VS the one with dual action lift of the same years:
View attachment 3432552

Yeah finding original parts of this vintage is an exercise in patients and persistence. I've been keeping my eyes open on craig lists etc. but to no success yet.

So my options to modify the loader from what I have to what I need broke down into the following options:
1. Find that elusive control valve that can bolt right on (or a purchase a MF32 or MF34 loader, con: cost and availability)
2. Possibly drill and tap out that casting for the down pressure port on the existing control valve body (rebuilding it in the process)
3. Consider an external control valve setup. (more complexity and modifications but doable, and could include an additional circuit for a grapple)
4. Find a whole new tractor for the purpose with a loader already with the features, throw in 4 wheel drive, 20 - 40 extra HP (Ok I can dream anyway.)

Sounds like a plan. We sure do like those old Masseys.

While looking at the various MF32&34 loaders, I stumbled across mention of a model MF2135 which is a new one on me. Apparently it was the industrial version of the MF135 and sure enough, there is a dual motion version of the MF100 loader mentioned in the attachments. Surprisingly more powerful than the ag version.
Some great photos at: