MF 135 lift problems. help

[pharmvet]

I have a 135 Massey and lately when I try to use my 3 pt. shredder I cannot get the lift to set to the proper setting. The shredder is either in the dirt or all the way up. There is no In Between. What do you feel is the problem and how can I fix it. thanks

 

[Farmwithjunk]

First thing that comes to mind is a weak master control spring (or issues w/spring) That's the big spring at the tractor end of the 3-point top link. Best way to test is to eliminate the top link mounting to the standard location. Use a chain. Attach it to the mower at normal top link point. Then attach the other end to the tractor just below the top link "shackle". (There should be a set of holes there you can put a bolt through....) Try it then. If all is well, you need to address the master control spring and associated components.

 

[pharmvet]

I have spoken with my local MF dealer and he was very helpful. He mentioned the top link spring as well. He told me that If I wanted to do some of the work myself, I could remove the top plate and bring it to them. He said they could make any adjustments necessary to the spring, etc. I have limited mechanical experience but Im game. Is it wise for me to tackle this myself. What are potential pittfalls of removing the plate myself? What things should be done while the top plate is off? thanks Mike

 

[flusher]

I have spoken with my local MF dealer and he was very helpful. He mentioned the top link spring as well. He told me that If I wanted to do some of the work myself, I could remove the top plate and bring it to them. He said they could make any adjustments necessary to the spring, etc. I have limited mechanical experience but Im game. Is it wise for me to tackle this myself. What are potential pittfalls of removing the plate myself? What things should be done while the top plate is off? thanks Mike

That plate is plenty heavy so be careful if you decide to work on it yourself. I have an engine hoist for that kind of work.

If your luck is like mine, you'll run into a bolt that refuses to budge. That can be a real problem especially if you muscle the bolt and snap it off. Easy to do in these old tractors.

If you don't have a 135 service manual, you'll need to get info from your dealer on the procedure for removing the top plate.

BTW: my MF-135 is a 1964-vintage diesel with multipower.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I have spoken with my local MF dealer and he was very helpful. He mentioned the top link spring as well. He told me that If I wanted to do some of the work myself, I could remove the top plate and bring it to them. He said they could make any adjustments necessary to the spring, etc. I have limited mechanical experience but Im game. Is it wise for me to tackle this myself. What are potential pittfalls of removing the plate myself? What things should be done while the top plate is off? thanks Mike

Removing the lift cover has a few tricks. Description of which is rather long and detailed. It's BY FAR best to have service manual in hand when attempting. The ONLY adjustment that can POSSIBLY help that removing the lift cover will gain is adjusting what is known as the draft bump stop.

Check that spring. Can you rotate it (easily). If so, start by snugging the jamb nut that holds it. (Not TIGHT, just snug) There is a SMALL set screw that locks that nut in place. Make certain you loosen it first.

Before doing ANY of this, rig the chain from tractor to implement (eliminating top link mount @ tractor end) to see if ANY of this is neccisary.

Best advice I can give is get a copy of BIG DEANS MF100 series repair CD. All of this is detailed with text and pictures.