MF 135 original wheel centers

[The kid]

That serial tag could be an early 65 tag. Most tags I've seen tell it's either a z145 or Z134 which is screened onto the metal plate. Attached is the engine serial plate for the Z145 I'm familiar with. If your serial number is accurate, then it really doesn't matter. I reproduced mine because mine was barely readable.

Attached are a few examples of tags I'm familiar with.

 

[The kid]

The steering cylinder is most likely a conversion added by a previous owner. Massey 35's and 135's with power steering use a steering cylinder built into the steering column. The cylinder rod is pinned to a rack that drives a gear that gives power assist steering at best. early models cylinders were connected to the rack by a 3/8 diameter pin. This size proved to fail prematurely and was later upsized to a 7/16 pin. (I believe these sizes are correct) When the front wheels were in ruts and the steering wheel was turned by Jack Armstrong the pin would shear. Some dealers disabled the cylinder in the steering box and added cylinders to the tie rods to give the steering more power and a stronger overall system.

After looking at your tag the number following the A is actually the tractor serial number. With that you can verify the tractors age. The 714 is actually the engine serial number. That's a really low number for the Z145. I've never see a tag that held both serial numbers. That explains the different tag. That's just too cool.

 

[rvp122]

Thank you Namyessam! I needed an additional part to fix the power steering leak and I made another trip to the local tractor shop. Fortunately, the owner was there (who is 78) and is full of knowledge. We spent two hours discussing the leaks I am trying to fix, it was a great learning experience. He was kind enough to punch out my old seal and install the new seal. With the information you gave me, we were able to determine the power steering mess on the tractor. I have both the add-on hodge-podge conversion and the steering box..... I think I will have the add-on parts removed and new parts fabricated? Or remove the hodge podge.... Hahahahaha.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[rvp122]

Thank you Kid for explaining the tags! It is good to know that information for future reference. THANK YOU!!

 

[rvp122]

Re the outer axle oil leak. Fix it. The seal has failed. Also the oil will have wrecked your brake lining. Replace or reline, BUT BEFORE refitting the brake shoe clean the oil out of the brake drum first.
Re the tractor meter, double check weather you have a straight 6speed or the multipower version(faster) Multipower shift lever is below the steering wheel and silver, or there may be a small 2" approx blank over the hole ,indicating a straight gearbox. In your case 6 speed.

Thank you Redman135! I will take your advice! It is greatly appreciated. I did check, and I do have a cover over that 3rd hole. Thank you for the reply!

 

[rvp122]

Hello Again:


I should start a new thread, but I have no idea what I would call it.

When I took off the dash/console from the tractor, I noticed a piece that was located on top of the console, directly below the steering wheel. The steering column went through this "cover" through the hole in the dash. I have no idea what it is called. If you know the name and if it can be replaced I would great appreciate it!

Thank you!

 

[The kid]

Hello Again:


I should start a new thread, but I have no idea what I would call it.

When I took off the dash/console from the tractor, I noticed a piece that was located on top of the console, directly below the steering wheel. The steering column went through this "cover" through the hole in the dash. I have no idea what it is called. If you know the name and if it can be replaced I would great appreciate it!

Thank you!

View attachment 331524

No need to start a new thread this one fits fine. It is your thread.

The part is simply a grommet that keeps metal from rubbing metal. There is a steering shaft cover that fits inside it and shouldn't move when turning the wheel. Here is a snippet from the Agco parts book website -kid

View attachment 331540

 

[rvp122]

Thank you Kid!!! I will use the link to the parts book.... Thank you!

Do you think the shaft cover in the pic is the correct cover? I think my cover is made from aluminum.



I have been finding strange "add ons" to the tractor recently and I am a bit leery of this piece. I have heard (from the local tractor parts dealer) the cover is very hard to find. I have a relative who is a machinist and said this would be easy to make.... But I hate to ask him to make the cover if it is not the correct length, etc.

 

[The kid]

Mine narrows at the top so as to hold back a spring that goes over the shelf. I'm assuming the spring helps keep the cover in place and from rattling. Your 135 being a very early version some carryover from the 35 may be used in yours. Your cover doesn't exactly like mine. Mine is aluminum however. Basically it's an appearance and dirt cover. -kid

 

[rvp122]

Funny you mention the spring.... The spring came up in conversation when I was ordering another part for the steering column.... I do not have a spring, but I ordered one from the local parts dealer.

Once the steering column is put back together, I will put the spring and cover on and take a closer look at the fit. THANK YOU!!

Thank you for the information on the correct name of the shaft cover. When I asked the name of the part at the local tractor parts dealer, they did not know either. The only thing they said was it was extremely hard to find, if I could find one.

THANK YOU!