Need help w/ MF 135 P/S problem

jchipps · Mar 30, 2004

I am currently looking at a MF 135, 3 cyl. diesel tractor to purchase, but it seems to have a small P/S problem.

The tractor looks really good overall, and seems to be above average mechanically ie: dry, tight, no leaks etc, however the power steering seems to be a little weak.

What would be the most common reason for this ?

What would I be loking at (financially) to fix this if it's something major like the pump ?

If so, how hard is it to install a new one ?

Is this a common problem on 135's ?

Any ideas or comments appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff

sweettractors · Mar 31, 2004

Jeff--The PS on a MF 135 at best was only power assist--When the tractor was new, It was not very good especially at lower RPM--(Now the MF 150 is a different story, The PS on those, are real nice)--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *We ship Nationwide*

Nasty135 · Mar 31, 2004

jchipps ,I have a mf135 and I have had the pump off and apart. Mine leaks around the reseviour seal ..due to that leak it ran low during a busy day of use away from home when ,It got very hard to turn and noisy ,I had no supplies , in addition to hard as heck to steer the pump overheated and caused only the woodruff key to break(whew a close one) .. Not hard to take apart but if you do be careful with that seal ,I just reused mine and added silicone sealer... it still works BUT (as Ken said) its nowhere as easy to turn as my 1433v's power steering... Also maybe yours has a slight blockage either in the line or in the reseviour ,there is a filter that could be clogged or like mine desintigrated ,I'm running w/out filter now. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Anyone have any knowledge about parts availability for pump kits?? I would like to know also /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Is it jerky or just firm to turn?

orb · Mar 31, 2004

I don't know if the 135 has the same set-up as my old MF 50 but I'm pretty sure it does. I had the same problem when I bought it second hand, except there was absolutely no power to the power steering. Pump looked good and I changed the fluid but still no assist. A quick search at YTMag and problem was solved.. easy and cheap.

Over time the linkage that activates the power cylinder for the steering becomes sloppy, especially the roll pins on the connecting rod. It is essential that everything in the controls needs to be tight for the system to work. I simply over bored the roll pin holes and installed larger pins, tightened the linkage and I was in business. Two finger steering even with a full load in the loader bucket.

Let me know if this helps.

Orb

jchipps · Mar 31, 2004

The steering's not jerky, but just feels a little weak and spongy, so I'm not real sure.

I'm currently looking at several different tractors, so I guess I won't find out for sure, unless it ends up being the one I purchase, and I tear into it to explore. At any rate, it does'nt sound like it would be too much trouble, so that's good.

I really like everything else about the tractor BUT I do have...

One other question:

I noticed that on this tractor, the 135 emblem was toward the front of the hood instead of the normal position at the rear of the hood.
A friend told me that this was because it was made in the UK and not USA.

Is anyone familiar with this... And if so, Is it a hassle when it comes to getting parts etc. ?
What are the differences between the USA and UK made 135's ?

I was really leaning toward this tractor...but now I'm not so sure.

Any input on this subject would really be helpful.

Thanks for all the info everyone,

Jeff

Nasty135 · Apr 1, 2004

jchipps, maybe the fluid is not the specific type needed, I use atf in mine maybe it needs changed,
As to the uk question ?
I'm not sure about any parts difference,mine is a perkins and I have replaced starter solenoid delco remy,I had a GM starterlaying around ,and swapped it out works like a champ(auto zone ,or advaned auto) canister oil filter ,advanced auto (had to order 7.00),had to replace manual operated fuel pump,massey dealer had it ,also has kits to use spin on oil filter... So I personally wouldn't be afraid to get it,as long as it has good oil pressure,doesn't overheat,and doesn't burn oil...
I also have a massey 1433v which is 33hp and the 135 has noticably more power(torque)not from gearing but plain old grunt ,they are tuff!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif The 135 diesel has approx.38hp
Good luck in your decision /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JerryG · Apr 1, 2004

jchipps,
If you want a good site for MF tractors, go to Big Deans site. He was a MF mechanic for I think 27 years. He has a lot of usefully information. Big Dean's Site

sweettractors · Apr 4, 2004

<font color="blue"> I don't know if the 135 has the same set-up as my old MF 50 but I'm pretty sure it does. </font>

All the 50 and 150 MF that I have seen, have the PS in front of the radiator behind the grill--completely different system than the 135 series--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Save big on New Disc Mowers to Cut your hay*

CMunger · Apr 5, 2004

Some 135's had drag link type steering, with assist rams, some later 135's had hydrostatic steering like a 240, with rams on the front axle and a orbital steering motor at the bottom of the colum. I think they both use the same type pump. As for English vs US made. I think the hoods are different. As far as comparing a 135 to a 1433, that's like comparing apples to oranges, different tractors, different engineers, Iseki engineers, not MF, The only thing that is close is the paint and name. Power steering pumps for these tractors are readily available from several soures. The oridginal pump was made by a company by the name Barnes.
Chuck M.