MF 65 - Low clearance - High clearance Confusion

[Stan56]

More questions about my MF 65. Serial # 693xxx (1963) direct injection diesel, with multi-power transmission.

According to the Serial #plate, it is a low clearance chassis, which is fine. However, according to my parts book it is fitted with high clearance lower lift links. They measure 34-1/2 inches between holes. Could this be original from the factory, or is it possibly an owner modification?

And, if this happened outside the factory, do I need to think about going to low clearance lift links?

Thanks for any advice,

Stan

 

[miangus]

I believe the correct term is High Arch. The High Arch uses an adaptor to lower the lower lift arm attaching point. The standard model pins just screw into the tractor housing. If the tractor has over size tires it may be an advantage to use the High Arch brackets. The Hich Arch tractors came with 38-inch rears and extended front spindles. If everything is working for you, I wouldn't bother changing. The High Arch tractors also came with a lowered attaching point for sway bars.

 

[Stan56]

I believe the correct term is High Arch. The High Arch uses an adaptor to lower the lower lift arm attaching point. The standard model pins just screw into the tractor housing. If the tractor has over size tires it may be an advantage to use the High Arch brackets. The Hich Arch tractors came with 38-inch rears and extended front spindles. If everything is working for you, I wouldn't bother changing. The High Arch tractors also came with a lowered attaching point for sway bars.

Thanks! And I just discovered we are both right on terminology - at least according to my parts manual. According to it, if the tractor data/serial number plate shows C in the first position of the data plate the chassis is (and I quote) C - Hi-Clr (Hi-Arch).

Mine is an S - Lo-Clr (Std). 28-inch rears and no extended spindles.

Thanks again!

Stan

 

[Bob NY]

I have a 65 and a 165, both standard clearance. I just measured the lower links. They are 34.5 inches center to certer on both tractors.

 

[Stan56]

I have a 65 and a 165, both standard clearance. I just measured the lower links. They are 34.5 inches center to certer on both tractors.

Interesting. I just checked the parts manual again, to see if my brain switched high for low. Nope, according to it, 30 1/2 Lo-
Clr and 34 1/2 Hi-Clr. Looking at the proximity to the rear wheels/tires, it seems the longer links would make connection to implements easier.

Thanks for checking.

Stan

 

[miangus]

It is pretty common for people to call the High Arch tractors High Clearence. My dad always called our High Arch high clearance. I believe there is actually a High Clearence model. The High Arch models also typically come with Category two three-point arms. The factory top link for the High Arch tractors is interesting; it is longer than a regular top link and has a category one connection on the tractor end and a category two connection on the implement end.

 

[Bob NY]

I previously owned a 65 and 165, both high archs. Neither of them had category 2 lower links. The lower links were longer as was the top link.

 

[Stan56]

To bring it full circle - one of the issues with this tractor, and my hi- or lo clearance confusion was the distance off the off the ground of the actual lifting link connection. Initially I thought the length of the lift link might be the controlling factor. At that point, it was a full 15" from ground level at its lowest. My little box scraper would not drop enough carry a full load of dirt, the flail mower had to be left on blocks to hook up, etc.

I grew up on crawlers, first a Cat 28 then an International T-6 (gas) and an old Avery GG with a drawbar we used for pulling a sled for almond harvest. Never had or used a 3 point until about 25 years ago. First 3-point equipped tractor was a Ferguson TO-30 and then a Ford 860. Both of them were correct from the get-go, so I assumed EVERY 3-point connection was correct for my application. Silly me!

So, it took me a bit to figure out the lift arms were in the wrong hole of the lift link! And very little on the internet that I could find about proper placement. In any case, the lift link arms have 2 holes for the lift arms - one at about the mid-point and the other right out at the lift end, about 6 - 8 inches from the connector ball.

After a bit of head scratching and talking to Mike at Tractoropolis, I moved to the correct, middle placement, and everything works as it should. Arms are right down where they should be, I can hook up to implements easily, and the implement actually works as designed!

Thanks for helping me learn a bit more about my tractor - I appreciate it!

Stan