loader for mf65

[jcrane]

i am looking for a loader for my MF65. I am concerned that it is too small for a loader, but I have seen many of them with laoders.

Do any of you have experience with having a loader on this tractor? If so, what size loader should I be looking for. I was thinking a Dual 300, or Dual 325.

I would be using it to handle round bales (1000 - 1200 lbs). Dirt work, picking up rocks, etc...

Is the front end stout enough on the tractor to handle this type of use?

 

[Anonymous-0]

A loader will work fine on your tractor. Dave

 

[Eric in IL]

The weak link will be the pivot bushings on the front axle. They are not very thick.

 

[Joe Ferguson]

We still have a MF-50 bough new with Model 99
(Davis) loader which runs perfectly. The front end of MF50 and MF-65 are similar. We never changed a part in the front end....but...greased dayly when in use. These machines are ~45 years old we have to operate them gently (no rough operation) they may outlast us. If your MF-65 is an high-crop (38" rear wheels) the front spindles are weak with a loader but may be used with care.


My 2¢

Joe Ferguson

 

[patiolant]

We have used a 65 high crop with an Allied 380 loader (large bucket) for 15 years with no problems. One thing I found was that the factory hydraulics were frustratingly slow for loader operation. I put on a completely self enclosed hydraulic system running off a front pump and dedicated for loader use, and it felt like I had purchased a new tractor.

 

[chris menchen]

I have a 1960 MF65 with a loader, hydrolics are very slow, but I have moved rocks and tried chaining on to things that end up lifting the rear end on the tractor, with no front end problems. I suppose if I made this a habbit I might have issues, but for normal bucket work, you should have no problems.

 

[Eric in IL]

Have you ever taken the front end apart to check the condition
of the pivot bushings ?

 

[Joe Ferguson]

Adding to my previous post...When lubricating the front end it is a good practice to lift the tractor front end slightly with the loader in order to permit the grease to reach under the central pivot pin/bushing and release pressure at the base of spindles. When greasing the spindles normally the grease squirt at the top of the spindles rarely at the base...if you lift the front end the the grease will probably squirt at the base and the top.
It permit a good lubrication of the lower bushings and the thrust bearings at the base of the spindles. The tractor will be easyer to steer and it will reduce components wear.

My 2¢


Joe Ferguson

 

[patiolant]

Pivot bushings are still good. It is greased every few hours of use, and the tractor is relatively low hours for its age (1961 with 2800 hours of use). I will be taking it apart this winter to check the bushings again.