MF 135 Draft control

[ltolson]

I bought a 1973 MF 135 with a Perkins gas engine one month ago. My first tractor. I have spent the last month in my freezing cold garage rewiring, changing fluids and filters and doing minor repairs. So far a great little tractor. I can't wait to get it up to my hunting property in northern Michigan to start this years food plots.
Anyway my problem is the draft/position controls. When I brought it home the levers were rusted together so they would only move as one. I fixed that but I now find that the draft control will raise and lower the lifts but the position control will not. Any ideas?

Larry

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi,
The control levers are connected by a tube for the position control lever and a shaft inside it for the draft lever. If you have applied any force to free them it is possible that you have sheared the small key that connects the lever to the tube. To remove the quadrant complete you will need to remove the hydraulic cover to gain access to the retaining screw. If your tractor has Pressure Control make a note of the position of the inner quadrant plate as it is in slots. It is possible to remove the draft quadrant and lever as well as the PC lever. You should at least see the problem if it is here.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[Finn Md]

simple question - is the Draft control in full up when you try using Position Control? In case you didn't know, Draft lever must be full up in order for Position Control to work properly.
I had a similar problem years ago with my 135D, as both levers would move as one. I applied PB Blaster numerous times and gently worked them back and forth. Also, check to make sure that the adjustable lever stop is not preventing the Position Control lever from moving full up. Good Luck

 

[ltolson]

I used penetrating oil on the shaft and moved it back and forth until they seperated.
The position control will not work in any position only the draft control raises the lifts. I suppose I will need to remove the lift cover to investigate.
Removing the cover looks like a big job. Anything else I should do while I'm in there?
Thanks

Larry

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi again,
If you look underneath the housing that the quadrant is attached to you will see the tube that the position control lever is attached to. Either watch or hold the tube and check that it turns when you move the lever.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[ltolson]

David

I did just that today. The tube does move when the position control lever moves. I assume then that the problem must be under the lift cover?

Larry

 

[ltolson]

By the way why is it referred to as a quadrant?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi,
Now that we know the tube is moving there is a strong possibility that there is a problem with the roller linkage under the cover.
DON'T attempt to remove the cover until you have a manual or come back and I'll guide you through it.
As to 'quadrant'? A quadrant is generally anything that is one quarter of a circle so whilst its not exact, its fairly close.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[Frema]

Hi everybody
Some of the readers seems to waver a bit between the MF levers. Be sure to tell the exact difference between pressure/draft control, position control, depth control and reaction control. Users guide will be the best way to get familiar with the hydraulics.
Frema.Dk