MF 135 draft control

[Greg in KY]

I just bought a 135 and the position of the draft control lever does not seem to affect the position control lever. The draft lever does nothing to the lift arms regardless of position.

The location of the position control lever does not seem to affect the draft control lever. The position control lever works as if the draft control lever is fully up even when it is down.

It is as if the position control lever is the only lever that works and the draft control is not hooked up.

I hope I didn't make that sound too complicated-
Essentially the position lever works but the draft does not.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Greg

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi Greg,
The Position and Draft quadrant levers work through their own linkages but act on the common vertical lever. This vertical lever is in contact with the pump lever and movement of this lever actuates the linkage...up, down or stop.
When the system is working normally it is necessary for the Draft lever to be fully raised in order to operate the Position Control lever and linkage. When the Position lever and linkage is fully raised, movement of the Draft lever should cause it to drop. As you will see from the illustration the linkage operates by rollers and a cam referred to as the 'giraffe' due to its shape. These linkages do get bent and consequently the pump lever will not be moved forward when the Draft lever is lowered.

As usual the starting point is observation. Drain the oil to the level of the bottom bolt on the RH side cover and remove the cover. Inside you will see the vertical lever (coming from above) and pump lever (coming from below).
Without the engine running and the 3-pt down, raise the Pos lever. You should see the pump lever move rearwards.

Select an approx halfway position and have an assistant lift the linkage by hand. The pump lever should now move to a central position, that is 'neutral'. No lower the Pos lever a little. The pump lever should move forward into the 'discharge' position. Ask your assistant to lower the 3-pt slightly. The pump lever should now return to its central position. Think of the system as a see-saw. When one side is moved (Pos lever) the linkage moved until the system is put back in balance. This is similar with the Draft lever. With both levers fully raised and 3-pt held up, movement of the Draft lever downwards should cause the pump lever to be moved forward. This will not normally occur until the lever has passed the 'sector lines' stamped in the quadrant.
If you do not have any movement of the pump lever then it will be necessary to remove the cover to inspect further.
Let us know what you find.
DavidP, South Wales

 

[Greg in KY]

David,

I appreciate the thorough explanation.



I am probably gonna make you cringe but-

Will it hurt anything to leave it alone? I do not foresee needing the draft control for what I plan to use this tractor for.

I appreciate you,
Greg

 

[DavidP, South Wales]

Hi Greg,
If the 3-pt is working on the Pos lever then it should do no harm to leave it as it is. Listen out for the relief valve blowing just in case it does so as part of the problem.
At worst the system is likely to not operate at all, but that's for another day!
DavidP

 

[Greg in KY]

David,

Thanks, Greg