MF 135 Front Weights

[Tslinger]

So... I'm in the process of buying a 135... I'm getting it to replace an 8N. I'm tired of the fast 1st gear, and trans PTO. Getting a remote will be nice, as will the few more horses...

However... the 135 isn't much heavier, or longer than the 8N, so I expect to have the same issue of not enough weight up front when dealing with picking up our brush hog. The N will do it fine, but we're pretty hilly, and I really don't like the sketchy steering when it's up...

So, while it seems pretty easy, if pricy to pick up a front weight bracket, what I don't really know is what is the specific weight that would go on the bracket... I expect I'll have to find them semi local, 'cause shipping weight around isn't going to be pleasant... I just don't know what I need to target in my searches...

Tractor is in Eastern PA, but I get around there, NJ, DE, and MD down to Baltimore quite a bit... If anyone knows of a 2nd hand bracket, and some weights, I'm all ears...

Cheers

 

[Dieseltech]

Consider getting a set of front wheel weights, if you can't find a bracket and hang on weights. Front wheel weights were common on lots of Ferguson and Ford tractors, and
doesn't lengthen the tractor any..

 

[Tslinger]

That's on the list as well honestly. If I'm lucky, I might already have a set that we picked up for the second 8N, but didn't put in place. (didn't have the bolt holes in the wheels, and my uncle didn't want to drill them, so we just stuck a finish mower on that, and never picked it up...)

Our first N has front wheel weights, and is still very light up front with the brushhog.

Some of this would be easier if A) I had the 135 already (truck was down, couldn't pick it up last weekend), and B) I didn't live 100 miles from where the tractors are... I get there every couple weeks currently, though the plan is to move out there in the nearish future...

 

[FinnMD]

Ideal set up for you would be original
suitcase weights sitting on the stock MF
front weight bracket, and also liquid fill
front tires. Since you are in my region I
highly recommend Nolts Equipment in
Newville PA, 717.776.6242. They specialize
in MF tractors and have a salvage yard.
Likely have what you need. I bought
suitcase weights there before, and many
other parts. They also repair and sell old
MF tractors. I am in hilly ground in
northern MD, had a 135 with mower also,
currently run a 165 and 265. These 100
series are light on the front, and a mower
over 500 lbs can cause safety issues on
hills. Liquid fill the front tires not
expensive and can add about 50 lbs per
tire. Suitcase weights not cheap, years
ago paid about $0.75 to a dollar a pound.
I would look to add at least 300 lbs, plus
or minus depending on weight of your mower
or other things you'll put on 3 pt. Good
luck.

 

[Tslinger]

OEM weights, on the OEM bracket is the goal. Thanks for the lead on Nolts. They're not too far out to make the drive...

Given the choice, I imagine I'll throw steel on the fronts rather than liquid ballast. There isn't enough volume in a 6-16 to offset the potential headache for the liquid. I was supposed to check the front wheel weights I have against it this weekend, but just didn't get to it before I headed back home...

Well, it's safely tucked in the barn now...