MF-150 Front loader install problems…

[Massey_165]

I’ve got a MF-150 that I’m wanting to put a loader on that is currently installed on my MF-135. I’ve been told that it’ll switch right over but it seems like I keep finding more and more problems and now wondering if it’s even worth it. The first problem is that the front doesn’t mount up the same, I’d have to make front mount brackets, and also longer back brackets, the second problem is mounting the front hydraulic pump to the crank pulley, it has a hole going straight to it but the steering links would hit the pump shaft while turning. Would it be worth all the hassle to try and switch this thing over or should I just sell both and buy one tractor with a loader?

 

[Jim.ME]

Sounds like you are seeing the things that were mentioned when you first posted about this last month. As for interference with the steering components and pump drive shaft you will need to check for wear in the front axle support and pivot components and for sag/looseness in the steering gear, to see if there are things that need to be fixed in that area.

Also whether or not swapping it over is worth it, is something you have to decide for yourself. Each of us might have a different answer depending on how much we wanted a project and how attached to a tractor we are. It sounds like you are having misgivings about the undertaking. If you need a real loader tractor you might want to be looking for a light industrial model with a PTO and three-point hitch, with a loader already on it.

 

[Massey_165]

The steering components all seem good, the problem is with the steering knuckle arm, it would hit the pump shaft, I’ve added a picture of it.

I’m not attached to the tractors, the end goal is to have a good loader tractor and a good tractor without a loader for bush hogging and everything else. I’ve got those Massey Ferguson tractors and a IH 444. Trying not to spend to much money on them since I only have 5 acres. I’ve only got about $2,500 in both Massey Ferguson’s.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

I would mount the front of the loader to those 4-bolt pads on the SIDES of the tractor, instead of under the front as it is on the MF135.

In fact I think if you do that you can mount the loader without extending the rear mounts. The loader will set a little farther back on the tractor, which is good, because it won't put quite as much leverage on the front end when you're lifting something.

Just get the loader frame on stands, slide it up against the rear axle, and see where things fall on the 150.

Frankly I wouldn't bother with the front pump and use the remotes on the MF150 to operate the loader.

The tractors are definitely not the same, and there was no way the loader was going to switch right over.

 

[miangus]

Barnyard is correct. Typically, loaders for the 50/150 and for that matter the 65-165 are mounted as he noted. I would not expect a loader from a 135 to go right on a 150.

 

[Jim.ME]

It looks like the 150 has one set of add on remotes powered by the internal pump (less than 5gpm). It does not have the extra auxiliary hydraulic package. What is there can be made to work, but it will be slow.

 

[miangus]

I have used a loader on my 65 with the belly pump. Jim is correct it can be slow. Mine is run off the MF control system. What would be the remote in the valve mounted between your legs is routed through a loader control valve. If you understand how, it works you can successfully run the loader and the three point. Not the optimum setup but it has set out a lot of bales. I wish it had a front pump like my 202 but then I wish the 202 had the Perkins diesel.