MT Equipment

[bv]

I'm looking at a MT, how good of tractor are they and can you change it over to 3pt hitch, will they lift a 5 ft bush hog?

 

[bv]

Also this on has the single front tire, how many of these were built with complete cultivator

 

[Hayfarmer]

I had an MT with single front wheel for years. It was really a handy tractor and lots of pull for the size of it. The biggest obsticle you face right off is how to get on and off. On mine my dad made a Z shaped pipe structure hooked to the cultivator carrier that made it easier. You have to be pretty agile to lock and unlock brakes but it can be done. The lift can be modified to a "sort of "3 point. Someone made a bracket for top link on mine over place belt pully would normally hook up. As far as brush hog, it could probably run it with an over running clutch installed but you might have to tie another one on the front end to keep the wheel on the ground. I think they would really shine with cultivators as the seat sets off to the side so you can se well

 

[Hotflashjr]

I had a MT with dual front wheels and full cultivators, land plows, sickle bar mower... It was a handy tractor and would do more work than you thought it could. Front wheel weights helped a lot when plowing. I never converted mine to 3 pt. but there are kits out there. James Howell might chime in. I believe he has converted one of his to 3 Pt. and runs a 5 foot finish mower with it. Parts are fairly cheap and the tractor is simple and easy to work on.

 

[James Howell]

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]can you change it over to 3pt hitch[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Probably.

Take a look at the photos below of the hitches built for the M and MTs.

Since "Sparky" had a paper pulley, then a top link could not be used.

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]will they lift a 5 ft bush hog[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Probably.

Take a look at the photos below of "Audie" our 54 Model S.

Was told the previous owner used "Audie" as a mowing tractor with a rotary cutter, however do not know the size of the rotary cutter.

No problem lifting the 5ft (FTH 6000) finishing mower.

Found a front weight at a local dealer and bought it for "Audie" for extra balance.

Hope this helps.

 

[James Howell]

Disregard the above reply.

Had a severe senior moment due to sleep deprivation and just realized the question was concerning an MT (tricycle) tractor.

Will reply later today after my nap with a lot more information on the MT tractor.

Sorry about that.

 

[James Howell]

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]how good of tractor are they[/b:654c4848f0][/i:654c4848f0]"

We have three 51 MTs.

They are very "[i:654c4848f0]handy[/i:654c4848f0]", versatile, easy to work on, and maintain with OEM and aftermarket parts.

They have been used to pull a cultipacker, hay rake, water buggy, 16ft trailer, tilt trailer, back blade, and tire drag.

One tractor is set up with a 25 gallon spray tank.



"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]can you change it over to 3pt hitch[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Yes.

Take a look at the photos below of the hitches that were made using an aftermarket hitch as the model.

Take a look at the hitch on "Mac".

Take a look at the hitch on "Rusty".

Take a look at the hitch on "Sam".

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]will they lift a 5 ft bush hog[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]".

Probably.

If the front end is too light on the MT, then you might consider front weights designed for the Model 40T.

Take a look at the [b:654c4848f0]FRONT AND SIDE WEIGHT ATTACHMENT[/b:654c4848f0] diagram below for the Model 40T.

Note the implement support (Key 6) part no. [b:654c4848f0]AM 1182 T[/b:654c4848f0] is designed for both the MT and Model 40T tractors.

Take a look at the photos below of the front end weights on "BW" our Model 40T.

Hope this helps.

 

[bv]

Thank you guys for all your help, where do you get these weights at? How many single front MT?s were built?

 

[James Howell]

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]where do you get these weights at?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Here is a link to a <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Deere-40-420-430-Tricycle-T-front-weight-3-piece-weight-set-M1854T-M1844T/233197955870?epid=12003393654&hash=item364bae6b1e:g:5EYAAOSwFbJZ31ax">set of weights</a> on ebay.

Problem could be "[i:654c4848f0]Free Local Pickup[/i:654c4848f0]".

Here is a link to <a href="http://www.farmerjohnsparts.com/">Farmer Johns Parts</a>.

Shipping cost may be quite a lot.

Hope this helps.

 

[ndgregor]

James

Would you be able to take a picture of one of your 3 point hitch equipped M tractors lifting something with the 3 point hitch? I have heard that you can't lift very high before the top link interferes with the seat. I would like to get an idea as to how high I can expect to lift?

 

[fpappal]

James,
On your picture of "rusty" why can't the paper pulley be removed and the top link plate installed in place of it? I just ordered a gasket to do just that on my M that I want to convert over to 3pt. Years ago I picked up a 3pt conversion and I am just now getting around to installing it. I just assumed the belt pulley would simply come off and the top link lace would bolt on in place of it??? Am I missing something?

 

[Mike M]

The M model can have clearance issues with the bottom of the seat and or tool box in there.
The MT offers more room and is better suited to the conversion units sold aftermarket.

 

[James Howell]

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]why can't the paper pulley be removed and the top link plate installed in place of it?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

The paper pulley can be removed and the top link plate can be installed.

We chose to keep the belt pulley on "Sparky" our 51M.

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]I just assumed the belt pulley would simply come off and the top link lace would bolt on in place of it???[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

It can be removed.

Take a look at the photo below of "Conroy" our 48M project.

Hope this helps.

 

[James Howell]

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Would you be able to take a picture of one of your 3 point hitch equipped M tractors lifting something with the 3 point hitch?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

At this time none of our MTs have any 3pt implements attached.

Sorry that I do not have any existing photos.

 

[George by Geneva, NY]

If you want 3 point hitch, go get a tractor made in late 50's early 60's on up that was designed for 3ph. The JD M was too feeble to do much with a hydraulic lift. Even the 40S, which I have, is a big step up in having the 3ph. If you want to use 5 foot stalk chopper, aka bush hog, get a bigger tractor. I ran one behind a Case 530 and handled it OK. Also, need stout PTO to run one of those things. The M was a grown up garden tractor, keep it for that, cultivating, one btm plow, great for hay rake and the like.