Need help moving Dad's old MF85

[Blackriver]

Hello, I'm needing some help from the experts here. I have my Dad's old MF85, I believe it's a '59 model, sitting at my granddad's old home place. It's been sitting for years, and my mother is about to sell the property. I need to get this tractor and a couple of old Farmalls off the property soon. The trouble is, I can't get the steering to move at all. My plan was to try to get it up on a trailer to take to my place. But the steering won't turn at all. One of the rims is rotted, which I plan to replace. As far as I can tell it has a power steering unit, could the power steering be froze up somehow? Or does the power steering only work when the tractor is running? Ive taken the steering wheel and shaft apart, but can't seem to figure it out past that point. Regardless, the steering won't turn, it doesn't seem like the front wheels want to turn at all. I was just hoping for some insight, the only tractor I have experience with is a Ford Jubilee. Maybe some way to get the steering freed up?

 

[495man]

I am assuming you don't have it rolling? Most old tractors you can not turn the steering wheel unless the tires and turning.

Not sure about the power steering part, if it does have PS then it will steer way harder with the engine off and still need the tires turning to steer.

Jack the front end off the ground and see if you can steer it then. If you can't, the king pins might be siezed, you might just have to skid it until you can get it home.

 

[Dieseltech]

Yes, it has power steering, but will steer, although hard without running. My guess is one or both front axle spindles are severely rusted, or very dry causing the hard or no steering. See if you can straighten the wheels with a long pry bar and a helper turning the steering wheel. I've had to do that on dead tractors before.

 

[Commercial Farmer]

85s and super 90s steer extra hard when not running. But I agree with Dieseltech about spindles being
stuck.

 

[ClaytonBolen]

Gotta agree with the others here, check your spindles and check to see if theres any grease zerks still intact and shoot some grease in them. And you've probably already checked this but make sure your power steering fluid is full, i've made that mistake more times then i want admit to.

 

[bowtieboy77]

Not sure how far your place is from where the tractors are but you could always call a local tow company. If they have a tilt and load they could skid the tractors up the deck. It will of course cost some money but time wise it is the quickest.