Thoughts on this disk?

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Been looking for a disk for sometime and it's been a struggle to locate anything decent or not way overpriced. Came across this one and since I have zero knowledge what to look for or anything about these older models figured I would make a post. I have a newer NH 40hp diesel tractor and a 1963 Ford 861 that I can use to pull a disk, I was thinking something in the 6-8ft range. This one appears to be an older Massey Ferguson, possibly a model 25.....but I'm not sure.

Any thoughts?

 

[rrlund]

I don't know anything about your NH, but it's a perfect match for the 861.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Does anyone know if these models came with disk scraper/wiper device (not sure what they are called) to remove dirt clumps? Are they necessary or effective?

 

[WESnIL]

In dry conditions, you can get by without. If any hint of moisture in the ground, they'll fill up with mud. If you allow any buildup, they essentially will become a roller. It is doubtful if scrapers could be found for that disk today.

 

[RobCons]

I have been watching for one of those a while now. Some did have scrapers. New scrapers will most likely be like hens teeth.

 

[MF#1]

Looks like a 25 to me. The two-piece bearing housings are no longer available. IF this one is not totally worn out it "should" last quite a while. The key is to keep them greased well. I would want to get it lifted up and by pulling/pushing each gang and manually picking up each gang check to see if it has any life left in it. If you find a lot of wobble, run away. The scrapers are a good thing to have but if the ground is wet enough to ball up then you probably shouldn't be discing anyway - my opinion. They do a great job in dryer soils.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Looks like a 25 to me. The two-piece bearing housings are no longer available. IF this one is not totally worn out it "should" last quite a while. The key is to keep them greased well. I would want to get it lifted up and by pulling/pushing each gang and manually picking up each gang check to see if it has any life left in it. If you find a lot of wobble, run away. The scrapers are a good thing to have but if the ground is wet enough to ball up then you probably shouldn't be discing anyway - my opinion. They do a great job in dryer soils.

Are there any other bearing options or are we SOL if one goes? Damn shame if these things are scrapped for bearings.....

 

[Timmycornpicker]

Are there any other bearing options or are we SOL if one goes? Damn shame if these things are scrapped for bearings.....

It might be possible to convert it to ball bearings. You'd have to measure the distance between the bolts that hold the cast bearing to the frame and then see if there's a pillow block housing from one of the generic parts suppliers that matches that hole spacing. Then find a bearing that fits in the pillow block that has the correct hole diameter for the axle. Then you'd have to buy or make spacers to fill up the gaps between the disc blades and the new bearings.

 

[Timmycornpicker]

Are there any other bearing options or are we SOL if one goes? Damn shame if these things are scrapped for bearings.....

Confirm that it is indeed a model 25. I just remembered there was a similar-looking model 22 that could have wood bearing inserts. The top casting number (if visible) for a wood bearing disc would be 662365M1. The top casting number for an iron bearing disc would be 662046M2. I am unaware of any replacements for the iron bearings but the wood inserts are available here https://woodex-meco.com/products/wo...sc-harrows-cultipackers-other-farm-equipment/

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

I realize I'm probably 20+ years late to this game of refurbishing this disk......anyone know if any parts are still available? I'm really happy with the disk and could have bought a newer one to accomplish leveling and garden work but I couldn't resist. I'm committed to making this last......might be at the expense of my wallet but that's ok. Specifically I'm looking for the linkage that connects the spring loaded release handle to the spring, I have one that is broken. Looks fairly simple to fabricate but figured I check here first.


Any leads on parts or long term bearing upgrades are greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim.ME]

I realize I'm probably 20+ years late to this game of refurbishing this disk......anyone know if any parts are still available? I'm really happy with the disk and could have bought a newer one to accomplish leveling and garden work but I couldn't resist. I'm committed to making this last......might be at the expense of my wallet but that's ok. Specifically I'm looking for the linkage that connects the spring loaded release handle to the spring, I have one that is broken. Looks fairly simple to fabricate but figured I check here first.


Any leads on parts or long term bearing upgrades are greatly appreciated.

I have made those links from heavy (#9) wire, 1/8 or 3/16 rod or light chain. I never tried to find the link as a part, always though it would be more trouble than it was worth.

As for the bearings have you opened a bearing box to see what it has in it for bearings?

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

I have made those links from heavy (#9) wire, 1/8 or 3/16 rod or light chain. I never tried to find the link as a part, always though it would be more trouble than it was worth.

I hear ya, there are probably a dozen ways to replicate the function of the linkage and the pass of least resistance is likely to make my own. Thank!

 

[Jim.ME]

I hear ya, there are probably a dozen ways to replicate the function of the linkage and the pass of least resistance is likely to make my own. Thank!

As long as the other one is there you have a pattern to go by. Look for how much wear there is in the release handle pivot and the hole the link goes in you may need to do a bit of repair in those areas as well. The release handles look close to properly located in your picture in the first post to get the right amount of travel to lift and release the latch pin.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

As long as the other one is there you have a pattern to go by. Look for how much wear there is in the release handle pivot and the hole the link goes in you may need to do a bit of repair in those areas as well. The release handles look close to properly located in your picture in the first post to get the right amount of travel to lift and release the latch pin.

I actually stole that picture for the post, that isn't my specific disk. I'll grab a picture next time I'm at the property. The gangs move nicely once unlocked, so at least that's something positive. The bearings aren't totally shot but more slop than I would like, might need to creative in the coming months with a solution.

 

[Timmycornpicker]

I actually stole that picture for the post, that isn't my specific disk. I'll grab a picture next time I'm at the property. The gangs move nicely once unlocked, so at least that's something positive. The bearings aren't totally shot but more slop than I would like, might need to creative in the coming months with a solution.

Pump a bunch of grease in one of the bearings and see if it tightens up. Those bearings needed A LOT of grease during the season.

 

[Dave G9N]

Are these bearings any use? Off an old disc harrow that was left in the woods behind the house when I bought it 20 years ago. I think the shafts were 1" square bar. There are some remnants of wood bearings in them. PM if you are interested. They are worth whatever the post office wants to mail them. Otherwise I might eventually sell them for scrap iron. There might be another one or two, but I won't know until the snow melts.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Are these bearings any use? Off an old disc harrow that was left in the woods behind the house when I bought it 20 years ago. I think the shafts were 1" square bar. There are some remnants of wood bearings in them. PM if you are interested. They are worth whatever the post office wants to mail them. Otherwise I might eventually sell them for scrap iron. There might be another one or two, but I won't know until the snow melts.

I appreciate you reaching out, unfortunately I don't know enough this disk to say if these would work or not. I still need to dive in and start taking it apart.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Anyone have an idea what the thread size the zerk fittings are on these bearing? The disk is at our farm and not close by. I'm going to order a set and replace all of them.

 

[Jim.ME]

Anyone have an idea what the thread size the zerk fittings are on these bearing? The disk is at our farm and not close by. I'm going to order a set and replace all of them.

Since it looks like a MF 25 disc harrow, the MF 25 parts book shows 1/8 NPT zerks. It is most likely they are 1/8 NPT even if it is not a MF 25, those are most common.

 

[Midwest Tractor Guy]

Since it looks like a MF 25 disc harrow, the MF 25 parts book shows 1/8 NPT zerks. It is most likely they are 1/8 NPT even if it is not a MF 25, those are most common.

Perfect, thanks for your help!